Thursday, December 12, 2024
Attendee Check-in, Breakfast, Networking
Stop by the check-in area, pick up your badge, and gear up for a day packed with groundbreaking insights, powerful connections, and game-changing moments.
Welcome
Speakers:
- Dean Takahashi, Lead Writer, GamesBeat
- Susanna Pollack, President, Games for Change
Women on the Frontlines: Redefining leadership in gaming and entertainment
This session highlights the transformative leadership styles and bold visions that women leaders are bringing to gaming and entertainment. Moving beyond challenges, we’ll focus on how these trailblazers are shaping the future of their industries. Hear from influential women about their innovative approaches to leadership, the impact of collaboration and empathy in executive roles, and their vision for a more equitable and creative future. Through engaging stories and actionable insights, this session will explore the evolving landscape of leadership and how women are uniquely positioned to drive change, innovation, and inclusivity in the years ahead.
Speakers:
- Amanda Kruse, Head of Business Development, Big Fan
- Erika N. Ewing, Director, Interactive Ventures & Games, Lionsgate
- Bridget Stacy, VP Global Marketing, Xsolla
Session Sponsor:
The Golden Age of Adaptation: Why movies and TV series Inspired by gaming IPs are thriving
We’re living in the best time ever for movies and TV adaptations of interactive entertainment! Whether it’s your favorite video game becoming a blockbuster film or inspiring a pop culture-shifting streaming series, adaptations are everywhere—and increasingly higher quality. This panel dives into why now is the perfect moment for these creative mashups, the magic of bringing stories to life in new ways, and the wild ride of turning games into movies or the next hit show. Join us for a fun look at how these two worlds are colliding like never before!
Speakers:
- Dmitri Johnson, Co-founder, Story Kitchen
- Tasha Huo, Showrunner & Executive Producer
- Jacob Robinson, CEO, Line Mileage
- Amanda Kruse, Head of Business Development, Big Fan
From Mods to Mainstream: How user-generated content is shaping the future of gaming and media
The rise of user-generated content is revolutionizing the way games and media are created, consumed, and expanded upon. This session will explore the evolution of transmedia storytelling and the growing role of mods as catalysts for IP growth and longevity, while also delving into how mods and other user-generated content (UGC) experiences are redefining the future of gaming. Games like Roblox, Fortnite, and ARK: Survival Evolved have successfully tapped into community-driven creations to extend their lifespans, deepen player engagement, and drive revenue. Additionally, we’ll explore how brands can embrace UGC to connect with gamers through authentic and immersive experiences.
Speakers:
- Uri Marchand, CEO & Co-founder, Overwolf
- Nate Spell, Founder & CEO, Barrier Four
- Eugene Evans, SVP, Digital Strategy & Licensing, Wizards of the Coast
- Nicholas Tuosto, Founder, GoodGame Advisors
Session Sponsor:
Break
Bringing Brands & Celebrities into the new world of Gaming
Brands and celebrities are entering and interacting with games like never before. The Sandbox is one of the leaders of this intersection, having worked with over 400 top brands, celebrities, and IPs including the likes of Gucci, Snoop Dogg, Attack on Titan, King Kong, Paris Hilton, and many more. The Readyverse, co-founded by the creator of Ready Player One, counts names such as FIFA, Reebok, and Warner Bros Discovery as part of its new gaming experience, OPEN. Learn more about what attracts partners to these platforms that are re-defining the gaming genre as well as the innovative ways they work together.
Speakers:
- Sebastien Borget, COO, The Sandbox
- Adam Orth, Chief Product Officer, The Readyverse
- Sibel Sunar, CEO, fortyseven
Session Sponsor:
The Craft of Adaptation: Bringing Game IP to Life on TV
Explore the art and strategy of adapting beloved game worlds for television. Sharon and Scott will discuss what makes a game suitable for adaptation, how to select the right creative partners, and the unique challenges and opportunities in translating interactive experiences to a linear format. Gain insider perspectives on the differences between film and TV development, lessons learned from the acclaimed Fallout adaptation, and what it takes to forge strong partnerships between game developers and TV production teams. Learn how to bridge the gap between gaming and TV audiences, creating a cohesive, engaging experience for both communities..
Speakers:
- Sharon Tal Yguado, Founder & CEO, Astrid Entertainment
- Scott Farris, Sr. Development Executive, Amazon MGM Studios
Why games are working, and will continue to work, for Hollywood
Ari Arad is a Hollywood producer, first helping to bring superheroes to the big screen. Now, he’s focusing on helping adapt many of the biggest gaming franchises in the world. In this fireside chat, Ari will discuss why gaming is finally working in Hollywood despite the challenges of making the leap across severely different mediums.
Speakers:
- Ari Arad, Co-founder & President, Arad Productions
- Mike Minotti, Managing Editor for GamesBeat, VentureBeat
How Scopely’s operating system powers a “learning machine” culture
Join Eunice Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Scopely, the #1 mobile games company in the U.S., as she shares insights into how Scopely has built a world-class team that excels in a globally distributed and cross-cultural environment. Renowned for its iterative and innovative approach, Scopely’s unique “operating system” and constant “learning machine” mindset empower teams across time zones and disciplines to drive success. This philosophy has shaped an award-winning portfolio of games, including the fastest game to reach $3B in revenue and the most successful mobile game launch ever, “MONOPOLY GO!” along with “Star Trek Fleet Command,” “Marvel Strike Force,” “Stumble Guys,” and more.
Speakers:
- Eunice Lee, COO, Scopely
- Shelby Moledina, Founder, Glowy Pixels Entertainment
From 2024 to 2025: What’s Next For Video Gaming
Speakers:
- Matthew Ball, CEO, Epyllion
- Dean Takahashi, Lead Writer for GamesBeat, VentureBeat
Closing Remarks
Speaker:
- Dean Takahashi, Lead Writer, GamesBeat
Thursday, December 12
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Attendee Check-in, Breakfast, and Networking
8:50 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcome
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Speaker Sessions
1:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Event Concludes
Session Topics
- Women Leaders in Entertainment
- Cultural Representation in Games and Media
- Career Opportunities at the Intersection of Gaming and Entertainment
- AI’s Long-Term Impact on Entertainment
- The Business of Collaboration: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships
- Cross-Media Collaborations and Adaptations
Event Sponsors
Why Attend?
GamesBeat events bring together the brightest minds within the gaming industry to share their updates on latest developments, their take on the future of gaming, and provide attendees an opportunity to expand their network.
Networking
Connect with peers, industry influencers, and thought leaders. Share your ideas, collaborate on projects, and build relationships.
Unparalleled Content
Speaker Presentations and Discussions that highlight the latest industry trends and developments, and offer insights from industry thought leaders and experts.
VIP Dinners
Join exclusive side events that offer exclusive opportunities for high-level networking and collaboration.