Xsolla is a global video game commerce company with a powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the video game industry. Since the company launched in 2005, Xsolla helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch, and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. Pulse 2.0 interviewed Xsolla President and Interim CEO Chris Hewish to learn more about the company.
Chris Hewish’s Background
Hewish had a long career in the gaming and entertainment industry, starting at Games Workshop and working with industry leaders like Microprose and Activision. And Hewish said:
“I also had a stint in DreamWorks Animation and explored the world of VR at Survios. My diverse experience gave me a unique perspective, which has been invaluable since joining Xsolla in 2020.”
“My primary responsibilities involve establishing relationships with key players in the industry, such as Valve, Twitch, Roblox, and Ubisoft. I also focus on creating lasting connections between game developers and their audiences.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Hewish shared:
“Every game we help launch and every challenge we overcome together is a testament to our journey. Seeing the success stories unfold has been my favorite part.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Hewish explained:
“Xsolla offers a robust suite of services encompassing funding, marketing, distribution, and monetization. We cater to over 20 languages and accept more than 700 kinds of payments in over 130 different currencies.”
Acquisition Of Lightstream, Rainmaker, and API.stream
Back in October, Xsolla announced it was buying Lightstream, Rainmaker, and API.stream from Videndum. How did the deal for Lightstream, Rainmaker, and API.stream come together and how will it be integrated into Xsolla? Hewish reflected:
“The acquisition of Lightstream, Rainmaker, and API.stream marks a significant milestone in Xsolla’s dedication to fostering the creator community in the gaming world. This move aligns perfectly with our Xsolla Partner Network, a central hub for developers and publishers. Lightstream brings a cloud-based streaming studio that simplifies content production and sharing, enabling creators to go live in seconds without grappling with technical hurdles.”
“Rainmaker enhances our ecosystem by offering robust tools to help creators manage their audience and maximize revenue. When integrated into the Xsolla Partner Network, these tools contribute to a feature-rich suite to optimize engagement and monetization. API.stream adds value with its extensive expertise in live-streaming production, and its focus on cloud-native solutions fits seamlessly with our vision for the future of live-streaming.”
“Our goal in integrating these platforms is to offer a comprehensive, one-stop solution for creators, encompassing everything from initiating live streams and obtaining free developer keys to joining referral programs and setting up branded web shops. We also want to assure existing Lightstream users that their experience will remain uninterrupted as we continue our partnerships with key players like Microsoft, Xbox, Twitch, and Steelseries to elevate user experience and introduce new features.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector of work recently? Hewish acknowledged:
“The most significant challenges have been staying ahead of the evolving trends in the gaming industry and ensuring we provide relevant and effective resources for our diverse clientele, including indie developers and AAA studios.”
Evolution Of Xsolla’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Hewish noted:
“Since launching, Xsolla has consistently stayed ahead of industry changes, from optimizing monetization and marketing strategies to integrating advanced fraud prevention systems.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Hewish cited:
“Significant milestones include:
1.) Expanding our services to cater to AAA studios and indie developers.
2.) Becoming a merchant and seller of record.
3.) Extending our reach to over 200 countries.”
Customer Success Stories
After asking Hewish about customer success stories, he highlighted:
“Every game launched, and every challenge overcome serves as a success story. Our offerings have enabled indie developers to prosper and large studios to expand globally.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Hewish assessed:
“We’re pursuing the global gaming industry, which is continually expanding. Our services are designed to cater to a wide range of developers and publishers, both big and small.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Hewish affirmed:
“What sets us apart is our end-to-end client relationship management and our emphasis on empowering game publishers and developers through innovative tools. We also prioritize security and support a wide array of payment methods.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Hewish pointed out:
“We aim to stay at the forefront of industry changes and continue to provide cutting-edge tools and solutions for game developers. With an increasing focus on Web 3.0 and the Creator Economy, we are eager to explore new territories.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics to discuss? Hewish concluded:
“I want to emphasize that Xsolla is dedicated to empowering the gaming community. We believe in the power of teamwork, innovation, and enthusiasm to transform obstacles into catalysts for success.”
