GamesBeat Summit is leading the gaming industry into its next era in Los Angeles this summer.
The gaming industry is reshaping how other sectors tell stories, with companies across media, technology and culture adopting principles from gaming. This year’s GamesBeat Summit 2026 will explore both the opportunities and challenges that come with this shift, while also creating a curated, high-signal environment where high-level business gets done. Gaming now generates more than $200 billion globally and reaches billions of players each year, highlighting the industry’s growing role as a foundation for modern media, commerce and technology.
“This is where the industry gathers—not just to reflect, but to move forward,” said GamesBeat CEO Gina Joseph. “We look at it as where legacy meets new era. As the industry continues to evolve, GamesBeat Summit is positioning itself as a convergence point—where established leaders and emerging voices come together. As gaming continues to redefine the boundaries of technology, culture, and commerce, GamesBeat Summit isn’t just participating in this transformation, it’s uniquely positioned to convene it as the #1 news brand covering the business of gaming, entertainment, and tech. We see it as our role not just to cover the ecosystem, but to bring it together, creating meaningful connections across developers, investors, executives, and operators.”
A curated event focused on senior decision-makers
At its core, GamesBeat Summit prioritizes a curated, high-level audience. The goal is to create an environment where conversations turn into tangible outcomes, whether that means partnerships, investments or long-term collaborations.
Rather than focusing on scaling attendance, the event maintains a strong signal-to-noise ratio, attracting senior leaders and decision-makers from across the industry. 90% of speakers are C-level executives, while 70% of attendees are senior executives, director level or above, alongside representatives from venture capital firms and emerging creators. The result is a setting where attendees engage directly with decision-makers rather than navigating crowded expo floors or competing for attention at a large convention.
GamesBeat Summit 2026 is built to explore every industry gaming touches and every system it is transforming, from AI-driven development and creator economies to UGC platforms and direct-to-consumer models reshaping how games are built, distributed, and monetized. It also examines the convergence of sports, Hollywood, and global mobile markets, as well as gaming’s growing impact across healthcare, finance, and education. These themes will come to life through a lineup of industry-leading speakers who are shaping the future of gaming and its influence far beyond it.
LIST OF SPEAKERS
- Gerard “HipHopGamer” Williams
- Joe Traverso, Electronic Arts
- Jenova Chen, thatgamecompany
- Lisa Cosmas Hanson, Niko Partners
- Tom Kang, Nex
- Michael Metzger, Drake Star
- Jim Greer, Roblox
- Leanne Loombe, Annapurna
- Ben Granados, Publsh
- Jen MacLean, Dragon Snacks Games
- Amir Satvat,Tencent Games North America
- Mark Stanley, Syndicate of Play
- Nanea Reeves, TRIPP
- Ninel Anderson, Devoted Studios
- Andrea Rene, What’s Good Games
- Celia Hodent, Game UX Summit & the Ethical Games initiative
- Dan Bunting, 1AM Gaming
- Adam Boyes, Vivrato
- Eli Harris, Voice Actor
- Michael.Pachter, Wedbush Securities
- Owen Mahoney, formerly Nexon
- Eric Berman, Lil Snack
- John Needham, Riot Games
- Alexandra Takei, Medal
- Ken Colton, Medal
- Kahlief Adams, Spawn On Me
- Maya Rogers, The Tetris Company
- Dan Rogers, Premack Rogers
- Jesse Meschuk, Savvy Games Group
- Jessica Murrey, Wicked Saints Studio
- Rob Ricca, Scopely
- Hemal Thaker, Goldman Sachs
- Greg Richardson, Juno Capital Partners
- Kaare Eriksen, Luminate Intelligence
- Tadhg Kelly, Whenere
- More speakers announced soon, stay tuned!
GamesBeat Summit 2026 headline sponsors are Xsolla and Scopely, with more being announced soon. Other sponsors include Webtoon, VOID Interactive, GlobalStep, FastSpring, k-ID, Nitrado, Aghanim, Ares, Overwolf, Entertainment Software Association, Medal, and Nex, with more announcing soon.
