Upcoming programs & News

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Thanks to the GDC Scholarship Program, Pixelles has GDC All Access passes for women, trans men, non-binary/genderqueer and gender questioning people with 3+ years experience. We’re excited to organize another “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC” and continue supporting mid-career game developers.Our scholarship program also gives special consideration to people at the intersection of gender and another focus. This year, we would like to especially encourage applications from:

What is GDC?

GDC stands for the Game Developers Conference taking place in San Francisco (California, USA) from March 17-21, 2025. It’s one of the largest conferences on game development in the world featuring panels, lectures, and roundtables on a variety of topics.There’s also lots of other events happening around the same time too. Off-site networking, social events and luncheons also take place during GDC. If you’re low on energy, take a break at the Mild Rumpus or enjoy the weather outside in the park.

How does this work?

Pixelles provides you with:

Pixelles Ensemble aims to create a supportive environment that not only compliments professional development happening at GDC but also provides you with a small group of folks to depend on. While Pixelles does encourage you to take advantage of opportunities that we provide, we don’t force you to attend our events, talks or do any homework. It’s all optional.If your application is accepted you’ll receive a complimentary, non-transferrable conference pass. Please be aware that you are responsible for booking and costs associated with travel, lodging, food, etc. Our financial assistance helps, but it probably will not cover the entire cost of the trip. If needed, GDC can provide a letter of intent for your visa process.If it’s your first-time heading out to GDC or even visiting San Francisco, don’t worry! We’ll be there to guide you, point out the cheap (but delicious) food spots, share a ride, set up a buddy system for social events and make sure you have a great time!

Eligibility

We want to support gender marginalized folks with a combined ~3+ years experience in games. Why? We noticed that there are many scholarship programs available to students/new graduates but not much for people already mid-way through their games career.As mentioned before, we especially want to see applications by studio founders and community / grassroots organizers in game development. Special consideration will be given to these applications. There are questions on our application form where you can indicate this.If you intend to travel with your kid(s) to GDC, the conference does have childcare available. There is also a private nursing room available too. We will do our best to help with the visa process.Eligibility criteria:

Application

Deadline: December 15th, 2024, 11:59pm ESTPixelles is offering two scholarship options. Please read carefully and select the option that is most appropriate for you. We kindly ask that you only apply once.

• Apply for Option 1
• Apply for Option 2

FAQ

Please don’t hesitate to write us at ensemble@pixelles.ca if you have any more questions or need clarification on anything. We’ll be happy to answer you.Q: Do I need to be located in Montréal, Québec?
No, you can be from anywhere in the world, as long as, you are legally able to travel to the United States. You are responsible for acquiring your own visa (if necessary), travel costs and arrangements. We will try to help you where we can!Q: Do I need to present/appear as feminine to be part of the scholarship program?
No, you don’t need to look feminine to be part of Pixelles Ensemble. You are 100% accepted and welcome no matter how you express your gender identity.Q: I’m currently employed in the games industry but in HR, accounting, acquisitions, marketing, and/or other non-production roles. Can I still apply?
Yes, you are very much part of this games industry too. Your role is just as important and integral as those in production. Please do apply!Q: I am unemployed/in-between jobs right now. Can I still apply?
Absolutely, yes!Q: I’m not sure if my experience counts towards the 3+ years.
Apply anyway! But if it’d help you feel more confident, then feel free email us at info@pixelles.ca and we’ll happily chat about it with you.Q: Can I also apply for the “Pixelles Ensemble at GDC” if I also applied for another scholarship?
Yes you can! We don’t discriminate if you applied for other opportunities but you will be awarded only 1 pass. This pass is non-transferrable so it cannot be given to a friend, partner, or colleague.Q: When will I hear back?
You should receive a response from us by end of December.Q: Why can’t men apply for this?
We welcome applicants by trans men, gender neutral individuals who were AMAB, and folks who, at times, identify as a man. The games industry suffers from a lack of gender diversity and is primarily composed of cisgender men (those who were born a man and identify as a man). If you’re a cisgender man there are other GDC Scholarship opportunities for which you can apply.