We’re excited to unveil our agenda for our much-anticipated GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conference.
And I’m excited to say that the event is completely sold out.
The half-day event will have a series of cross-industry talks on the convergence of interactive entertainment and mainstream entertainment. The event, emceed by Susanna Pollack, president of Games for Change, will begin with a breakfast session starting at 8 a.m. on December 12 and will run through 1 p.m. Pacific time at the Clive Davis Theater at the Grammy Museum at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles.
It is not affiliated with The Game Awards, but it will take place a stone’s throw away and on the same day so that visitors can make the most of their time in Los Angeles. We’ll have plenty of time for networking with our audience of movers and shakers in the game industry. (If you have signed up and can’t make it, please let us know as that will open up a spot for someone else).
Our theme — the intersection of Hollywood and games
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the lines between different mediums blur more than ever. We will explore this dynamic convergence, highlighting how the worlds of film, music, television, and video games are increasingly interwoven. This year’s theme, “The Intersection of Hollywood and Games,” focuses on the rich and collaborative relationships that have formed between these industries, driving innovation, creativity, and cultural impact. Attendees will gain insights into how these collaborations are shaping the future of entertainment, providing unique experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.
The run of show
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Doors open for registration/breakfast. Introduction by emcee Susanna Pollack, president of Games for Change
8:55 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome by Dean Takahashi, lead writer for GamesBeat
9:00 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
Women in gaming and Hollywood
Erika N. Ewing, creative lead for Lionsgate Games; Bridget Stacy (moderator), VP of marketing for Xsolla; Amanda Kruse, Head of Film & Television at Devolver Digital and Head of Business Development at Big Fan, the Devolver publishing label
9:25 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.
From Mods to Mainstream: How User-Generated Content is Shaping the Future of Gaming and Media
The rise of user-generated content is revolutionizing the way games and media are created, consumed, and expanded upon. This session will explore the evolution of transmedia storytelling and the growing role of mods as catalysts for IP growth and longevity, while also delving into how mods and other user-generated content (UGC) experiences are redefining the future of gaming. Games like Roblox, Fortnite, and ARK: Survival Evolved have successfully tapped into community-driven creations to extend their lifespans, deepen player engagement, and drive revenue. Additionally, we’ll explore how brands can embrace UGC to connect with gamers through authentic and immersive experiences.
Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf
Nick Tuosto (moderator), cofounder of Griffin Gaming Group and founder of GoodGame Advisors
Nate Spell, CEO of Barrier Four
Eugene Evans, SVP of digital strategy and licensing at Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast
9:55 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
The Golden Age of Adaptation: Why Movies and TV Series Inspired by Gaming IPs are Thriving
We’re living in the best time ever for movies and TV adaptations of interactive entertainment! Whether it’s your favorite video game becoming a blockbuster film or inspiring a pop culture-shifting streaming series, adaptations are everywhere—and increasingly higher quality. This panel dives into why now is the perfect moment for these creative mashups, the magic of bringing stories to life in new ways, and the wild ride of turning games into movies or the next hit show. Join us for a fun look at how these two worlds are colliding like never before!
Tasha Hou, showrunner, Tomb Raider Animated Series
Jacob Robinson, CEO of TV/Animation house Line Mileage, executive producer for Tomb Raider
Dmitri Johnson, cofounder of Story Kitchen
Moderator: Amanda Kruse, Head of Film & Television at Devolver Digital and Head of Business Development at Big Fan, the Devolver publishing label
10:20 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Cracking SVOD and the Silver Screen: How video games became Hollywood’s newest obsession
Matthew Ball interviews two of the pre-eminent producers of Hollywood video game adaptations, Roy Lee (Minecraft, God of War, Bioshock, It, The Departed, Godzilla vs. Kong, Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer) and Carter Swan (The Last of Us, Twisted Metal, Uncharted, God of War, Ghost of Tushima) about staying true to fans, navigating the differences between linear and non-linear mediums, and the growing role of gamemakers in the creative process.
Matthew Ball, CEO of Epyllion
Carter Swan, senior producer of IP expansion at PlayStation at Sony
Roy Lee, founder of Vertigo Entertainment and lead on God of War film adaptation
10:45 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.
Break
11 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
Bringing Brands & Celebrities into the new world of Gaming
Brands and celebrities are entering and interacting with games like never before. The Sandbox is one of the leaders of this intersection, having worked with over 400 top brands, celebrities, and IPs including the likes of Gucci, Snoop Dogg, Attack on Titan, King Kong, Paris Hilton, and many more. The Readyverse, co-founded by the creator of Ready Player One, counts names such as FIFA, Reebok, and Warner Bros Discovery as part of its new gaming experience, OPEN. Learn more about what attracts partners to these platforms that are re-defining the gaming genre as well as the innovative ways they work together
Sebastien Borget, COO and cofounder of The Sandbox
Adam Orth, chief producer officer of Readyverse Studios
Sibel Sunar (moderator), founder of Fortyseven
11:25 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
The Craft of Adaptation: Bringing Game IP to Life on TV
Explore the art and strategy of adapting beloved game worlds for television. Sharon and Scott will discuss what makes a game suitable for adaptation, how to select the right creative partners, and the unique challenges and opportunities in translating interactive experiences to a linear format. Gain insider perspectives on the differences between film and TV development, lessons learned from the acclaimed Fallout adaptation, and what it takes to forge strong partnerships between game developers and TV production teams. Learn how to bridge the gap between gaming and TV audiences, creating a cohesive, engaging experience for both communities.
Sharon Tal Yguado, founder and CEO of Astrid Entertainment
Scott Farris, Sr. Development Executive, Amazon MGM Studios & Prime Video
11:50 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Why games are working, and will continue to work, for Hollywood
Ari Arad is a Hollywood producer, first helping to bring superheroes to the big screen. Now, he’s focusing on helping adapt many of the biggest gaming franchises in the world. In this fireside chat, Ari will discuss why gaming is finally working in Hollywood despite the challenges of making the leap across severely different media.
Ari Arad, cofounder and president at Arad Productions, maker of films like Uncharted and Borderlands
Mike Minotti, managing editor of GamesBeat
12:10 p.m. – 12:35 p.m.
How Scopely’s operating system powers a “learning machine” culture
Join Eunice Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Scopely, the No. 1 mobile games company in the U.S., as she shares insights into how Scopely has built a world-class team that excels in a globally distributed and cross-cultural environment. Renowned for its iterative and innovative approach, Scopely’s unique “operating system” and constant “learning machine” mindset empower teams across time zones and disciplines to drive success. This philosophy has shaped an award-winning portfolio of games, including the fastest game to reach $3 billion in revenue and the most successful mobile game launch ever, Monopoly Go! along with Star Trek Fleet Command, Marvel Strike Force, Stumble Guys, and more.
Eunice Lee, COO of Scopely;
Shelby Moledina, film director, Glowy Pixels Entertainment
12:35 p.m. – 12:59 p.m.
From 2024 to 2025: What’s Next For Video Gaming
Matthew Ball, CEO of Epyllion
Dean Takahashi, lead writer for GamesBeat
12:59 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Closing remarks
Dean Takahashi, lead writer for GamesBeat
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