Future-Proofing Gaming Leadership: Key Executive Roles and Skills for AI and Web3 Success 

By Greg Sherman and Matt Skiba

3 takeaways

1. Next-gen gaming leaders benefit from embracing innovation. AI, Web3, and player-driven ecosystems continue to change the industry, and leaders who adapt can help shape the future.
2. Cross-platform and UGC expertise are becoming more valuable. Executives focused on integrating experiences across devices and supporting player creativity could unlock new revenue streams. 
3. Visionary leadership will play a key role in gaming’s future. Companies investing in AI, Web3, and monetization expertise may be better positioned for long-term success. 

In Part One (Gaming’s Comeback: Trends Driving the 2025 Resurgence and Their Impact on Gaming Leadership), we explored the key trends driving gaming’s resurgence and how they are influencing leadership strategies. Now, let’s dive into the executive roles, skills, and experiences that gaming companies will need to succeed in this evolving landscape. 

What Does This Mean for Executive Hiring? 

The resurgence of gaming, driven by AI advancements, Web3 integration, user-generated content (UGC), portable gaming devices, and digital identities, demands a new generation of visionary leaders. Companies need executives who can align these innovations with strategic growth, ensuring both operational success and exceptional consumer experiences. 

Key Leadership Roles in Demand 

• Chief Gaming Officer (CGO)
  • Focus: Oversee AI game development, Web3 integration, and UGC ecosystems. 
  • Why it matters: As AI personalizes gaming and Web3 allows for player-driven economies, CGOs must foster technological innovation while ensuring player engagement. 
    
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Focus: Lead blockchain gaming projects, metaverse ecosystem development, and the expansion of portable gaming platforms. 
  • Why it matters: CTOs will ensure companies stay at the forefront of gaming’s evolving tech stack, from decentralized gaming infrastructures to cross-platform optimization. 
    
• Head of Digital Assets (Gaming)
  • Focus: Develop strategies for digital goods marketplaces, avatar monetization, and blockchain integration. 
  • Why it matters: Digital assets are replacing traditional in-game items, and leaders in this role will create sustainable revenue models that resonate with players. 
    
• Chief Experience Officer (CXO)
  • Focus: Deliver cohesive cross-platform gaming experiences across mobile, PC, handheld consoles, and streaming services. 
  • Why it matters: With handheld consoles rising in popularity and gaming shifting to cloud-based platforms, CXOs play a critical role in unifying the user experience. 
    
• VP of Global Expansion
  • Focus: Develop localized market strategies and partnerships to drive international growth. 
  • Why it matters: The global gaming audience is growing rapidly, and companies need leaders who understand regional market dynamics and player preferences. 
    
• Director of Gaming Partnerships
  • Focus: Forge collaborations across fintech, entertainment, and streaming platforms. 
  • Why it matters: Strategic partnerships will fuel ecosystem growth, enabling companies to tap into new audiences and revenue streams. 

Top Skills and Traits in Demand 

• AI-Powered Game Development Expertise
  • Necessary for creating adaptive, personalized gaming experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. 
    
• Web3 & Digital Economy Knowledge
  • Essential for developing decentralized gaming models, managing in-game economies, and integrating digital assets. 
    
• UGC and Player-Centric Design Thinking
  • Required to support creator-driven gaming ecosystems that allow users to monetize their experiences.
     
• Cross-Platform Development & Hardware Adaptation
  • Needed to ensure seamless gaming across PC, mobile, and handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. 
    
• Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Enables optimization of monetization strategies and player retention efforts. 
    
• Strategic M&A Experience
  • Vital for scaling operations through acquisitions and navigating industry consolidation. 

Valuable Leadership Experience 

• AI-Driven Game Launches
  • Experience launching successful AI-powered games demonstrates the ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies. 
    
• Managing Decentralized Platforms
  • Familiarity with Web3 governance models and community-led projects fosters trust and engagement. 
    
• Building Multi-Platform Franchises:
  • Leaders who bridge gaming and entertainment drive brand expansion and deepen audience relationships. 
    
• Scaling Startups in Fast-Paced Markets
  • Proven success in growth environments ensures readiness for rapid industry shifts. 

Shaping the Future of Gaming Leadership 

The gaming industry is entering a new era—one defined by AI innovation, Web3 ecosystems, user-generated content, and evolving digital identities. The leaders who will drive this future are those who can merge technical expertise with strategic vision, ensuring their companies remain at the forefront of the industry. 

As companies prepare for this next chapter, hiring bold, forward-thinking executives will be the key to unlocking long-term success. With the right talent, gaming companies will not only adapt to industry changes but lead the charge into the future of interactive entertainment. 

Greg Sherman and Matt Skiba to Lead the Gaming, Entertainment, Media and Sports (GEMS) practice at Riviera Partners 

Missed Part One? Catch up on Gaming’s Comeback: Trends Driving the 2025 Resurgence and Their Impact on Gaming Leadership. 

The Future of Gaming Needs Bold Leaders—Are You Hiring the Right Ones? 

From AI-driven game development to digital asset economies and cross-platform expansion, the right executives will determine who leads the next era of gaming innovation. Riviera Partners helps gaming companies find the leadership talent to stay ahead. Let’s talk.