Although comic books, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and other superhero goodness are typically at the main focus of the weekend, Comic-Con showcases a wide variety of panels, booths, and activities from all across different fandoms and mediums. The video games space has had a big presence at past shows, and this year is no different.  Check out the definitive list of video game panels happening at San Diego Comic-Con 2023!

Thursday

• Fear and Fungi: The Science of the Last of Us

11:00am – 12:00pm Omni Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th floor

The Last of Us explores a post-apocalyptic world where the Cordyceps fungus has evolved and can turn humans into zombie-like hosts. But it’s all just fiction, right? This panel of experts will help you understand whether a fungal apocalypse is truly possible and answer some burning questions like: How does a fungus turn something into a zombie? Can climate change make us more susceptible to disease and infection? What exactly did the green grape say to the purple grape? Featuring fungi expert Justin Schaffer, ecologist Earyn McGee (Find That Lizard, IF/THEN), biomedical engineer Ana Maria Porras (IF/THEN), forest ecologist Lindsey Rustad (IF/THEN), public health expert Kari Sant, and science education expert Lisa Lundgren (Cosplay For Science). Moderated by science communicator Gabriel-Philip Santos (Cosplay for Science, STEAMpopNetwork).

• Pokemon: Bringing Iconic Animation to Global Audiences

11:45am – 12:45pm Room 6BCF

The Pokémon Company International (TPCi) takes a behind-the-scenes look at how the beloved Pokémon animated series is localized from its original Japanese version to one of the most popular series enjoyed by international audiences. In a panel moderated by streamer and comic book writer Meghan Camarena (also known as Strawburry17), TPCi’s Taito Okiura (vice president of marketing and business development), Andy Gose (senior director of media production), and Hilary Thomas (senior producer) will discuss optimizing the series for global viewers, provide fans with a sneak peek at the special collection of episodes that will conclude Ash and his Pikachu’s 25-season storied journey in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, and share new behind-the-scenes insights regarding the highly anticipated Pokémon Horizons: The Series coming soon to fans around the world.

• Into the Pinverse: From Comic Book to Pinball Machine, the Making of Stern Pinball’s Newest Game

2:30pm – 3:30pm Room 29CD

This panel will feature a moderated Q&A with Stern Pinball’s Seth Davis (CEO), Zach Sharpe (head of marketing), and Brian Eddy (lead game designer). The conversation, led by GameSpot host Tamoor Hussain, will center around the art and design process for their newest pinball machine to be announced at SDCC, as well as Stern’s larger focus on changing the landscape of the gaming industry as a whole. Key takeaways for those in attendance will be knowledge of the components of a great license from a company that’s licensed some of the world’s hottest brands, how an IP is turned into iconic pinball machines that appeal to fans and collectors alike, and a deep-dive into the creation of Stern’s newest major release.

• Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Symbiotic Relationships

2:30pm – 3:30pm Hall H

Insomniac Games’ creative director Bryan Intihar, game director Ryan Smith, narrative director Jon Paquette, and senior art director Jacinda Chew are joined by actors Yuri Lowenthal (Peter Parker), Nadji Jeter (Miles Morales), Laura Bailey (Mary Jane Watson), and Tony Todd (Venom), along with VO and creative director Bill Rosemann from Marvel Games, to discuss the upcoming PlayStation 5 game. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Insomniac Games’ take on the monstrous Venom and how the symbiote plays a role in the sequel to the hit PlayStation games Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

• Peacock’s Original Comedy Series Twisted Metal

3:15pm – 4:15pm Ballroom 20

Get an exclusive sneak peek at Peacock’s new original comedy series Twisted Metal. Based on the classic PlayStation game series, Twisted Metal is a high-octane action comedy based on an original take by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick (Deadpool) and written by Michael Jonathan Smith (Cobra Kai), about a motor-mouthed outsider offered a chance at a better life, but only if he can successfully deliver a mysterious package across a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The ten-episode series stars Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Thomas Haden Church, with Will Arnett and Joe Seanoa, and guest stars Neve Campbell and streams only on Peacock on July 27.

• Doom Guy: The Man, the Myth, the Legend

4:00pm – 5:00pm Room 25ABC

The godfather of the first-person shooter genre and one of the most influential Indigenous and Latino technologists and game developers, John Romero (DOOM) shares how he innovated industry-redefining breakthroughs in design and tech in games like DOOM, Quake, and Wolfenstein 3-D, paving the way for games like Minecraft, Call of Duty, Gears of War, and Fortnite. Romero will share stories from his new memoir DOOM Guy for the first time and discuss his difficult childhood and storied career. He’ll shed new light on the development of his games and his business partnerships, from the highest highs to the lowest lows, right up to today. Romero will be in conversation with David L. Craddock (director of the upcoming documentary FPS: First Person Shooter; author, Long Live Mortal Kombat, Stay Awhile and Listen).

