Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Now in its sixth year, State of Play is SXSW’s annual briefing on how games forecast the future of media, tech, and culture. In 2026, the $250B games industry is rebounding — but the bigger story is how play is becoming the new cultural operating system. From musicians and brands building games into their business models to shifting platforms and audience behaviors, this data-driven session reveals where consumers, capital, and creativity are headed next.
About SXSW:
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, SXSW features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, professional development and a variety of networking opportunities. For more information, please visit sxsw.com.
Connect with SXSW:
Website: sxsw.com
Instagram: instagram.com/sxsw
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sxsw
TikTok: tiktok.com/@sxsw
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/sxsw.com
Threads: threads.com/@sxsw
Now in its sixth year, State of Play is SXSW’s annual briefing on how games forecast the future of media, tech, and culture. In 2026, the $250B games industry is rebounding — but the bigger story is how play is becoming the new cultural operating system. From musicians and brands building games into their business models to shifting platforms and audience behaviors, this data-driven session reveals where consumers, capital, and creativity are headed next.
About SXSW:
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, SXSW features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, professional development and a variety of networking opportunities. For more information, please visit sxsw.com.
Connect with SXSW:
Website: sxsw.com
Instagram: instagram.com/sxsw
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sxsw
TikTok: tiktok.com/@sxsw
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/sxsw.com
Threads: threads.com/@sxsw
