|

2025 Keynotes Include:

Ben Feder

Managing Partner,
Tirta Ventures

2025 Speakers Include:

Mike Vorhaus

CEO
Vorhaus Advisors

Ned Sherman

Chief Business Affairs & Legal Officer
Skybound

Kyu Lee

Chief Business Development Officer
COM2US

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)

Dara Leung

Managing Director
Raine Group

Andrew Sheppard

Managing Director
Transcend Fund

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

SVP, Business Development & Digital Licensing
Wizards of the Coast, Hasbro

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

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.
 

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.
 

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.

 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.