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.

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.

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.

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.

The games and interactive entertainment industry is thriving, fueled by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and innovative revenue models. From AAA studios and indie creators to virtual worlds, esports, AI, Web3, and immersive storytelling platforms, this dynamic sector presents a wide range of global investment opportunities. This panel brings together top investors, gaming entrepreneurs, and industry experts to examine the key factors driving growth in this exciting space. Discussions will cover emerging trends, evaluating the potential of gaming platforms and ecosystems, user acquisition and retention strategies, and navigating challenges such as IP ownership and increasing market competition.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.