Abu Dhabi, UAE — October 2025 — The highly anticipated Global Games Show 2025 has officially unveiled its first wave of elite speakers, setting the stage for one of the most influential gaming events of the coming year. Taking place on December 10–11, 2025 at the state-of-the-art Space42 Arena in Abu Dhabi, the event is organized by VAP Group in partnership with Times of Games, with strong support from the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.
Building on its successful inaugural edition, Global Games Show 2025 returns with a bold mission: to redefine the future of gaming, esports, immersive entertainment, and the next generation of digital worlds. The unveiling of this distinguished speaker lineup signals the event’s commitment to thought leadership, industry innovation, and global collaboration.
A World-Class Roster of Visionaries & Industry Trailblazers
The first speakers announced include some of the most influential leaders shaping today’s gaming and Web3 landscapes:
🎮 Dirk Lueth
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Upland
A metaverse pioneer whose work merges digital ownership, gaming, and real-world economics.
🎮 Sébastien Borget
Co-Founder & COO, The Sandbox
A key figure behind the rise of decentralized gaming ecosystems and player-driven experiences.
🎮 Mohammed Yaseen
Founder, Esports & Gaming Association UAE
A central catalyst for esports development in the Middle East, empowering communities and building regional talent pipelines.
🎮 Johnson Yeh
Founder & CEO, Ambrus Studio
Former Managing Director at Riot Games, Greater China — a veteran leader with deep experience in scaling global esports and Web3 gaming.
🎮 Yat Siu
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands
One of the world’s most respected voices in blockchain gaming and digital property rights, driving advancements in NFT-based economies and immersive digital ecosystems.
This lineup reflects the event’s mission to bring together leading thinkers from across gaming, metaverse development, esports, content creation, and decentralized technology.
A Deep Dive Into the Future of Gaming: Themes & Sessions
Attendees can expect a dynamic, research-driven program filled with visionary perspectives and technical exploration, including:
⚡ “Beyond the Game: How Esports Will Define Abu Dhabi’s Tech & Creative Economy”
A forward-looking discussion on the powerful intersection of esports, investment, and national digital strategy.
⚡ “The Future of Gaming Engines: Unreal Engine 6 and the New Era of Photorealism”
A technical examination of next-generation game development capabilities.
⚡ “AI-Generated Game Design: Innovation, Ethics & the Future of Creativity”
A debate on whether AI can augment — or surpass — human imagination in game creation.
⚡ “The Metaverse Effect: Revolutionizing Multiplayer & Virtual Social Experiences”
Insights into how decentralized virtual worlds are shaping the next evolution in gaming culture.
Alongside these sessions, the event will feature live showcases, immersive technology demonstrations, developer workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities bridging gaming studios, publishers, investors, esports organizations, and IP owners.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Position as a Global Gaming Hub
The UAE capital is rapidly gaining global recognition as a powerhouse for gaming and esports. With initiatives such as AD Gaming, twofour54’s creative ecosystem, and rising investment in game studios and digital IP, Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the most strategically important destinations for interactive entertainment.
Hosting the Global Games Show 2025 at Space42 Arena further reinforces the city’s commitment to innovation — offering a technologically advanced venue designed for immersive events and large-scale gaming showcases.
A Milestone for the Industry
Vishal Parmar, CEO of VAP Group, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s speaker lineup:
“The Global Games Show brings together the architects of the future — visionaries who are pushing the boundaries of what gaming can become. This speaker lineup represents the innovation, imagination, and global collaboration that define our industry. Abu Dhabi is the perfect stage for this evolution, and December 2025 will mark a major milestone for gaming worldwide.”
Registration Now Live
Early-bird passes, VIP experiences, exhibitor opportunities, and partnership packages for Global Games Show 2025 are now available.
For the full list of speakers, agenda updates, and registration details, visit:
👉 https://www.globalgamesshow.com/
