Correction, 3 November 2026: our earlier guide presented the hotel stay as 1–5 March 2027 without qualification. Today's check found conflicting official details. The announcement calls it four nights but lists check-in on 1 March and checkout on 4 March. The binding terms instead specify check-in on 1 March and checkout on 5 March.
The live scholarship portal still promises four nights and exposes its application and Submit button, but does not settle the checkout discrepancy. We have therefore marked the opportunity unconfirmed, without advancing its previous verification timestamp. This is a benefit-date caveat, not a confirmed closure or a newly opened round. Do not book travel around an assumed hotel date.
Application deadline and eligibility
The portal still lists 30 November 2026 as the deadline, with no closing time or timezone. There is no application fee. It seeks 75 recipients; selection is not guaranteed.
The portal requires an applicant aged 18+, a core team of at most ten full-time members, no more than one previously shipped commercial game, and no active major-publisher agreement. Our earlier checklist also omitted that applicants must not have previously received an Xsolla travel scholarship for any event.
The submitted game must remain commercially unreleased through GDC, including no Early Access or paid public beta. Applicants need a playable build and recorded gameplay, plus independent U.S. travel eligibility. Only one representative may apply per studio, in a business, production or leadership role.
Budget and rights still matter
Airfare, local transport, visas, meals and insurance are not covered. The terms describe a possible hotel credit-card hold of at least US$100 per night, broad perpetual worldwide marketing rights over submitted materials and a five-calendar-day acceptance period after notification.
Our advice: resolve the accommodation discrepancy and read the complete eligibility and rights terms before committing. Wumbo Games did not apply, agree to terms, book travel or contact anyone.
Original sources
- Xsolla Scholarship Program at GDC 2027 — official application portal
- Xsolla Scholarship Program at GDC 2027 — official terms and conditions
- Xsolla — GDC 2027 scholarship announcement
Release plans and availability can change. Check the original source for the latest information.