Expanding GamesBeat Summit programming beyond the stage
GamesBeat Summit 2026 builds on its programming with a mix of onstage content and high-touch experiences designed to foster deeper connections.
The event includes special programming with invite-only private executive dinners, a curated yacht experience, an industry golf tournament and VIP breakfasts, all designed to create intimate environments where conversations can develop naturally. The following private special events are taking place before or after the Summit, and executives can request an invite here.
- A private executive dinner series and VIP breakfast brunch for C-level and senior leaders
- A curated yacht experience connecting top-tier participants
- An industry golf tournament blending networking with leisure
Ticket-holders can RSVP and get access to attend the following events:
- The Boss Mode Awards, recognizing women leaders in gaming and entertainment technology sponsored by Scopely, Webtoon, k-ID, ESA, and Medal
- The Boss Mode Women in Gaming Entertainment Technology Breakfast, spotlighting boss mode impact by women leaders, includes networking and a panel discussion with Q&A
- The Fresh Voices Panel, presented in collaboration with the Entertainment Software Association
- The Visionary Awards, featuring judges including Sarah Bond
- Cocktail Reception sponsored by Scopely
GB MAX Premium members will also get access to, as part of their VIP access:
- GB MAX AMA Roundtable with GB editorial journalists, off the record, private
- GB MAX VIP Lounge for private meetings and networking
- Early access to the event app for 1:1 meetings and curated connections
Together, these programs reflect a broader shift toward experiential networking—where access and intimacy are prioritized over scale.
A growing focus on brands and marketing
One of the most notable additions for 2026 is a dedicated track for brand and marketing leaders, curated by GamesBeat lead news writer Alex Lee. The track explores how companies can engage with gaming audiences through advertising, partnerships, and integrated experiences.
This reflects a larger trend: as gaming platforms evolve into social and economic ecosystems, non-endemic brands are increasingly seeking a presence. Global research shows that interactive experiences now drive up to 30% higher engagement rates compared with traditional advertising in certain digital-native demographics.
For many companies, the challenge is understanding how to participate authentically in these communities; for many game makers, advertising represents an untapped and increasingly important revenue stream. This new track changes the game for the audience attending, as GamesBeat leads the mission to bring more non endemic brands to gaming industry events.
GB MAX extends the experience year-round
Powering the Summit is GB MAX, GamesBeat’s premium membership program designed to extend the value of the event beyond a single gathering, creating opportunities and connections for the industry.
Premium members receive VIP access to the Summit, including exclusive AMA sessions with editorial and lounges, invitations to industry events throughout the year and access to proprietary GamesBeat editorial content such as reports and exclusive interviews. The membership also includes entry into a curated network of professionals across gaming and adjacent industries, including early access to the event networking app. This model reflects a broader shift toward ongoing community engagement rather than one-time events that foster deal-making and growing connections and opportunities for business leaders.
GamesBeat Summit 2026 and GB MAX community partners include a diverse list of community partners, whose work helps shape a more innovative and forward-thinking industry, with a shared mission to get everyone paying attention to industry, which include BAFTA North America, AISA (DICE), Black Girl Gamers, Latinx in Gaming, Moms in Gaming, Video Game Bar Association, Women-Led Games, Games for Change, DICE Marketing Trade, Nexus, Games for Love, Women in Games International, ThinkLA, IGDA Foundation, Black in Gaming, Global Entertainment Marketing Academy of Arts & Sciences, and Women X AI, with more announcing soon.
A milestone moment for GamesBeat and the industry
GamesBeat Summit 2026 comes one year after GamesBeat went independent in April 2025, a move that has a mission to serve the industry in a way that legacy media—and traditional events—haven’t. The Summit will also serve as the backdrop for the second season of The BIG Show, GamesBeat’s podcast — connecting GamesBeat’s coverage with the conversations happening on the ground in Los Angeles, with a continued focus on Hollywood and Games.
With limited capacity and a curated attendee base, demand for GamesBeat Summit 2026 is expected to exceed availability, and pricing may rise as the event approaches. Companies and leaders interested in attending, sponsoring, or speaking should reach out soon to secure their place and maximize their impact. For inquiries, contact our team.
Use promo code GBSUMMIT10 to receive 10% off your registration.