The third annual Gamescom dev leadership summit is scheduled to take place in February in Lisbon, Portugal.
This exclusive event, running from February 24-26, is tailored for C-level executives, founders, and senior decision-makers. Over three days, it will feature six roundtables covering essential topics like studio resilience, evolving business models, and strategies for addressing AI disruption.
Organizers emphasize that this summit differs from typical conferences by promoting confidential, high-level discussions. It provides a platform for senior leaders to openly share insights and collaborate on common industry challenges, with the agenda itself being influenced by the participants.
A press statement from the organization highlighted the summit’s role during a complex period of transformation in the global games industry. The Gamescom dev leadership summit 2026, powered by Xsolla, offers C-suite leaders a unique chance to strategize and define their direction for the upcoming year.
Lars Janssen, host of the Gamescom dev leadership summit and CEO at Deck13, stated that the event has become a reliable forum for strategic thought and open dialogue. He noted its importance for leaders to detach from daily tasks and critically assess the industry’s future trajectory.
The initial keynote speakers confirmed include Pawel Rohleder and Adam Lason from PixelAnt Games, who will discuss regaining creative independence. Dr. Tommy Thompson is also confirmed to speak on the topic of AI and its impact on the games industry.
Additional confirmed speakers, hosts, and panelists for the event are:
- Adam Lason, co-founder at PixelAnt Games
- Allen Murray, VP of production at Studio ZAUM
- Blake Rebouche, lead quest designer at Guerrilla
- Bogdan Draghici, creative cinematic director at Massive Entertainment
- Christion Fonnesbech, founder & head of IP at Leverage
- Dimitri Barabe, production manager – studio operations at Quantic Dream
- Garrett Young, COO / general manager at emptyvessel
- Garry Seto, founder at Massive Damage Games / Electric Ink Games
- Jeferson Valadares, president at Associação de Produtores de Videojogos Portugueses
- Lisa Kretschmer, senior manager global studio strategy at IO Interactive
- Lars Janssen, CEO at Deck 13
- Matt Firor, consultant, form. studio director at ZeniMax Online Studios
- Maria Cornelius, independent advisor & investor (Games & Interactive Entertainment), formerly chief product officer Arrowhead Game Studios
- Marie Mejerwall, consultant & game director
- Pawel Rohleder, co-founder / studio director at PixelAnt Games
- Per Strömbäck, managing director at Dataspelsbranschen – Swedish Games Industry
- Stefanía Halldórsdottir, CEO at Avalanche Studios
- Dr. Tommy Thompson, AI Researcher, game developer at AI and Games
- Tymon Smektala, Dying Light franchise director at Techland
