.png)
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Thank You for participating in GameACon and growing the community of gamers, creators, and enthusiasts!
Please Read all the rules and guidelines below for attending the GAC convention!
See You There!
What is GameAcon?
GameAcon is a premier convention celebrating everything related to gaming, anime, and comics. We bring together indie and professional game developers, world-class artists, esports competitors, and passionate fans for a weekend of fun and discovery. Attendees can expect a full exhibit hall with vendors, an extensive artist alley, new and vintage games, panels with industry professionals, Q and A sessions, live tournaments, and a vibrant cosplay community. At our core, we are dedicated to celebrating the creators who build the worlds we love to play in.
Do I need a ticket to attend GameAcon?
Yes and no! Because GameAcon takes place in a public shopping center, you have options. Parts of the event are free and open to all mall visitors, while our core interactive events require a ticket. Public access includes exploring the vendor hall to browse and shop from our amazing selection of vendors and artists located throughout the main mall corridors. You can also enjoy the main court stage to watch select live music performances and other public showcases. The mall common areas are a great place to see the incredible creativity of our roaming cosplay community, and everyone has a chance to win cool prizes by signing up for our event-wide giveaways. A GameAcon Prime pass is required to compete in esports tournaments, participate in the cosplay contests, access the main event arena for unlimited free play and indie game demos, and attend exclusive panels and Q and A sessions.
When and where is GameAcon?
Dates are Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 18th, 2026. The location is The Shops at Palm Desert, Palm Desert, California.
What are the event hours?
Friday, October 16th, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Saturday, October 17th, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Sunday, October 18th, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Hours are subject to change. Please check the website closer to the event date for the final schedule.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online through the official GameAcon website. We highly recommend buying in advance, as prices will be higher at the door.
What is your policy on children's tickets?
GameAcon is a family-friendly event. Children six and under are free with a paid adult ticket, limited to one child per paid adult. All minors must have a responsible adult present at the convention. Children six and under must remain with their supervising adult at all times. For children over six but under twelve, their supervising adult must be on-site and available.
Event Policies
What is your Anti-Harassment Policy?
GameAcon is a safe place for all. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of any kind. If you feel you are the victim of or have witnessed harassment, please report it immediately to any GameAcon staff member or event security. Those found in violation of this policy will be removed from the event without a refund.
What is the Cosplay and Props Policy?
Because GameAcon takes place in a public shopping center, all attendees must adhere to the mall corporate security policy. These rules are strict, not negotiable, and will be enforced by mall security. The golden rule is no fake weapons and no face coverings. For security purposes, mall policy prohibits wearing any item that covers your face. This includes cosplay masks, helmets, and face paint that significantly obscures your identity. You may carry your mask or helmet as a prop, but you cannot wear it while inside the mall. Strictly prohibited props include replica firearms of any kind, swords, knives, daggers, staffs, bats, polearms, and fake weapons of any kind regardless of material. To ensure a safe environment, we strongly encourage you to leave all props at home. Small, non-threatening, handheld items may be permitted at the sole discretion of mall security. If a mall security guard deems any item inappropriate, you will be required to remove it from the mall immediately. Failure to comply will result in your removal from the event without a refund.
What is your AI-Generated Art Policy? GameAcon maintains a strict policy against the sale of AI-generated art. Art must be created, owned, or licensed by the seller. Our staff will have sole discretion to have any artwork deemed AI-generated removed from the show floor. Violations may result in removal from the event.
What is your Photography and Media Policy?
GameAcon employs on-staff photographers and videographers. By entering the event, you consent to be photographed or filmed and to the use of your appearance in promotional materials for GameAcon.
What is your ticket refund policy? All ticket sales are final, with no refunds or cancellations.
Tournament FAQs
Who can access the Tournament and Art Area? Access to the designated Tournament and Art Area is restricted to paid ticket holders only. Please be prepared to show your event badge or proof of ticket purchase to enter this zone.
Can my minor child play in an esports tournament? Yes! However, any tournament entry fees must be paid for each individual who plays, regardless of age. We require that children under twelve be supervised by an adult while participating in tournaments.
How do I enter the tournaments? Each tournament has its own registration process and rules. Please visit the Tournaments or Esports section of our website for detailed information.
Other Questions
Is the event accessible for people with disabilities? Yes. If you have any special needs, please contact us at least two weeks prior to the event so we can best accommodate you.
Can I object to having my picture taken? As a condition of entry, you agree to let your image be used by GameAcon LLC for promotional purposes. While our official photographers will be present, we encourage all attendees to be respectful. If you do not wish to be in a photo, please politely let the photographer know.
Rules and guidelines for Vendors and Artists
GameAcon 2026 Exhibitor and Artist Rules and Guidelines October 16 through 18, 2026 at The Shops at Palm Desert
PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING Failure to read and accept these rules will result in an automatic rejection. The person applying will be designated as the primary space holder and must be the one to check in. Duplicate submissions will be condensed. Questions can be sent to info@gameacon.com.
REGISTRATION AND SETUP Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no juried selection process, and you may purchase your space directly through our website. You must choose either an Artist Space or a Vendor Space. All registrations are for floor space only. This is a Bring Your Own setup where you are responsible for providing your own tables, chairs, signage, and displays. We provide the footprint, and you provide the rest. Setups must remain within your assigned dimensions and must not obstruct aisles or mall fire exits.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHECK-IN All exhibitors must present a valid government-issued photo ID at check-in, such as a driver license, passport, or military ID. The name on the ID must match the registration name. You must be eighteen or older to sign the agreement, or be accompanied by a legal guardian. Abandoned spaces with no check-in by the end of setup day will be resold with no refunds issued.
MERCHANDISE AND CONTENT GameAcon is a family-friendly event. Adult content must be concealed from minors and displayed responsibly. Selling to minors or the open display of inappropriate content will result in immediate removal. Artists are encouraged to sell original and fan-based works they personally produce. Selling official or bootleg retail merchandise, traced art, or replica props is prohibited at Artist spaces.
ELECTRICITY AND WIFI Electricity is not guaranteed and is not included in your registration fee. Access to power is subject to the mall layout and infrastructure. We highly recommend bringing long extension cords and power strips. Lack of power access is not grounds for a refund or chargeback.
CONDUCT AND SAFETY Professional behavior is required at all times. Harassment, excessive noise, or disruptive behavior will result in immediate removal without refund. Badges must be worn at all times. GameAcon and the venue are not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged property.
PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND REFUND POLICY By completing your purchase, you acknowledge this transaction constitutes a binding digital agreement. All sales are final. No refunds will be issued for any reason, including event turnout, weather, scheduling conflicts, sales performance, or personal emergencies. You expressly agree not to initiate a chargeback or payment dispute for any reason. Any attempt to reverse payment is a breach of contract. GameAcon does not guarantee attendance numbers, specific floor placement, or sales outcomes. While the event is widely marketed, all participants accept full responsibility for their own sales performance.