– Executive forum creates space for candid leadership conversations –
Cologne, Germany, 04.08.2026 – As games industry leaders continue to navigate market uncertainty, the rapid evolution of AI, and increasingly complex business decisions, gamescom dev will once again host its exclusive leadership summit as part of this year’s conference. Taking place on Monday afternoon, August 24, the forum is reserved for invited guests and holders of the gamescom dev VIP Pass. This intimate executive forum is bringing together founders, studio heads, executives, and decision-makers for an afternoon of candid discussions, strategic perspectives, and peer exchange in a trusted setting designed to encourage open conversations about the industry’s challenges.
Part of the year-round gamescom dev leadership events series, the summit is designed around a simple principle: conversations that shape the industry often happen away from the spotlight.
Hosted by Lars Janssen, CEO of DECK 13 and Chairman of the Board of game – The German Games Industry Association, the afternoon combines keynote presentations, sessions, executive discussions, interactive formats, and dedicated networking opportunities in a deliberately intimate setting, encouraging honest conversations among industry leaders.
“The most valuable leadership conversations rarely happen in front of hundreds of people,” says Lars Janssen. They happen when leaders are able to speak openly with peers about the difficult decisions, uncertainties, and responsibilities that come with leading studios and teams.
Amir Satvat, Business Development Director, Tencent Games and founder of ASGC, opens the program with his keynote “Where Does This End?”, exploring the current state of the games industry following several years of restructuring, studio closures and rapid transformation.
In the fireside chat “The Bets You Can’t Take Back,” Luis Villegas, CTO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, joins Lars Janssen to discuss how technology decisions are made across PlayStation Studios, examining the long-term impact of choices around AI, game engines, live-service infrastructure and studio strategy.
A leadership panel featuring additional industry executives will examine how studios are managing organizational change, shifting business priorities and the growing impact of AI while continuing to support teams through uncertainty. The afternoon concludes with an interactive “Fishbowl” session, allowing every participant to contribute directly to the discussion.
The gamescom dev leadership summit is part of the gamescom dev leadership events series, a year-round program of summits and executive dinners designed specifically for senior leaders across the games industry. Participation is available by invitation and for holders of a gamescom dev VIP Pass, making the summit one of the exclusive executive experiences included with the conference’s VIP offering.
Further speakers, program updates, and networking events for gamescom dev 2026 will be announced in the coming weeks.
About gamescom dev:
gamescom dev is Europe’s leading game developer event, the official developer conference of gamescom, and one of the most important global platforms for developers, publishers, and industry professionals. Throughout the year, gamescom dev provides a space for meaningful exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaboration — always guided by the values of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. gamescom dev and all its branded formats are developed and organized by game events GmbH, a subsidiary of game – the German Games Industry Association.
About gamescom:
gamescom is the world’s biggest leading event for the entire gaming community and industry. gamescom 2026 will take place from August 26 to 30. The event will kick off on August 25, 2026 with gamescom Opening Night Live. In addition, gamescom latam in São Paulo and the gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show in Bangkok will take place over the course of the year. gamescom is jointly organized by Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association.
