We've provided answers to some of the biggest questions regarding health, safety, and international travel for this year's in-person and virtual event.
The Game Developers Conference is thrilled to bring the game community back together in San Francisco this March. Health and safety measures remain paramount and we’re committed to following city and Moscone Center guidelines to deliver an exceptional experience.
GDC 2022 will take place from March 21 to March 25 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, California. This year’s conference will deliver the industry’s greatest source of content and connections—with plenty of exciting talks, sessions, and networking events.
To ensure everyone's comfort and confidence in GDC 2022, we've provided answers to some of the biggest questions regarding health, safety, and international travel for this year's in-person and virtual event. We invite you to bookmark our Health & Safety page for the latest updates—and if you have any further questions, you're welcome to email [email protected].
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend GDC 2022?
Yes. The current Order of the Health Officer of the City and County of San Francisco (updated 12/29/2021) mandates that indoor mega-events (with 1,000 people or more) require attendees and staff to show proof that they are up-to-date on vaccination.
We accept COVID-19 vaccines that are FDA-approved or on the WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL). They include: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Covidshied, and AstraZeneca.
What if I have received a vaccine that is not FDA-approved or on the WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL)?
Vaccines not on the FDA-approved or World Health Organization EUL will not be accepted, and entrance to GDC at Moscone will not be permitted. Instead, we invite you to register for our digital experience.
Will I be required to have a booster shot?
Yes. If you received your initial completed vaccination on or before September 14, 2021, a booster shot must be administered on or before March 14, 2022. If you received your initial completed vaccination after September 14, 2021, you will not be required to have a booster shot to attend.
When is the deadline for receiving my vaccination/booster shot?
If you're eligible for a booster shot, you'll need to get one by March 14—one week before GDC begins.
How do I show proof of my vaccination status?
If you've received your vaccine within the United States, you'll need to set up a CLEAR Health Pass before arriving, to help organizers get everyone safely into the event space.
If you've received your vaccine outside of the United States, you're required to bring a physical, digital or QR code proof of full vaccination along with a government-issued photo ID.
Proof of vaccination, along with government-issued photo ID, will be checked at the door.
After showing proof, you may proceed to the registration area to pick up your badge. Signs will be posted with instructions, and we ask for your patience as we move people into the building.
Tips to be prepared and expedite your entrance into GDC 2022:
· Wear your mask
· Have proof of vaccination (physical, digital or QR code) and photo ID in hand
· Follow the instructions to pick up your badge
Instead of being vaccinated, can I provide a negative COVID-19 test, proof of antibodies, or an exemption form?
No. These are not allowed under the SFDPH Health Order. All attendees and exhibitors must be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated is now defined as having received a booster if eligible.
Will I have to wear a mask at GDC 2022? What are the requirements?
Yes, SFDPH Health Order mandates indoor masking, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC recommends wearing masks with two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric, that completely cover your nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of your face and don't have gaps, and have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. Specifically, N95, KN95, KF94 are recommended. Gaiters and face shields will not be acceptable forms of face masks at GDC.
*Note - speakers, presenters, moderators, interpreters, etc. are permitted to remove their mask during their presentations only.
What about other health and safety measures, like hand sanitizing, social distancing, and air ventilation?
GDC will feature contactless registration making the process quicker, easier, and safer with less face-to-face interaction.
Social distancing and capacity limitations are not currently required; however, we ask that all patrons maintain appropriate social distance and respect the personal boundaries of other attendees.
There will be fixed hand sanitizer units throughout the facility available for all to use.
Enhanced, deep cleaning before, during, and after the event will take place, working with the Moscone Center to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness. This includes continuous sanitization throughout the course of an event, with a focus on high-touch areas such as door handles, restrooms, and food and beverage areas.
The Moscone Convention Center was awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation by ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. Considered the gold standard for safe facilities, the GBAC program was designed to control the risks associated with infectious agents.
The Moscone Center uses MERV 13 pocket filters with MERV 8 pre-filters in accordance with LEED Platinum standards. The Moscone has also optimized their HVAC systems to provide the maximum number of air exchanges per hour in each space and are changing their air filters 3x more often than pre-COVID protocols dictated.
Where can I get tested for COVID-19 in San Francisco?
GDC will offer on-site testing—head to our Health & Safety page for the latest updates on our testing facilities as they become available.
SF Travel maintains information dedicated to testing in and around San Francisco, which you can view here.
What are the vaccination requirements for international travelers at GDC 2022?
The current Order of the Health Officer of the City and County of San Francisco (updated 12/29/2021) mandates that indoor mega-events (with 1,000 people or more) require attendees and staff to show proof that they are up-to-date on vaccination.
We accept COVID-19 vaccines that are FDA-approved or on the WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL). They include: Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac, Sinopharm, Covidshied, and AstraZeneca.
I am an international traveler, how can I show proof of vaccination?
Attendees receiving a vaccination outside of the United States will be required to bring a physical, digital or QR code proof of full vaccination along with their government-issued photo ID.
Proof of vaccination along with government-issued photo ID will be checked at the door. After showing proof, you may proceed to the registration area to pick up your badge. Signs will be posted with instructions, and we ask for your patience as we move people into the building.
Tips to be prepared and expedite your entrance:
· Wear your mask
· Have proof of vaccination (physical, digital or QR code) and photo ID in hand
· Follow the instructions to pick up your badge
Where can I get information about COVID-19 travel requirements for my country?
The U.S. Department of Transportation has a website dedicated to answering questions about COVID-19 travel requirements for international travelers, which you can visit here.
Do I have to take a COVID test to enter the US?
Before boarding a flight to the United States, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than one day before travel. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from COVID-19 in the past 90 days. For more information, visit the CDC's official website for international travel during COVID-19.
What are my options if I am unable or unwilling to travel to the US due to COVID-19?
We enthusiastically invite you to register for our digital experience or subscribe to GDC Vault.
GDC returns in-person to San Francisco, March 21-25—registration is open! For more information on GDC 2022, including our virtual options, be sure to visit our website and follow the #GDC22 hashtag on social media.
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Game Developer and GDC are sibling organizations under Informa Tech.
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