2025 Keynotes Include:

Ben Feder

Managing Partner
Tirta Ventures

Songyee Yoon

Managing Partner
Principal Venture Partners

Jon Snoddy

CEO
Operative Games

Jennifer Reingold

President
Jennifer Reingold Advisors

2025 Speakers Include:

Mike Vorhaus

CEO
Vorhaus Advisors

Germaine Gioia

President
Playlife Company

David Bloom

Co-Founder
NextTMT

Joanna Popper

Media & Technology Executive
Laurel Beach, Former CAA, HP, NBCU

Ned Sherman

Chief Business Affairs & Legal Officer
Skybound

John Linden

CEO
Mythical Games

Phil Sanderson

Sr. Partner
Griffin Gaming Partners

Francesco Di Ianni

Sr. Managing Director, Head of Video Games & Esports Practice
FTI Consulting

Kyu Lee

Chief Business Development Officer
COM2US

Holly Liu

Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Kabam

David Stelzer

President
Xsolla

Sam Lam

Sr. Legal Counsel, Games
Skybound

Nanea Reeves

CEO & Co-Founder
TRIPP, Inc.

Cooper Jackson

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

Jeff Chaiken

SVP, Head of Corporate Development & Strategy
Skybound

Dara Leung

Managing Director
Raine Group

Andrew Sheppard

Managing Director
Transcend Fund

Jasper Brand

Partner
BITKRAFT Ventures

Sarah Guerrero

Privacy Counsel
NetEase Games

Scott Shane

Sr. Investment Director
Sony Ventures

Boyoung Kim

Partner
Tsugu Ventures

Andreea Enache

Chief Revenue Officer
Amber Studio

Russell Binder

Partner
Striker Entertainment, LLC

Eugene Evans

Founding Principal
Infinite Ventures, Inc.
Former Hasbro

Jesse Levin

Partner
Glaser Weil

Dan Prigg

EVP, Head of Studio
Skydance

Joe Newman

Product, Privacy and Legal Counsel
k-ID

Julia Beilman

Vice President
TCG

Yasushi Komori

General Partner
GFR Fund

David Ma

Vice President
Powerhouse Capital

Jesse Saivar

Chair, Intellectual Property and Digital Media & Technology Groups
Greenberg Glusker LLP

Dave Anderson

VP, Business & Legal Affairs
NBCUniversal

Antoine Sellam

Director
Bank of America

Jodie Rosello

EVP, Scripted Business & Legal Affairs
Fremantle

Amanda Kruse

Head of Business Development
Big Fan Games

Adam Sullivan

General Counsel
Square Enix

Emma Smizer

Associate, Interactive Entertainment Group
Frankfurt Kurnit

Dave Padilla

CEO & Executive Producer
Evening Star

Zachary St. Martin

Head of Commercial & IP Legal, North America
TikTok

Haiyan Zhang

GM, AI Innovation and Science
Xbox

Nate Jones

VP, Head of Corporate Strategy & Development
Sony Interactive Entertainment

Riley Russell

Head of US Studio & EVP
Kojima Productions

Steve Stein

Partner
Greenberg Glusker LLP

Brandon Tatum

General Counsel
SM & Kakao Entertainment America

Elvis Stumbergs

Senior Counsel, Privacy
Electronic Arts

Simon Sim

CEO
Kabam

David Hewitt

Former VP Studio Head
Monolith Productions

Pierina Merino

CEO & Founder
Flickplay

Rachel Joy Victor

Co-Founder & Independent Consultant
FBRC.AI

2025 AGENDA

Speakers and details subject to change.


2025 Agenda

Welcome & Introductory Remarks

Presenter: Ned Sherman, Chief Business Affairs & Legal Officer, Skybound Entertainment
Ned Sherman

Women in Games

Our morning kicks off with an inspiring and empowering panel focused on the contributions of women in the gaming industry. This panel brings together leading women from across the industry – executives, counsel, dealmakers, and entrepreneurs – to discuss their journeys, insights, and the future of diversity in gaming. Panelists will share personal experiences, lessons learned, and strategies for fostering a more equitable and dynamic gaming landscape. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting out, this session offers valuable perspectives and practical advice on thriving in the games business.   Panelists: Andreea Enache, Chief Revenue Officer, Amber Studio Dara Leung, Managing Director, The Raine Group Holly Liu, Investor & Co-Founder, Kabam Haiyan Zhang, GM, AI Innovation and Science, Xbox   Moderator: Cooper Jackson, SVP, Business Affairs & Development, Electronic Arts (EA)
Haiyan Zhang
Andreea Enache
Dara Leung
Cooper Jackson
Holly Liu

