Gaming

Exclusive Q&A with Alexandre Salem, Global Director of Gaming Partnerships at Huawei

Published

4 years ago

May 31, 2021

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 7 minutes

We have had an enlightening interview with Alexandre Salem, Global Director of Gaming Partnerships at Huawei.

Here he talks about the Huawei Gaming Ecosystem, how it’s gearing up to challenge the near duopoly Google Playstore and Apple Appstore, and why game developers shouldn’t miss it.

Here is the full text of the interview.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Q. Let us begin with a brief introduction to the Huawei Gaming Ecosystem. How does it help to facilitate the ultimate mobile gaming experience for users?

A. AppGallery is the official app distribution platform at Huawei, and the third-largest app marketplace in the world. We’ve designed it as a gateway to some of the latest and most exciting mobile game experiences for consumers.

When we look at the increase in people gaming around the world, it’s clear just how significant a role app marketplaces will have to play. We’re looking at 3.2 billion global gamers by 2023, and from that we’re predicting over two thirds will be on a mobile device.

To drive the global growth that we’re seeing, we provide our developers with the innovative technology they need to create the ultimate gaming experiences for their customers. Developers can integrate with elements of Huawei’s HMS Core for example to harness the unique software and hardware capabilities – all in the name of imagining new gameplay for mobile gamers.

There’s also the choice of integrating with app development tools for different Huawei devices, enabling gamers to switch between a MatePad and a P40, for example, with little effort and an overall seamless and enjoyable experience.

We’re already proud of our reputation for building quality hardware to facilitate a superior gaming experience for users, bringning some really unique gameplay to the table. Take Perfect World Games’ ReEvolve, for example. It’s the first mobile game that you can play on folding screen technology.

We’re also continuously looking to grow the number of mobile games available on AppGallery, with the aim of establishing Huawei as a true powerhouse of mobile gaming. Last year for example we launched a one-stop gaming platform for our more committed gamers called GameCenter, promoting an even richer gaming experience to those interested in exclusive discounts, unique gameplay and an exciting reward scheme. While AppGallery is Huawei’s comprehensive marketplace for all app categories, users who particularly love games can download GameCenter for an end-to-end game service.

Q. Could you provide some key stats regarding the number of users, games and developers in the Huawei Gaming Ecosystem currently?

A. AppGallery’s progress is something we’re really excited about. Considering the platform is only three years old in overseas markets, we already have a huge selection of convenient, fun and innovative gaming options to choose from. AppGallery caters to the different interests of its committed mobile gamers, from role-playing, action, MOBA, and MMORPG, to puzzle, turn-based and idle games.

In line with the growth of mobile gaming that we’re seeing more generally, AppGallery is also expanding – there are now 500% more games available on the platform compared to a year ago. Our users are often amongst the first to experience innovative new gameplay from around the world, with launches from the past year including AFK Arena, Asphalt 9: Legends, Clash of Kings and many more.

AppGallery continues to see strong growth in gaming availability, with over 12,000 games available and over 80 million games installed overall. Furthermore, there has been a 100% growth in games revenue in 2020 compared to 2019, and a 120% growth in paying players.

Thanks to the ongoing development of the HMS ecosystem, AppGallery now has 540 million monthly active users. There are 2.7 million registered developers worldwide, 134,000 apps integrated with HMS Core and, in 2020, we saw 384.4 billion app distributions (174 billion more than the previous year) – many of which are attributable to the mobile gaming sector.

Q. Huawei AppGallery boldly attempts to challenge the near duopoly of Google Play store and the App Store. What do developers and publishers gain exclusively by choosing AppGallery?

A. Something that sets AppGallery apart from competitors is the close relationship that we have with developers. We work closely with our partners to identify their own aspirations and desires – and not just in the gaming space.

Something that receives a lot of great feedback from developers and mobile users alike is our dedication to technical and marketing support. We implement a “Global + Local” Strategy, designed to help developers utilise our platform. It works both ways, because not only are we supporting smaller developers at the local level, but we’re also providing our diverse global customer base with the most relevant apps and games for them.

