Luminaries Speaker Series
Where Gaming's Future Takes Shape
Blue Shield of California Theater at YBCA
March 10-12, 2026, Tuesday – Thursday | 10:30 AM – 4:40 PM
In a historic first for GDC, The Luminaries Speaker Series represents our most impactful leadership offering ever created. This three-day leading-edge program is designed as a high-level forum for senior leaders, investors, marketers, studio heads, publishing executives, and influential decision-makers shaping the future of the global games industry.
What sets this apart: An Intimate High-Level Experience
Programming designed for senior leaders' strategic needs
Every session is designed to deliver actionable market intelligence, foster meaningful partnerships, and explore the creative and business innovations reshaping our industry.
- Tuesday: AI & Emerging Technology
- Wednesday: Investment, Global Expansion, and the Player Ecosystem
- Thursday: Transmedia Opportunities, Player Engagement & Inspiration
Game Changer Access
The Luminaries Speaker Series is exclusive to Game Changer pass holders. Unlock access to gaming's most influential voices and strategic intelligence that's shaping our industry's future.
Luminaries Speakers
Alexandre Moufarek
Product Lead, Inception
Google DeepMind
Bill Kleyman
CEO and Co-Founder
Apolo
Brenda Cruz
Sr. Director of Global Partnerships OOH
AEG World Wide
Brian Ward
CEO
Savvy Games Group
Bryan Catanzaro
VP, Applied Deep Learning Research
NVIDIA
Fran Goncalves
Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sync, Classics, Jazz & Screen
Universal Music Group
Ichiro Otobe
Senior Advisor
McKinsey & Company
Itamar Benedy
CEO and Co-Founder
Anzu
John Spitzer
VP, Development & Performance Technology
NVIDIA
Julien Merceron
CTO
Bandai Namco Studios, Inc.
Justin Scarpone
Executive Vice-President & Global Head of Transmedia
SEGA
Kabir Ahuja
Senior Partner
McKinsey & Company
Mandy Gabriel
Vice President, Film TV & Advertising - Creative
Universal Music Publishing Group
Marcus Liassides
SVP, Global Head of Digital
Mattel, Inc.
Moritz Baier-Lentz
Partner and Head of Gaming
Lightspeed Venture Partners
Sharon Tal Yguado
CEO and Founder
Astrid Entertainment
Zhen Zhai
Associate Director, Applied Science
Blizzard Entertainment