Updated: Pocket Gamer's ultimate GDC 2014 party guide
All the trouble you're seeking in one nifty list
GDC 2014 is just around the corner and San Francisco is getting ready to host a superstorm of parties sure to blow your mind.
If it's any indication of what's in store for the throngs of the gaming glitterati, the fun begins on one of the most festive days of the year, St. Paddy's.
As your ever present guide to all things happening in the afterhours scene, check back here frequently for party adds, and email martine.paris [at} pocketgamer.co.uk or tweet @contentnow if you find one that surely should be on the list.
We'll be on the hunt for Party of Show!
ERIN GO BRAGH!
Monday 17 March
What: Bavarian Happy Hour
When: Monday, March 17, 5pm-LATE
Where: Rocketspace, 225 Bush, SF CA
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/627094627362317
Cost: FREE
What: POCKET GAMER AWARDS with Chukong & Kamcord
When: Monday, March 17, 6-8pm
Where: ROE, 651 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
How: http://pgawards2014.eventbrite.com
Cost: Free
More Info: The bubbly will be pouring at the Fifth Annual Pocket Gamer Awards where the mobile game industry gathers to celebrate the very best mobile and handheld releases from 2013 with 14 special categories. It will be an all VIP crowd. Come early to join the fun!
What: Talking Data Chinese Game Market Dinner
When: Monday, March 17, 6-9pm
Where: Yetizen, 540 Howard, 2nd Floor
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/talkingdata-hosts-chinese-game-market-analysis-dinner-tickets-10929661913?err=29
Cost: FREE
What: Mobile UA Fellowship Dinner
When: 6-10pm
Where: Jillian's, 175 Fourth Street, SF CA 94103
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mobile-ua-fellowship-dinner-gdc-tickets-10496490285
Cost: FREE
More Info: A panel presenting an overview of Facebook's 2014 Mobile Strategy panel featuring Stephanie Shrum, Product Manager, Mobile App Ads, Facebook, Yousuf Bhaijee, Senior Director of Growth, Zynga, Sho MAsuda, VP Marketing & UA, GREE, Eric Seufert, Head of Marketing, Wooga, Christian Limon, VP Growth, Glu, Daniel Barnes, Head of UA & Monetization, Natural Motion. Sponsored by InMobi, Fiksu, AdEven, GameGenetics, Eedar.
What: LaunchFEST
When: Monday, March 17, 6-9pm
Where: Mars Bars, 798 Brannan, SF CA 94102
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/angel-launch-networking-mixer-tickets-10554722459, www.facebook.com/angellaunchevents
Cost: Like them on Facebook for free entry
What: PREE LAUNCH PARTY
When: Monday, March 17, 6-10pm
Where: Temple Nightclub, 540 Howard, SF CA
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/pree-launch-party-tickets-10881413601
Cost: FREE
More Info: Special performance by Marshall 'Soulful' Jones
What: GAMING INTERNATIONAL: GDC Pitch Night
When: Monday, March 17, 6:30-9pm
Where: Swiisnex, 730 Montgomery, SF CA 94111
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/gaming-international-gdc-pitch-night-tickets-10703252717
Cost: FREE
More Info: Games from France, Belgium, Canada & Switzerland
What: IGN's THE MIX SAN FRANCISCO
When: Monday, March 17, 7pm-LATE
Where: IGN HQ, 625 2nd Street, SF CA
How: http://www.mediaindieexchange.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: 25 playable indie games and refreshments!
What: GOG Meatspace Meetup
When: Monday, March 17, 7pm-LATE
Where: The Social Study, 1795 Geary, SF CA 94115
How:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/gogcom-meatspace-meetup-at-gdc-tickets-10907479565
Cost: FREE
More Info: Beer and grub with TheFrenchMonk, iWi, TheEnigmaticT, and w0rma
What: UNWINNABLE's UNSTOPPABLE GDC PARTY
When: Monday, March 17, 7pm-LATE
Where: Hi-Tide Lounge, 600 Geary, SF CA 94102
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/225954527600594
Cost: FREE
More Info: Unwinnable is back for its third annual GDC party, with all of your favorite game people partying hard. Join them at this Tenderloin dive bar for casual discourse and hugs plus a special announcement from Unwinnable's Editor-in-Chief Stu Horvath.