• WrestleQuest: The Wrestlefication of an RPG

4:15pm – 5:15pm Room 6A

Mega Cat Studios team members alongside some legendary wrestlers break down bringing traditional JRPG mechanics to the wrestling ring. Peek behind the scenes with case studies, lessons learned, and feedback from fans, professional wrestlers, and RPG superfans.

• Alternative Career Options in Video Games

4:30pm – 5:30pm Room 10

Many people today aspire to work in the ever-growing and popular video game industry. However, not everyone has the skills in art, design, writing, or programming that typically form the core creative teams that conceive and develop the games. But there is hope! The game industry is full of many types of jobs and needed skills that may not directly affect the creative vision but are just as important to the success of the team and the game. Come hear from game industry professionals with nontraditional backgrounds and ask them questions about what it takes to leverage your unique skills into a potential career in games.

• Lessons on Playable Video Game Preservation

7:30pm – 8:30pm Room 29CD

Shem Nguyen (executive director), Mason Young (volunteer), Josh Magarick (volunteer lead), and Van Ha (advisor to the board of directors) discuss 13 years of video game preservation and community building at the Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (MADE) in Oakland. Moderated by Kacey Coley (director of education for the MADE).

• StreetPass OC: Nintendo Quiz Bowl VI

8:00pm – 9:00pm Grand 10 & 11 Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Are you the biggest Nintendo fan? Are you the Hero of Time that everyone has been waiting for? Prove it by competing with other Nintendo fans by showcasing your knowledge of all things Nintendo. Join Nintendo quizmasters Kiet Pham, Ryan Van Lu, and Adam Shere to see if you have what it takes to a Nintendo Master. Compete alone or in teams for fabulous prizes, but remember there could only be one Ultimate Nintendo Fan. Are you the one?

Friday

• SILENT HILL: Ascension and Genvid Slate Reveal

11:30am – 12:30pm Room 6BCF

Moderated by Kinda Funny host Greg Miller, Genvid Entertainment and Bad Robot Games give an exclusive look at SILENT HILL: Ascension with Jacob Navok (Genvid), Stephan Bugaj (Genvid), and Chris Amaral (Bad Robot Games). Genvid will also unveil an exciting new project with a different franchise for the first time. A very special panelist will be on hand to announce this new project. Attendees will also receive special giveaways after the panel.

• Career Paths to Game Development

12:30pm – 1:30pm Room 29CD

As the business of video games now surpasses the annual revenues of both film and music combined, public interest in pursuing a career in the game industry has increased in recent years. This has spawned a wide variety of educational and vocational options for individuals to pursue game development, but how exactly does one get the knowledge they need and then find a job in this very competitive industry? Learn from veteran game industry professionals about what it takes to launch a game development career and how there are many paths into the industry.

• Making Immortals of Aveum 

12:45pm – 1:45pm Room 6BCF

Bret Robbins (CEO, game director at Ascendant Studios), Dave Bogan (art director at Ascendant Studios), and Julia Lichtblau (associate art director at Ascendant Studios) will discuss the making of the game, diving into its deep lore and world building, as well as its magic system and cast of characters. Hosted by Lucy James (senior gaming producer, Fandom).

• Titans of Fighting: The Evolution of Fighting Games

2:00pm – 3:00pm Room 6BCF

Legendary TEKKEN game director Katsuhiro Harada brings together experts to discuss how fighting games are evolving. Hear how the latest entries are taking advantage of powerful new-gen platforms and elevating the genre back to the highest echelons of gaming, where it belongs.

• Resetting Mortal Kombat: A New Beginning with Mortal Kombat 1

3:15pm – 4:15pm Room 6BCF

Get an exclusive first look at the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1, the newest iteration in the acclaimed Mortal Kombat videogame franchise from award-winning NetherRealm Studios. The creative team and voiceover talent behind one of the most iconic properties in gaming history discuss the reimagined story, new features, and art style and reveal new gameplay. Panelists include Ed Boon (chief creative officer, NetherRealm Studios, and co-creator of Mortal Kombat), Dominic Cianciolo (story director, NetherRealm Studios), and Thiago Gomes (art development director, NetherRealm Studios), and actors Vincent Rodriguez III (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, With Love) as Raiden, Kelly Hu (X2: X-Men United, BMF, Young Justice) as a character to be revealed at the panel, Yuri Lowenthal (Spider-Man, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Ben 10 franchise) and some surprise guest panelists.Tech/Geek/Culture aficionado and YouTube sensation Brian Tong will moderate. Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to release on Sept. 19, 2023, for PlayStation5 (PS5), Xbox Series XS, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

• The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077: Expanding Worlds

4:00pm – 5:00pm Room 4

The worlds of The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 are rich in untold stories, from collectibles and cookbooks to comic books and more. CD PROJEKT RED’s Bartosz Sztybor (comic book and animation narrative director), Marcin Batylda (franchise and lore designer), and Nick McWhorter (global licensing director) offer a look into the current and upcoming comic books and media set in these two genre-spanning universes. Moderated by Cara O’Neil (VP of marketing, Dark Horse Comics).