We also provide one-stop, full-spectrum operational support for developers worldwide, covering the entire development cycle. From ideation, development, distribution, operation to data analytics for global developers, we’re there to help. And the partnership doesn’t end at launch – we have dedicated teams to provide ongoing business and commercial support.

Building an ecosystem from scratch is something that takes a lot of time – we’ve been working on this for three years and the progress is so exciting. We’ll continue to prioritise our partners, providing them with an opportunity to tap into the competitive mobile market.

Another differentiating benefit we bring to our gaming partners is an in-depth expertise in the Chinese market, the largest in the world in players number and revenue. For the developers interested in penetrating this market, we can bring a suite of tailor-made services to maximize the chances of success.

Q. Tell us about the advantages and support that game developers can enjoy as part of the Huawei Ecosystem.

Mobile gaming is a huge market and one that is growing significantly. Something that we advocate for at Huawei is helping developers to get their foot on the ladder and grow within an increasingly competitive space.

With this in mind, we empower local developers with our on-the-ground support. We now have five global developer centres in Romania, Egypt, Mexico, Malaysia and Russia. We also have three ecosystem labs in Germany, Poland and Russia, as well as over 20 online Huawei Developer Day (HDD) events throughout the year. Developers can also utilise the seven DigiX Lab Innovation laboratories – they’re based in Dublin, Moscow, Düsseldorf, Mexico, Dubai, Johannesburg and Singapore. Here, developers can access real machine debugging, development capability experiences and other tools and guidance.

Our collaboration with developers doesn’t stop when a game is on-boarded in AppGallery. Our goal is to support gaming developers in attracting, converting and retaining as many players as possible. We don’t hesitate to roll up our sleeves alongside our gaming partners to run co-marketing campaigns to boost games discoverability.

Q. What are the options for monetization and the advertisement support that publishers can enjoy as part of the Huawei Ecosystem?

A. Something that we’re passionate about at Huawei is aligning our partners’ business development goals with the tools they need to achieve them. There are a variety of different HMS Core Kits that developers can choose to integrate with to harness the unique software and hardware capabilities we have on offer.

This includes the Huawei Ads Kit which empowers developers to create high-quality and personalized ads within their apps. Alongside the easy-to-use Publisher Service, developers can work seamlessly with third-party advertising and tracking platforms to monitor ad success. We also have a range of platforms to encourage our partners to boost their revenue, from the traffic monetization platform − a one-stop platform for developers to earn more − to advertising identifiers and conversion attributions.

In a nutshell, we provide a flexible set of services for gaming developers to fit their business models, whether they monetize through IAP, ads, premium paid games or a mix of those revenue streams.

Q. Could you enlighten us on the user data protection measures that Huawei has taken to ensure that the personal information of users is not compromised? This is probably an area where even the biggest companies on the internet have an inconsistent record.

A. AppGallery has a full-cycle security and protection system, including developer real-name verification, a four-step review process, download and installation protection as well as a prevention mechanism for secure app operation. Protecting user privacy and security is something that we take very seriously.

In addition to ensuring that all default apps fully comply with privacy compliance requirements, EMUI provides permit management, notification management, audio/video reminders, location service management and other privacy settings for apps, giving users visibility and control over their permissions.

Huawei has also established local data storage in six regional centres and 15 data centres worldwide. Complying with the localized service distribution and deployment policy, personal information is encrypted and stored in the area to which the user belongs. For example, Huawei stores all European user data in Germany, where rules and regulations call for the highest standards of user privacy.

To further ensure the safety of our users, we have implemented an age rating system globally, which intelligently blocks non-age-appropriate content according to user settings to provide a safe and healthy application environment for underage users.

Q. Huawei is betting big on the Internet of Things (IoT). How do you think the IoT is going to make its mark in the gaming sector?

A. In two years’, time, we expect to see 2.6 billion gamers streaming and competing together on mobile devices. The IoT is another area where we have a reputation for taking the lead and driving an industrial-scale digital transformation. Through our all-scenario, modular solutions, we’ll ensure that our mobile gamers have access to the smoothest possible gameplay experience.

