(Event News) Games Growth Summit Welcomes New Speakers for June Lineup

Why It Matters

The addition of seasoned operational and talent leaders deepens the summit’s value, giving game studios concrete guidance to accelerate growth and improve workforce effectiveness in a booming market.

Key Takeaways

• Jason Avent brings 20+ years gaming experience.
• Founder of Boss Alien, creator of CSR Racing.
• Emma Smith leads Hestia Talent, HR for studios.
• Summit offers practical scaling and HR strategies.
• New speakers enhance summit’s industry relevance.

Pulse Analysis

The Games Growth Summit has become a pivotal forum for developers seeking to navigate the rapid expansion of the global games market. As revenues surpass $200 billion annually, studios of every size grapple with challenges ranging from funding cycles to talent acquisition. By convening investors, publishers, and operational experts, the summit offers a rare blend of strategic insight and networking that can accelerate a studio’s trajectory. The June edition builds on this momentum, promising fresh perspectives that reflect the evolving economics of interactive entertainment. The agenda also features workshops on live‑ops monetization and cross‑platform publishing.

Jason Avent’s addition to the speaker roster brings a wealth of hands‑on experience that resonates with both indie creators and major publishers. Over two decades, he has contributed to titles at Electronic Arts, Warner Bros, Zynga, and Disney, and later founded Boss Alien, the studio behind the hit mobile racer CSR Racing. His track record of successful exits provides a practical roadmap for entrepreneurs aiming to scale, monetize, and eventually sell their studios. Attendees can expect concrete case studies on product‑market fit, fundraising strategies, and post‑exit integration. He will also discuss emerging trends in live service models.

Emma Smith, founder of Hestia Talent Partners, complements Avent’s product focus with a deep dive into human‑capital strategy. Studios that master HR fundamentals—clear role definitions, performance metrics, and career pathways—are better positioned to retain top talent and sustain growth. Smith’s expertise in simplifying complex organizational challenges offers actionable frameworks for studio leaders confronting rapid scaling or restructuring. By highlighting the intersection of talent management and business development, the summit equips participants with the tools needed to build resilient, high‑performing teams in an increasingly competitive market. Finally, she will share metrics for measuring talent ROI in game development.