SF Game Development Featuring: A16Z Funded Founders
SF Game Development is thrilled to kick off the road to GDC by spotlighting several talented founders from our community who have received successful funding from A16Z. Join us in person at DNA Lounge on Tuesday, February 18th from 5:30pm-9:00pm. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from industry experts, who will take the stage at 7:00 pm. Whether you're a seasoned game developer, an aspiring artist, a student, or an indie creator, this event is designed for you. Come mingle with like-minded professionals and enthusiasts, and enjoy pizza which will be available for purchase from the DNA restaurant. There's a full-service bar at the venue with all proceeds supporting the venue. Your participation helps us continue hosting fantastic events in their 3,000 sqft space.
Better Culture to Make Better Games
Alina Matson, Co-Founder and CEO at Glossbird
At Glossbird, our success starts with our culture. This talk explores how our core pillars—well-being-focused games, player-centric design, efficiency, clear communication—shape not only our workplace but also the games we create. We'll discuss how prioritizing well-being inspires game mechanics that uplift players, and how our player-first mindset ensures we deliver meaningful, engaging experiences.
How to Make Gen Z Games by a Gen Z Founder
Jenny Xu, Founder & CEO at Talofa Games
There's no shortage of data on what Gen Z players want, but how do you turn insights into action? As a Gen Z founder immersed in the gaming industry, I bring you a firsthand account of what makes Gen Z players engage and stick. In this talk, we will share our journey—market discoveries, success stories, and the hard lessons learned from our missteps. You’ll leave with actionable takeaways and a deeper understanding of how to create games that genuinely connect with this unique demographic.
Understanding VC Funding for Game Studios
Paul Sawaya, Founder & CEO at Elsewhere
Venturing into the world of venture capital (VC) can feel like uncharted territory for many indie game developers. How does VC differ from traditional publisher financing? What are VCs really looking for when they invest in game studios? In this 15 minute talk, I’ll break down the basics of VC funding, shed light on how it compares to publisher deals, and share insights into what catches the eye of investors in the gaming industry. Perfect for game dev and indie creators curious about how to navigate this funding path and what it takes to stand out.
See you all there!
Thank you everyone for RSVPing for our SF Game Development event with our fellow indie game developers. We can't wait to see everyone there. Make sure to arrive at 5:30pm for networking and game demos. You MUST RSVP on Luma to secure your spot.