Excitement is building in the gaming community as GamesBeat Next 2024 approaches, taking place on October 28-29 in the vibrant city of San Francisco. This year’s theme, “Back to Growth,” resonates especially in a landscape that has seen its share of ups and downs. Among the highlights, Tim Sweeney, the visionary CEO of Epic Games, will join us as a special virtual guest speaker. His insights will be invaluable as we dive into discussions about the evolving landscape of the metaverse.
Sweeney’s journey towards the open metaverse isn’t a new narrative; in fact, he has been articulating this vision since 2015, inspired by the groundbreaking ideas presented in Neal Stephenson’s classic novel “Snow Crash.” It’s fascinating to consider how far we’ve come since then, especially when you reflect on how the pandemic sparked renewed interest in virtual interactions. The peak of this enthusiasm came in 2021 when Mark Zuckerberg rebranded Facebook to Meta, a bold move that ignited conversations about a closed metaverse. However, resistance grew against this idea, leading to the establishment of initiatives like Lamina1, co-founded by Stephenson himself, to promote a more open digital landscape.
During our virtual fireside chat, we will examine the strides made toward achieving an open metaverse and why such platforms are essential for its success. This conversation will set the stage for deeper discussions about technology that impacts gaming, a core focus of GamesBeat Next.
The conference promises to be a melting pot of ideas and innovations, especially for game engine makers—the very backbone of game development. Matthew Bromberg, CEO of Unity, will speak in person, aiming to regain the trust of developers after a controversial price increase last year. His swift decision to cancel that increase and replace it with a more predictable pricing structure underscores his commitment to stability and performance in the upcoming Unity 6 game engine.
Adding to the lineup, Juan Linietsky, co-founder of W4 Games and the driving force behind the open-source Godot engine, will share his experiences and insights. Linietsky’s background as a veteran entrepreneur in the game industry positions him as a key advocate for expanding the role of open-source solutions in gaming.
As we gear up for this event, the anticipation grows around the diversity of voices and perspectives that will be represented. Over the years, GamesBeat has been dedicated to the heart and soul of gaming, focusing on education and collaboration among industry leaders. This year is no exception, as we strive to create a sustainable and inclusive environment for all who find joy in game development.
A unique feature at GamesBeat Next is the Women in Gaming Breakfast, returning for its ninth year and sponsored by Xsolla. This initiative highlights the importance of increasing gender representation within the industry, especially as the 2024 State of the Game Industry report revealed stagnant numbers regarding women’s roles. Companies like Skydance Games are taking proactive steps to change this narrative by fostering inclusive workplaces where diverse voices can thrive.
The event will also host a series of roundtables, allowing for intimate discussions among smaller groups. These sessions are designed to encourage networking and deeper conversations about the future of gaming. With three stages running simultaneously, attendees can expect a wealth of content that covers everything from the latest technological advancements to emerging trends in venture capital.
A highlight of the conference will be the second annual Game Changers celebration, recognizing the most innovative startups in the gaming sector. Led by Moritz Baier-Lentz of Lightspeed Venture Partners, this celebration not only honors these startups but also provides them with a platform to showcase their work to a broader audience, including the chance to appear on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square—a thrilling opportunity for any entrepreneur.
As we prepare for GamesBeat Next, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Last year’s event exceeded expectations, and this year, we aim to further build on that momentum. However, there’s still room for growth, and we encourage sponsors and speakers to join us in making this event even more impactful.
Convene, our venue in the heart of Union Square, will serve as a welcoming backdrop for these discussions. After a successful inaugural event last year, we are excited to return and utilize both the fourth and fifth floors to accommodate our expanded agenda.
With a lineup of all-star speakers and an array of topics designed to inspire and educate, GamesBeat Next 2024 is set to be an unforgettable experience. The gaming industry is continually evolving, and this event will provide a platform for discussions that could shape the future of gaming.
We invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you are a developer, a gamer, or just someone interested in the future of technology, there’s something for everyone at GamesBeat Next. Join us as we explore the intersections of gaming, technology, and community, and together, let’s navigate the path back to growth.