GamesBeat Summit: Hollywood and gaming finally unite after a lengthy courtship

At the GamesBeat Summit 2024, industry experts gathered to discuss the growing trend of game-to-show/film adaptations and the evolving relationship between the gaming and film industries. Peter Levin, managing director at Griffin Gaming Partners, led the panel discussion with Josh Yguado, CEO of Jam City; Maureen Fan, CEO of Baobab Studios; and Derek Douglas, head of video games at Creative Arts Agency (CAA).

Yguado emphasized the importance of gaming in entertainment, stating, “I’m a huge believer of gaming being at the very center of what entertainment is.” He expressed surprise that there haven’t been more adaptations of games given the vast amount of beloved characters and worlds that have been created over the years.

Douglas highlighted the shift in Hollywood’s perception of gaming, noting that games were once undervalued compared to film and television. However, recent successes like “The Last of Us” have shown the potential for cohesive and mutually beneficial collaborations between the two industries.

Fan raised the issue of Hollywood’s focus on intellectual property (IP) in games, urging the industry to consider the importance of game mechanics and player engagement. She emphasized the need for a more interactive and inclusive approach to adapting games into traditional media.

Looking to the future, Yguado proposed a more holistic approach to developing entertainment properties, where games and movies are developed in tandem rather than as separate entities. He believes that this integrated approach will lead to a more engaging and immersive entertainment experience for audiences.

The panel discussion at GamesBeat Summit 2024 shed light on the evolving relationship between the gaming and film industries and the potential for innovative collaborations in the future.