GamesBeat is proud to announce the return of GamesBeat Next, taking place November 12–13, 2025, in San Francisco—now fully reimagined to align with GamesBeat’s new editorial direction, brand identity, and six-category coverage framework.
Under the banner “Game On: Driving the Industry’s Next Chapter,” this year’s event marks a bold evolution in GamesBeat’s role as a convening force for the gaming world. GamesBeat Next 2025 will spotlight the visionaries, technologists, storytellers, and dealmakers shaping the next era of interactive entertainment—backed by a fully revamped content programming structure and exclusive GB MAX experiences, and introduction of 6 new content tracks.
This year’s B2B event marks a bold step forward for the gaming community, spotlighting the builders, leaders, and visionaries shaping the future of interactive entertainment.
As part of the broader GamesBeat relaunch and brand transformation, GamesBeat Next 2025 will bring together the most influential figures across the gaming, tech, and entertainment ecosystems covering the business in gaming entertainment and technology. From game development and next-gen platforms to transmedia storytelling and cultural trends, the event will serve as the definitive forum for what’s next in games.
For the first time, because of GamesBeats new era and bold vision, Silicon Valley will witness a gaming event that speaks the language of the entire innovation economy. Held in San Francisco, the world’s tech capital, GamesBeat Next 2025 is not just another industry gathering—it’s the first true B2B gaming event in Silicon Valley focused on the convergence of games, AI, and cross-sector innovation. At the center of a $200 billion global industry, gaming is no longer confined to entertainment; it’s a driver of technology, culture, and business transformation. Reflecting GamesBeat’s expanded editorial mission, the event will bring together key players from big tech, AI research, venture capital, and cloud infrastructure, alongside decision-makers from finance, healthcare, education, and Hollywood. For the first time, all of these industries will come together under one roof to explore how gaming is powering the future. GamesBeat Next will serve as the connective tissue between the gaming world and the broader business landscape, setting the stage for strategic conversations that define what’s next.
A New Chapter, A Sharper Focus
This year’s event will explore the themes driving GamesBeat’s editorial relaunch, built around six pillars shaping the industry’s future:
- Game Business – Inside the evolving business of games: funding, M&A, monetization, and market expansion.
- Entertainment – Where games meet film, TV, music, and live events. Discover the power of transmedia IP.
- Development – Dive into the craft of game-making — workflows, pipelines, and creative problem-solving.
- Culture – How games reflect and influence society — from representation to player-driven communities.
- Technology – Explore the innovations reshaping gaming — from AI and cloud to new hardware breakthroughs.
- Gameplay – The mechanics, psychology, and design innovations that keep players engaged.
Attendees can expect more targeted programming, deeper editorial alignment, and forward-thinking conversation across sessions, workshops, and/or executive roundtables.
GamesBeat Next 2025 isn’t just a conference —it’s the next chapter in how we think, build, and lead in games where leaders come together for connections and opportunities to build what’s next. No fluff, real authentic conversions and real meaningful networking.
Programming & Experiences Include:
- Executive Roundtables on funding, scaling, and creative strategy
- Women in Gaming Panel & Networking – spotlighting female leadership in the industry
- Diversity in Gaming Lunch – an inclusive community-building moment presented by Xsolla
- Game Changers Awards 2026, celebrating the startups and innovators transforming the space
- Lightspeed has partnered with GamesBeat and Nasdaq to honor this new breed of gaming companies, read the full news coverage here on how you can apply.
