Keynotes
We are delighted to welcome two outstanding keynote speakers to the Conference on Games 2026, each bringing unique perspectives at the intersection of games, artificial intelligence, and interactive systems.
Sebastian Risi
Title: On the Ingredients for Artificial Life Forms in Games and Beyond
Sebastian Risi, Sakana AI Labs / IT University of Copenhagen, will present cutting-edge research at the frontier of neuroevolution, creative AI, and biologically inspired intelligence. His work explores how computational systems can generate novel and adaptive behaviors, offering exciting possibilities for the future of game development and AI-driven creativity.
Konrad Tollmar
Title: A decade of SEED: Lessons from 10 years of R&D in Games
Konrad Tollmar, Principal Research Director, SEED at Electronic Arts, will share insights from one of the leading industrial research teams advancing machine learning in games. His work focuses on leveraging large-scale AI systems to transform how games are designed, developed, and experienced, pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
Martin Walfisz
Title: The Rise and Fall of the Games Industry — Is This the End?
Martin Walfisz, founder of Massive Entertainment (now part of Ubisoft), will bring a wealth of industry experience spanning nearly three decades. From scaling a university startup into a world-class studio to shaping the European gaming ecosystem through leadership roles at Thunderful Group and Nordisk Games, his career highlights the powerful intersection of creativity, technology, and strategic growth. Having helped oversee hundreds of millions of euros in investments and supported thousands of developers, he offers a unique perspective on building sustainable success in the global games industry.
Magy Seif El-Nasr
Title: Human-Centered AI: Towards Human Centered Play Analysis, Intervention, and Reflection
Magy Seif El-Nasr, UC Presidental Chair and Professor of Computational Media at the University of California, will present pioneering research at the intersection of game AI, affective computing, and immersive technologies. Her work focuses on leveraging games and VR as tools to address real-world societal challenges, bridging artificial intelligence research with human-centred design and player experience. Through her research on player modelling, adaptive systems, and interactive narratives, she explores how intelligent game systems can better understand and respond to human behaviour, opening new pathways for the use of games in education, health, and social impact.
Carina González
Title: Beyond the Screen: Serious Games with Social Robots and Generative AI
Carina González, Full Professor of Computer Architecture Technology at the University of La Laguna, will present pioneering research at the intersection of serious games, human-computer interaction, and inclusive technologies. With more than two decades of experience in Informatics, her interdisciplinary work bridges Engineering, Education, and Digital Culture, exploring how games and interactive systems can support learning, accessibility, and social inclusion. Through her research on serious games, educational technologies, and human-centred design, she investigates how digital experiences can foster engagement, equity, and meaningful societal impact, offering valuable perspectives on the future of games as tools for learning and transformation.