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Julian Frommel is an Assistant Professor in Interaction/Multimedia at Utrecht University. In his work, he studies the design and implementation of interactive digital systems that provide enjoyable, meaningful, safe, and healthy experiences for users, often focusing on the benefits and harms of games and game technologies such as artificial intelligence, streaming, and XR. He teaches courses on AI for Game Technology and Serious Games, has given presentations at international conferences (e.g., CHI, CHI PLAY, FDG), and PAX Australia. He has consulted for and worked with game companies like &ranj, Roblox, and ESL FACEIT. He is a member of the CHI PLAY Steering Committee and the Thriving in Games Group (previously Fair Play Alliance). 

Piercen Harbut is the auteur behind the massively popular Roblox title Bee Swarm Simulator. Operating under the alias Onett, he launched the game in March 2018 as his first and flagship experience on the platform. Inspired by simple simulator games, he applied his deep background in building simulation engines and particle systems to create Bee Swarm Simulator.

Alec Kieft is a New Zealand–based game developer and the creative force behind Grandma's Favourite Games, a collective of Kiwi creators making some of the most beloved and widely played experiences on Roblox. Known online as Cracky4, Alec is the mind behind breakout hits like Break In, Break In 2, and the chart-topping 99 Nights in the Forest — a survival adventure game that skyrocketed past 1 billion visits just months after its 2025 release. His games are known for their narrative depth, genre-bending mechanics, and strong appeal to Roblox's creator and streamer community. Alec's approach blends player empathy with design precision. He often credits thoughtful and well-researched development cycles, iteration, and a deep understanding of Roblox's culture as key to his success.

A seasoned expert in both digital operations and national security, Jang Kim currently serves as the Roblox TVE Product Support Manager. His career is defined by over 20 years of experience in military intelligence and counter-terrorism, with a specific focus on the intersection of technology and radicalization. Having spent over half a decade tracking terrorist activity online for the U.S. government, he now applies that rigorous analytical framework to managing complex product support systems in the gaming and tech industry for Roblox.

Regan Mandryk is a Canada Research Chair in Digital Games and Professor of Computer Science at the University of Victoria, Canada. In her research, she innovates games that offer social connections and emotional benefits for players, and combats what undermines those benefits (e.g., toxicity, obsessive passion). Regan teaches game design and player experience evaluation, and led Canada’s first graduate program on games user research. She regularly gives keynotes and presentations at game and technology conferences. She has consulted with various game companies, (e.g., Electronic Arts, Tencent Games, Ubisoft, Roblox), game incubators (e.g., Execution Labs), and indie studios, as she is passionate about making academic research actionable for players, policymakers, and industry professionals.

Dr. Dante Simpson is an acclaimed award-winning Marketing Executive and serial entrepreneur. Simpson is currently the Co-founder and CEO of ESPAT TV, a premium gaming content agency and studio. ESPAT TV is a collaborative, comprised of industry leading production studios, led by Ridley Scott Creative Group and PRG, alongside the talented creatives of Zoic Studios, Petrol, Elite Edge Productions, The Famous Group & Disney’s InWorld. Since ESPAT Studios’ inception, in 2019, its collective has been a part of the gaming cultures most recognizable moments, including development and production of unforgettable immersive experiences (Travis Scott|Fortnite, Lil Nas X|Roblox, Post Malone|Pokemon, Ariana Grande|Rift Tour, etc.), NFL’s mixed-reality activation with Nickelodeon for the 2024 Super Bowl, the award-winning introduction of Balenciaga in the Fortnite metaverse (Grand Clio Award), and trailers and programming for the world’s most recognizable gaming titles.   Previously, Simpson served as the Sr. Vice President of North American Business Development for SonyBMG Music Entertainment, where he led efforts for business development, growth, and campaigning. During his tenure, Simpson developed the division’s strategies into a highly successful revenue-generating business. Prior to SonyBMG, Simpson established himself as an industry leader while serving as Vice President of Business Design and Development for The Gucci Group where he implemented one of the most successful multi-channel marketing campaigns in the high-fashion industry, under the leadership of Creative Director Tom Ford.   Simpson has overseen the rapid growth and expansion of organizations, as well as providing consultation to companies globally. His diverse body of work spans global gaming interests, branded entities, and high-profile influencers - both on content/technical production and campaign matters. Most recently, as co-Producer of CALL OF DUTY: THE FILM, ESPAT channels the high-octane energy and cinematic intensity that have defined a generation of blockbuster storytelling. Under the banner of ESPAT Studios, Simpson leads the creative and production vision for one of the most ambitious game-to-film adaptations ever mounted—where authenticity meets adrenaline. Merging the immersive realism of the legendary video game franchise with large-scale filmmaking, Paramount, Skydance & Activision have positioned CALL OF DUTY as a global entertainment event designed to ignite audiences across film, gaming, and streaming platforms.   Earning a formidable reputation as a trailblazing marketing executive and change-agent in various spaces, coupled with his success at The Gucci Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, and boutique agency DSA Media Group (Associated Press, Sprite, Body Armor, Sony Pictures, Tulum Board of Tourism, iHeart Radio Music Fest, Bud Light and more), Simpson has been referred to as one of the most effective “behind-the-scenes” marketers/builders (according to AdWeek).    Simpson is currently a board member of MMCA (Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association), recipient of the TNJ 40 Under 40, Effie Award winner, Clio Award winner, Billboard “Executives To Watch, Cannes Lions Digital Craft Grand Prix, and Webby Award winner (Super Bowl).   Simpson received his Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University, Master’s degree with cum laude distinction from New York University, and in 2023 received an Honorary Doctorate from Texas Christian University’s Harvest School. Continuing his accolades of 2023, Simpson received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by President Joseph R. Biden, in a ceremony on Capitol Hill.   Born in Rochester (NY) and raised in Atlanta (GA), Dr. Simpson currently resides in New Jersey.

Justin Sousa is Roblox’s Head of Developer Community, where he has spent years building and leading a global network of millions of creators. He works closely with developers across the spectrum of game creation—from persistent worlds and breakout hits to first-time projects and emerging forms of digital culture—helping shape one of the largest creator ecosystems in games.Prior to Roblox, Justin served as a spokesperson and producer at 2K, representing the company and its partners, including Turtle Rock Studios and Gearbox, on stages around the world through major events, launches, and industry presentations.Justin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where his studies explored comparative media and the evolving impact of social gaming and digital culture.

Justin Sousa is Roblox’s Head of Developer Community, where he has spent years building and leading a global network of millions of creators. He works closely with developers across the spectrum of game creation—from persistent worlds and breakout hits to first-time projects and emerging forms of digital culture—helping shape one of the largest creator ecosystems in games.

Prior to Roblox, Justin served as a spokesperson and producer at 2K, representing the company and its partners, including Turtle Rock Studios and Gearbox, on stages around the world through major events, launches, and industry presentations.

Justin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where his studies explored comparative media and the evolving impact of social gaming and digital culture.

Brent Vincent is a Senior Software Engineering Manager at Roblox, leading scripting, performance and optimization and AI tools. With a strong ML, engineering and game development background, Brent is committed to accelerating creation on the Roblox platform.