David Smethurst

How to Stay Ahead of Cutting Edge Game Technology

Over the last two decades, videogame technology has evolved dramatically, from tightly constrained hardware and bespoke engines to globally connected platforms, shared toolsets and rapid innovation.

In this panel, technology leaders from Sumo Digital and other leading studios will look back at how the industry reached this point, examine the realities studios face today, and discuss what the next wave of change could mean for teams, pipelines and leadership.

Drawing on Sumo Digital’s experience across original IP, co-development, live services, tools, art and R&D, the conversation will explore how past technology decisions continue to shape modern development, and how the choices studios make now will define the next generation of game production. With perspectives from across Sumo’s studios and divisions, alongside voices from major platform and technology partners, the session will combine practical experience with a forward-looking view of the industry.

Hosted by Bastion, the panel will unpack key technology trends, lessons learned from real-world projects, and the realities of building sustainable, future-facing technology strategies in an industry that rarely stands still. The discussion will aim to be honest and pragmatic, looking beyond buzzwords to explore what innovation actually looks like in practice.

Session Takeaway

• A clearer understanding of how past technology decisions continue to influence modern game development.
• Practical insight into the trends currently shaping production and studio operations.
• A more grounded perspective on emerging technologies and how to approach them realistically.
• Real-world lessons from studios and partners working across large-scale game development.

Session speakers