Gaming Brunch: The Changing Face of Play Presented by Activision Blizzard Media

On May 14, 2025, industry leaders, marketers, and creatives gathered at the Skirball Cultural Center for ThinkLA’s Gaming Brunch, themed The Changing Face of Play. The event explored gaming's evolution from niche hobby to dominant entertainment force, outpacing music, film, and streaming combined. Attendees kicked off the day with networking, breakfast, and a lively trivia game, before diving into a keynote from DISQO’s Neil Graham, who shared fresh insights on in-game advertising formats, measurement, and the need for non-disruptive brand experiences. Presentations from Activision Blizzard, Zynga, and WEBTOON followed, offering a glimpse into how gaming ecosystems are unlocking new value for advertisers and consumers alike.

The heart of the event lay in three thought-provoking panels. The first tackled commerce and transactions within gaming, with experts from Publicis, Wavemaker, and Zero Code discussing formats like rewarded ads and seamless in-game purchases. Panel two explored creative integration, from IP-driven storytelling to influencer partnerships, emphasizing that gamers welcome brands that add to, rather than interrupt, their experiences. Finally, panel three looked ahead, with voices from UTA, 160over90, and gnet unpacking the future of brand synergy through immersive, interactive campaigns and creator collaborations. Across all sessions, one message was clear: brands must engage gamers authentically, and with a deep respect for the culture of play.

The event was made possible by an incredible team of volunteers, speakers, and sponsors. Activision Blizzard led the day as our Presenting Sponsor, with Zynga Ads, WEBTOON, and Overwolf Ads adding valuable spotlights and experiences. Admazing fueled us with espresso (and some great giveaways), while Cadent, AdTheorent, and Liquid Advertising supported production and creative. As we closed with mimosas, prizes, and more networking, the takeaway was undeniable — the future of marketing is playable, participatory, and powered by gamers. Thank you to everyone who joined us to level up the conversation.

Photo Album

 

 

Highlight Reel
 

Speakers

• Neil Graham, Chief Revenue Officer, DISQO

• Stephanie Hawkins, Director, Gaming, Wavemaker

• Dario Raciti, Director, Zero Code

• Samantha Lim, SVP, Gaming Strategy, Publicis

• Misha Mukherjee, SVP, Universal McCann

• Chris Erb, Founder, TripleClix

• Wes Morton, CEO and Co-Founder, Creativ Comany

• Bill Young, Head of Games, Twitch and BPS, Amazon

• Chris Younger, President, Ayzenberg Group

• Ben Cheung, Director of Strategy, gnet

• Jeff Barash, Sr Director, Brand Partnerships, 160over90
   

Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners

Presenting Sponsor

Spotlight Sponsors

 

Beverage Sponsor

Espresso Cart Sponsor

 

 

Creative Sponsor

Meet Our Committee Members