• Games: Pioneers of 1990s Gaming Animation

4:30pm – 5:30pm Room 24ABC

As advancements in computer animation technology take video game development to ever-more impressive heights, ASIFA-Hollywood will look back at the early days with these pioneers of video game animation. Actor and writer John Omohundro (Bravest Warriors, Tokyo Revengers) will go back in time with Kevin VanHook (Bloodshot, Valiant Comics) and other animators and game developers to explore the challenges and celebrate the accomplishments of classic video games such as Myst and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.

• Cliff Bleszinski: Games to Comics

5:00pm – 6:00pm Room 23ABC

Games legend Cliff Bleszinski (Gears of War, Fortnite) discusses the creation of his debut comic Scrapper (Image Comics) with co-writer Alex de Campi (Dracula, Motherf**ker!, Bad Karma), plus a Q&A moderated by John Nee (publisher, Marvel; president, Wildstorm).

• Art of MARVEL SNAP: Behind the Scenes

5:30pm – 6:30pm Room 24ABC

Dan Hipp (artist), Ryan Benjamin (artist), Sean Galloway (artist), Kai Lun Qu (artist), Jonny Erner (art manager, Second Dinner), and Jomaro Kindred (art director, Second Dinner) take a behind-the-scenes look at the art creative process behind the award-winning Marvel game. The panel includes never-before-seen concept art and video footage and is moderated by Ben Brode (chief development officer, Second Dinner).

• Mega64 20th Anniversary Panel

6:30pm – 7:30pm Room 5AB

Mega64 has been creating videos and short films since 2003, assembling some of the most strange and viral clips the world of video games and anime has ever seen. They’ve done it all from the heart of their hometown, San Diego. The cast and crew Rocco Botte, Derrick Acosta, Shawn Chatfield, and Garrett Hunter celebrate their 20th anniversary right here in their own backyard!

• Building Halo Cosplay and Props with Anvil Station

7:00pm – 8:00pm Grand 10 & 11 Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Want to build your own Halo cosplay and props? Do the options seem Infinite and the techniques feel Endless? The crew of Anvil Station is here to help you reach your goals! They’ll review the most common techniques used today to construct armor, props, and costumes, including 3D printing, casting and molding, foam construction, microcontroller programming, and more. Panelists include Matt Hendricks (lincoln_6echo), Chris Loomis (Crazedone Cosplay), Madison Grant (IndigoDogCosplay), Christian Beushausen (Cobalt Eclipse Cosplay), and Tyler Perfect (mr_ty_perfect). Moderated by Anvil Station member James Hall.

• How to Make Video Games and Designs More Inclusive and Accessible

7:30pm – 8:30pm Room 3

Inclusive and accessible video game design enhances the gaming experience for everyone, creating a more diverse and inclusive gaming community. iAsia Brown (storyteller and producer, Xbox Game Studios), Chloe Condon (developer advocate, Google), Maria Ramos (executive producer and head of developer media studios, Google), and Jordan Schuetz (organizer of SF game development) share stories of designing more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming video games to a wider audience. Moderated by Heather Cook (community success, Microsoft).

Saturday 

• Game Pitch Review

11:00am – 12:00pm Marina D at the Marriott Marquis

Professional game developers offer their advice and insight to those seeking to further their dreams of making their game a reality. Participants will have the opportunity to pitch a game for 3 to 5 minutes and then receive constructive criticism on the concept and the pitch. This session will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis, and sign-ups will be taken onsite for the six pitch slots. To participate, you must be prepared before you sign up. Preparation includes: (1) a well-practiced, 3- to 5 minute verbal pitch that clearly explains the game concept, how it’s unique to the marketplace, why it would be worth funding, etc.; (2) any hardcopy or digital visuals (images, video, etc.) that help illustrate the concept and viability of the idea (you must bring the device on which you will display the visuals); (3) being imaginative and passionate—imagine you’re making a very quick pitch to receive funding for your idea. Sign-ups will begin at 10:00.

