Gamescom’s leadership summit returns next month with a focus on resilience, future-proofing, and “AI disruption”

The third edition of Gamescom’s executive summit will return in February in Lisbon, Portugal.

“Exclusive to C-level, founders, and senior decision-makers,” the event, running February 24-26, will host six roundtables across three days on topics such as studio resilience, future business models, and how to “tackle AI disruption.”

The organizers say that unlike traditional conferences, this summit is designed to foster confidential, high-level exchange, “allowing senior leaders to speak candidly and collaborate with peers on shared challenges.” Furthermore, the agenda is shaped by the attendees themselves.

“In the midst of one of the most complex transformation periods in the global games industry, the gamescom dev leadership summit 2026 powered by Xsolla offers a rare opportunity for C-suite leaders to step back, reflect, and set their strategic direction for the year ahead,” the organization said in a press statement.

“This event has grown into a trusted space for strategic reflection and candid exchange,” said Lars Janssen, host of the gamescom dev leadership summit and CEO at DECK13. “It’s about stepping away from daily operations and thinking critically about where we’re going as an industry.”

Pawel Rohleder and Adam Lason of PixelAnt Games and Dr. Tommy Thompson are the first confirmed keynote speakers, presenting a session on regaining creative independence and AI and the games industry, respectively.

Other confirmed speakers, hosts, and panelists include:

• 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 DECK13
• 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

For more, or to book, head to the official website.