In this episode of Game Changers: The Future of Play, Yuan Zeng, a global business development and partnerships leader in the gaming industry, shares strategic insights on how studios scale internationally through smart go-to-market strategies and sustainable partnerships. Drawing from years of experience in international market expansion, IP licensing, and ecosystem development, Yuan explains how gaming companies can build long-term value by prioritizing trust, balanced royalty structures, and mutual business alignment. He highlights the importance of understanding platform economics — including fees, marketing costs, and margins — when structuring licensing and IP collaborations to ensure profitability and longevity.
The conversation also explores one of the biggest forces shaping the industry today: AI in gaming. Yuan discusses how Artificial Intelligence is transforming art, programming, and world-building, while emphasizing that human creativity remains the most valuable competitive advantage. From the risks of chasing trends like battle royale saturation to the necessity of thoughtful planning and partnership strategy, this episode delivers actionable lessons for studio leaders, executives, and developers navigating global growth, AI adoption, and the evolving gaming ecosystem.