• Upcoming Video Games to Be Excited For

11:00am – 12:00pm Omni Hotel, Omni Ballroom DE 4th floor

Gareth Von Kallenbach (creator/editor, Skewed and Reviewed) and panelists Michael Newman, Victor Calderon, Karen Newman, and Juliet Calderon (Skewed and Reviewed reporters) look at video games that will be coming in the next year or two, with a focus on standout and promising titles, including licensed titles from popular comic, movie, and television franchises such as Alien, Indiana Jones, Avatar, Star Trek, Star Wars, and more.

• Gaming Creator Connection

1:00pm – 3:00pm Marina D at the Marriott Marquis

The Gaming Creator Connection is an opportunity for game developers—whether currently working in the industry or aspiring to do so—to receive valuable advice, insights, and mentoring from seasoned veterans of the game industry representing diverse professional backgrounds. The GCC is a perfect opportunity to seek expert guidance in art/design, narrative, and business. Participants will have 15 to 20 minutes to speak with a mentor and will be able to rotate between mentors in their field of interest in order to maximize the amount of feedback.

• Gala Games: Last Expedition

2:00pm – 3:00pm Omni Hotel, Omni Ballroom DE 4th

Enter the world of Gala Games’ Last Expedition, a game set on a hazardous alien planet where everything wants to annihilate you. The creative team of Dan Rubel (animation director), Ian Reichert-Watts (TeArt director), and Michael Clopper (design director) will give fans a look inside the creation of this new first-person, PvEvP, extraction shooter.

• Hellboy: From Comics to Games

2:30pm – 3:30pm Room 5AB

Comics creators Mike Mignola (Hellboy, B.P.R.D.), Ben Stenbeck (Frankenstein Underground), and Tom Sniegoski (Young Hellboy) join members of the team working on the upcoming video game Hellboy Web of Wyrd, including Amanda Kruse (EP of Hellboy Web of Wyrd, head of publishing at Good Shepherd Games) and others to discuss the ever-expanding world of Mignola’s beloved creation, Hellboy.

• Writing Across Film/ TV, Games, and Comics

3:00pm – 4:00pm Room 25ABC

Film writer/director Duncan Jones (Moon, Rogue Trooper), games designer Cliff Bleszinski (Gears of War, Fortnite), and TV writer Marc Bernardin (Star Trek: Picard, Critical Role) discuss the differences (and similarities) between writing for the screen/the Steam and writing comic books. Moderated by comics and animation writer Alex de Campi (Blade Runner: Black Lotus; Dracula, Motherf**ker!).

• Star Wars Outlaws: Becoming the Galaxy’s Most Wanted

5:15pm – 6:15pm Room 6CBF

Brought to you by Ubisoft and Lucasfilm Games, Star Wars Outlaws follows the high-stakes life of rookie scoundrel Kay Vess and her companion Nix in the first-ever open-world Star Wars game. Julian Gerighty (creative director, Ubisoft), Matt Martin (Sr. creative executive, franchise story and content at Lucasfilm), Navid Khavari (narrative director, Ubisoft), and voice talent Humberly González (Kay Vess), Dee Bradley Baker (Nix, Jabba the Hutt), and Jay Rincon (ND-5) share more about the galaxy of opportunity that awaits you in Star Wars Outlaws. Moderated by Chastity Vicencio (Ubisoft News).

• Make Your First Video Game!

7:00pm – 8:00pm Room 11

Consider this your intro tutorial on game development. In this workshop taught by award-winning narrative designer Geoffrey Golden (Murder in the Alps) and veteran game designer and creative director Spencer Yip (Fallen Legion), the duo will teach you the basics of making games in Ink. The free, simple scripting language lets users create branching narratives that become the basis for visual novels, text adventures, RPGs, and more. The audience will create a simple game together and export it for the web, then the designers will give you the resources to take your ideas to the next level.

Sunday

• Sonic the Hedgehog: Speeding to the 900th Adventure!

10:00am – 11:00am Room 25ABC

Gotta go fast to the IDW Sonic the Hedgehog panel! The creative team, including Sonic editor David Mariotte and writer Evan Stanley, celebrate the upcoming 900th adventure of the Blue Blur with super fun stories that will leave fans spinning. Get ready to race into action with exciting sneak peeks and announcements.

• How to Use Your Voice in Games, Film, TV, and Tech: A Career Chat

2:00pm – 3:00pm Room 3

Mary Jane Gibson (writer and content creator), Lorran Garrison (school psych, Little Brainstorm), Jason J. Lewis (actor, voice actor, Halo 5, Disney Infinity 3.0, Superman for Justice League Action), and Melanie Ho (founder, Strategic Imagination) share stories of their careers and best practices working on podcasts, comics, film, TV, games, and technology. How did you get from here to there in your career? If you are just starting out or looking to switch careers come learn how the panelist got into the business, where they got their training, and how they have continued to build their careers. Moderated by Heather Cook (community lead at Microsoft).

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