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March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

Music & Players: The Data, The Art, and Impact

Sebastian Platner  (Senior Director - Creative, Universal Music Publishing Group)
Fran Goncalves  (Senior Vice President, Global Head of Sync, Classics, Jazz & Screen, Universal Music Group)
Mandy Gabriel  (Vice President, Film TV & Advertising - Creative, Universal Music Publishing Group)
Beau Ballew  (Music Licensing Executive, Universal Production Music)
Location: Blue Shield of California Theater, YBCA
Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 3:40 pm - 4:30 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: All
Track: Luminaries Speaker Series
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Not Recorded
Audience Level: All

Music is one of the most transformative elements in game design, capable of shaping player experiences in profound ways. Top executives from Universal Music Publishing Group will delve into the distinct roles of licensed music, original scores, and production tracks, showcasing how each can amplify storytelling, enhance gameplay dynamics, and forge lasting emotional connections. Through real-world examples and compelling data, the panel will reveal how music drives emotion, reinforces identity, and leaves an indelible mark on how players perceive and remember games. Whether you're a developer, designer, or producer, this session will offer invaluable insights into leveraging sound to create deeper immersion and make your games truly unforgettable.

Takeaway

Attendees gain a clear framework for using licensed music, original score, and production tracks to shape emotion, guide player perception, and strengthen game identity. The session provides actionable techniques and offers concrete tools for aligning sound with gameplay tone to create culturally relevant experiences.

Intended Audience

This session is open to anyone with an interest in music and its role in games, including developers, creators, and industry leaders. The content is accessible to all experience levels and focuses on understanding how music shapes emotion, identity, and player connection.