Xsolla Scholarship helps 75 talented developers attend GDC 2027 in San Francisco (March 1-5, 2027) by providing festival passes, hotel accommodation, and access to Xsolla events. The Xsolla Scholarship is open to emerging developers and small independent studios with a game in active development, from early concept to near release.
The scholarship is run by Xsolla and includes invitations to Xsolla-hosted networking sessions and a scholarship luncheon during GDC week. Xsolla selects recipients based on creativity, innovation, diversity, and project potential and notifies winners by email in January 2027.
Xsolla Scholarship Benefits
- A GDC Festival Pass.
- Four nights at selected hotel.
- An Invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Luncheon.
- Access to Xsolla events and networking sessions.
- Exclusive swag and developer perks.
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Xsolla Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- You are 18 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Your core team consists of 10 or fewer full-time members.
- Your studio/team has shipped no more than one (1) commercial game to date.
- Your studio does not have an active publishing agreement with a major publisher.
- The submitted project has not and will not be commercially released before or during GDC 2027 (including Early Access or paid public beta).
- You have not previously received a travel scholarship from Xsolla for any events.
- You are able to provide a working playable build and recorded gameplay footage.
- You hold a valid passport and am eligible (or able to obtain a visa independently) to travel to San Francisco, California, for GDC 2027 (March 1–5, 2027).
How to Apply for Xsolla Scholarship
- Register by clicking APPLY NOW on the official page.
- Provide First Name and Last Name as shown on passport.
- Provide work email and a LinkedIn, CV, or similar portfolio link.
- Enter Studio or Team Name and Your Role on the Project.
- Provide company website or social channel and Country / Region of Residence.
- Provide Your Game Title and how many commercial titles your studio has shipped.
- Submit Game Description & Elevator Pitch (Max 500 characters).
- Specify Platforms, Stage of game, Monetization methods, and crowdfunding status.
- Provide Gameplay Video Link (direct streaming link with raw gameplay footage).
- Provide Playable Build / Prototype Link with appropriate access permissions.
- Answer vision, uniqueness, and why you are applying (max 1,000 characters) and Submit.
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Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Tuesday, 30 November 2027. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Xsolla Scholarship. These answers cover what the scholarship includes, who can apply, deadlines, and how recipients are selected.
What is the GDC Festival of Gaming Scholarship Program powered by Xsolla?
The Xsolla Developer Scholarship Program helps 75 independent or mid-tier game developers attend the GDC Festival of Gaming 2027. Selected recipients receive a GDC Festival Pass, four nights of hotel accommodation, and exclusive access to Xsolla-hosted networking events during GDC week, as described on the official program page.
Who can apply for the Xsolla Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to emerging developers and small independent studios with a game currently in active development at any stage from early concept to near release. Only one person per studio may apply, and applicants must meet the eligibility confirmations listed on the application page.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. According to the FAQ on the official page, there is no application fee to apply for the Xsolla Scholarship. Applicants can submit their materials without any charge during the application period.
Does the scholarship cover travel or airfare?
No. The scholarship does not include airfare, meals, or any other personal expenses not specifically described. The package explicitly includes a GDC Festival Pass and four nights of hotel accommodation, while travel and other personal costs remain the responsibility of recipients.
What does each scholarship package include?
Each recipient receives a GDC Festival Pass, four nights at a selected hotel, an invitation to the Xsolla Scholarship Luncheon, access to Xsolla events and networking sessions, and exclusive swag and developer perks, per the official scholarship description.
When is the application period for the Xsolla Scholarship?
The official timeline lists applications opening on 16 October 2026 and closing on 30 November 2027. The FAQ also references application dates; the most specific application close date provided on the page is 30 November 2027.
When will recipients be announced?
Winners will be announced in January 2027, according to the main content on the official page. Selected scholarship recipients will receive a confirmation email when announced.
How are recipients selected?
Applications are reviewed by an internal Xsolla committee based on criteria including creativity & innovation, impact & potential, professionalism & readiness, development stage, and diversity. There is no external or industry jury involved, per the official selection criteria.
What if I am not selected?
Applicants who are not selected will receive a polite decline email and may reapply for future Xsolla opportunities. Additionally, a waiting list will be maintained in case of cancellations, as stated in the FAQ.
Where can I ask questions about eligibility or submissions?
If you have questions about eligibility or submission details, the official contact provided on the page is xsolladeveloperscholarship@xsolla.com. Use this address for inquiries related to the scholarship.
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