- “GamesBeat Next is our way of creating space for can’t miss conversation, disruptive ideas, and the game changers shaping the future. With San Francisco as our backdrop and an incredible group of judges who represent unique leadership, this event is about substance—not noise—in the heart of Silicon Valley’s innovation economy. We’re excited to partner with Lightspeed and Nasdaq on these meaningful programs for start ups in tech, entertainment, AI, and gaming.” – Gina Joseph, CEO of GamesBeat
- Cocktail networking reception
- GamesBeat Editorial Fireside Interviews
- Live podcast recordings with The BIG Show
Speakers Include:
- Dean Takahashi, Editorial Director, GamesBeat
- John Hight, President, Wizards of the Coast
- Hannah Manikowski, Narrative Professional
- Daryl Ogden, Co-founder, Valued Cultures
- Gordon Bellamy, Professor, USC
- Feargus Urquhart, Studio Head, Obsidian Entertainment
- Oksana Kubushyna, CEO, Seeker Entertainment
- Emily Greer, Venture Partner, 1UP
- Emily Wang, Partner, Griffin Gaming
- Veda Cruz, Video Game Lawyer
- Josh English, CTO, Series Entertainment
- Hilary Mason, CEO, Hidden Door
- Brendan Mulligan, CEO, Liminal Experiences
- Mac Reynolds, Co-founder, Night Street Games
- Holly Liu, Co-founder, PKO Investments
- Additional speakers to be announced soon
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Previous Speakers Include:
- Neal Stephenson, Author, Snowcrash / Co-Founder, Lamina1
- Amy Hennig, Co-President of New Media, Skydance
- Matthew Bromberg, CEO, Unity
- Jenova Chen, CEO, thatgamecompany
- Peter Moore, Executive, formerly Unity, Microsoft, EA, Sega
- Henk Rogers, Chairman of the Board, The Tetris Company
- Catharina Mallet, VP & GM, Maxis, Sims Franchise, EA
- Tim Sweeney, CEO, Epic Games
- Stanley Pierre-Louis, President & CEO, ESA
- Kimberly Corbett, Chief Publishing Officer, Fortis Games
- Laura Naviaux Sturr, GM Operations, Amazon Games
- Mark Pincus, Chairman & Founder, Zynga
Premium Experiences Powered by GB MAX
GB MAX is the ultimate way to experience GamesBeat Next 2025. Available as an exclusive upgrade, GB MAX delivers a VIP-tier event journey designed for senior leaders, power networkers, and decision-makers.
GB Max benefits include:
- Access to invitation-only executive roundtables
- Reserved networking area for GB MAX members
- Access to greenroom sessions for VIP speaker Q&A
- Event pass to GBN or GBS included with GB MAX premium membership
In addition to the above GB MAX Premium members get access to all GB premium content for 12 months ($499 value):
- Access to all GB MAX exclusive content on GB site, podcast, GB reports, and video content
- Access to Dean Takahashi backstage newsletter, Rachel Kaser Inside the Industry Newsletter, and Mike Minotti GamesBeat Briefing Newsletter
- Invitations to future invite only in person events
- Invitation to quarterly executive roundtable virtual led by Dean Takahashi and GB journalists with special guest speakers
- Direct access to powerful B2B network in gaming, entertainment, and tech, community forum (coming soon)
Register Now for the GB MAX VIP Experience
Registration is now open within only limited slots left. Attendees can sign up through GB MAX to receive priority access to executive roundtables, curated lounges, partner dinners, and editorially-led off-stage programming.
Register now at https://GamesBeatNext.com/ to secure exclusive GB MAX launch pricing of $899, value of $1699.
This event is open to members of GB MAX and non-subscribers. Members receive a $600 discount on GBN ticket prices. GB MAX membership unlocks full access to everything listed below:
- Full Access to Premium Posts, Newsletters, Podcasts & Videos
- Invitation to Invite-Only Roundtables, AMAs & Quarterly Executive Roundtables
- Exclusive Global Market Reports
- VIP Event Experience
- Curated Industry Insights
($899, value of $1,699) Buy now before the price goes up!
Partnerships: Be Part of What’s Next
GamesBeat Next 2025 offers premium sponsor opportunities including:
- Onstage thought leadership and editorial spotlight
- Branded activations and content series
- Custom engagements aligned to our six editorial pillars
- High-touch networking in lounges and roundtables
- Lead generation, 1:1 meetings, sales leads
To learn how to get featured, contact sponsors@gamesbeat.com
Join the Movement
GamesBeat Next 2025 isn’t just a conference —it’s the next chapter in how we think, build, and lead in games where leaders come together for connections and opportunities to build what’s next. No fluff, real authentic conversions and real meaningful networking.
Register now to secure your spot and unlock premium GB Max access: GamesBeat.com/Next
Interested in showcasing your thought leadership and sponsoring? Reach out to the GamesBeat team to learn more about custom activations, onstage opportunities, and category alignment.
Join us this November as we challenge the industry to say: Game On. Let’s drive the next chapter—together.
Sponsors & Partners
Current sponsors include Lightspeed Venture Partners, Xsolla, JAM City, Overwolf, and more announcing soon, with custom partnership opportunities available. Sponsors interested in thought leadership or branded experiences are invited to contact the GamesBeat team to learn how to get featured at the event, limited slots left secure your partnership here (link)
Community partners include The Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences, Women-led Games, IGDA Foundation, Video Game Bar Association, Moms in Gaming, Women x AI, Zebra Partners, Games for Change, Firstboard.io, WIGI, Black Girl Gamers, and Collegiate Games Challenge.
Media Contact:
press@gamesbeat.com
www.gamesbeat.com/next