What: Kongregate GDC Party
When: Monday, March 17, 7:30-11:30pm
Where: Southside Spirit House, 575 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kongregate-7th-annual-gdc-party-tickets-10785243955
Cost: Free
More Info: Oooh, hunker down with GameStop's Kongregate crew at the best little hideaway in SF. Taste the long list of libations and enjoy this lo-fi cassette tape hipster haven with its special nooks and crannies to catch up with long lost friends.
What: POCKET GAMER GDC PARTY with FunPlus, Chukong Everyplay, AppsFlyer & WildTangent
When: Monday, March 17, 8pm - LATE
Where: ROE, 651 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
How: http://www.gdcparty2014.eventbrite.com
Cost: Free
More Info: Three floors of St Paddy's mayhem as PlayStation's legendary DJ R3Y bumps the dance floor with his special blend of elektrohouse and VGM. Spot Zelda in the mix as you sink into little nooks to hangout with industry friends you haven't seen in forever. Crafty cocktails and savory bites. Last year was so over the top, people are still talking about it!
When: Monday, March 17, 9pm-Midnight
Where: Jillian's, 175 4th Street
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/501587656628081
Cost: FREE
More Info: Pool tables, pub grub and drinks
Tuesday 18 March
What: PlayPhone’s 5th Annual GDC Happy Hour
When: Tuesday, March 18, 5-8pm
Where: Jillian’s Billiards Club, 175 Fourth Street, SF CA 94103
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/playphones-5th-annual-gdc-happy-hour-tickets-10740941445
Cost: FREE
More Info: Open bar, bites and billiards
What: Colombian Video Games GDC Happy Hour
When: Tuesday, March 18, 5:30-8:30pm
Where: ROE, 651 Howard, Lower Level
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/colombian-video-games-gdc-happy-hour-meet-the-colombian-video-game-studios-tickets-10805295931
Cost: FREE
What: GDC Latin American Party
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6-9pm
Where: Local Edition, 691 Market, SF CA
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/602087049884850/?fref=ts
Cost: FREE
More Info: Drinks, MEAT and mingle!
What: STORM8's GDC PARTY
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6-9pm
Where: ROE, 651 Howard, SF CA 94105
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/storm8s-gdc-2014-party-tickets-10421734689
Cost: FREE
More Info: Insider fun with Live105's Miles the DJ plus drinks and bites to delight!!!
What: iDreamSky Party
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6-9pm
Where: B Bar, 720 Howard
How: http://gdcvip.eventbrite.com, RSVP [email protected]
Cost: FREE
What: GWC's Stir Yacht Party with Sky-Mobi
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6-9pm
Where: On a boat!
How: http://en.gwc.net/stir-yacht-party-gdc/
Cost: FREE
More Info: Sunset cruise around the bay with hors d'oeuvres and drinks
What: Chartboost GDC DevMixer
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6-10pm
Where: Chartboost HQ, 303 2nd, SF CA
How: http://www.eventbrite.nl/e/weheartdevs-gdc-party-tickets-10762305345
Cost: FREE
What: JAGEX GAMES STUDIO GDC PARTY
When: Tuesday, March 18, 6-10pm
Where: Swig Bar, 561 Geary, SF CA
How: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jagex-gdc-celebration-tickets-10685112459
Cost: FREE
More Info: Indulge in a fantasy-themed celebration of magical cocktails, merriment and mirth!
What: European Mobile Drinks with Natural Motion, Wooga & Zeptolab
When: 6-8pm
Where: Samovar Tea Lounge, Yerga Buena Gardens, 730 Howard, SF CA 94103
How: by invite only
Cost: FREE
More Info: Torsten Reil, CEO, NaturalMotion (CSR Racing), Jens Begemann, CEO, Wooga (Jelly Splash), and Misha Lyalin, CEO, Zeptolab (Cut The Rope 2) discuss their outlook for the mobile games industry over drinks and snacks.
What: IGDA 20th Anniversary Celebration
When: 6-9pm
Where: Children's Creativity Museum, 221 Fourth Street, SF CA 94103
How: http://www.igda.org/?page=gdc2014
Cost: FREE
More Info: Join IGDA founder Ernest Adams as he cuts the Anniversary cake and celebrates IGDA's 20 years as the world's largest professional association for game developers. Drinks, snacks, and stop motion animation fun!
