I’m a bit late but overjoyed to present our full agenda for our GamesBeat Summit 2025 event on May 19-20 at the Marina del Rey Marriott in Los Angeles. You can use this code gbs25dean25 for a 25% discount on tickets.
It’s my pleasure to note this is our 17th annual event, and our theme is Back to Growth. It’s also the first time that we are celebrating the industry as an independent GamesBeat. Our company is now led by me (Dean Takahashi), editorial director, and Gina Joseph, CEO. Our expert staff has come with us, and so we expect this to be a seamless event for veteran event goers.
The game industry has had a tough 2.5 years, with about 35,000 layoffs, according to game job champion Amir Satvat, who is one of our speakers.
We have 105 speakers across 50 sessions. Our speaker roster has 53% people from diverse backgrounds, including 35% women among our slate of 105 speakers. We continue to strive to have more than half of our speakers come from diverse backgrounds, and we have met that goal for umpteen conferences.
A tough recovery
Gaming started to recover in the first quarter, according to Satvat, who is a quant who tracks openings at more than 3,000 game companies. He noted that hiring likely exceeded firing in Q1 for the first time in 2.5 years. That’s something to celebrate.
M&A has returned to the market, and IPOs have started to happen again. That creates wealth that keeps the cycle of startups and investments going. Some big companies are risk averse, while others (like Rockstar Games, maker of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI) are going all-out investing in multi-year, billion-dollar-plus games. Growth is stalling in traditional markets, but emerging markets like Latin America and the Middle East are delivering growth and excitement.
The Nintendo Switch 2 could begin a cycle of renewed gamer excitement, but it’s also clouded by the Trump administration’s trade war and tariffs in the U.S. Fortunately, a number of investors and big companies have healthy balance sheets and a lot of cash, according to one of our speakers in a prep call. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that consumer buying sentiment survives.
There is some intense geopolitics and geographic competition, and there’s a whole new layer of external development companies that employ thousands of game developers in support roles. Our event will help guide people about where to make their bets, whether they are talking about their own careers or their companies. Which territories will be shelters, and which will be caught up in a competitive maelstrom? We promise you’ll hear a diverse set of ideas, answers and strategies from our speakers.
Our business-to-business (B2B) event typically draws director level and above guests, with a solid percentage coming from investor, service, developer and publishing ranks. We have a lot of CEOs among the 104 speakers, and we hope you’ll love them. We think of our event as the agora, a real community of gaming people.
You’ll be able to interact with them more. On our first day on May 19, we’ll have all small sessions. All of the talks will be an hour long, with plenty of room for Q&A with the audience. We’re making good on our promise to deliver more engagement, which is what our audience has wanted for a long time.
On day two, we have a mix of 30-minute talks on big stages, as well as more intimate roundtables taking place at the same time for those who prefer more focused sessions.
We’ve got multiple sessions addressing topics like AI and gaming tools, Hollywood and games, gaming’s rise in culture, the opportunity for a rebirth in mobile with new alternative web shops, and heavy career topics like working with mental health challenges and addressing ageism. We’ll tackle topics like Matthew Ball’s big slide deck on games and the focus on smaller games with indie thinking.
We hope you’re excited about this and appreciate your support. Our sponsors include Xsolla, Scopely, Tencent, Entertainment Software Association, Modulate, AWS, Google Cloud, Lightspeed, GEEIQ, Sawhorse Productions, VoicePatrol and more.
We couldn’t draw as much attention to our event without our great community partners including Women-Led Games, Women X AI, IGDA Foundation, Black in Gaming Foundation, Games for Love, Games for Change, Moms in Gaming, AIAS, GEMA and WIGI.
We have a whole panel of judges that helped with our Visionary Awards, which will be headlined during lunch on day two by our host Andrea Rene.
Our Visionary Award and Up and Comer Award judges include a mix of past winners and advisers. They include Sarah Bond of Microsoft, Rich Vogel of T-Minus Zero Entertainment, Don Daglow of AIAS Foundation/Strong National Museum of Play, Perrin Kaplan of Zebra Partners, Elizabeth Olson of Strategic Marketing, Dinga Bakaba of Arkane, Tara Bruno of Tara Bruno PR, Charmaine Duff of Women-Led Games, Mark Chandler of TIGS, Meggan Scavio of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, Kat Jones of Motiv, Shelley Andagan of Qualcomm, onine game pioneer John Smedley and me.
