Gaming

XSOLLA INTRODUCES INNOVATIVE GAME COMMERCE SOLUTIONS AT GDC 2025

Published

5 months ago

March 13, 2025

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.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

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.

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Gaming

German Games Market Grows in the First Half of 2025

Published

1 day ago

August 14, 2025

Niji Narayan

german-games-market-grows-in-the-first-half-of-2025

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The German games market has returned to growth: following a year in which revenue from games, games hardware and online gaming services declined for the first time after many years of growth, the first six months of 2025 have once again seen an increase in sales revenue. 4.6 billion euros in revenue was generated, which equates to an increase of 4% compared to the same period in the previous year.

This was announced by game – The German Games Industry Association at a press conference in advance of the opening of gamescom next week. The sources of this data are the market research firm YouGov and data.ai (a Sensor Tower company). Games hardware enjoyed the biggest increase during the first half of 2025. Propelled among other things by the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, revenues in this area grew by 17%. The online gaming services market segment also increased, by 4%. Games, on the other hand, experienced a small decline of 2%, to 2.7 billion euros.

“The German games market’s growth in the first six months of 2025 sends a powerful signal for the start of gamescom. This year’s event has also set a new record for the number of exhibitors. Combined with the increase in exhibition space and the many top companies expected to attend this year’s event, gamescom is set to drive even more growth in the German and international games market. This year’s theme – ‘Games – perfect entertainment’ – is fully in keeping with this boost, as 44 million Germans view games as the entertainment of our age. And not just for themselves: the vast majority of video game players believe that games are particularly good for bringing people of all ages together. It is yet another way that gamescom will be the perfect place to be,” said Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – The German Games Industry Association, which is a co-organiser of gamescom.

The theme of gamescom 2025 – “Games – perfect entertainment” – reflects the reality in Germany, as was underscored by the findings of a representative survey conducted by the market research company YouGov: some two thirds of Germans consider video games to be the entertainment of our age. This equates to around 44 million people. It is a finding that is also supported by the experiences of the people playing video games. Nearly all of them say that they enjoy playing games (94%), find them entertaining (93%), and see them as a good way to relax (91%). In fact, 86% of video game players say that games put them in a good mood, and 8 in 10 players spend less time thinking about crises or worries thanks to games.

The average age of video game players in Germany is now nearly 40 – and it is continuing to rise. This is because the largest increases in the number of players are in the older age groups. Games have long since established themselves as a medium for all generations. The video game players think so, too: 85% of them say that games offer something for every age group, while 88% enjoy playing with other family members. 79% of players in Germany believe that games can help to bring younger and older people together, and three quarters of players think that playing games together as a family can help people to gain a better understanding of digital media.

The post German Games Market Grows in the First Half of 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Anton Umnov

Avalanche and Helika Launch New Gaming Accelerator – Applications Now Open

Published

2 days ago

August 13, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

avalanche-and-helika-launch-new-gaming-accelerator-–-applications-now-open

The Avalanche Foundation and Helika, a leading provider of technical and creative solutions for the video games industry, have officially launched their joint video game accelerator program and opened applications for the first cohort.

The newly announced strategic partnership is designed to engage both Web3-native studios and traditional game developers exploring blockchain integration. The accelerator aims to identify and support the next generation of studios building at the frontier of blockchain-based gaming.

The program is focused on product interaction and is designed to discover, support, and fast-track promising studios and projects building on the Avalanche blockchain. It will provide selected projects with unparalleled access to resources, mentorship from industry leaders, technical support, activations, and funding opportunities for qualifying or top-performing teams.

The accelerator is open to seasoned teams building high-quality, engaging experiences across platforms, from mobile to desktop and everything in between. Projects with prior traction or cross-platform aspirations are especially encouraged to apply.

The program will run for 3 months, with virtual onboarding and IRL showcases planned across major gaming and blockchain events.

What selected teams get:

Funding & Resources: $25,000 in initial support and up to $125,000 in additional funding for qualifying or top-performing teams.

Expert Guidance: Mentorship from game veterans, blockchain experts, and industry leaders through group sessions and 1:1 consultations.

Analytics Support: Comprehensive analytics solutions to track performance, improve retention, and optimize monetization strategies.

Blockchain Integration: Dedicated assistance for integrating with the Avalanche blockchain and optimizing technical performance.

Community & Growth: Activations with partner communities and platforms and support in player acquisition, community building, go-to-market strategies.

Helika Advisory Access: Access to specialized experts from Helika’s network for tailored support.

Ecosystem Access: Direct connection to a vibrant network of developers, investors, publishers, and Web3 enthusiasts.

Showcase Opportunities: A final Demo Day event to present games to investors, publishers, and ecosystem partners.

“We are excited to partner with the Avalanche Foundation to create a world-class accelerator for Web3 gaming. Avalanche’s robust and scalable infrastructure makes it an ideal environment for innovative game development. Studios need tools that work, data that matter, and real support from people who understand what it means to build in this space — this accelerator provides all of that, plus a direct line into a powerful Web3 ecosystem,” said Anton Umnov, Founder and CEO of Helika.

“Avalanche is focused on the long game. There’s no shortage of flashy ideas. What’s missing is the support that helps studios turn those ideas into real, playable, scalable games. Avalanche has long been the go-to chain for speed and innovation, and now we’re channeling that energy into the future of gaming, supporting teams who understand the nuance of player experience, community building, and long-term value creation,” said Parker Heath, Ava Labs Gaming Partnerships Lead.

