Lightspeed, GamesBeat, and Nasdaq are thrilled to announce the second year of Game Changers, an annual list that recognizes and supports 25 exceptional startups in the gaming and interactive media industry. This initiative aims to celebrate innovation and provide a platform for these startups to excel.
During GamesBeat Summit 2024, held at the Marina del Rey Marriott in Los Angeles on May 20, more details about this year’s program will be revealed. The panel discussion, titled “Lightspeed x GamesBeat Game Changers – Innovations in Gaming & Interactive Media,” will feature industry experts such as Moritz Baier-Lentz (partner at Lightspeed), Sophia Xing (director of product at Inworld AI), Chris Bell (CEO of Gardens Interactive), Jani Penttinen (CEO of Bitmagic), and GamesBeat lead writer Dean Takahashi. The event will also mark the opening of submissions for this year’s list, which will begin in June.
Last year’s Game Changers program witnessed the recognition of remarkable companies like Beamable, Dreamhaven, Gardens, and StatusPro. These startups represented various categories, including game studios, gaming platforms, interactive technology, extended reality (AR/VR/MR), and blockchain & Web3. In addition to their innovative ideas and execution, these companies were also praised for embracing principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
The selection process involved inviting nominations from the gaming and venture communities. All entrants had to be in business for no more than five years and employ no more than 50 full-time employees. From a pool of impressive entries, Lightspeed investors and GamesBeat editors narrowed it down to 100 nominees. A panel of esteemed judges, consisting of C-level executives from prominent gaming companies such as Activision Blizzard, Amazon, Disney, Epic Games, Google, Microsoft, Niantic, and Zynga, among others, then evaluated these nominees to determine the final list of Game Changers.
This year’s Game Changers program promises to be even more exciting and impactful. The panel discussion will delve into topics like the future of gaming for startup game studios, advancements in AI, and other innovations in the gaming industry. With the participation of industry leaders and experts, attendees can gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of gaming and interactive media.
Game Changers serves as a platform for startups to gain recognition, form connections with industry leaders, and drive their businesses forward. By celebrating innovation and excellence, this initiative contributes to the growth and success of the gaming and interactive media industry as a whole.
If you’re passionate about gaming and want to be a part of this dynamic event, make sure to register for GamesBeat Summit 2024. Join us in Los Angeles on May 20-21 to explore strategies, insights, and trends in the ever-evolving gaming industry. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with gaming leaders and learn from the best. Register now!