Our advisers include Peter Levin of Griffin Gaming Partners, Mark Chandler of TIGS, Jace Hall of Twin Galaxies, Jeff Karp formerly of EA Mobile, Ed Lu of Fandom, Mike Romo of DDM, Charmaine Duff of Women-Led Games, Don Daglow of AIAS Foundation/Strong National Museum of Play, Eric Goldberg of Playable Worlds, Tammy McDonald of Fusion Point Studios, Noah Falstein of The Inspiracy, Perrin Kaplan of Zebra Partners, Ivan Fernandez Lobo of Games Executive Summit Europe, Michael Metzger of Drake Star Partners, Elizabeth Olson of Strategic Marketing, David B. Hoppe of Gamma Law, Mike Vorhaus of Vorhaus Advisors, Zsuzsa James of private family office, Kat Jones of Motiv PR, Wanda Meloni of M2 Insights, Lisa Cosmas Hanson of Niko Partners, Sibel Sunar of Fortyseven Communications, Michael Chang of Mavent Partners and Adam Boyes of Vivrato.
Without further ado, here’s the agenda.
GamesBeat Summit 2025
May 19 day one
11:30 am – 1:30 pm Attendee check-in, badge pickup and networking at Promenade Foyer. Talks will be downstairs from the lobby.
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm in Malibu/Santa Monica room
Is there still growth ahead for gaming?
The years of double-digit games market growth are over. COVID accelerated things, but the writing’s been on the wall for a while. Even live-service games have shown themselves to be mostly zero-sum, while esports, the blockchain, and the metaverse have done very little to move the needle. So what’s next for the games market? Join our speakers as they dissect and debate the games market’s future. From truth bombs about generative AI and web3 to hopeful future horizons like UGC, secondary markets, and new economic models, this debate covers it all. Beware: things might get a little spicy (but always constructive!)
A debate with game economist Catalin Alexandru, Michael Pachter of Wedbush and moderator Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Venice/Peninsula room
The competitive layer you’re missing: How game brands are building loyalty without adding extra code.
In a world where attention is fleeting and communities are fractured, competition might just be the secret glue. This session explores how game publishers and brands are using no-code, community-driven competitions to generate positive player sentiment, drive repeat engagement, and foster long-term loyalty. Learn how a novel approach has turned casual players into invested communities and why competitive formats are emerging as a must-have in the modern live ops toolkit.
A talk by Zack Rozga and Jace Hall of Twin Galaxies
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm at Palisades room
Get live or die trying
Industry veteran Sheloman Byrd will take the audience through a live service exercise of decision making based on past cases, where each team will weigh decisions across multiple areas, including an assessment on where they would end up for market success at session’s end.
Sheloman Byrd of Open Ocean Games
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm at Catalina room
How documentaries are shining a light on games
Roundtable documentary discussion with Theresa Loong, who is making Game On, a film about game designer Brenda Romero and how to exist as a creative person. Moderated by Shelby Moledina of Glowy Pixels Entertainment and maker of Resting Pitch Face, a short film about a woman running the gauntlet of raising money for a startup.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm at Malibu/Santa Monica room
The problem with publishing
moderated by GamesBeat’s Rachel Kaser, with Jon Snoddy of Operative Games and Ben Kvalo of Midwest Games
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm at Venice/Peninsula
Leveraging industry non-profits for growth
Gaming nonprofits are a great tool to grow your audience and grow your revenue. How working with nonprofits can help you build more successful games and businesses.
Blair Durkee of GLAAD, Stephen Machuga of Stack Up and moderated by Jen MacLean of Dragon Snacks Games and IGDA Foundation
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm at Catalina room
Roundtable — Monetizing retention: the art of sustained engagement with Jennifer Jo of Open Ocean Games
Jennifer Jo, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in gaming monetization, takes the stage to unpack the secrets of maximizing revenue while keeping players engaged. Drawing on her extensive work across companies like Tencent, Kabam, Meta, WB, and Nexon, Jennifer will offer actionable lessons learned from PC, mobile, console, AR, and VR games. This session is a must for anyone seeking to refine their approach to monetization in a player-first era.
Key Takeaways for Attendees:
-Proven monetization techniques tailored to different platforms and genres, from PC to AR/VR.
-Strategies for balancing retention and revenue without compromising player trust.
-Insights into building dynamic in-game economies that drive engagement and profitability.
