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WHAT IS LA GAMES CONFERENCE?

LA Games Conference is a high-end favorite among game, media, and investment leaders for the high energy, focused environment for networking, meetings, and deal-making.

CONFERENCE FORMAT

LA Games Conference will be hosted in-person for one day filled with fireside chats, roundtables, panels, and presentations on digital game investment, creation, distribution, marketing, and monetization.

2025 AGENDA

Speakers and details subject to change.


2025 Agenda
9:30 am - 9:40 am
Palisades Ballroom

Welcome & Introductory Remarks

9:40 am - 10:10 am
Palisades Ballroom

Research Presentations

Delve into the critical factors shaping the business of games and interactive entertainment in our opening session featuring two expert-led presentations. Emerging Trends in Investment and M&A in Gaming A leading research analyst will explore the latest developments in investment flows and merger & acquisition activities within the gaming and interactive entertainment sector. Gain valuable insights into market dynamics, strategic partnerships, and key factors driving growth and consolidation in this ever-evolving industry. Current Legal Issues in Games & Interactive Entertainment This presentation uncovers the pressing legal issues impacting game developers, publishers, and stakeholders. Topics include intellectual property rights, regulatory compliance, and the legal intricacies of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain and metaverse platforms.
10:15 am - 10:45 am
Palisades Ballroom

General Session: View from the Top: Funding the Future of the Games Business

The gaming industry is at a crossroads of innovation and opportunity, with funding playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. This engaging panel brings together leading investors, developers, and industry strategists to discuss the evolving landscape of game financing. Key topics include venture capital trends, strategies for securing funding at different stages of development, the rise of new revenue models, and the impact of emerging technologies like blockchain and AI on investment decisions. Panelists will also share insights into what investors are looking for in today’s market and how developers can align their creative visions with financial opportunities.
10:45 am - 11:15 am
Palisades Ballroom

General Session: Keynote Conversation

11:15 am - 11:45 am
Palisades Ballroom

Networking Break

11:45 am - 12:00 pm
Hermosa Room

Law & Policy: Overview of the Latest AI Lawsuits

11:45 am - 12:00 pm
Palisades Ballroom

Investment, Dealmaking and M&A: Overview of Latest AI Investment and M&A

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Palisades Ballroom

Investment, Dealmaking and M&A: Investing in Artificial Intelligence for the Game Industry

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the gaming industry, driving innovation in everything from game design and player interaction to live operations and monetization. But how can businesses strategically invest in AI to maximize its potential while navigating challenges? Join this panel of industry leaders, AI experts, and investors as they explore the opportunities and risks of investing in AI technologies for the game industry. Topics include identifying promising AI applications, funding and scaling AI-driven startups, leveraging AI for personalized gameplay experiences, and understanding the ethical and regulatory implications of integrating AI into game development.
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Hermosa Room

Law & Policy: Legal Battles: How Lawsuits are Shaping AI and the Games Industry

As artificial intelligence transforms the gaming landscape, it also introduces complex legal challenges that are reshaping the industry. This panel brings together top legal experts, industry executives, and AI specialists to discuss the most pressing lawsuits and legal developments impacting artificial intelligence and the games business. Topics will include intellectual property disputes, copyright challenges in AI-generated content, data privacy concerns, and the legal implications of AI tools used in game development and player interactions. Panelists will analyze high-profile cases, explore their potential outcomes, and discuss what these precedents mean for the future of innovation and creativity in gaming and AI.
12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
Palisades Ballroom (Section B)

Lunch Break

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Palisades Ballroom

Investment, Dealmaking and M&A: Investing in Games and Interactive Entertainment

Despite its recent slump, the games and interactive entertainment industry is expected to grow, driven by advancements in technology, evolving consumer behaviors, and innovative monetization models. From AAA game studios and indie developers to virtual worlds, esports, AI, web3 and interactive storytelling platforms, the sector offers diverse investment opportunities with global reach. This panel features leading investors, gaming entrepreneurs, and industry strategists exploring the dynamics of investing in this high-growth space. Topics include identifying emerging trends, evaluating the potential of gaming platforms and ecosystems, understanding user acquisition and retention strategies, and navigating challenges such as IP ownership and market competition.
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Hermosa Room

Law & Policy: Licensing for Games and Interactive Entertainment

Licensing is at the core of creating compelling and immersive experiences in games and interactive entertainment, but navigating the complexities of licensing agreements and intellectual property (IP) rights can be a daunting challenge. This panel brings together legal experts, industry veterans, and business leaders to explore the critical licensing issues facing the industry today. Key topics will include negotiating IP rights for games, cross-industry licensing collaborations, navigating global licensing regulations, and addressing challenges like unauthorized use and copyright disputes. Panelists will also delve into emerging opportunities, such as licensing for virtual worlds, metaverse applications, and AI-generated content.
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Palisades Ballroom

