GamesBeat Crossfire at GDC

Welcome to the debates designed for leaders setting their 2026 strategy

This is the gathering for the industry’s most fearless leaders and thinkers—the ones who understand that the old guard no longer has the reins, and the future of games belongs to those who are willing to disrupt, challenge, and break the mold.

Welcome to the debates that will kick start the inspiration you're looking for to kick off the year.

GamesBeat Crossfire 2026 brings together the industry’s most influential voices for candid, unscripted debates on power, control, and the future of games.

This intimate, invite-only gathering for 200 carefully curated attendees, is designed for unfiltered, unscripted discussions, challenging industry norms in real-time.

Our goal is simple: foster authentic, high-stakes conversations that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the thought processes of gaming's decision-makers.

Why Attend

A must-attend event for industry leaders seeking high-value connections, real opportunities, and the networking to close deals, and validate plans for 2026

Unfiltered Insights & Exclusive Access

Raw, unscripted debates offer an authentic look into decision-making.

A Curated Room of Decision-Makers

This is an invite-only, curated room of executives, founders, and senior leaders across games, tech, and media.

Networking

In just a few hours, Crossfire delivers sharp ideas, new relationships, and a clearer view of where the industry is headed

members are guaranteed entry – you can join here

Member Testimonials

Why Attend

Pulse of the Industry

Dealmaking and Financial Trends
Changing Game Infrastructure
PC, Console, and Mobile Markets

Emerging Trends

AR/VR & Immersive Technology
Creator Economy & UGC
Esports, cloud gaming, and more

People & Culture

The Creators Behind the Games
Game Industry Culture
Executive Movements

70%

Director+

41%

C-Level

Networking

The Debates

Power Shifts: Who Really Controls the Future of Games?

The game industry is in the middle of a fundamental reset. Power is shifting—between platforms and creators, technology and talent, scale and sustainability. Decisions once made by publishers are now shaped by platforms, data, and emerging technologies, while studios of every size are being forced to rethink how games are built, funded, and discovered.

Debate #1
Should game studios dive into the AI opportunity, or take a more measured approach?

AI offers game studios an unprecedented opportunity to cut costs and increase their efficiency, but diving into the technology headfirst could come with risks, too.

Speakers: Details Coming Soon

Debate #2
Are UGC platforms like Roblox and Fortnite the most viable path forward for independent studios?

The next crop of indie game developers is coming out of game platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. But is this the best path forward for any independent game studio in 2026?

Speakers: Details Coming Soon

Debate #3
Is the increasingly central role of platforms good for the gaming industry?

Game studios are increasingly working with platforms to publish and distribute their work. Is this a genuine opportunity, or are platforms just capturing business that would previously go to traditional studios and publishers?

Speakers: Details Coming Soon

Debate #3
The Mid-Tier Is Dead—and the Industry Killed It

Why rising costs, shifting expectations, and market dynamics have put AA development under existential pressure.

Speakers: Details Coming Soon

Debate #4
Platforms Have More Power Than Publishers Ever Did

How control over discovery, monetization, and visibility is reshaping who truly holds leverage in the game industry.

Speakers: Details Coming Soon

Closing Panel
After the Crossfire: Where Does Power Actually Land?

A reaction of the night’s debates, focusing on where power is actually shifting—and what that means for the next wave of decisions in games.

Speakers: Details Coming Soon

Get ready to embark on a captivating journey that transcends screens and controllers as we explore the dynamic relationship between pixels and pop culture.

This special event is your passport to a world where gaming’s influence extends far beyond gaming itself, forging a path into the future that promises innovation, creativity, and cultural transformation.

CTRL Hollywood:
Powering the Next Entertainment Revolution

At the intersection of games, storytelling, and technology, a new creative class is rising — one that’s diverse, visionary, and unafraid to break the rules.

Join GamesBeat at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on December 11, 2025, for CTRL Hollywood — a half-day insider event exploring how game engines, AI, and interactive formats are transforming entertainment. From game studios launching film projects to Hollywood producers embracing interactivity, we’ll dive into the creative and cultural revolution unfolding now.

CTRL Hollywood: Powering the Next Entertainment Revolution

At the intersection of games, storytelling, and technology, a new creative class is rising — one that’s diverse, visionary, and unafraid to break the rules.

We’ll spotlight the women, emerging talent, and underrepresented voices who are reshaping what entertainment looks like — and who gets to lead. Through candid conversations, tactical insights, and high-level networking, CTRL Hollywood brings together the pioneers driving the next era of immersive storytelling.

1

Day

250+

Attendees

8

Sessions

20+

Speakers

Session Topics

Call of Duty: A Cultural Phenomenon – How the iconic franchise transcends gaming and shapes pop culture.

The Art of the Deal: Negotiating Strategies for Game Developers and Media Partners – Learn from the experts how to navigate the complex and competitive landscape of dealmaking for games and other media.

From Pixels to Screen: The Challenges and Opportunities of Game Adaptations – Explore the creative and technical aspects of transforming games into movies, TV shows, comics, and more.

Building Beyond: Designing Immersive and Innovative Experiences for the Future – Discover how game developers are pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling to create new and engaging experiences for players and audiences.

Diversity Matters: How Inclusion and Representation Can Boost Game Culture – Hear from diverse voices in the game industry how they are breaking stereotypes and creating positive change for game culture and society.

The Film-Game Connection: How Movies and Games Influence and Inspire Each Other – Analyze the similarities and differences between films and games, and how they can benefit from each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

AI and Games: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming the Game Industry – Learn how AI is enhancing game design, development, and distribution, and what are the implications and opportunities for game creators and players.

Who Attends?

Past Games & Hollywood events have brought together senior executives from leading film and TV studios, top game publishers, streaming platforms, talent agencies, production companies, and investment firms—making GamesBeat the place where Hollywood and games connect to shape the future of storytelling, IP, and cross-industry collaboration. Below is a sample of job titles and brands represented at previous events.

Job Titles

Chief Executive Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Marketing Officer
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Information Officer
Chief Commercial Officer
Founder
Head of Innovation
Head of Gaming

President of Production
Head of Content Development
Chief Creative Officer
SVP, Global Franchise Management
Executive Producer
Head of Licensing & Partnerships
President, Music Partnerships
Head of Studio
Investor

Director of Marketing
Head of Digital Gaming
SVP, Strategy & Brand
Chief Digital Officer
Head of Media & Entertainment
Director of Digital Innovation
Vice President, Marketing
Chief Product Officer
Chief Customer Officer

Head of Original Soundtracks
Director of Sync Licensing
VP, Interactive Media
Head of Artist Partnerships
Chief Audio Officer
Head of Franchise Strategy
VP, Brand Partnerships & Collaborations
Director, Immersive Media

Brands

Venue

GRAMMY Museum. Located in L.A. Live

800 West Olympic Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Welcome to the debates designed for leaders setting their 2026 strategy

Welcome to the debates that will kick start the inspiration you're looking for to kick off the year.

Our goal is simple: foster authentic, high-stakes conversations that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the thought processes of gaming's decision-makers.