Please join us for our opening session as David Alpert, CEO of Skybound Entertainment ushers in the first ever 2023 LA Games Conference VIP Edition.

Research presentation on investment trends in the game industry by Moritz Baier-Lentz, Partner at Lightspeed Gaming. Presenter: Moritz Baier-Lentz, Partner, Lightspeed Gaming

The global games market was projected to generate $184 billion in 2022, representing a 4% decrease from the previous year representing the first decline in 15 years, with game revenue coming from a mix of subscription services, downloadable content (DLC) and add-ons, as well as in-app or in-game purchase options for virtual items or game-enhancing experiences. This panel of industry leaders will discuss expectations for the industry in 2023 and the trends that are most likely to drive future growth. What does it take to make a successful game for console, mobile, tablets and PC in today’s environment? What genres – adventure/role playing games, puzzles, social games, strategy, simulation and others – are driving growth? How are consumer habits shaping the opportunities for market incumbents and new entrants alike?

As market volatility and the cost of capital have increased, there has been a decline in deal activity and public and private market valuations, but there are also interesting new opportunities arising. This panel of investors and dealmakers will discuss the current environment for dealmaking in the games market and consider the opportunities presented. What are the new opportunities for the long-term oriented strategies focused on innovation in the sector?  What types of deals are being done?

As a global business with revenue of over $184 million, the games market is bigger than the music, film (box office) and publishing businesses combined. It is no wonder then that major movie studios, television networks and gaming studios are increasingly working together to focus on storytelling across mediums with a focus on building long-lasting entertainment franchises that engage audiences through the artful and well-planned use of multiple-media platforms. The panel will discuss the important role that game play and interactivity is playing in the future development of entertainment franchises.

“Games are a rich, expansive medium that allow players to explore the possibilities of other realms and realities. Diversity in these stories, mechanics, and environments allows games to appeal to a wide set of this potential player-base while allowing players to become enriched, inspired, and empowered by these games and the stories within them.” – IGDA 2022 Report Inclusive game design and development “not only empowers players who are often underrepresented, but also creates an impassioned fanbase, distinguishes the game and its design from competitors, and improves both user experience and public perception” (IGDA), offering a huge benefit to companies involved in franchise development to reach fans and audiences. This panel will discuss the steps and considerations from the corporate management team level to the development team level to be taken while designing and developing an inclusive game.

This panel of experts in games marketing and creator economy  will discuss marketing strategies and campaigns for marketing games on different platforms. What are the most effective strategies? What are the metrics that determine success?