Press X to Accept: Licensing in Gaming

Big names. Big brands. Big risks. Behind every iconic character cameo, hit soundtrack, or real-world brand placement in games, there’s a web of complex licensing deals that make it happen - or stop it dead in its tracks. Whether you’re dreaming of celebrity endorsements, memorable crossovers, or adding that perfect song to your game’s most emotional moment, navigating the licensing world is both an art and a legal battlefield.
In this session, we will pull back the curtain on how these deals really work. You’ll hear what it takes to negotiate with Hollywood talent and how smart studios turn brand collaborations into headline-grabbing successes. Expect candid stories, practical advice, and a few cautionary tales about what happens when the paperwork doesn’t quite match the creative vision.

This talk ends at 18:30.

From Concept to Comeback: The Evolution of Crime Boss

The talk explores the journey of transforming a video game concept into a successful product, from idea inception and refining the vision to prototyping and overcoming development challenges such as missed deadlines, shifting goals, and complex bugs. Despite initial poor reviews, 15 regular updates over 27 months ultimately turned Crime Boss: Rockay City into a well-reviewed success.