adminThe gamescom dev leadership summit 2026 was scheduled to bring senior games-industry leaders together in Lisbon, Portugal, for three days of strategic discussion. Its announced programme focused on studio resilience, future business models and the effects of AI on the industry. The event was designed for executives and decision-makers seeking time to consider longer-term challenges beyond day-to-day operations.
Image credit: gamescom
What the gamescom dev leadership summit 2026 covered
The summit’s third edition was scheduled for February 24–26 in Lisbon. Organizers planned six roundtables across the three-day programme, with discussions addressing how studios can strengthen their operations, prepare for changes in the market and respond to AI disruption.
Rather than following the format of a conventional conference, the summit was described as a confidential setting for senior-level discussion. Its agenda was to be shaped by attendees, giving participants a chance to exchange perspectives on shared business and creative challenges.
Practical takeaway: Leaders considering similar discussions can get more from a roundtable by identifying a specific challenge in advance, such as sustaining a studio through changing market conditions or assessing where AI may affect existing workflows.
Keynote speakers and themes
The first announced keynote speakers were Pawel Rohleder and Adam Lason of PixelAnt Games, along with Dr. Tommy Thompson. The planned sessions included a discussion about regaining creative independence and a session on AI and the games industry.
The announced speaker group also included studio leaders, producers, game developers, consultants and industry representatives. Their varied roles reflected the summit’s emphasis on both creative and operational questions.
Announced speakers, hosts and panelists
- 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 and 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 and former studio director at ZeniMax Online Studios
- Maria Cornelius, independent advisor and investor in Games & Interactive Entertainment, formerly chief product officer at Arrowhead Game Studios
- Marie Mejerwall, consultant and 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 and game developer at AI and Games
- Tymon Smektala, Dying Light franchise director at Techland
Why the summit’s focus matters to games studios
Resilience and future planning are relevant to studios of different sizes because business decisions can affect production, staffing and a team’s ability to retain creative control. AI adds another strategic consideration: leaders need to evaluate potential uses and risks in relation to their own projects, rather than assume one approach will fit every studio.
The gamescom dev leadership summit 2026 was presented as a space for executives to step back, compare experiences and consider their priorities for the year ahead. Since the announced dates were February 24–26, 2026, readers should verify the event’s current status and any follow-up information before making plans.