In the next few years, we expect to see gamers having access to an increasing number of smart devices and wanting to play their favourite games in a frictionless manner across those devices. Let’s imagine the following user journey: a gamer might receive a notification on their smart watch reminding them to a play the next shooter game level. They might pass a few levels during the commute to work on a smartphone, and continue playing at home on a tablet, before competing with friends on a smart TV over the weekend. This type of cross-device and cross-platform gameplay will require developers to evolve their game development practices. It will mean that we need to bring hardware and software making this “omni-channel gaming” possible.

Q. Finally, what are Huawei’s major initiatives in the near future to deliver the ultimate mobile gaming experience?

A. Our top priority remains our users – we’ll continue to provide them with access to the best, most relevant mobile games in the world. There are a number of unique ways in which we’re able to do this. For example, we listen to our global customers’ needs through Wishlist – a tool that AppGallery users can use to recommend an app that they’d like to see available on the platform.

We also have staff dedicated to reading users’ feedback in Wishlist and analysing apps with the most votes. This allows us to prioritise the most wanted apps and ensure that consumer appeal is addressed, so that AppGallery is adapting to the fast-changing mobile app landscape.

We are also keeping in mind gamers needs and preferences when we design and launch new hardware on the market. I am extremely excited about our line-up of smartphones, smart TVs, connected watches and other devices and I am intimately convinced that this hardware ecosystem will bring the gaming experience to a new level.

Looking at the growth that the gaming industry has seen this year alone, it’s our mission to ensure that Huawei remains at the forefront of mobile gaming.

AGS

AGS Ignites IGA 2025 with Next-Level Slot & Table Game Innovations

Published

1 day ago

March 31, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

ags-ignites-iga-2025-with-next-level-slot-&-table-game-innovations

AGS (NYSE: AGS), a global leader in gaming solutions, is set to showcase a dynamic array of new products at the 2025 Indian Gaming Association (IGA) trade show, April 2-3, in San Diego. From premium slot cabinets and innovative new games to industry-leading table progressives and real-money online gaming solutions, AGS is redefining the gaming experience. With deep roots in tribal gaming, AGS remains committed to advancing technology, enhancing casino floors, and delivering unforgettable player experiences.

Premium Cabinets & Featured Games: The Spectra Experience

Spectra SL49+ Premium & SL75+: A Premium Gaming Experience
- Known for its dynamic game mechanics and visually stunning display, the Spectra SL49+ Premium offers a top-tier gaming experience built for high-performance play.
- A large-format cabinet designed for maximum versatility and flexibility, the Spectra SL75+ allows operators to access the entire Spectra game library, making it adaptable for diverse floor setups. This cabinet is available in both pod and inline configurations, giving operators multiple options for customizing their game floors.
New Games on Spectra
- Available on both the Spectra SL49+ Premium and Spectra SL75+, Lion Cash introduces vibrant visuals and exciting gameplay, with massive payout potential that adds another thrilling option to AGS’ premium game lineup.
- AGS introduces its first multi-play experience with So Hot Super 4 Legends and So Hot Super 4 Ultimate, bringing together popular titles like So Hot Frenzy and Monkey in the Bank on four windows at once. Players get more action with every spin, offering a fresh way to enjoy the beloved So Hot® series.
- In addition, AGS will showcase more game families on Spectra, including Fortune Frenzy, Mariachi Fortunes Trio, Da Da Da Jin Bao, Kraken’s Fortune, Cash Chain, Dragon Diamond, and Rakin’ Bacon Triple Oink.

Step Into the Action: Video Mechanics Meet Classic Stepper Play

Revel Mech Reel Cabinet
- Since its debut at IGA 2024, the Revel mechanical stepper has made waves, ranking #3 among mechanical reel cabinets in the latest Eilers & Krejcik Gaming cabinet performance report. Its first four titles–Triple Treasure®, Liberty Diamond®, Flaming Reels and Diamond Reels–all landed in the top 7 for new core mechanical games in the most recent Eilers & Krejcik Gaming game performance report. With its strong performance and enduring appeal, Revel continues to captivate and dazzle players.
New Games: Diamond Nudge & Straight Cash Triple Double Spin
- Diamond Nudge premiered on March 17 at Graton Resort & Casino and is the first AGS stepper game with a reel nudge feature, shifting reels by 2 or 3 positions based on diamond sub-symbols.
- Straight Cash Triple Double Spin is the stepper version of AGS’ popular 3-reel video game and real-money online game, Straight Cash®. It introduces individual reel play in a concatenation-style game. The four-tier progressive scales by denomination and is awarded with max bet symbol combinations.
So Hot Grand Link
- The So Hot Grand progressive jackpot system can link select mechanical reel stepper and 3-reel video games like Mega Diamond®, Gold Nudge, and Rakin’ Bacon! Jackpots Bonus Board, creating faster-growing jackpots and keeping excitement high across the floor.

