By Melody Yazdanyar | VP Business Development

Advertising Week has long been a hub for marketers exploring the future of media—but this year, gaming took center stage in a way we’ve never seen before. For the first time, the event hosted a dedicated Gaming Summit, and it was impossible to ignore the energy in the room. Industry leaders, brands, and agencies gathered to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping how games connect with audiences. Here are three key takeaways from the summit that highlight why gaming is no longer an optional element of the media mix —it’s essential. 

1. Gaming officially took center stage at Advertising Week

For the first time ever, Advertising Week hosted a dedicated Gaming Summit — and the response was overwhelming. Attendees packed the room for a full afternoon of panels and presentations followed by a buzzing happy hour proved that gaming is no longer a side conversation — it’s a core pillar of modern media. The level of engagement signaled a clear shift: advertisers are ready to take gaming seriously as a mainstream channel for storytelling and brand connection. 

2. Brands and agencies are actively seeking new, untapped audiences through gaming. 

The summit brought together marketers, media buyers, and gaming leaders all looking to reach consumers who are increasingly hard to find through traditional channels. What stood out most was the curiosity — not just about esports or hardware, but about accessible, ad-supported experiences like PHȲND that make gaming frictionless and inclusive. The appetite is there for scalable ways to connect with gamers without the barriers of consoles, downloads, or subscriptions.

3. Ad-supported gaming is emerging as the next frontier in connected TV. 

Discussions repeatedly tied back to where gaming meets streaming — on smart TVs, in the living room, and supported by ads. For PHȲND, this momentum reinforces our belief that free, instant-play gaming experiences represent the next major growth area for advertisers seeking high-quality engagement on the biggest screen in the home. The energy and excitement in the room confirmed it: gaming has become a must-have line item in the modern media plan. 

Conclusion

Adweek NY 2025 made one thing clear: gaming isn’t just an emerging channel—it’s a mainstream opportunity that brands can’t afford to overlook. As the lines between gaming, streaming, and advertising continue to blur, platforms like PHȲND are uniquely positioned to help marketers reach audiences at scale, seamlessly, and with measurable impact. If the buzz at this year’s summit is any indication, the future of media is gaming-first—and the time to act is now.