Gaming Leaders Strauss Zelnick of Take-Two, Xbox's Phil Spencer Join TheGrill 2021

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(From left to right): Strauss Zelnick, Phil Spencer and Sharon Waxman

Gaming Leaders Strauss Zelnick of Take-Two, Xbox’s Phil Spencer Join TheGrill 2021

Video game industry heavyweights will join TheWrap’s editor in chief Sharon Waxman for a fireside chat on the rapid rise and future of the industry Sept. 29-30

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick and Xbox head Phil Spencer join TheGrill to discuss the explosive growth of gaming during the pandemic and what it means for the future of the industry. 

According to Nielsen company SuperData’s 2020 year in review, more than half of Americans turned to videogames during lockdown with market revenue increasing to $139.9 billion, 12% growth from the previous year. This resulted in an unprecedented surge in consumer demand and disruption, as the industry was forced to overcome new challenges and consumption habits. Looking forward, will gaming companies be able to convert these casual gamers into long-term customers? Will growth trends continue? Zelnick and Spencer join TheWrap editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman to discuss. 

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The top gaming executives will join a stellar line-up of industry dealmakers who will be speaking at this prestigious event including Netflix global film head Scott Stuber; Hello Sunshine dealmakers Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs; Jeff Sagansky, Partner in Eagle Equity Partners; Faiza Saeed, Presiding Partner, Cravath, Swaine & Moore; “Black-Ish” executive producer E. Brian Dobbins; “Hacks” showrunner Lucia Aniello; “The L Word: Generation Q” showrunner Marja-Lewis Ryan; actress and trans rights activist Carmen Carrera; “Spin” director Manjari Makijany; WarnerMedia SVP of equity and inclusion Samata Narra and Hidden Empire Film Group CEO Deon Taylor.

For over a decade, TheWrap’s Grill event series has led the conversation on the convergence between entertainment, media and technology, bringing together newsmakers to debate the challenges and opportunities facing content in the digital age. Tailored to C-Suite and high-level attendees, TheGrill presented by WrapPRO, delivers a unique series of curated discussions, industry panels and virtual networking activations that explore the ever-changing media landscape.

This two-day event will be live-streamed September 29-30 and will be available exclusively on-demand via WrapPRO, a member community for professionals in entertainment, media and technology. Click here to become a WrapPRO member for access to TheGrill as well as exclusive entertainment coverage, insights and invites to virtual events/screenings throughout the year. 

Strauss Zelnick is chairman and CEO of Take-Two Interactive, applying sound financial infrastructure and rigor to enable the industry’s top creative talent to pursue their passions and deliver incredible entertainment experiences for consumers across the world. Strauss has been instrumental in establishing a strong corporate culture that is diverse, inclusive, and respectful, and is driven by Take-Two’s mission to be the most innovative, creative, and efficient entertainment company in the world. 

In addition to being the head of Xbox, Phil Spencer is also executive vice president of gaming at Microsoft. In this role, Spencer is accountable for leading Microsoft’s gaming business across all devices and services. With his team and game development partners, Spencer continues to push the boundaries of creativity, technical innovation and fun across gaming genres, audiences and devices. Prior, Spencer served as corporate vice president, Microsoft Studios, and GM, Microsoft Game Studios EMEA. 

To learn more about TheGrill go to, www.thewrap.com/the-grill-2021/ 

Event sponsors include Gerber Kawasaki, Known, City National Bank, Loeb & Loeb, Take-Two Interactive, RIAA, Sony, IMAX and Lionsgate.