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Xsolla Launches State of Play and Xsolla Conversations to Spark New Industry Dialogue through Podcast Storytelling
Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announced the launch of a new podcast content ecosystem designed to inform, inspire, and connect the global games industry. Anchored by the flagship series State of Play and supported by the fast-paced companion show Xsolla Conversations, the company’s new audio strategy seeks to surface meaningful stories, emerging trends, and practical insights from the people building the future of games.
At a time when platform policies are shifting, monetization models are evolving, and developers are facing increasingly complex challenges, these podcasts provide a timely and much-needed forum for dialogue. Each show plays a distinct role in Xsolla’s mission to foster transparency, education, and thought leadership within the industry.
State of Play is the centerpiece of this strategy. It’s a narrative podcast created for decision-makers in the games business, combining long-form interviews, editorial storytelling, and immersive sound design. Hosted and narrated by Chris Hewish, Xsolla’s Chief Strategy Officer, along with co-host Lia Ballentine and Joe Pierpont, the show offers a documentary-style look at what’s impacting the business of games, from high-profile platform battles and regulatory shifts to breakthrough trends in direct-to-consumer strategies. Episodes are carefully structured to walk listeners through a multi-perspective journey, weaving in the voices of founders, economists, product leads, and policy experts. With rich production and a journalist’s curiosity, State of Play delivers context and clarity in a world where change is constant.
In contrast, Xsolla Conversations provides a more nimble, informal listening experience. These short-form episodes, typically under 20 minutes, are designed to surface key insights in real time. They feature candid interviews with Xsolla partners, internal experts, and developers worldwide who are experimenting, adapting, and finding success in today’s market.
The first slate of episodes from Xsolla Conversations highlights the diversity of voices shaping the industry. In “Rethinking Mobile Game Finance,” Niantic CFO Jeff Shouger joins Chris Hewish for an honest conversation about Niantic’s move into web shops. Shouger details what it took to shift from platform-restricted monetization to a more direct, data-rich model. Shouger shares hard-won lessons about the importance of agility, the internal decision-making process behind going DTC, and what other developers can learn from Niantic’s experience.
In another episode, “Where Mobile Monetization Is Headed,” Xsolla’s own Artem Liubutov sits down with Hewish to unpack what makes a webshop succeed. The conversation explores both the technical considerations and the behavioral factors at play, offering grounded advice for developers who want to take more control over their revenue streams in an era of platform uncertainty.
“The Power of Player Communities” brings another critical perspective, as AJ Sath of Xsolla speaks with Stephen Lee of Deca Games. Their conversation focuses on long-term player retention and the cultural architecture behind thriving game communities. Lee discusses how Deca Games approaches live ops and community-driven design not just to extend the life of a title, but to create environments that players want to invest in over time.
According to Hewish, these conversations reflect Xsolla’s core philosophy: that the best ideas come from practitioners. “We created State of Play and Xsolla Conversations to elevate real stories from the people doing the work,” said Hewish. “Whether you’re a developer launching your first game or an executive navigating global business decisions, you deserve content that doesn’t just inform, but connects. These shows are about substance, not soundbites. And they’re part of our broader effort to make the business of games more transparent, collaborative, and resilient.”
Both podcasts are part of a strategic content engine that feeds Xsolla’s broader communications platform. Episodes are shared via major podcast platforms and repurposed into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, conference narratives, and social media content, ensuring that the insights don’t stop at audio but travel across the formats and channels where developers already live and learn.
The post Xsolla Launches State of Play and Xsolla Conversations to Spark New Industry Dialogue through Podcast Storytelling appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
With the release of a dynamic promotional video starring its ambassador, Simon Msuva, LEONBET continues a new chapter in its partnership with the Tanzanian national team forward.
Filmed in Tanzania, the campaign captures the energy of local football culture and highlights Msuva’s personality both on and off the pitch. One of the key moments of the video features the famous “Msuva Flip”- the player’s signature goal celebration, a backflip that fans immediately recognise whenever he scores.
The video is fast-paced and vibrant, reflecting the passion of Tanzanian football fans.The campaign also features Baraka Mpenja, a well-known sports commentator and voice of Tanzanian football, who brings additional authenticity and connection to the local audience.
Simon Msuva is known not only for his performances on the field but also for his strong charisma. According to the production team, he quickly immersed himself in the filming process and brought the same vibrant energy and character that fans associate with his game.
During the recent season, Msuva has scored several memorable goals that drew attention from fans and sports media alike. That excitement and emotion became the foundation for the new campaign.