-Actionable frameworks for integrating monetization into LiveOps and game design effectively.
Jennifer Jo at Open Ocean Games
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm at Palisades room
High-level strategic views of AI entertainment and games
AI’s application in videogames and broader entertainment, from the experience of four of its earliest and most active practitioners.
Owen Mahoney (moderator, former CEO of Nexon), Mitch Lasky of Benchmark, Bing Gordon of Kleiner Perkins and Tynan Sylvester of Ludeon
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Venice/Peninsula room
The influencer playbook behind Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
In the fast-paced world of gaming, where trends start and evolve swiftly, and audiences crave innovation, only the most creative and authentic campaigns can make a lasting impact with audiences. This conversation brings together the visionary minds behind Ubisoft’s award-winning influencer campaign for the launch of “Assassin’s Creed Mirage.” By blending elevated short films, immersive music videos, and action-packed content that vividly brought the game’s characters to life, the campaign not only reignited the passion of dedicated fans but also captivated new players around the globe.
Join Anna Ivanko, Senior Media Manager, Global Marketing, Ubisoft, Glenn Ginsburg, President, QYOU Media, and Adam W (20.4M) as we explore the intricate art of cross-cultural collaboration and the strategic brilliance that transformed this campaign into a global phenomenon, setting new standards for success in the industry.
Glenn Ginsburg of QYOU Media, Anna Ivanko of Ubisoft, content creator and comedian Adam W and moderator Amanda Perelli of Business Insider
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Catalina room
Roundtable — Video games: A performers’ perspective
A look inside the world of video game performers providing insights into the realities of working as a video game actor; the state of the industry, the existential threat to performers livelihood due to Generative Artificial Intelligence and the future of the gaming industry for performers who are passionate about their art and work.
Actors Sarah Elmaleh, Zeke Alton and Andi Norris
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Palisades room
Moderation tools and techniques: the advanced class
Today’s gaming audiences are demanding more: safety, clear communication, and smarter responses to issues. In this fireside chat, Meta’s Blake Harper will share real-world strategies for building resilient communities. We’ll quickly review the basics: community standards, alignment on Trust and Safety goals and the like, then discuss AI tools that are: effective, help protect your moderators and community managers, and ultimately pay for themselves in the form of increased user retention and player happiness.
Mark Nolan of Modulate and Blake Harper of Meta
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Malibu/Santa Monica room
How AI is rewriting the rules of game creation
What are the most unexpected applications of AI for game development and gameplay? Our seasoned panel of AI experts will talk about topics like vibe coding, using AI to give yourself new skills, reduce the inefficiencies of game development and finding surprising uses for AI.
Kayla Comalli of Lovelace, Neil Young of Edenic and Irena Pereira of Unleashed
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Malibu/Santa Monica room
Veteran Warren Spector and TakeThis.org’s Kelli Dunlap discuss mental health in the games industry
(note: this session will explore serious mental health issues)
In a recent LinkedIn post, video game industry veteran Warren Spector opened up for the first time about his experience living with Bipolar II Disorder. In this Fireside Chat, moderated by clinical psychologist and TakeThis.org Executive Director Kelli Dunlap, Spector will discuss the mental health challenges faced within the video game industry, how his condition has shaped both his personal growth and professional success, and how embracing his diagnosis has helped him find contentment. He’ll also explore how sharing his story can contribute to greater awareness and support for others navigating mental health struggles today. (The session will take written questions for the moderator)
Warren Spector of OtherSide Entertainment and moderator Kelli Dunlap of Take This
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Venice/Peninsula room
AI for gaming tools
Join Aaron Farr (Jam & Tea Studios), Ashwin Raghuraman (AWS), and Hilary Mason (Hidden Door) as they examine the role of AI in gaming. In this session moderated by Chris Melissinos (AWS) they’ll discuss current applications of AI in gameplay mechanics and development workflows, addressing both the potential benefits and practical challenges studios face when implementing these technologies.
Ashwin Raghuraman of AWS, Hilary Mason of Hidden Door, J. Aaron Farr of Jam & Tea and Chris Melissinos of AWS
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Catalina room
Partnering for the planet: Adopting clean energy for growth
Gamers love a challenge. So, how do we harness that to tackle one of the biggest issues facing us today? Energy consumption from tech is a growing issue, especially with the rise in demand for AI and data centers. Most of this electricity is sourced from fossil fuels, so the need for clean solutions that reduce our carbon footprint is urgent. These solutions rely heavily on government funding, and recent actions to cut funding have put these projects at risk. This presents a unique economic opportunity for industry to step in and fill the gap. Join video game legend Rich Hilleman for a discussion on how the video game industry can take the lead by incorporating clean tech solutions into business models, harnessing consumers’ collective passion into a force for positive impact and creating new revenue streams.