What: 8bit presents POW POW GDC (21y+)
When: Tuesday, March 18, 7-LATE
Where: DNA Lounge, 375 Eleventh, San Francisco, CA 94103
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/1393029287630909
Cost: $8 Advance/$13 door/$5 with GDC Badge, tickets at www.dnalounge.com
More Info: Chiptunes and beyond, performing Live: doseone · Samurai Gunn, Jake "VIRT" Kaufman · Double Dragon Neon, crashfaster · Dragon Fantasy, minusbaby · F.R.E.S.H. Derris-Kharlan · Dungeon Dashers, Danimal Cannon · Wave Wave, Aliceffekt · Oquonie, Space Town Savior · four//four, with special guest, Nidhogg by Messhof!
What: DFAD & RBK GAMES GDC PARTY
When: Tuesday, March 18, 8pm - Midnight
Where: Vitrine Restaurant @ St Regis, 125 Third, 4th floor, , SF CA
How: http://dfadrbk.eventbrite.com
Cost: Invite only
More Info: Cocktails, bites, gifts
What: DESTRUCTOID presents ROBOT with Twitch & Sega & En Masse Entertainment
When: Tuesday, March 18, 8pm-1am
Where: Mighty, 119 Utah SF
How: https://m.facebook.com/events/865782486772342
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/r-o-b-o-t-tickets-10956484139
Cost: FREE
More Info: Over the top shenanigans as only the Dtoid crew can with DJ R3Y, shocking visuals, and more!
What: NativeX GDC Party
When: Tuesday, March 18, 8-11pm
Where: 620 Jones, SF, CA
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nativex-party-gdc-2014-tickets-10752632413
Cost: FREE
More Info: Settle down in the swanky digs of 620 Jones as DJ Iota and Rob Monroy mix it up over cocktails and bites.
What: A Current Circus Event: VideoDreams and AudioMemories
When: 8pm til late
Where: Public Works SF, 161 Erie Street
How: http://musedev.net/gdc-party/
Cost: Tickets between $5-15
More info: Organised by creative collective Current Circus, the idea is to "come play, dance or mingle and enter a new world where the music is transformed by the audience and our international musicians and DJ lineup." The event will bring together musicians, procedural audio systems, musical video-games and art installations, "blurring the lines between audience, performers and dancers."
When: Tuesday, March 18, 8:30-11:30pm
Where: 21st Amendment Brewery, 563 2nd
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/13th-lab-gdc-reality-rager-tickets-10946369887?aff=fellowshiplist#
Cost: Invite only, contact [email protected], stop by 13th Lab booth (Moscone West 2nd Floor) for invite
More Info: 3D playground with open bar, appetizers, multiplayer gaming and prizes.
Wednesday 19 March
What: NativeX Career Mixer
When: Wednesday, March 19, 4-5pm
Where: W Hotel, 181 3rd, 2nd floor lounge
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nativex-career-networking-reception-the-w-hotel-tickets-10824563561
Cost: FREE
What: KABAM's GDC PARTY
When: Wednesday, March 19, 4-6pm (Invite only), 6-8pm (Public)
Where: 111 Minna Gallery
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kabam-presents-free2play-forum-mixer-gdc-2014-tickets-10777877923?discount=Kabam2014
Cost: FREE
More Info: Food and libations!
What: Sqwiggle Remote Workers Happy Hour
When: Wednesday, March 19, 5-7pm
Where: 620 Jones
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/remote-workers-happy-hour-by-sqwiggle-gdc-attendees-welcome-tickets-10934684937
Cost: FREE
More Info: Beer, cocktails and wine!
What: Zynga GDC HAPPY HOUR
When: Wednesday, March 19, 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Zynga HQ, 699 8th
How: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202786239291095
Cost: GDC badge
More Info: Free roundtrip shuttles to Zynga's PlayCafe where Zyngites will be entertaining GDC badge holders with their world class Culinary team's food, drink, games and music.
What: Party with Kotangent + PlayHaven & VentureBeat
When: Wednesday, March 19, 6-9pm
Where: Novela, 662 Mission, SF
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/party-with-kontagentplayhaven-venturebeat-at-gdc-tickets-10813935773
Cost: FREE
More Info: Craft cocktails at its finest!
What: WIGI GDC PARTY
When: Wednesday, March 19, 6-9pm
Where: Cartoon Art Museum, 655 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
How: http://getwigi.com/sign-up.html, https://www.facebook.com/getWIGI/posts/10152276439890070
Cost: FREE
More Info: Refreshments compliments of OnLive, PlayStation, Game Connection and Indiegogo!