Table Games That Pay Off: Progressives & Big Payouts

Bonus Spin Xtreme Red Dragon for Baccarat
- Tailored for high-stakes baccarat players, Bonus Spin Xtreme Red Dragon features a stacked wheel, with the smallest prize starting at $588, alongside fast-growing jackpots. Designed for big-reward thrills, it can link across an entire table game pit, amplifying excitement and jackpot potential.
Bonus Spin Xtreme for Poker Rooms
- AGS brings its award-winning table game progressive, Bonus Spin Xtreme, to the poker room, offering operators the opportunity to earn incremental gaming revenue. The system links all progressives within the poker room and can extend across the entire table game pit, driving faster-growing and larger jackpots.

Real-Money Online Gaming: Winning on Every Front

Leading the Pack in Online Gaming
- AGS continues to dominate the online gaming space, holding the #1 new overall supplier spot in the latest Eilers & Krejcik Gaming U.S. online game performance report for five consecutive months and the #1 new slots supplier for eight straight months. Additionally, in the same report, AGSi ranked #1 indexing slot supplier, further solidifying its leadership in the U.S. online gaming market.
Award-Winning Online Slot: 3x Ultra Diamond
- AGS recently took home the Top Performing New Online Slot Game award at the 2025 EKG Awards for its hit game 3x Ultra Diamond, solidifying its place at the top of the online gaming industry.
Expanding Horizons: AGSi in Brazil
- With its recent launch in Brazil, AGS is gaining momentum in international markets, further expanding its reach and strengthening its global footprint.

Visit AGS at booth 741 to check out the latest slot cabinets, exciting new games, revolutionary table progressives, and industry-leading real-money online products. AGS is setting the stage for the future of gaming with technology that keeps players engaged and delivers real results for operators.

The post AGS Ignites IGA 2025 with Next-Level Slot & Table Game Innovations appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Gaming

XSOLLA INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE GAME COMMERCE SOLUTIONS AT GDC 2025

Published

3 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

xsolla-introduces-innovative-game-commerce-solutions-at-gdc-2025

Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announces its participation at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, taking place from March 17–21 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA. Xsolla will showcase new and enhanced solutions designed to help developers fund, market, launch, and monetize their games effectively as part of its We Bring Opportunities Together initiative.

“At Xsolla, we’re focused on breaking down the barriers that prevent developers from transforming their ideas into successful businesses,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer at Xsolla. “GDC is a key opportunity to connect with game creators and demonstrate how our solutions streamline game commerce, from launching a game to entering new markets and driving revenue growth.”

Xsolla will highlight advancements across its platform, including enhancements to the industry-leading Web Shop, Cloud Gaming, MENA Payment Solutions, and the launch of new revenue-driving tools.

XSOLLA’S LATEST GAME COMMERCE SOLUTIONS

Xsolla’s latest updates and new solutions address the evolving needs of developers worldwide, enhancing game monetization and player engagement.

