7 GDC Survival Tips for Introverts

"As an introvert, how do I survive this hell week?" This question was posed to me by Alexandra Takei on the precipice of jam packed week of non-stop coffees, meetings, networking events, chance encounters, lectures and late night parties. Here are the 7 tips I shared with her to get the most out of the event.

When it comes to conferences, I feel a bit like Two Face. On one side, I lead a very public life as a game developer. Between the blogs, podcasts and lectures, clearly a part of me loves the attention, loves the conversations, loves meeting and discussing craft with my industry peers. And as a host of Deconstructor of Fun and a frequent Game Developers Conference speaker, it's fair to say that I am an "insider" when it comes to GDC. 

On the other side, I feel like just as much of an imposter as any introvert clinging to the walls at a loud party filled with strangers. I force myself to be outgoing and friendly while visibly sweating through my 2nd or 3rd t-shirt of the day. I feel the same encroaching panic each time I consider introducing myself to a group of laughing strangers. At the end of a long day of meetings and networking events, I pass out in my hotel room completely spent emotionally and physically. 

If this sounds familiar, know you're not alone! People who devote their lives to making and playing videogames frequently fall into this category.

With that in mind, here are the tips I shared with my young friend to help them maximize the time and expense of a week at GDC:

1) Maintain a Healthy Perspective

In the grand scheme of things, no single conference is that important. No conference is make or break. No conference is the only opportunity you will get to meet person X or pitch company Y.

What feels like a high stakes, make or break networking bonanza is actually quite low stakes. Knowing that the stakes are low, and that you can probably reach anyone you want to with a post-conference zoom meeting, will make the rest of the tips easier to follow.

2) Self Care is Critical

Don't drink too much coffee during the day. Don't drink too much alchohol at night. Make sure to eat three meals, and make sure they include something green. Drink water. If you can, wake up early and get some exercise. Get a good night's sleep. 

A conference week is a marathon, not a sprint. It's far too easy to overextend yourself and end up wasting days of the conference feeling like a bag of hot garbage thanks to the potent combination of dehydration, jetlag, sleep deprivation and poor diet.

3) Carry Provisions

And I don't mean Red Bull. Make sure that during the day you always have water and a healthy snack on hand. It's not just your phone that needs to be recharged.

If I'm on top of my game, I actually carry a back up shirt as well to help combat the aforementioned social anxiety and sweating. This may be easier said then done depending on your fashion style.

4) Say Hello

The whole reason to go to conferences like GDC is to be surrounded by people with similar passions and experiences. Unlike my IRL life, at GDC there's always someone within a stones throw who is waiting for the opportunity to debate which is the best Heroes of Might and Magic (even though we all know it's HMM2).

If you find yourself alone at a party, or waiting for a session to start, or in line for Xsolla game night, introduce yourself to the people around you. Strike up a conversation. You won't be disappointed.

5) Prepare Conversation Starters

The sister to tip 4 is to have some simple questions on hand to break the ice. What brought you out to GDC? What have you worked on? What are you playing? How is the conference treating you? What are you looking forward to? Do you hate blockchain? Tell me how much you hate blockchain? Etc etc. You have something in common with everyone you will bump into this week. So get comfortable taking the initiative to find out what that is.

6) Just Skip It

If you have an event or a meeting or a session on your calendar, and you're simply not feeling up to it emotionally, then skip it.

 No party is that important. No lecture is that life changing, not even mine! If you are feeling spent then go into recovery mode and start fresh the next day. There's no reason to force yourself into a situation that you simply don't have the capacity for.

7) Just Leave It

The sister to tip 6 is that if you find yourself in a situation you don't want to be in, just leave it. Talking to some loudmouth jerk named Ethan who won't shut up about Ratchet & Clank? Just walk away. Party too loud? Lecture too boring? Person's grasp of personal space too uncomfortable. Just leave!

You don't owe anyone anything. The most important person to look out for this week is yourself.

TL;DR - Put Yourself First

I hope these tips help you make the most of your GDC. You've spent a lot of time, effort and attention to get here after all. Making the most of it doesn't mean pushing yourself to exhaustion by putting yourself in situations you hate or that make you uncomfortable. It means having the most enjoyable week possible given your personal limits.

TL;DR, this week is a marathon, so take care of yourself. And if you see me, make sure to say hello!