What: FIFTH COLUMN GAMES GDC PARTY
When: Wednesday, March 19, 6-9pm
Where: Fifth Column HQ, 818 Mission, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fifth-column-games-gdc-war-of-omens-launch-party-tickets-10812395165
Cost: Free
More Info: War of Omens is launching and Fifth Column is going ghoulish. Join the mobs for a monster bash of epic proportions.
What: SHADERTOY HACKATHON
When: Wednesday, March 19, 6:30-9pm
Where: Adobe Hipster Hall, 410 Townsend Street, SF, CA 94107
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/shadertoy-hackathon-tickets-10578908801
Cost: FREE
More Info: For devs who'd rather hack than party this is for you! Swig some beer and learn how to push pixels from code to screen using WebGL. Then compete to write the best shader in 60 minutes. The shader idea will be posted @shadertoy at the start of the event with prizes for the winner!
What: Paymentwall's GDC Sausagefest
When: Wednesday, March 19, 6:30pm
Where: Supperclub, 657 Harrison Street, SF CA 94107
How: http://paymentwall.com/events/e/sausagefest-3
Cost: Stop by Paymentwall booth for MINT card for free entry to the party
More Info: Looks tasty!
What: Silicon Studios
When: Wednesday, March 19, 7-10pm
Where: Press Club, 20 Yerba Buena Lane
How: http://reverbinc.com/email_blasts/SiliconGDC
Cost: FREE, print invite and bring your business card!
More Info: Be wined and dined with free food and drink!
What: Kiip @ GDC
When: Wednesday, March 19, 7-10pm
Where: Harlot, 46 Minna, SF CA
How: http://kiipgdc.splashthat.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: Booze, beats by DJ Kepik, and things wrapped in bacon including hotdogs, featuring a performance by The Jane Doze.
What: THAT VENUS PATROL & WILD RUMPUS PARTY with Humble Bundle
When: Wednesday, March 19, 7pm-2am
Where: Public Works, 161 Erie Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
How: http://thatvenuspatrolwildrumpusparty.com
Cost: $20
More Info: Those videogame romantics are at it again planning everyone's favorite ticketed event at GDC. The bands are sure to be awesome so keep checking back for the lineup, and this time Humble Bundle is sponsoring so who knows what type of shenanigans they're up to. You know it's going to be wicked, check it out. Early bird tickets are already gone!
What: ATT BALLPARK GDC BLOWOUT hosted by Yetizen
When: Wednesday, March 19, 8-Midnight
Where: ATT Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, SF CA 94107
How: https://yzgdc2014.eventbrite.com/
Cost: FREE
More Info: Pool tables, ping pong, AIR HOCKEY, a live tournament video games. That's right - those yetis are getting into eSPORTS!!! Plus selfies with TWO WORLD SERIES TROPHIES!!! Cavalier will be performing amidst an eclectic mix of musical styles, plus bowling alley, game tables, tournaments, and cigars.
What: UNITY's GDC PARTY
When: Wednesday, March 19, 9pm-1am
Where: The Grand Nightclub, 520 4th Street, SF CA
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/unitys-gdc-party-2014-tickets-7145168391
Cost: FREE
What: Google Play partay
When: Wednesday, March 19, 9pm-3am
Where: The New Black, 1999 Bryant
How: Invite only
Cost: FREE
What: 8th Annual GGP Party presented by Casual Connect and GaymerX
When: Wednesday, March 19, 9pm-1am
Where: The Stud Bar, 399 9th St/Harrison, San Francisco, CA 94103
How: https://www.facebook.com/pages/STUDSF/210440576816, https://www.facebook.com/groups/6628203394/
Cost: FREE
More Info: First 100 drinks FREE!
When: Wednesday, March 19, 10pm-1am
Where: Audio SF, 316 11th, SF CA 94103
How: http://klubnacht.splashthat.com
Cost: FREE
More Info: Pick up wristband on W 3/19 at sponsor booths, then return to sponsor booths on Th 3/20 for hangover cure.
Thursday 20 March
What: BIG INDIE PITCH @ GDC with Immersion
When: Thursday, March 20, 12-4pm
Where: 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna between 2nd/New Montgomery, San Francisco, CA 94105
How: http://bigindiepitchgdc2014.eventbrite.com
Cost: Free
More Info: Pocket Gamer plays host to this unique event where indies get a shot at pitching dozens of the world's leading mobile games journalists for a chance at coverage and prizes. Among the editors in the house include: Pocket Gamer's Jon Jordan, Keith Andrew, Rob Hearn, Matt Diener and Martine Paris, 148Apps' Jeff Scott and Rob Rich, Touch Arcade's Eli Hodapp, Slide To Play's Andrew Podolsky, Cult of Mac's Rob LeFebvre, Mashable's Chelsea Stark, Forbes' Jean Baptiste Su, Mobile Nations' Paul Acevedo, GamesIndustry.biz's Steve Peterson, and writers from Machinima, OXM, GamesRadar, GameSpot, Complex and others. Spectators welcome to bring their games and schmooze over drinks and delectables. Probably the most important event for you to attend for your game at GDC!