Xsolla Web Shop – With over 500+ Web Shops launched, generating incremental revenue for mobile game developers, Xsolla Web Shop has introduced new personalization and mobile accessibility features to improve the player purchasing experience. Developers can use real-time player behavior data to create dynamic, personalized promotions that increase conversion rates with the new features, including Progressive Web Apps (PWA), automated regional pricing, and a customizable loyalty program, creating the opportunity to increase Lifetime Value (LTV) by up to +30 percent.
Xsolla Cloud Gaming – Xsolla Cloud Gaming – Created and launched two new user acquisition tools for developers. First, the Play Before Your Buy feature allows players to stream time-limited game demos before key purchase or continue play in the cloud. Secondly, players can now play their PC game on a mobile browser using a virtual controller overlay for extended play on the go. These updates attract new types of users and enhance engagement while lowering hardware barriers to premium gaming experiences. In addition, we have enhanced the backbone of the Xsolla Cloud Gaming offering with our latest integrated vendor partners – Amazon AWS and Tencent Cloud; partnering with Aethir on a new $1 million grant in cloud credits for developers.
MENA Payment Solutions – Expanded coverage in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bahrain, and Jordan, with 11 new localized payment methods to improve accessibility for 380 million gamers, taking the total payment methods available for game developers globally to over +1,000.
Xsolla Publishing Suite – A direct-to-consumer (D2C) commerce solution giving developers greater control over game distribution, monetization, and marketing strategies. Developers can sell game keys, pre-orders, and in-game content with seamless web and in-game commerce integration with cross-platform purchasing support. This ensures seamless transactions between web stores and in-game purchases and built-in marketing and analytics tools to help developers optimize their sales funnels.
Xsolla Loyalty Program – Created a program to enable cashback rewards, cross-title loyalty programs, and tier-based incentives to drive repeat purchases and increase engagement with seamless integration with Xsolla Pay Station with no additional development.
Xsolla Offerwall – Delivers revenue-sharing opportunities and player experiences for monetization and advertising by allowing non-paying players to earn in-game rewards through advertiser-driven tasks. It supports CPI, CPA, and CPC models, offering developers up to 90% revenue share—well above the industry average. The platform also enhances security with SMS-based user authentication to prevent fraud and ensure a smooth experience for both players and developers.
Xsolla Gold Gift Card – Provides a flexible payment option for players who want to purchase or gift in-game content. Available in both physical and digital formats, enabling co-branded promotions and cross-platform redemption across multiple platforms, delivering seamless redemptions across mobile, PC, and console.
Xsolla Ecosystem – A curated marketplace of pre-validated partners, helping developers streamline vendor selection and reduce operational costs. Pre-integrated partners like G-Core, Game Analytics, Adikteev, and AppsFlyer provide trusted third-party services and seamless integration with Xsolla’s monetization, distribution, and payment solutions.
Xsolla Partner Network – Introducing advanced influencer marketing tools, making it easier for developers to collaborate with Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok content creators. AI-powered creator discovery, helping developers find the best influencers for their campaigns with built-in promo code and game key distribution tools, streamlining influencer partnerships and creator storefronts on Xsolla Mall, allowing influencers to sell digital game content directly to their audiences.

XSOLLA AT GDC 2025

Day Of The Devs 2025 Sponsored By Xsolla

Sunday, March 16 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM | The Midway, 900 Marin Street

Day of the Devs is a dedicated event celebrating independent game developers. It provides a unique opportunity in an inclusive space for indie developers to showcase their creative and innovative projects to a broader audience, which includes industry professionals, media, and gaming enthusiasts. Space is limited, so register here today!

Xsolla Booth at Moscone

Booth WL1-2 | Moscone West Lobby | Monday, March 17 – Friday, March 21

Attendees may visit the Xsolla booth located in Moscone West 1st floor lobby. New look, same expert team. Stop by with your questions. Take advantage of today’s opportunities and maximize your game’s commerce efforts. Enjoy SWAG giveaways, product demos, a comfortable lounge space, and more. See you there!

Xsolla’s Open House

Monday, March 17 – Thursday, March 20 | 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Friday, March 21 | 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM | The Howard – 661 Howard St.

Everyone is invited – no GDC badge is required! Please join Xsolla at our exclusive Open House all week, steps away, and immerse yourself in a relaxed setting to connect with industry leaders, explore innovative solutions, and learn about best practices with great companies. Enjoy hands-on product demos, insightful conversations, and a comfortable space to unwind – all while discovering new ways to maximize your gaming business.

Join Xsolla GDC Mixer

Monday, March 17 | 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Howard, 661 Howard St.

The Xsolla GDC Mixer in partnership with AppsFlyer, AWS, and Nazara Technologies is a fantastic opportunity to join the gaming community for a light snack and soft drinks, share your current work, and receive expert input. If you’re an indie developer or creator, hurry up and register! There are a limited number of invitations for this event. Invitees will be notified by email.

