The leadership summit for Gamescom developers is set to make a return next month, concentrating on resilience, future-proofing, and the impact of "AI disruption"

The upcoming Gamescom dev leadership summit is set to take place in Lisbon, Portugal, for its third installment in February. Scheduled for February 24-26, this exclusive gathering targets C-level executives, founders, and top decision-makers, featuring six roundtables over three days. Topics will explore studio resilience, evolving business models, and managing AI disruptions.

Organizers emphasize this summit's focus on fostering candid, high-level discussions distinct from standard conferences. It aims to encourage open dialogue and collaboration among senior leaders, with an agenda influenced by the participants themselves.

The organization released a statement highlighting the 2026 summit's role during a significant transition phase in the global gaming industry. Powered by Xsolla, the event provides a chance for industry leaders to pause, reflect, and strategize for the future. Lars Janssen, the summit's host and CEO of Deck13, commented on its evolution into a reliable venue for strategic reflection and open discourse.

Keynote speakers include PixelAnt Games' co-founders, Pawel Rohleder and Adam Lason, and AI researcher Dr. Tommy Thompson, discussing creative independence and AI impacts on the gaming sector.

Additional speakers and panelists are:

• 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, Former Studio Director at ZeniMax Online Studios
• Maria Cornelius, Independent Advisor & Investor in Games & Interactive Entertainment, Former Chief Product Officer at 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 and Game Developer at AI and Games
• Tymon Smektala, Dying Light Franchise Director at Techland

To learn more or make a reservation, visit the official website.