What: Perforce GDC Happy Hour
When: Thursday, March 20, 5-7pm
Where: ThirstyBear Brewery, 661 Howard St.
How: http://perforcegdc.splashthat.com/
Cost: FREE
More info: Free beer for thirsty bears...
What: ONTARIO ROCKS
When: Thursday, March 20, 6-8pm
Where: Annabelle's Bar & Bistro @ The Mossier Hotel, 68 4th Street
How: [email protected]
Cost: FREE
More Info: Food and drinks from devs up north
What: The Official GDC Party hosted by Game Insight
When: Thursday, March 20, 6-7pm Press/VIP, 7-11pm General Admission
Where: Grand Nightclub, 520 4th, San Francisco, CA 94107
How: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-official-gdc-party-hosted-by-game-insight-tickets-10665447641
Cost: Free
More Info: Come party with X-Men's Michael Ironside and the creators of Tank Domination for a decadent night of drinking and tasty delights. Open bar, a plethora of hearty hors d'oevres, SWAG galore, and a custom iPad Air giveaway among other exciting prizes.
What: PIRATES OF SILICON VALLEY CRUISE PARTY
When: Thursday, March 20, Boarding 6:15pm/7pm departure departure
Where: South Beach Harbor Pier 40
How: http://piratecruise2014.eventbrite.com
Cost: $600
More Info: Get your cosplay on as Peanut Labs and Curse set sail on the bay with their VIP mateys. After you have finished all your wheeling and dealing at W, what better way to end another epic show. Aye aye captain!
What: 2014 BIG Blacks in Gaming Networking Party sponsored by Microsoft
When: Thursday, March 20, 7-10pm
Where: Roe, 651 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
How: www.eventbrite.com/e/2014-blacks-in-gaming-networking-party-registration-10479501471
Cost: FREE
More Info: Two floors of ROE dedicated to indie game demos, networking, live interviews, food, drinks, and raffle prizes.
What: 10th International Mobile Gaming Awards
When: Thursday, March 20, 7pm-LATE
Where: Harlot, 46 Minna, SF CA 94105
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-international-mobile-gaming-awards-tickets-5705637716
Cost: FREE
More Info: IMGAs celebrating the best in mobile gaming voted on by a jury of the top mobile game journalists in the world.
What: Blizzard FanFest
When: Thursday, March 20, 7pm-1am
Where: City View @ Metreon, 135 4th Street
How: Invite only
Cost: FREE
More Info: Immerse yourself in Warcraft food, drinks, games and exclusive Hearthstone prizes.
What: Notch's .party ()
When: Thursday, March 20, 8:30pm-2am
Where: Bill Graham Auditorium
How: http://www.dotparty.net/sanfrancisco/email/email_ga_online.html
Cost: FREE
More Info: ITSA RAVE! featuring Kill The Noise, Feed Me and Nero.
When: Thursday, March 20, 9pm - Midnight
Where: Pyramind, 832 Folsom, SF CA 94107
How: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/gdc-2014-gang-awards-after-party-at-pyramind-studios-tickets-10862968431
Cost: FREE
Friday 21 March
What: VIDEOGAME KARAOKE POST-GDC CHILLAX
When: Friday, March 21, 6pm-LATE
Where: Pandora Karaoke, Main Lounge, 177 Eddy Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/661866280541676
Cost: FREE
More Info: The Videogame Karaoke Club is back in black as the SF game community wrecks their special brand of mayhem and debauchery on everyone's favorite throwdown. GDC ain't over til everyone gets to sing! Industry madness at its finest.
When: Friday, March 21, 7-LATE
Where: DNA Lounge, 375 Eleventh, San Francisco, CA 94103
How: https://www.facebook.com/events/1393029287630909
Cost: $8 Advance/$13 door/$5 with GDC Badge, tickets at www.dnalounge.com
More Info: Chiptunes and beyond, performing live: Metroid Metal, Rekcahdam, An0va, Kozilek