Rich Hilleman, cofounder of Cleanplay
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Palisades
Gaming the government
Join us for a fireside chat that explores how the U.S. government has supported game initiatives: past, present, and… future? From small business investments to research to policy shifts, we’ll unpack what’s worked, what’s changed, and what lies ahead. This 45-minute conversation will spark new ideas and close with an open Q&A: please bring your questions and your curiosity.
Mark Deloura of Level Up Games (formerly Obama’s White House lead on games) and Paul Fischer of Accenture (formerly of the U.S. State Department)
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at California Ballroom
Pixels and Pours Reception
Intro by Gina Joseph, Dean Takahashi and Peter Levin
May 20 day two
7:30 am – 8:30 am at Promenade foyer
Attendee check-in and badge pickup
8:30 am – 9:25 am at California Ballroom
Women in Gaming Breakfast – Getting back to growth: Now what? (sponsored by Xsolla)
The games industry is in full recovery mode from the events of the last few years — the layoffs, the project cancellations, the uncertainty. But if we are truly headed back to growth, then what lessons can we take away from this grim period? As we grow, how can we also transform so that we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past? How can we build a better industry for future leaders, creators and consumers?
Carla Bedrosian of Xsolla, Angela Dalton of Signum Growth Dot Play, Nancy MacIntyre of World Winner and moderator Rachel Kaser of GamesBeat
9:25 am – 9:30 am at California Ballroom
Your game’s perfect memory (sponsored by VoicePatrol)
What if your game had its own mind and could remember everything? Every voice conversation, every reaction, every shift in player sentiment – all instantly accessible.
Matei Trebien of VoicePatrol
9:30 am – 9: 45 am at California Ballroom
Welcome remarks
Ashley Trick, emcee
Dean Takahashi of GamesBeat
9:45 am – 10 am
Power Plays: How strategy is shaping the future of games
(sponsored by Xsolla)
As the gaming landscape continues to shift, industry leaders are re-evaluating what it takes to grow and compete in a space defined by rapid innovation and global scale. This session will bring together senior strategy voices from across the ecosystem to explore the key forces that shaped the past year—and what trends are set to define the year ahead. From platform disruption and evolving monetization models to AI’s role in development and the increasingly complex global market, we’ll discuss how companies are adapting, where the biggest opportunities lie, and how to stay ahead in an industry that never slows down.
Chris Hewish of Xsolla, Anthony Bartolacci of Sensor Tower and moderator Gina Joseph of GamesBeat
10:15 am – 1030 am at California Ballroom
Visionary Awards
Our host Andrea Rene will introduce our presenters and our winners of the Visionary Award — dedicated to someone who showed vision throughout a career in games — and the Up and Comer Award — dedicated to someone whose potential is ahead of them. Thanks to our panel of all-star judges listed above.
10:30 am – 11 am at California room
Lost on the outsides: Ageism and belonging in the game industry
This talk explores the challenges faced by those at the edges of their careers – early professionals breaking in and seasoned veterans staying relevant. It highlights how not being in the industry’s perceived “sweet spot” can leave individuals overlooked and offers solutions for fostering a more inclusive, sustainable environment for all.
Amir Satvat of Tencent, Jen MacLean of Dragon Snacks Games, Richard Brown of Blue Moon Production Company and Gordon Bellamy of USC School of Cinematic Arts
1015 am – 11 am at Promenade Ballroom
How to navigate the games new normal
The triennial practical guide to tectonic shifts in the games industry and to new routes to success that replace old ones that no longer work returns to GamesBeat. With frequent departures from the received wisdom, Mitch Lasky and Eric Goldberg dissect the highlights and lowlights of the games new normal; detail ways out of the box of an industry with stagnant growth and, in many genres sectors, contracting revenues; and describe a way forward for a games venture capital ecosystem that’s broken in several key parts. The takeaways build on Eric’s remarks at PG Connects in January 2024 and Mitch’s recent “The Venture Deadpool” podcast. (Though there will not be a short quiz.)