General Session: View from the Top: Funding the Future of Games and Interactive Entertainment

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.   Panelists: Julia Beilman, Principal, The Chernin Group David Ma, Vice President, Powerhouse Capital Phil Sanderson, Sr. Partner, Griffin Gaming Partners Moderator: Mike Vorhaus, CEO, Vorhaus Advisors
David Ma
Julia Beilman
Phil Sanderson
Mike Vorhaus

Networking Break

Sponsored by Greenberg Glusker LLP
Greenberg Glusker

General Session: Keynote Conversation with Songyee Yoon, Principal Venture Partners

Join us for a keynote conversation with Songyee Yoon, Managing Partner of Principal Ventures. Songyee will be interviewed by Jon Snoddy, CEO of Operative Games   Keynote Speaker: Songyee Yoon, Managing Partner, Principal Venture Partners   Interviewer: Jon Snoddy, CEO, Operative Games
Jon Snoddy
Songyee Yoon

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.   Panelists: John Linden, CEO, Mythical Games Nanea Reeves, Co-Founder & CEO, TRIPP, Inc. Scott Shane, Sr. Investment Director, Sony Ventures Simon Sim, CEO, Kabam Moderator: Holly Liu, Investor & Co-Founder, Kabam
Simon Sim
John Linden
Scott Shane
Nanea Reeves
Holly Liu

AI and the Games Industry: Business, Legal & Technology Considerations

As artificial intelligence transforms the gaming landscape, it also introduces complex legal, business and technology challenges that are reshaping the industry. This panel brings together top legal experts, industry executives, and AI specialists to discuss the most pressing legal, business and technology 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 and business implications of AI tools used in game development and player interactions. Panelists will discuss the legal and business issues and some of the high-profile cases and applications in the games industry, and discuss what they mean for the future of innovation and creativity in gaming and AI.   Panelists: Sam Lam, Sr. Legal Counsel, Games, Skybound Riley Russell, Head of US Studio, Kojima Productions Steve Stein, Partner, Greenberg Glusker LLP Rachel Joy Victor, Co-Founder & Independent Consultant, FBRC.AI Moderator: Joanna Popper, Media & Technology...
Read More
Rachel Joy Victor
Steve Stein
Riley Russell
Sam Lam
Joanna Popper

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.   Panelists: Jasper Brand, Partner, BITKRAFT Ventures Boyoung Kim, Partner, Tsugu Ventures Kyu Lee, Chief Business Development Officer, Com2uS Andrew Sheppard, Managing Director, Transcend Fund Moderator: David Bloom, Co-Founder, Next TMT
Boyoung Kim
Jasper Brand
Andrew Sheppard
Kyu Lee
David Bloom

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.   Panelists: Dave Anderson, VP, Business & Legal Affairs, NBCUniversal Germaine Gioia, President, Playlife Co. Zachary St. Martin, Head of Commercial & IP Legal, TikTok Adam Sullivan, General Counsel, Square Enix Brandon Tatum, General Counsel, SM & Kakao Entertainment America   Moderator: Jesse Saivar, Chair, Intellectual Property and Digital Media & Technology Groups, Greenberg Glusker LLP  
Brandon Tatum
Zachary St. Martin
Adam Sullivan
Dave Anderson
Jesse Saivar
Germaine Gioia

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.   Panelists: David Hewitt, Former Studio Head, Monolith Productions Yasushi Komori, General Partner, GFR Fund Dave Padilla, CEO & Executive Producer, Evening Star David Stelzer, President, Xsolla   Moderator: Andreea Enache, Chief Revenue Officer, Amber...
Read More
David Hewitt
Dave Padilla
Yasushi Komori
Andreea Enache
David Stelzer

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.   Panelists: Amanda Kruse, Head of Business Development, Big Fan Games Jesse Levin, Partner, Glaser Weil Jodie Rosello, EVP, Scripted Business & Legal Affairs, Fremantle Ned Sherman, Chief Business Affairs & Legal Officer, Skybound   Moderator: Cooper Jackson, Senior...
Read More
Amanda Kruse
Jodie Rosello
Jesse Levin
Cooper Jackson
Ned Sherman

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. Panelists: Russell Binder, Partner, Striker Entertainment Eugene Evans, Founding Principal, Infinite Ventures, Inc., (Former Hasbro) Pierina Merino, CEO & Founder, Flickplay Dan Prigg, EVP, Head of Studio, Skydance Interactive Moderator: Kaare Eriksen, Media Analyst, Variety Intelligence Platform & Luminate
Pierina Merino
Dan Prigg
Eugene Evans
Russell Binder
Kaare Eriksen

