The gamescom dev leadership summit 2026 returns next month in Lisbon, Portugal with a wide panel of experts and professionals in the videogame industry discussing the latest trends and issues.

The summit, powered by Xsolla, will run from 24^th – 26^th of February where C-suite leaders can reflect and prepare for this coming year, as the industry has had one of the most complex transformations due to AI disruption, major layoffs from AAA companies and more.

Among those speaking at the three-day program are Pawel Rohleder & Adam Lason of PixelAnt Games who will talk about regaining creative independence, and Dr. Tommy Thompson who will discuss the use of artificial intelligence and what it may do to the industry.

Host of the gamescom dev leadership summit and CEO at DECK13, Lars Janssen stated in a press release, the event has grown into a trusted space for strategic reflection and candid exchange.

 “It’s about stepping away from daily operations and thinking critically about where we’re going as an industry.”

Other confirmed speakers, hosts and panellists for this year’s summit are:

•    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 DECK 13
•    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.