Mitch Lasky of Benchmark and moderator Eric Goldberg of Playable Games
11 am – 11:30 am at California ballroom
Share early, share often: How transparency can build a healthier industry
In an industry where competition is fierce and the stakes are high, transparency can be a radical act. Join Adam Boyes, founder and CEO of Vivrato and longtime industry veteran, in conversation with Andrea Rene, acclaimed gaming personality and producer, for a candid fireside chat on the power of openness in game development. From navigating funding hurdles to avoiding costly production missteps, Boyes will share how his experiences—and those of others—prove that sharing knowledge isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business. This discussion will explore how collaboration, storytelling, and vulnerability among creators can lift the industry as a whole, creating space for more innovation, sustainability, and success for all.
Adam Boyes of Vivrato and moderator Andrea Rene of Shortie Media
11 am – 11:30 am at Promenade
Playing With Truth: Handling disinformation through games
In an era marked by information overload, media distrust, and the viral spread of disinformation and misinformation, video games offer a powerful yet underutilized platform for truth-telling and critical engagement. This panel explores how interactive storytelling, systems thinking, and participatory gameplay can be leveraged to challenge false narratives and cultivate media literacy.
Karla Reyes (moderator) of Anima Interactive, Paul Fischer of Accenture and Susanna Pollack
11 am – 12 pm at Malibu/Santa Monica room
Roundtable – How the underestimated can break into the highest levels of the game industry
Underestimated people have passion, but they don’t always know how to break into the game industry or climb the ladder once they’re in. Yet networking with industry insiders remains the best way to improve your chances for career advancement in games. We’ll talk about tips for breaking through.
Gordon Bellamy of the USC School of Cinematic Arts
11:30 am – 12 pm at California ballroom
The Penguin perspective: Sharing Tencent’s candid perspective on the global gaming industry and lessons learned
Tian Xiao speaks with Dean Takahashi in a fireside chat about the how Tencent game’s global investment strategy, the recent dynamic and potential of China market and Tencent’s lessons learned over the past 10 years of investment in the global gaming space.
Tian Xiao of Tencent and moderator Dean Takahashi of GamesBeat
11:30 am – 12 pm at Promenade room
The gaming revolution will be televised
Smart TVs are poised to become the future of gaming, transforming how players access and experience games. Just as TV-connected consoles birthed modern gaming, today’s shift to smart TVs demands a new approach—one that embraces cloud-based services, built-in game hubs, and seamless accessibility. At the same time, advertising is emerging as the key to sustaining and expanding the industry, offering new monetization opportunities for developers and publishers. This session will explore how game studios, brands, and advertisers can capitalize on these shifts to unlock new revenue streams and drive the next era of interactive entertainment.
André Swanston of Phynd
Lunch break
12 pm – 1 pm
12:30 pm – 1 pm California ballroom
Accessibility in gaming lunch session — Breaking down accessibility barriers: how the industry is redefining how we play (sponsored by ESA)
Aubrey Quinn, senior vice president for the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), leads a conversation with Holly Wescott, Accessibility Lead at Amazon Games, Dr. Kaitlyn Jones, Director of Clinical Outreach at Warfighter Engaged and Gaming Accessibility Lead at Xbox and player, content creator and accessibility consultant Steve Saylor, about how the video game industry is advancing efforts to make games accessible for as many players as possible. From customizable controls and adaptive hardware to inclusive design and tagging systems, this session will highlight innovative strategies that make games more playable and enjoyable for players of all abilities. Panelists will discuss the challenges and breakthroughs in designing for players with disabilities, share real-world examples of successful features and accessories, and offer insights into the future of accessibility for the industry.
moderator Aubrey Quinn of the ESA, accessibility consultant/content creator Steve Saylor, Holly Westcott of Amazon Games and Kaitlyn Jones of Warfighter Engaged
1 pm – 1:30 pm at California ballroom (sponsored by Lightspeed)
Game Changers 2026 — Building through chaos
Game Changers is back! Now in its third year, the list celebrates and accelerates extraordinary startups in gaming and interactive media—in partnership between Lightspeed, GamesBeat, Nasdaq, and C-level industry leaders. We’ll announce key dates, categories, and judges for this year’s program live at GamesBeat.