Avalanche plays host to a vibrant lineup of video games, including Off The Grid and Maple Story Universe, all pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in blockchain-powered play. Thanks to its customizable Avalanche L1s, lightning-fast transaction speeds and low fees, developers can tailor unique environments for their games without compromising on user experience.

Helika has become a cornerstone for modern game studios, equipping developers with real-time insights into player behavior, on-chain economies, and engagement metrics. From Proof of Play and Parallel to Nexon, Ubisoft, and Com2Us, Helika’s platform is shaping how developers build, balance, and scale their games in real-time. This accelerator takes that impact further by embedding support into the earliest stages of development when it matters most.

The post Avalanche and Helika Launch New Gaming Accelerator – Applications Now Open appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Gaming

Unlocking games revenue: player behavior and payment trends in the west | Newzoo x Tebex Whitepaper

Published

2 days ago

August 13, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

unlocking-games-revenue:-player-behavior-and-payment-trends-in-the-west-|-newzoo-x-tebex-whitepaper

Tebex, the leading payments solution for gaming, reaching $1Bn in processed payments and powering over 30,000 web stores, is launching the first industry-wide look at payment trends in EU and NA with Newzoo on Tuesday, August 12 at 09:00 AM CEST.

Why This Data Matters

In a maturing Western games market with slowing payer growth (North America: +1.1% CAGR, Europe: +3.1% CAGR, 2023-2027), studios must shift from acquiring new players to maximizing value from existing ones. The data reveals critical insights into player motivations, spending patterns, and payment preferences, enabling developers to craft targeted monetization strategies that boost revenue, enhance retention, and align with player expectations.

Global Market Snapshot (2025)

Market Size: $188.9B (+3.4% YoY), with North America ($52.7B, 28%) and Europe ($33.1B, 18%) driving 46% of global spend despite housing only 20% of players (3.54B total).
Payer Spending Power: North America leads with $324.9 avg. annual spend per payer; Europe averages $125.4 ($170.0 Western, $51.6 Eastern).
Value: High per-payer spend in Western markets highlights the opportunity to deepen monetization through tailored strategies.

Spending Motivations Drive Strategy

North America: 34% of payers spend to unlock exclusive content, 29% for personalization (character customization), reflecting a desire for self-expression. Studios can capitalize by offering unique cosmetics and content packs to drive engagement.
Europe: 28% prioritize deals/offers, 21% value ad-free experiences, showing value-driven behavior. Discounted bundles and subscription models can increase conversion in this region.
Value: Understanding regional motivations allows studios to align offerings with player priorities, enhancing loyalty and spend.

Diversified Spending Patterns

North America: 27% of payers invest in content packs, power-ups, and in-game currencies, with subscriptions (24%) and battle passes (23%) also strong.
Europe: In-game currencies and content packs lead (21% each), followed by subscriptions (20%) and gear/time-savers (18% each).
Value: Diverse spending across virtual goods underscores the need for varied monetization options to capture a broad range of player preferences, boosting average transaction value (ATV).

Payment Methods Unlock Higher Spend

ATV Trends (2025): Overall, ATV rose from $30 (2024) to $40. BNPL (North America: $85.0, Europe: $72.0) and crypto (North America: $94.8, Europe: $111.6) outperform cards (North America: $52.2, Europe: $42.7).
Dual-Method Impact: Players using cards + BNPL/crypto maintain transaction frequency while spending more.
Value: Offering alternative payment methods like BNPL and crypto can significantly increase ATV, especially in Western markets, without sacrificing transaction volume.

Revenue by Platform and Genre

Microtransactions (MTX): Drive 49% of PC and 52% of console revenue in North America; 42% (PC) and 51% (console) in Europe. Mobile is near 100% in-game revenue.
Top Genres: North America favors shooters, Europe prioritizes sports, with RPGs and puzzles strong in both.
Value: High MTX revenue and genre preferences guide studios to focus on live services and region-specific content to maximize engagement.

Strategic Takeaways

Deepen Monetization: With modest payer growth, studios must focus on existing players by offering personalized content and value-driven deals.
Diversify Payment Options: Cards and wallet still dominate in volume, but integrating BNPL and crypto can unlock higher ATV, especially in Western markets.
Align with Player Values: Transparency, fairness, and seamless payment experiences reduce churn and build loyalty in a competitive market.
Understand the why and how players spend: NA players are more likely to spend for personalization and self-expression, while EU players are more value-conscious, prioritizing deals and an ad-free experience.

Quotes

Liam Wiltshire Head of Payments & Compliance at Tebex

“The future of gaming is about flexibility – meeting players where they are, with the methods they trust.”

This quote summarizes the importance of adapting to player-preferred payment methods like wallets, BNPL, and crypto to enhance accessibility and trust.

“Virtual currencies and microtransactions are no longer just revenue streams – they’re becoming strategic levers for retention and differentiation.”

This emphasizes the evolving role of microtransactions beyond revenue, focusing on engagement and player retention.

“Today’s players want to know what they’re paying for – and why. How you monetize matters more than ever.”

This highlights the need for transparency and fairness in monetization to build player trust and loyalty.

The post Unlocking games revenue: player behavior and payment trends in the west | Newzoo x Tebex Whitepaper appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.