The Business of Games
The Business of Games: A podcast for developers, publishers, and executives navigating the ever-changing game industry.
From monetization models to player behavior, from platform shifts to emerging markets, The Business of Games is your guide to all the things transforming how games are built, marketed, and scaled.
Hosted by Chris Hewish and Lia Ballentine, each episode blends strategic insight, cinematic storytelling, and candid conversations with the people driving the business of play. You’ll hear from top executives inside studios and strategic partners across the ecosystem who are uncovering the ideas, tactics, and trends shaping tomorrow’s opportunities.
Whether you’re launching your first game or scaling a global studio, you’ll find practical strategies, future-forward thinking, and real-world examples you can act on right away.
The Business of Games is brought to you by Xsolla, your strategic partner behind the scenes. We bring together “All the Things” to help you simplify operations, unlock new revenue, reach more players, and launch fast.
Subscribe now to stay informed and inspired.
Visit https://xsolla.com/podcast to explore episodes, connect with our team, and access bonus resources to level up your business of play.
The Business of Games
The Impact of Web Shops on the Business Of Games – Featuring Jeff Shouger (Niantic) & Artem Liubutov (Xsolla)
In this premiere episode, hosts Chris Hewish and Lia Ballentine explore one of the biggest shifts in the mobile gaming industry: the rise of web shops.
Through cinematic storytelling, real-world examples, and conversations with Niantic CFO Jeff Shouger and Xsolla’s Artem Liubutov, we unpack how developers are reclaiming control over margins, data, and their connection to players.
You’ll hear how studios are moving beyond the 30% platform tax, why conversion rates on web shops are exceeding expectations, and what it means to build a monetization experience outside the app store. This isn’t just about commerce, it’s about power, strategy, and the future of the game business itself.
If you're a game developer, executive, product lead, or investor, this episode offers a powerful lens on what’s next in mobile game monetization.
For more insights and resources, visit xsolla.com/podcast. Want to join the conversation? Use the contact form on our website to share your feedback and questions. Plus, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share the podcast with friends who want to learn more about the business of games.
