Think Influence Takes the Main Stage at Licensing Expo as Gaming IP Moves Into the Mainstream
Think Influence will join leaders from CD PROJEKT RED, Ubisoft, and Supercell at Licensing Expo 2026 for a main stage conversation on how gaming brands are shaping mainstream entertainment.
Think Influence Takes the Main Stage at Licensing Expo 2026
The panel, “Beyond the Controller: How Gaming Brands Are Shaping Mainstream Entertainment,” will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PST on the License Global Main Stage at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
As gaming continues to influence culture far beyond the screen, the session will explore how game worlds, characters, and communities are expanding into new categories including consumer products, publishing, apparel, collectibles, toys, retail collaborations, television, film, beauty, and location-based experiences.
Think Influence founder Peter Betts will join Nick McWhorter, Global Licensing Director at CD PROJEKT RED; Michelle Wun, Director, Global Consumer Products at Ubisoft; and Andrea Fasulo, Head of Global Licensing at Supercell. The conversation will be moderated by Alissa McAloon, Editorial Director of Game Developer.
Think Influence’s participation reflects the growing importance of community-driven gaming IP, including Roblox-native experiences and creator-led brands that build massive fan communities in real time. As these digital-first brands continue to move into the mainstream, licensing plays a critical role in helping them expand authentically into products, partnerships, and experiences that resonate with fans.
“Video game brands are shaping mainstream culture faster than ever, especially community-driven IP that grows in real time with its audience,” said Peter Betts, Founder of Think Influence. “Licensing now has to move at the pace of digital culture, stay authentic to the community, and create products that feel like natural extensions of what fans already love.”
Licensing Expo 2026 takes place May 19–21, 2026 in Las Vegas, bringing together brands, retailers, manufacturers, licensing agents, and entertainment companies from around the world.
Read the full announcement:
Licensing Expo 2026 to Host Panel on How Gaming Brands Are Shaping Mainstream Entertainment