Investment, Dealmaking and M&A: Scaling Success: Strategies for Growing a Games Studio

Taking a game studio from a small team to a thriving enterprise is no small feat. It requires balancing creative vision with business operations, managing growth challenges, and maintaining a strong company culture. As the industry evolves and competition intensifies, studios must navigate a host of complexities to scale successfully. This panel brings together experienced studio founders, executives, and industry advisors to share their journeys and lessons learned in scaling game development teams. Topics include managing funding and resource allocation, building scalable production pipelines, recruiting and retaining top talent, and adapting to technological and market shifts. Panelists will also discuss the importance of fostering innovation while growing, and strategies to stay agile as your studio expands.
2:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Hermosa Room

Law & Policy: Legal Issues at the Intersection of Film, TV, and Games

As the boundaries between film, television, and games continue to blur, new legal challenges are emerging at the crossroads of these industries. From interactive storytelling and transmedia franchises to adaptations and collaborative projects, the convergence of these mediums creates opportunities for innovation—and complex legal questions. This panel brings together legal experts, content creators, and industry executives to explore the evolving legal landscape. Topics include copyright and intellectual property concerns, licensing across multiple platforms, negotiating rights for adaptations, and managing collaborative agreements between studios, networks, and game developers. The panel will also address the impact of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain on the creation and distribution of content across these mediums.
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Palisades Ballroom

Investment, Dealmaking and M&A: Building Franchises: Unlocking the Potential of Gaming IP

Successful games are no longer just standalone experiences—they’re the foundation of expansive franchises that resonate across multiple mediums. From blockbuster films and TV series to comics, merchandise, and beyond, gaming intellectual property (IP) has become a launchpad for global franchises. This panel features industry leaders, creative directors, and brand strategists who have transformed gaming IP into iconic franchises. Discussions will explore the process of developing transmedia storytelling, collaborating with other industries, and maintaining brand integrity while reaching new audiences. Panelists will also dive into the challenges of balancing creative vision with commercial goals and leveraging technology to enhance franchise development.
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm
Hermosa Room

Law & Policy: Privacy and Data in Gaming: Navigating Regulatory and Enforcement Challenges

With the increasing use of personal data in games and interactive entertainment, privacy and data security have become critical issues for the industry. Game businesses must navigate a complex and evolving regulatory landscape while balancing compliance, innovation, and player trust. This panel features legal experts, data privacy officers, and industry leaders discussing the key challenges and opportunities in managing privacy and data in gaming. Topics will include global data privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, best practices for data collection and storage, enforcement trends, and the ethical use of player data for personalization and monetization. Panelists will also explore the implications of emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and the metaverse on data privacy.
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Palisades Ballroom

Networking Break

4:45 pm - 5:15 pm
Palisades Ballroom

General Session: View from the Top: M&A and Consolidation: Navigating the Shifting Landscape of the Game Industry

As the game industry continues to grow and evolve, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become key drivers of transformation, innovation, and competition. This panel brings together top industry executives, analysts, and legal experts to discuss the latest trends and strategies in M&A and consolidation. Topics will include the motivations behind recent high-profile deals, the impact of consolidation on developers, publishers, and players, and the challenges of integrating teams and technologies post-acquisition. Panelists will also explore how M&A is shaping the competitive landscape, influencing market dynamics, and creating opportunities for growth in a rapidly changing industry.
5:15 pm - 5:45 pm
Palisades Ballroom

General Session: Keynote Conversation

2024 Keynotes Include:

Peter Levin

Managing Director,
Griffin Gaming Partners

David Bloom

Senior Contributor,
Forbes, Next TV

2024 Speakers Include:

Alexandra Takei

Business Director,
Ruckus Games
Host,
Naavik Gaming Podcast

Andrew Sheppard

Managing Director,
Transcend Fund

Andy Kleinman

Entrepreneur & Investor,
Formerly Scopely

Cooper Jackson

Sr. Vice President, Business Affairs & Development
Electronic Arts (EA)

