Every year, the XDS community evolves alongside the industry it serves. External development is no longer shaped by only large publishers and established service providers. Today’s ecosystem also includes independent studios scaling their projects, mentors helping new developers enter the industry, and investors supporting the next generation of game companies.
As these roles become more important, XDS needs to make sure the right people can participate in the conversation.
For XDS 2026, we’re introducing several new ticket pathways within the Buyer category designed to broaden access while maintaining the balanced ecosystem that makes XDS so effective. These passes are intended for specific groups who contribute to the external development landscape but may not have had a clear entry point in the past.
Below is an overview of the new ticket options and how to obtain them.
Indie Buyer Pass
The external development landscape is increasingly shaped by independent studios – small teams with ambitious ideas who rely heavily on specialized partners for art, engineering, audio, QA, and other services.
The Indie Buyer Pass is designed specifically for these studios.
It gives qualified independent developers access to XDS under the Buyer category, allowing them to participate fully in meetings, sessions, and networking with service providers.
To qualify, studios must meet the criteria for independent developers who are actively seeking external development support for their projects.
How to obtain the Indie Buyer Pass
- Visit the XDS registration page.
- Select the Indie Buyer Pass option.
- Fill out the questionnaire.
This category ensures that independent teams who truly need external partners can participate in the same ecosystem that major studios rely on.
Companion Buyer Pass
Game development is a craft learned through mentorship, collaboration, and exposure to how the industry actually works.
The Companion Buyer Pass allows registered developers attending XDS to bring a mentee or emerging professional with them to experience the event.
This pass provides access to the full XDS experience – including sessions, networking, and the show floor.
The only exception: Companion Pass holders do not receive access to XDS Connect, ensuring the meeting system remains focused on primary participants.
How to obtain the Companion Buyer Pass
- A Developer must first secure their own regular pass.
- The Developer then submits a short request to the XDS registration team that includes:
- The name and background of the companion
- A short explanation of the mentorship relationship
- Why attending XDS would benefit the companion
- The request is reviewed by the XDS Advisory Committee.
- Approved applicants receive instructions to register the Companion Pass.
The goal is simple: help experienced developers bring the next generation into the room.
Investor Pass
Funding plays an increasingly important role in the development ecosystem. Investors help studios scale, launch ambitious projects, and form new partnerships across the industry.
To better welcome this group into the conversation, XDS now recognizes Investors as a specific participant category within the Buyer ecosystem.
At XDS, investors participate as Buyers, reflecting their role in supporting studios and the broader production ecosystem.
How to obtain an Investor Pass
- Visit the XDS registration page.
- Select the Buyer ticket category.
- Complete registration and indicate in “Company Description” that you are attending as an Investor.
Once registered, Investor attendees participate fully in the XDS experience, including meetings, networking, and programming.