On May 22, 2025, the digital entertainment industry gathered at UCLA’s Palisades Ballroom for the annual Digital Entertainment World (DEW) conference. This premier event brought together professionals from media, entertainment, and technology sectors to discuss the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of digital entertainment. Organized by Digital Media Wire, DEW 2025 featured over 20 sessions across three dynamic tracks: Investment & M&A, Creators & Brands, and RightsTech AI.
Keynote Sessions and Panels
The conference commenced with opening remarks from Ned Sherman, Chief Business Affairs & Legal Officer at Skybound, and Jay Tucker, Executive Director of the Center for Media, Entertainment & Sports at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Following the opening, the first general session, titled “The Power of People: Building & Retaining High-Performing Teams in Digital Entertainment,” addressed the challenges of attracting and retaining employees with future-ready skill sets in an industry increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence (AI).
A notable session, “View from the Top: Funding the Future of Digital Entertainment,” explored current trends shaping investment strategies in gaming, digital media, and entertainment. Panelists discussed how venture capital, private equity, and institutional investors are directing their funds, influenced by evolving consumer behaviors and emerging technologies like AI and Web3.
Haiyan Zhang, General Manager of AI Innovation & Science at Xbox, delivered a keynote conversation focusing on the integration of AI in gaming and entertainment. Zhang’s insights highlighted Xbox’s commitment to leveraging AI to enhance user experiences and streamline content creation processes.
Investment and Technology Discussions
The “Investing in Artificial Intelligence for Digital Entertainment” session provided a reality check on the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI across the industry. Experts discussed where companies should focus their efforts and where investors are placing their bets, emphasizing the need for tangible benefits in AI applications.
Another significant discussion, “The Future of Measurement: Unlocking Growth with AI-Driven Insights,” centered on the creator economy’s demand for sophisticated data and analytics infrastructure. Leaders from platforms like CreatorIQ, Traackr, and Grin joined Steph Money, SVP at Edelman AI, to discuss AI-powered planning, cross-platform coordination, and investment strategy in creator marketing ecosystems.
Rights and Creators’ Perspectives
The “Rights, Deals and the Creator Economy: Navigating Ownership in the Digital Era” session examined the complexities of content ownership and rights management in the age of digital entertainment. Panelists discussed strategies for creators and brands to protect intellectual property while fostering innovation and collaboration.
Matthew Dysart, an entertainment partner at Greenberg Glusker, moderated a panel titled “The Rise of the Independent Studio,” which explored the growing influence of independent studios in the entertainment landscape. The discussion highlighted how these studios are leveraging digital platforms to reach audiences directly and compete with traditional media giants.
Networking and Career Opportunities
DEW 2025 also featured high-level networking opportunities, allowing professionals to connect and discuss potential collaborations. The event’s diverse sessions provided insights into various aspects of the digital entertainment industry, from investment strategies to technological innovations and creators’ rights.
As the digital entertainment landscape continues to evolve, conferences like DEW play a crucial role in fostering dialogue, sharing knowledge, and shaping the industry’s future. The discussions and connections made at DEW 2025 are expected to influence trends and developments in digital media, gaming, and entertainment in the coming years.