Dan Nabel

Senior Director, Associate General Counsel,
Riot Games

Dara Leung

Managing Director,
Raine Group

David Higley

Partner
Perella Weinberg

Derek Douglas

Head, Games Department,
CAA

Elizabeth Cohen

General Counsel,
Crunchyroll

Frances Jensen

Counsel, Interactive Entertainment,
Frankfurt Kurnit

Holly Liu

Co-Founder & Managing Partner,
PKO Investments

James Freedman

Lead Counsel, Google AI for Developers
Google

Jasper Brand

Partner,
BITKRAFT Ventures

Jeff Chaiken

SVP, Head of Corporate Development & Strategy,
Skybound

Jenna Seiden

SVP, Business Development,
Skydance Interactive

Jordan Marks

VP, Business & Legal Affairs,
Annapurna Interactive

Joseph Tou

Managing Director - US,
Sony Innovation Fund

Kaare Eriksen

Media Analyst,
Variety Intelligence Platform

Kimberly Corbett

Chief Publishing Officer,
Fortis Games

Laura Harrison

Vice President and Investment Banker, Entertainment Industries Group,
J.P. Morgan

Michael Metzger

Managing Partner,
Drake Star

Nanea Reeves

CEO & Co-Founder,
TRIPP, Inc.

Nathaniel Bach

Partner,
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Ned Sherman

Chief Business Affairs & Legal Officer,
Skybound

Rob Ricca

SVP, Corporate Development,
Scopely

Sam Englebardt

Founding General Partner,
Galaxy Interactive

Sam Lam

Sr. Legal Counsel, Games,
Skybound

Sarah Guerrero

Privacy Counsel,
NetEase Games

Scott Shane

Sr. Investment Director,
Sony Ventures

Tom Michael

Partner,
Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLP

Vivienne Zhao

Director, Technology,
Lazard Frères & Co. LLC

2024 Sponsors and Supporters Include:

Platinum Supporter

 

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips | www.manatt.com

Manatt is a leading integrated professional services firm that represents a sophisticated client base of Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies across the digital and entertainment landscapes. Not only is Manatt consistently ranked among the top entertainment law practices, but it is also on the cutting edge of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Its influential digital asset regulatory and advising capabilities provide clients with strategy to successfully launch trendsetting Metaverse, cryptocurrency, NFT, tokenization, and blockchain ventures, investments and platforms. The firm’s groundbreaking approach—combining legal services, advocacy and business strategy—positions it to provide a compelling value proposition to its clients.
 

Goal Ventures | www.goalventurepartners.com

GOAL Ventures is a venture capital fund that invests in impactful digital and technology ventures that empower games, media and entertainment. We invest in ventures that are innovative, engaging, ahead of the curve and capable of capturing the cultural zeitgeist.

 

Gold Supporter

 

Wilson Sonsini | www.wsgr.com

Wilson Sonsini is the trusted legal counsel to hundreds of entrepreneurs, developers, investors, and publishers who are building and launching market-leading gaming experiences around the world. From early-stage start-ups to publicly traded companies, the firm represents a wide range of participants in the gaming industry and delivers comprehensive, integrated business and litigation services that companies in this industry need.

 

Silver Supporter

 

Frankfurt Kurnit | www.fkks.com

Frankfurt Kurnit’s Interactive Entertainment team is recognized as one of the top video game law practices in the US. Led by Sean F. Kane and S. Gregory Boyd, the team represents the most influential companies in the video game industry on some of the most innovative projects – projects that are inventing the future of media and redefining entertainment and culture.

 

Media Partners

 

Infiom| www.infiom.com

Description coming soon.

International Game Developers Association (IGDA)| www.igda.org/la

The International Game Developers Association is an independent, non-profit association established by game developers to foster the creation of a worldwide game development community. Chartered in 2009, IGDA Los Angeles ranks as one of the largest chapters of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA) worldwide, with a reach upwards of 1,500 members. IGDA Los Angeles strives to build a community of game developers which leverages the expertise of its members for the betterment of the games industry throughout Southern California. We welcome and encourage all game industry professionals, hobbyists, and students to attend our events and participate in our growing community.

Fusicology| www.fusicology.com

Fusicology.com is a multifaceted website media entity, promoting progressive music culture through event listings and relevant content. Fusicology as a whole provides a national hub reaching trend setting multicultural urbanites. Our site and newsletter specialize in providing relevant information for early adopters that include the musically forward.

Westside Digital Mix (WDM)

Westside Digital Mix is an informal networking group for digital media & entertainment professionals who live or work on the Westside in Los Angeles — from the South Bay to Malibu, West LA to the Pacific Ocean. These monthly ‘curated’ social/business mixers are a great way to catch up with friends, colleagues, and meet new industry insiders.

UCLA Center for Media, Entertainment & Sports | www.anderson.ucla.edu

Located at UCLA Anderson School of Management, the Center for Media, Entertainment & Sports is the leading center for business thought leadership in media, entertainment and sports. The center offers MBA courses, instructional programs for undergraduates, conferences and industry partnerships designed to showcase innovation and business leadership.