Xsolla Salons

Monday, March 17 – Thursday, March 20 | The Howard, 661 Howard St.

Xsolla Salons with gaming experts will gather at The Howard for open, insightful conversations that move our industry forward.

Xsolla Game Night

Tuesday, March 18 | 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Moscone South Esplanade rooms #154 & #156

An evening of classic table games like UNO, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and many more. Are you a soccer fan?? This year, we’re bringing Electronic Arts’ legendary EA FC 2025 for Playstation, AND we’re introducing a pop quiz with a chance at prizes! Doors open at 6:00 PM, with light snacks and soft drinks to keep you powered up. Play with fellow game enthusiasts, meet great people, and socialize early ahead of GDC!

XSOLLA SPEAKING SESSIONS AT GDC 2025

The Industry: Where We Have Been & Where We Are Going

Tuesday, March 18 | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM | Moscone West Room #2024

Chris Hewish explores the evolution of gaming, emerging trends, and the future for developers and publishers. The video game industry has evolved from niche entertainment to a global economic powerhouse fueled by rapid technological advancements, shifting player expectations, and new business models. In this session, we’ll look back at the key milestones that have shaped the industry—from the rise of digital distribution and free-to-play monetization to the emergence of cross-platform play and live-service gaming. Join Chris for a deep dive into the past, present, and future of gaming, with insights on how to navigate the industry’s next significant shifts.

The Scariest Threat In Mobile Gaming: Losing Control Of Your Players

Tuesday, March 18 | 10:50 AM – 11:50 AM | Moscone West Room #2024

Berkley Egenes and Josephine Friday discuss how Web Shops help developers regain control over sales, marketing, and player relationships. In mobile gaming, the biggest nightmare isn’t player churn or high UA costs—it’s losing control of your players. When you rely solely on third-party platforms, you give away valuable player data, sacrifice revenue to hefty platform fees, and limit your ability to engage your audience directly. The scariest part? You’re building someone else’s business instead of your own.

Xsolla Pay – Powering Payments, P(l)ay By New Rules

Tuesday, March 18 | 1:20 PM – 1:50 PM | Moscone West Room #2024

Svante Westerberg from Xsolla and Rafael Morgan from Crazygames share how outdated payment models limit revenue and how Xsolla Pay enables global reach and seamless transactions. In gaming, payments aren’t just about transactions—they shape the player experience. Yet, many developers are playing by outdated rules, losing revenue to high fees, limited payment options, and platform restrictions. But what if you could change the game? With new advancements in payment technology, developers now have more control than ever. Imagine offering players seamless, frictionless checkout experiences, supporting their preferred payment methods worldwide, and unlocking new markets without barriers.

Breaking Myths: The Truth About Measuring UX and Player Acquisition in Mobile Games

Tuesday, March 18 | 2:10 PM – 2:40 PM | Moscone West Room #2024

Berkley Egenes from Xsolla and Adam Smart from AppsFlyer break down misleading metrics, player retention strategies, and effective acquisition tactics. When we discuss experience and player acquisition in mobile games, there’s no shortage of myths, misleading metrics, and guesswork. Are your ads bringing in valuable players —or installs that churn? Does your UX keep players engaged, or are hidden friction points driving them away? It’s time to cut through the noise and get to the actual data. In this session, we’re bringing in Xsolla’s Partners at AppsFlyer and a real success story to share real-life case studies and hard-hitting insights on measuring, analyzing, and optimizing retention and acquisition more effectively.

The Dirty Truth About Funding And Games

Tuesday, March 18 | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Moscone West Room #2024

Justin Berenbaum from Xsolla, Jenny Xu from Talofa Games, and Tony Grayson from Summitsphere uncover the biggest mistakes in game funding and how developers can secure investment successfully. Securing funding for your game can be the difference between launching a hit or watching your project crash and burn. But too many developers fall into the same traps—signing bad deals, giving up too much control, or running out of money at the worst possible moment. Don’t let that be you.