“This campaign is part of our broader strategy to get closer to sports fans and build a stronger emotional connection with our audience. Working with talents like Simon Msuva allows us to speak the same language as the fans and be present where their passion is.” said Jérôme J. D., Regional Director of Operations.
The video continues the collaboration between LEONBET and Tanzanian national team captain Simon Msuva and supports the brand’s ongoing engagement with football fans in Tanzania.
The post LEONBET Shares a New Campaign with Tanzanian Ambassador Simon Msuva appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BetConstruct AI, a global iGaming platform provider, will present its full ecosystem at Stand N150 during SiGMA South America 2026, taking place from April 7–9 in São Paulo, Brazil.
With South America rapidly emerging as one of the most dynamic iGaming regions, BetConstruct AI is positioning itself as a key partner for operators looking to scale efficiently and competitively. The company delivers a vast offering, including over 140,000 pre-match events, 90,000+ live matches monthly, and 45,000+ casino games from 350+ providers.
One Platform, Multiple Growth Drivers
Visitors to Stand N150 will experience live demos across six core solution areas:
Acquisition, Content & Entertainment
A comprehensive offering spanning sportsbook, casino aggregation, affiliate marketing through Affigates, and six flexible front-end solutions, including crypto-ready platforms.
Payments & Licensing
With 500+ payment integrations and a fully managed licensing service, BetConstruct AI enables operators to enter regulated South American markets with confidence and compliance.
Retention & CRM
AI-powered CRM tools predict churn up to 14 days in advance, identify high-value players early, and automate personalized engagement across multiple channels. A game recommendation engine further enhances player activity and revenue potential.
Risk Management
The Umbrella AI system combines sportsbook and casino risk, AML, and responsible gaming into a unified solution. Advanced tools detect fraudulent behavior early and forecast negative-value players well in advance.
Operational Services
End-to-end support includes licensing, digital marketing, CRM management, trading, risk control, and infrastructure protection.
BetConstruct AI Poker
A flexible B2B poker network offering turnkey, white-label, or API integration, supported by strong liquidity, built-in security, and Web3-ready infrastructure.
World Cup-Focused Engagement Tools
To help operators maximize opportunities around the 2026 World Cup, BetConstruct AI is introducing two zero-cost promotional solutions:
Powerfull (Pre-Tournament Campaign)
A challenge-based campaign running before kickoff, rewarding players with Free Bets that accumulate and activate during the tournament—driving engagement, reactivation, and cross-product activity.
Bet on League (In-Tournament Hub)
A fully integrated World Cup hub featuring standings, schedules, and interactive tools that convert fan engagement into betting activity. It includes AI-powered bet suggestions and requires no additional development or fees.
Beyond the Expo
In addition to the exhibition, BetConstruct AI will host an exclusive Harmony ChoiceMe event on April 7 at Tetto Lounge in São Paulo, offering industry leaders a premium networking environment.
As the South American market accelerates, BetConstruct AI invites operators to visit Stand N150 to explore how its platform, tools, and expertise can drive the next phase of growth.
The post BetConstruct AI Showcases Full Platform at SiGMA South America 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
With the release of a dynamic promotional video starring its ambassador, Simon Msuva, LEONBET continues a new chapter in its partnership with the Tanzanian national team forward.
Filmed in Tanzania, the campaign captures the energy of local football culture and highlights Msuva’s personality both on and off the pitch. One of the key moments of the video features the famous “Msuva Flip”- the player’s signature goal celebration, a backflip that fans immediately recognise whenever he scores.
The video is fast-paced and vibrant, reflecting the passion of Tanzanian football fans.The campaign also features Baraka Mpenja, a well-known sports commentator and voice of Tanzanian football, who brings additional authenticity and connection to the local audience.
Simon Msuva is known not only for his performances on the field but also for his strong charisma. According to the production team, he quickly immersed himself in the filming process and brought the same vibrant energy and character that fans associate with his game.
During the recent season, Msuva has scored several memorable goals that drew attention from fans and sports media alike. That excitement and emotion became the foundation for the new campaign.
“This campaign is part of our broader strategy to get closer to sports fans and build a stronger emotional connection with our audience. Working with talents like Simon Msuva allows us to speak the same language as the fans and be present where their passion is.” said Jérôme J. D., Regional Director of Operations.
The video continues the collaboration between LEONBET and Tanzanian national team captain Simon Msuva and supports the brand’s ongoing engagement with football fans in Tanzania.
The post LEONBET Shares a New Campaign with Tanzanian Ambassador Simon Msuva appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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