Pixels to Reality: How Gaming Is Transforming Our World

Dylan Roddy
SXSX 2025 - SJMC Student Media Coverage

The Pixels to Reality: How Gaming Is Transforming Our World panel at SXSW 2025 will bring together top gaming executives, innovators and brand leaders to discuss how gaming is shaping the future of brands, culture and connection.

Julie Piskin is among several experts who will discuss brands in gaming during this discussion. She will be joined by Emerging Tech vice president Laurie Keith, Galderma marketing director Lindsey Scales and Dentsu vice president of solutions innovation Valerie Vacante. 

As head of global partner programs at Roblox, Piskin oversees the growth and management of the Roblox Partner Program, empowering third-party partners to drive brand innovation and expand the global advertising ecosystem. Piskin collaborates with community developers, agencies and resellers to enhance platform education, research, measurement, brand product and content innovation. 

Piskin highlighted SXSW as a key opportunity for those looking to learn and break into innovative fields like the future of the gaming industry.

“Recognition and opportunity comes from general education and acknowledgement,” Piskin said. “SXSW is like a melting of the minds across so many industries and so many amazing people. You’re drawing a great base of people that are interested to learn.” 

This discussion will focus on the evolution of gaming, how brands are enhancing the gaming experience with that change and the strategies companies use to connect with younger audiences.

“Gaming is not new - gaming has been around forever,” Piskin said. “I think what's interesting about this panel is the focus on the evolution of gaming, where we sit today and when you think about how it transforms our world. Gaming is about connectivity and gaming is about immersed experiences.”

Branding and marketing have long been fundamental strategies in the gaming industry, helping to attract and engage users. However, according to Piskin, brands are recognizing the growing importance of brand recognition within emerging gaming communities, particularly among younger audiences.

“Brands are starting to show up on a platform that they can’t show up in the real world,” Piskin said. “So I think when you start thinking about connectivity and you start thinking about engagement, creativity and showing your true self, we’re seeing that happen through gaming.” 

Join the discussion on Sunday, March 9, from 4-5 p.m. in the Manchester GG room at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Austin.

Register for SXSW 2025 to be part of this exciting creative event. For more information on this panel and its speakers go to the SXSW website.