As we gear up for the highly anticipated GamesBeat Next 2024, set to take place on October 28-29 in San Francisco, excitement is in the air! This premier event promises a wealth of high-level insights into the dynamic landscape of the gaming business, which has recently experienced a mix of remarkable financial success and unsettling industry challenges, including a staggering 32,000 layoffs over the past three years.

Despite these uncertainties, we are expecting a sold-out crowd of over 600 attendees, including 150 top CEOs and industry leaders. The conference will feature 97 speakers, with a commendable 65% hailing from diverse backgrounds and 41% being women. We have planned 42 enriching sessions and interactive roundtables aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and inclusivity in gaming.

One notable highlight is the ninth Women in Gaming Breakfast, which underscores our commitment to supporting women in the industry amid ongoing mental health challenges faced by many. Together, we aim to foster a sense of community and resilience.

The theme of this year’s event revolves around revitalizing growth—not just in revenue and player engagement, but also in creating job opportunities for game developers. We'll delve into emerging technologies, such as advanced game engines and the rise of community-driven marketing strategies, as we explore the future of gaming.

Notable returning speakers include Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, who will join us virtually to discuss the evolution of the metaverse, as well as Neal Stephenson, the visionary author who coined the term "metaverse." Their discussions promise to shed light on the latest advancements in this expansive digital frontier and share thoughts on the future.

In addition, we are thrilled to feature Shawn Layden, former chairman of Sony Interactive Studios, alongside Christina Macedo, CEO of Play. They will explore the significance of quality game development, particularly in the context of emerging Web3 technologies.

Day one will also recount nostalgic moments with Peter Moore, a seasoned gaming executive famous for launching Sega's Dreamcast in the U.S. Moore will draw on his diverse experiences at leading companies like Microsoft Xbox and EA to inspire the next generation of gaming leaders. Moreover, Matthew Bromberg, the new CEO of Unity, will discuss navigating challenges surrounding Unity’s recent pricing controversies.

Kicking off the conference, Entertainment Software Association CEO Stanley Pierre-Louis will engage with Laura Naviaux Sturr, General Manager at Amazon Games, on innovative growth strategies and connecting gaming franchises with new generations.

Day two starts with an insightful session at the Women in Gaming Breakfast, featuring Dametra Johnson-Marletti, a corporate VP at Microsoft, who has played a pivotal role in scaling revenue in digital gaming significantly. She will address career development and the vital importance of diversity and retention in crafting the future of gaming leadership.

Throughout the event, attendees can attend various panels covering critical topics such as mobile monetization, ethical AI use in game development, and groundbreaking discussions around diversity in gaming—all led by esteemed industry names.

As the conference comes to a close, Lightspeed and GamesBeat will present the 2025 Game Changers, celebrating trailblazing startups in gaming. Excitingly, the winners will be revealed live on stage, continuing an annual tradition of recognizing excellence in emerging gaming technology.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for our upcoming event on December 12 in Los Angeles, coinciding with The Game Awards. Titled "GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games," this event will explore the intersection of gaming and film featuring industry leaders and influencers.

In conjunction with our ongoing efforts, we’re thrilled to announce our extended partnership with Xsolla, facilitating global networking opportunities through an upcoming series of dinners in major cities worldwide.

Finally, as we embrace the digital world of gaming, let’s not forget the importance of civic engagement. I encourage everyone to participate in this year’s presidential election, with convenient polling available at Jam City’s headquarters in LA.

We are grateful for the continued support from sponsors and community partners, and we look forward to a groundbreaking event at GamesBeat Next 2024, where the future of gaming unfolds before our very eyes!