The Game Changers 2026 theme is “Building Through Chaos.” From mass layoffs and economic headwinds to the rise of AI and shifting global policies, the gaming industry is weathering continued volatility. Yet amidst the chaos, certain truths in game design remain constant—core principles across platforms, technologies, and market cycles. Join leading game developers and technologists as they explore how to build timeless player experiences in a time of disruption. What should studios, platforms, and technology companies hold onto as their north stars—and what must be reimagined to stay relevant?
Moritz Baier-Lentz of Lightspeed, Dean Takahashi of GamesBeat, Kieran Donovan of K-ID, Stephen Bell of Gardens and Cheryl Fichter of Inworld AI
1 pm – 1:30 pm Promenade room
Investing in new game markets
What are the trends that matter to game investors now? How can we forge ahead with investments during a tough time for gaming? Where can we find new players? This panel of game M&A and investment experts will tackle these questions and more.
Hemal Thaker of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd Danzig of Sharp Alpha, moderator Emily Wang of Griffin Gaming Partners and Tyler Matheson of Makers Fund
1 pm to 2 pm at Malibu/Santa Monica room
Roundtable: Are You Game for Mental Health? Industry Opportunities to Advance Global Well-Being
Explore how your studio or platform can play a transformative role in advancing global mental health and positively impact your gaming community, your creators, and your bottom line. In partnership with the Global Mental Health Task Force and the World Health Organization, Susanna Pollack, president of Games for Change, will spotlight actionable opportunities for industry leaders to drive well-being through games at scale. Along with Perrin Kaplan of Zebra Partners, they will lead a roundtable conversation and share recent examples of games as a distribution channel for education and well-being practices. Plus, join us to learn more about WHO Games Day and ways you can engage with compelling initiatives this Fall.
Susanna Pollack of Games for Change and Perrin Kaplan of Zebra Partners
1 pm – 2 pm at Venice/Peninsula
Roundtable – From player safety to child wellbeing and the role of AI
The evolution of gaming from solo experiences to complex social ecosystems has created unprecedented challenges for player safety – particularly for our youngest players. This critical roundtable explores how next-generation approaches to player safety must extend beyond traditional content moderation to address the holistic wellbeing of player (children) in digital spaces.
Join industry leaders as they discuss how emerging AI technologies are creating new possibilities for bridging this gap, while examining the practical limitations and lessons learned from previous approaches. GuardianGamer will share insights on using generative AI to translate gameplay into accessible insights for parents, while platform veterans from Roblox will address the systemic challenges and limitations faced while designing for safety. AWS experts will explore the responsible implementation of AI guardrails that protect players while fostering meaningful human connections.
Key topics include:
AI’s evolving role in proactive player safety
the necessity of parental involvement alongside tech solutions
challenges in explaining complex games to non-gaming parents and AI’s potential to help
designing age-appropriate safety features considering child development
balancing protection with the benefits of digital play and social connection
Moderated by AWS’s Chris Melissinos, this essential conversation bridges technological innovation and human-centered design to tackle one of gaming’s most persistent challenges: creating player safety systems that meaningfully connect to the broader ecosystem of child wellbeing. Join us for insights vital to publishers, platform developers, safety advocates, and anyone committed to creating healthier digital play environments.
Heidi Vogel Brockmann of Guardian Gamer, Joel Silk and moderator Chris Melissinos of AWS
1:30 pm – 2 pm at California ballroom
Beyond the game: Scopely and Discord’s approach to building and maintaining thriving game communities
Fostering thriving, vibrant player communities is not just a competitive advantage—it’s become crucial for game discovery and meaningful engagement. Scopely has consistently prioritized community-driven experiences across its portfolio. Its collaboration with communications platforms like Discord—whose new Social SDK allows developers to tap into its social infrastructure to power in-game social and multiplayer experiences—has further enhanced its ability to build seamless, immersive and engaging ways for players to connect. In this fireside chat, Ryan Jacobson, GM of “MARVEL Strike Force” and Stanislav Vishnevskiy, Co-Founder and CTO at Discord, will explore how player-focused development and real-time engagement tools are reshaping the gaming experience, and how developers can design with community at the core to drive engagement, retention, and cultural relevance.
(sponsored by Scopely)
Ryan Jacobson of Scopely, Stanislav Vishnevskiy of Discord and moderator Rachel Kaser of GamesBeat
1:30 pm – 2 pm at Promenade room
Game funding diversification
Justin Woodward has long experience working with indies via The Mix. This session will look at how to curate indie games and talent. How can indies diversify their funding sources and engage with passionate, collaborative co-developers? How do you get visibility for indie games? We’ll tackle these subjects and more.
