Gaming industry leaders are rolling up their sleeves to join the fray at GamesBeat Crossfire 2026.
GamesBeat Crossfire will take place on March 10, 2026, in San Francisco, during the week of Game Developers Conference (GDC). If you’ll be in SF for GDC, you won’t want to miss this year’s iteration of the debate-centric event, which is shaping up to have an industry-defining lineup of thinkers and leaders. Brendan Greene, the creator of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), will headline the event — and Larry Hryb, widely known as Major Nelson, will serve as its official emcee.
A Headliner Who Helped Redefine Multiplayer
As the architect behind one of the most influential games of the past decade, Greene helped define the modern battle royale genre and reshape multiplayer gaming at a global scale. At GamesBeat Crossfire, he will share his insights on the evolution of large-scale online worlds, emergent gameplay systems and the technologies shaping the next generation of interactive entertainment.
Greene’s appearance underscores Crossfire’s focus on bold ideas, creative risk-taking and future-facing strategy.
A Legendary Voice Takes the Stage
Larry Hryb brings decades of industry experience to the Crossfire stage. As one of the most recognizable figures associated with Xbox, Hryb helped pioneer the modern era of platform-to-player communication — interviewing top developers, supporting major console launches, and building one of the strongest global gaming communities.
As emcee, Hryb will guide Crossfire’s live debates with sharp insight and insider perspective, ensuring candid conversations and genuine insights throughout the program. Now, he’s bringing that energy, credibility, and insider edge to GamesBeat Crossfire, making his debut return to events with GamesBeat.
What to expect at GamesBeat Crossfire
Launched as a bold new format during GDC week, GamesBeat Crossfire is designed as the ultimate stage for live industry debate, strategic networking, and executive-level exchange.
Unlike traditional conference panels, Crossfire features:
- Live, unscripted debates on the most pressing and polarizing industry topics
- Executive-level participation from founders, CEOs, creators, and investors
- Audience engagement designed to challenge assumptions
- Curated, turn key and intimate networking that prioritizes meaningful connection and deal-making
The event convenes leaders across gaming, AI, technology, media, and entertainment in an intimate, primarily invite-only environment built for decision-makers.
We created Crossfire because too many industry conversations feel rehearsed,” said Gina Joseph, CEO of GamesBeat. “The gaming business is navigating real inflection points — AI integration, platform shifts, evolving business models — and those issues deserve direct, substantive debate. Crossfire is designed as a live forum where leaders challenge each other, sparking conversations that go beyond the stage. These events are designed to be a place where you can close deals, meet the right people, and forge meaningful connections — and Crossfire elevates that, combining turn-key networking, real-time strategic insight, and candid debate all in one intimate, executive-focused environment.”
In addition to Greene and Hryb, GamesBeat Crossfire features a lineup of speakers curated by GamesBeat editorial director Dean Takahashi and lead news writer Alexander Lee. Speakers include:
- Susan Cummings, the co-founder of 10six games
- Chris Petrovic, chief business officer of FunPlus
- Mike Lucero, head of product for gaming at Samsung
- Berkley Egenes, chief marketing and growth officer at Xsolla
- Richard Hilleman, the founder of CleanPlay
- Patricia Vance, president of the ESRB
- Chad Mustard, chief operating officer of JOGO Studios
- Joe Newman, senior legal counsel at k-ID
- Angela Dalton, chief executive officer and founder of Signum Growth | AD8 Pop
- Rachel Kowert, a researcher and author on the psychology of games
- And more to be announced soon!
Debate topics will include the growing role of platforms within the gaming ecosystem, the magnitude of the user-generated content opportunity for indie studios and the rate at which developers should be adopting AI tools.
GamesBeat Crossfire’s sponsors include Xsolla, k-ID, Scopely, ThinkingData and Ares Interactive, with support from community partners like BAFTA, Games for Change, the Video Game Bar Association and many more. Stay tuned for more speakers, sponsors and community partners to be announced soon.
GamesBeat will also be filming episodes of the BIG Show, GamesBeat’s new podcast, at GDC, as well as a special episode of GamesBeat LIVE, which will be aired across GamesBeat and available through GB Max at a later date for on-demand viewing. GB LIVE is sponsored by Scopely, Xsolla, and others.
Event Details
Date: March 10, 2026
Location: San Francisco, during GDC Week
Access & Membership
GamesBeat Crossfire is invite-only with extremely limited capacity and is already 95% sold out. During GDC week, this is one of the most concentrated rooms of game, tech, and media decision-makers — where strategy is debated, partnerships form and deals move forward.
To guarantee your spot, become a GB MAX Insider Member ($299) or Premium Member ($899). GB MAX Members receive guaranteed Crossfire entry plus VIP benefits across GamesBeat events, content, and private industry experiences.
Explore GB MAX Membership and secure guaranteed Crossfire access here. For more on Crossfire, visit the event site.
*Guaranteed access is subject to venue capacity—GB MAX Members are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
Can’t attend Crossfire? Save the date for GamesBeat Summit, GamesBeat’s flagship event in May, which will feature more debates, as well as headline speakers such as Jenova Chen and many more.