Gaming in 2030: The Future of Play

Tuesday, March 18 | 3:50 PM – 4:20 PM | Moscone West Room #2024

Sam Gaglani and industry partners explore the future of gaming, personalization, and new monetization models. The video game industry is evolving faster than ever—so what will gaming look like in 2030? In a future-focused session, we’ll explore the technologies, trends, and challenges shaping the next era of gaming. From hyper-personalized experiences to new ways of owning and monetizing content, we’ll dive into what’s coming—and how studios can stay ahead of the curve.

Influencers in Gaming: Hype? Hustle? Huge ROI?

Tuesday, March 18 | 4:40 PM – 5:10 PM | Moscone West Room #2024

Rix Tran and partners will talk about the impact of influencers in gaming. Influencers are everywhere in gaming—driving hype, shaping player opinions, and making or breaking game launches. But are they worth the investment, or is the industry stuck chasing clout with no clear ROI? In this no-nonsense session, we’ll break down the real impact of influencers in gaming. From massive successes to costly misfires, we’ll explore what works, what doesn’t, and how to tell the difference.

WTF: Web3, Tokens and Fun!

Tuesday, March 18 | 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM | Moscone West Room #2024

Lee Jacobson and Rytis Joseph Jan from Xsolla and Jose Anaya from MatterLabs/ZKsync look candidly at the state of Web3 gaming, separating hype from real opportunities. Web3 promised to change gaming forever with player ownership, decentralized economies, and new monetization models. But let’s be honest: the road has been anything but smooth. So, where do we go from here? Most importantly, how do we make Web3 games that are truly fun—not just financial experiments disguised as gameplay? Join us as we separate fact from fiction, share hard-earned lessons, and explore the future of blockchain-powered gaming.

CONNECT WITH XSOLLA AT GDC 2025

Schedule a meeting with Xsolla’s game commerce experts: GDC 2025 | Schedule a meeting with Xsolla Learn more about speaking sessions and networking events: Join us at GDC 2025! | Xsolla

The post XSOLLA INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE GAME COMMERCE SOLUTIONS AT GDC 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Gaming

XSOLLA LAUNCHES THE XSOLLA GOLD GIFT CARD TO ENHANCE GAME BRAND VISIBILITY THROUGH PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL CHANNELS, OFFERING GAMERS A NEW WAY TO PAY

Published

3 weeks ago

March 10, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announces the launch of the Xsolla Gold Gift Card, a flexible payment solution designed to enhance how gamers purchase, gift, and redeem virtual goods. Available in physical and digital formats, the Xsolla Gold Gift Card provides players with an accessible and convenient way to engage with their favorite games across multiple platforms.

As the global gift card market is projected to reach $5.3 trillion by 2033, developers face increasing opportunities to expand their monetization strategies and engage players more effectively. The Xsolla Gold Gift Card offers a seamless way for players to acquire in-game items, gift content to friends, and redeem rewards, enriching their gaming experience. This solution unlocks new revenue streams for developers, enhances brand visibility, and enables targeted marketing initiatives, including co-branded promotions and customized campaigns.

Discover the standout benefits making this gift card a game-changer for players and developers:

Flexible Distribution Options: Includes physical and digital cards, ensuring broad accessibility for players worldwide
Enhanced Community Engagement: Encourages players to share gaming experiences through gifting, fostering deeper connections within gaming communities
Monetization and Marketing Opportunities: Leverages gift cards for cross-promotions, partnerships with retail brands, and exclusive in-game offers, driving increased engagement and revenue for developers
Cross-Platform Usability: Fully compatible across multiple platforms and game titles, catering to a diverse player base with various spending preferences

“We’re excited to offer a gift card to help simplify how players purchase and share virtual goods while helping developers increase player retention and engagement through strategic integrations,” said Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy Officer of Xsolla. “The Xsolla Gold Gift Card allows us to continue innovating, enhancing how players interact with their favorite games and how developers can reach a broader audience.”

The Xsolla Gold Gift Card will be available in various denominations, adapting to different player needs. Developers can integrate these cards into their ecosystems to enhance player engagement and drive monetization through tailored campaigns and promotions.

The post XSOLLA LAUNCHES THE XSOLLA GOLD GIFT CARD TO ENHANCE GAME BRAND VISIBILITY THROUGH PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL CHANNELS, OFFERING GAMERS A NEW WAY TO PAY appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.