Justin Woodward of Media Indie Exchange and moderator Dean Takahashi of GamesBeat
2 pm – 2:30 pm at California ballroom
Winning in mobile gaming: Strategy, growth and innovation with Playtika
Join Craig Abrahams, President & CFO of Playtika and Michael Metzger, Managing Partner at Drake Star for an exclusive fireside chat on what it takes to build, scale, and sustain success in the hyper-competitive mobile gaming industry. From monetization strategies, player retention to M&A insights and AI in gaming, Craig will share key lessons from Playtika’s journey as a leader in the mobile gaming space.
Craig Abrahams of Playtika and moderator Michael Metzger of Drake Star Partners
2 pm – 3 pm at Malibu/Santa Monica room
(sponsored by Scopely)
Roundtable – Powering play: Staying ahead in a dynamic games industry
As live games evolve into long-term entertainment ecosystems, the playbook for operating them is changing just as rapidly. Join Shelby Johnson-Sapp SVP of Corporate Strategy at Scopely, and other industry leaders for a roundtable conversation on what it takes to build a resilient, adaptive games business in today’s dynamic market. With shifts in player behavior and emerging technologies reshaping the landscape, this session will explore how leading teams stay ahead through data-informed decisions, operational excellence, and a culture of continuous innovation.
Shelby Johnson-Sapp of Scopely and Rachel Kaser, GamesBeat writer
2 pm – 3 pm at Venice/Peninsula
The repair room: Industry problems, group solutions
The games industry is overflowing with problems, but light on solutions. In this interactive roundtable hosted by Adam Boyes (Vivrato) and Amir Satvat, attendees will vote on the 10 biggest challenges facing games in 2025. Then, we’ll take the top 4 and crowdsource actionable solutions in real time. You’ll walk away with a summary of all insights and brainstormed soluitions, because talk is good, but change is better.
Adam Boyes of Vivrato and Amir Satvat of Tencent
2 pm – 2:30 pm at Promenade room
Understanding the next generation of gamers
Thanks to the convergence of games, film, and television, the games industry now reaches well beyond a traditional PC or console experience. Fans, consumers, and increasingly mainstream audiences are interacting with game content at exponential rates, and they expect more modern content delivery networks that facilitate seamless entertainment consumption between all the content they love. It’s now up to publishers and developers to foster these budding relationships by finding ways to think beyond the standard gaming setup.
Kevin Beatty of Samsung Gaming and Emerging Technologies and moderator Stella Chung
230 pm – 3 pm at California room
Living games — how live services and AI will change gaming
Catherine Hawayek, head of Google Cloud for Games and moderator Dean Takahashi
230 pm – 3 pm at Promenade Room
The East-West Connection: Successfully bringing Asian games to western markets (and vice versa)
There’s still a lot of flow of games between Eastern and Western game markets, as players are embracing global content in both predictable and surprising ways. We’ll talk about the way to foster this connection and get new projects off the ground.
Jeonghee “JJ” Jin and moderator Lisa Cosmas Hanson of Niko Partners
3 pm – 3:30 pm at California ballroom
The evolution of motion gaming: Past, present and future
Nex Playground has launched to target children and their love of motion gaming. It’s an example of going after a niche that players love and the hardware makers have left behind. How big a niche will it be?
Tom Kang of NEX and moderator Dean Takahashi of GamesBeat
3 pm – 3:30 pm at Promenade room
The lucrative niche: Building multibillion-dollar franchises from core initial community outward
Join Louis Gresham, CEO of Hydratac, and Dan Bunting, Venture Partner at 1am Gaming and former Call of Duty Game Director, for a fireside chat exploring how billion-dollar franchises can grow outward from small but passionate communities when developers have their ears to the ground. Louis and Dan will delve into how games they have worked on such as League of Legends and Black Ops nailed this path- as well as why the playbook is more relevant than ever today in the way they build and invest.
Louis Gresham of Hydratac and Dan Bunting of 1AM Gaming
3 pm – 4 pm at Malibu/Santa Monica
Roundtable – AI in game development
Following up on a similar panel he did last year, gaming veteran Rich Vogel, CEO of T-Minus Zero Entertainment and last year’s winner of the Up and Comer Award, will assess the available tools using AI for game development.
