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March 9-13, 2026
Moscone CenterSan Francisco, CA

Agenda

Unlocking the Next Billion Gamers: Where the Industry Is Growing and Why (Presented by Testronic)

Sharon Baylay-Bell  (Chief Executive Officer, Testronic)
Location: Room 2000, West Hall
Date: Wednesday, March 11
Time: 2:50 pm - 3:20 pm
Pass Type: Festival Pass, Game Changer Pass - Get your pass now!
Audience Level: Intermediate
Track: Business Strategy
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: Not Recorded
Audience Level: Intermediate
Testronic

Player growth is accelerating across regions once considered secondary, reshaping the global landscape of game development, publishing, live operations and associated industry services. This session will explore where the next billion players are emerging – and the market, cultural, and technological forces driving that expansion.

We'll examine fast-rising audiences across MENA, Southeast Asia, LATAM and India: how mobile-first ecosystems, localised business models, and shifting demographics are redefining player expectations; and why cultural relevance, affordability, and accessibility are now essential to global success.

As studios scale into these regions, quality and trust matter more than ever. Testronic's global Centres of Excellence – including its state-of-the-art Manila studio in the heart of SEA – deliver player-focussed, outcomes-led QA services that ensure cultural alignment, stability, and polished day-one experiences.

Attendees will leave with actionable insight into the opportunities, and operational realities, of building for tomorrow's global audience.

Takeaway

- Where and why the next billion players are emerging
- Key growth drivers across SEA, LATAM, MENA, and India
- Why cultural relevance, accessibility, and trust determine success
- How Testronic's global Centres of Excellence support high-quality launches
- Practical considerations for scaling into new markets

Intended Audience

This talk is for studio leaders, business strategists, and product owners exploring global expansion. It will deliver insights for teams evaluating new markets, evolving player behaviors, and the operational demands of launching culturally aligned, high-quality experiences across emerging regions.