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.   Panelists: Sarah Guerrero, Privacy Counsel, NetEase Games Joe Newman, Product, Privacy and Legal Counsel, k-ID Elvis Stumbergs, Senior Counsel, Privacy, Electronic Arts (EA)   Moderator: Emma Smizer, Associate, Interactive Entertainment Group, Frankfurt Kurnit
Elvis Stumbergs
Emma Smizer
Joe Newman
Sarah Guerrero

Networking Break

Sponsored by Greenberg Glusker LLP
Greenberg Glusker

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.   Panelists: Jeff Chaiken, Head of Corporate Development, Skybound Nate Jones, VP, Head of Corporate Strategy & Development, Sony Interactive Entertainment Dara Leung, Managing Director, The Raine Group Antoine Sellam, Director, Gaming & Tech Investment Banking, Bank of America   Moderator: Francesco Di Ianni, Sr. Managing Director, Head of Video Games & Esports Practice, FTI Consulting
Nate Jones
Antoine Sellam
Dara Leung
Jeff Chaiken
Francesco Di Ianni

General Session: Keynote Conversation with Ben Feder, TIRTA Ventures

Join us for a keynote conversation with Ben Feder, Managing Partner of TIRTA Ventures. Ben will be interviewed by Jennifer Reingold, President of Reingold Advisros.   Keynote Speaker: Ben Feder, Managing Partner, TIRTA Ventures   Interviewer: Jennifer Reingold, President, Reingold Advisors
Jennifer Reingold
Ben Feder

2025 Sponsors and Supporters Include:

 

 

Greenberg Glusker LLP | www.greenbergglusker.com

Greenberg Glusker is a full-service law firm in Los Angeles, California with clients that span the globe. Our unparalleled experience at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and intellectual property allows us to provide strategic legal counsel to game developers, publishers, independents and streamers, helping them navigate critical legal matters such as intellectual property protection, derivative rights licensing, entertainment transactions, privacy compliance, venture financing, and litigation. Whether guiding startups through their first agreements or advising industry leaders on high profile deals, our multidisciplinary team delivers cost-effective, practical solutions that empowers our clients to seize opportunities and mitigate risks in this fast-moving and competitive industry. Visit https://www.greenbergglusker.com/ for more information.

 

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.

 

Glaser Weil | www.glaserweil.com

Glaser Weil is a premier law firm headquartered in Los Angeles with outstanding experience and market-leading successes in litigation, corporate, intellectual property, employment and real estate matters. The firm represents both corporations and individuals in their most significant cases and most transformative deals. Since its inception, Glaser Weil’s entertainment attorneys have helped clients maximize their talent, ideas and vision. Its clientele spans emerging talent to established Hollywood creatives and executives, and it is recognized as an industry leader, earning accolades from publications including Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and Chambers for its attorneys’ results-driven approach.

CareerMAGNATE | www.careermagnate.co

CareerMAGNATE by Digital Media Wire is a job site exclusively focused on careers in digital media, games and entertainment from internships to the C-Suite. We provide employers with the opportunity to reach a targeted community of talent from entry level to mid-management to C-Level with cost-efficient job posting packages that won’t bust your budget. For job seekers, we provide resources, including articles and videos with tips and information, as well as a platform to create a profile and be seen by companies looking to fill positions.

 

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.

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.

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.

Video Game Bar Association (VGBA) | www.vgba.org

The VGBA’s mission is to build a vibrant global community of legal professionals supporting the video game industry by providing resources, fostering professional relationships, and supporting the education of its members.

 

Infiom | www.infiom.com

Description coming soon.

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.

 IAEL | www.iael.org

The IAEL was officially founded in 1977 at MIDEM, the main international trade fair of the music business held each January in Cannes. Over the past thirty years, the IAEL has come to fulfil a unique role for lawyers involved in the industry throughout the world. It has expanded enormously in terms of both the numbers of its members and the scope of its activities. Nonetheless, continuity of membership combined with the energy of its officers, past and present, mean that the Association’s style remains distinctly personal.

Women in Games | www.womeningames.org

Description coming soon.

 

Digital LA | www.digitalla.net

Digital LA is LA’s largest digital entertainment networking group, reaching more than 50,000 digital professionals weekly via our newsletter and social media. Attendees include Hollywood executives from movie studios, agencies, game companies, and labels, as well as Silicon Beach startup CEOs, VCs, investors, angels, and more.