Many executives in the game industry hope that AI will be the silver bullet that helps reduce costs. Is AI the silver bullet? This roundtable will be a lively discussion that explores the current state of AI in game development, what the future holds, and what efficiencies can be gained by using AI in game development today and in the future. Will we see the team sizes in development go down over time? What impact will it have on UGC?
Rich Vogel of T-Minus Zero Entertainment
3 pm – 4 pm at Venice/Peninsula
From triple-A teams to solo dreams
Join industry veteran Adam Kugler—Founder of CyanAvatar Studios and solo developer behind MoteMancer—for an intimate roundtable exploring the transition from leading large AAA teams to the deeply personal journey of solo game development. Gain insights into the challenges, freedoms, and hard-won lessons of going independent, and connect with others navigating similar paths.
Adam Kugler of Cyan Avatar Studios
3:30 pm – 4 pm at California ballroom
Savvy Spotlight: Investing in the long-term mindset
The games industry is at a turning point. Years of hyper-growth, consolidation, and short-term
monetization delivered scale but not always stability.
This session offers a deep dive into Savvy Games Group’s direction, three years since its launch.
As a global investor, Savvy is building the infrastructure behind the next era of games and esports.
We’ll explore how its long-term capital model, portfolio strategy, and commitment to autonomy are
shaping a more connected, economically resilient global games and esports economy.
Aligned with the forum’s ‘Return to Growth’ theme, Savvy Games Group’s long-term strategy is
driving sustainable economic transformation in global games and esports.
Jesse Meschuk of Savvy Games Group and moderator Dean Takahashi of GamesBeat
3:30 pm – 4 pm at Promenade room
The transformational power of esports
How do the nerds and jocks get along? Usually, they don’t in high school or college. But esports and gaming can bring them together. We’ll hear about the transformational power of games when it comes to changing culture, and what this means for society.
Fireside chat with Jon Chapman of PlayVS and moderator Tadhg Kelly of Whenere
4 pm – 4:30 pm at California ballroom
Driving change in gaming: Business models, player needs, AI and the road ahead
AP reporter Sarah Parvini sits down with Unity CEO Matt Bromberg—marking his first year in the role—for an exclusive fireside chat. Together, they’ll explore what’s next for the gaming industry, from emerging monetization strategies and changing player behavior to the role of AI in game development and the expanding potential of XR. Bromberg will also share insights into Unity’s strategic transformation and his vision for revitalizing gaming businesses by fostering innovation, sustainable growth, and a culture of execution. Don’t miss this timely discussion on the evolution of the industry and the innovations shaping its future.
Matthew Bromberg of Unity and Sarah Parvini of Associated Press
4 pm – 4:30 pm at Promenade room
The 360-degree view of raising money for game startups
Emptyvessel was one of the companies that targeted a niche, created a good prototype and got off the ground with funding. We’ll talk about the process of raising money for game startups from multiple points of view — and how we got to a full vessel.
Garrett Young of Emptyvessel, Jeonghee “JJ” Jin of NC America and Teppei Tsutsui of GFR Fund
4:30 pm – 5 pm at California ballroom
Hollywood and games
The love affair between Hollywood and games is still going strong with new generations of content, fans and talent. We’ll talk about where it’s going next in a session with Hollywood and gaming veterans.
Dan Prigg of Skydance Interactive, Maureen Fan of Baobab Studios, Pia Barlow of HBO and Max (and GEMA) and moderator Kaare Eriksen of Variety
5 pm – 5:30 pm at California ballroom
The Motion Revolution: Redefining real world experiences
Step into the forefront of innovation with The Motion Revolution to explore how interactivity is transforming the way we engage with next-generation technologies. Discover how we bring the unimaginable to life, crafting motion design at the intersection of science fiction, technology, and gaming.
As technology takes center stage the world is evolving into multi-dimensional realities, offering us new experiences like never before. Discover how our design work extends into this new era, honed on blockbusters such as Iron Man, Avengers, Ready Player One and VR games including Batman: Arkham Shadow.
This talk will showcase how motion design seamlessly bridges the gap between entertainment and real-world applications, revealing how clients such as Nike, Magic Leap, Meta, Mercedes, GM, and Audi are embracing the future, and expanding the boundaries of user experience for audiences worldwide.
Don’t get left behind—immerse yourself in the possibilities of tomorrow and the creative strategies that will define it.
Russ Gautier of Territory Studio
5:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Closing remarks
Dean Takahashi
