While innovation and entrepreneurship are two distinct concepts, their knots are closely tied. And entrepreneurs have shown this for decades. Their ability to turn an idea into a viable business opportunity reflects their ability to innovate. Introducing fresh ideas, business models, products, or services that can redefine prevalent alternatives shows their ability to innovate. As we talk about innovation, the gaming industry has made some exceptional breakthroughs. Here, entrepreneurs have introduced innovative paths for increased connectivity, easy cloud-based remote gaming, and cross-platform compatibility.
The scenario caught our attention; as an e-magazine that stands on featuring stories of innovation, we began searching for an authority in innovative mindset within the gaming space. This is when we met Chris Hewish, President and Interim CEO (Xsolla). His mindset says, “Innovation is at the heart of entrepreneurship, but staying ahead of the curve no matter where you are inevitably boils down to adapting, growing, and making sure you are constantly on the cutting edge.” His acumen in helping companies build, scale or improve upon their engagement strategies has earned him over a decade of experience in turning around and leading cross-disciplinary internal game teams of 5 – 150 people. He has worked as an executive producer on games spanning AAA to indie. In fact, he has started two game companies from the ground up.
For our captivating edition, “Trailblazing Entrepreneurs of the Year – 2023,” we are honored to spotlight his journey across the gaming industry and how he is driving Xsolla, a gaming commerce firm, to new heights. But first, let’s take a quick look at the company.
XSOLLA – A VANGUARD IN GAMING COMMERCE
The gaming industry is becoming an intricate world of global distribution and multi-platform marketing demands. And developers need a partner who understands these complexities and turns them to opportunities. This is where Xsolla shines. Starting in 2005, Xsolla has established itself as an iconic name in the gaming commerce industry by continually raising the bar higher. Its expertise stretches across the gaming industry from the first stages of finance to the apex phases of launch and revenue generation.
With its robust suite of services, it has been the backbone of several thousand game developers, ensuring they navigate the complex terrains of the industry with finesse and efficiency. With nearly two decades of business, the firm has carved a palpable influence globally, underscored by its offices spanning major cities worldwide.
PASSION DRIVES AN INNOVATIVE MIND
Chris has worked for some of the top gaming firms and entertainment studios throughout his career. His passion for gaming saw the light in the early days at Games Workshop, where he learned about the gaming business, especially the importance of connecting directly with customers. Afterward, he worked with industry titans at Microprose to iterate while delving into the subtleties of game creation. This opened the door for his employment at Activision, where he worked on AAA titles and helped design the Greenlight Process.
His entrepreneurial drive blossomed further at DreamWorks Animation, where he guided the studio in developing a scalable business strategy to adapt to the industry’s changing standards. At Bonanza Media, he honed his abilities while putting an emphasis on how vital investor alignment is. This opened the opportunity to join Survios to explore the world of virtual reality and demonstrate the value of platform-specific design. Finally, he was working at Skydance, helping them revamp the studio’s culture so that efficiency and creativity could coexist.
When he joined Xsolla in 2020, his diverse expertise gifted him a unique vantage point. He began establishing connections with players and understanding the industry on an unprecedented scale. This is helping Xsolla to work with many game development titans, such as stalwarts like Valve, Twitch, Roblox, and Ubisoft. He is assisting the firm in fostering lasting relationships between game developers and their audience, guaranteeing that every game project, regardless of its size, has the tools necessary to succeed.
CARVING A DIFFERENCE FOR EVERY BUSINESS
As mentioned, Xsolla prides itself on catering to a diverse clientele, including burgeoning indie developers to major AAA gaming titans. However, carving a niche in an industry dominated by mammoth studios, has been no joke. Furthermore, providing independent developers with a platform and resources to prosper while managing the intricacies of global transactions – from disparate payment methods to localized compliance issues – required proactive innovation. Being deeply entrenched in technology innovation, Xsolla has created innovative tools specifically designed to empower game publishers and developers. “We have built an extensive and tailored network through funding, marketing, distribution, and monetization,” says Chris.
To ensure an end-to-end client relationship, it offers multi-national and multilingual assistance, including local expertise in over 200 countries, and caters to over 20 languages. It accepts more than 700 kinds of payment in over 130 different currencies, with secured payment choices, and supports over 10 methods for cross-border payouts. The fact that a merchant and seller of record is behind them to bear all the associated risks and obligations provides comfort to the clients. The offerings show its commitment to its partners and a sense of purpose, such as bringing a developer’s vision to fruition or facilitating a large studio’s global expansion. “Every success story, every game launched, and every challenge overcome serves as a testament to our journey and reinforces our commitment to driving the gaming industry forward,” says Chris proudly.
STAYIN AHEAD OF INDUSTRIAL TRENDS
As a global leader, Xsolla has a philosophy to stay attuned to the seismic shifts of the industry and evolve proactively. Due to this, every aspect of the business, including monetization, marketing, analytics, and beyond, is continually optimized to fit the changing environment. “We prioritize security with advanced fraud prevention systems, ensuring transactions across 200+ countries are seamless and secure,” adds Chris. This dedication to excellence stems from a steadfast commitment to innovation, superior customer service, and robust partnerships. It’s this trifecta that empowers us to stay ahead of industry changes.
Being on the cutting edge also allows Xsolla to stay aware of the changing dynamics between gamers and developers. For instance, AAA titles predominantly dominated the gaming space, and indie projects with limited budgets faced an uphill battle. Despite this, the indie game sector has endured; their skill in utilizing cutting-edge tools like social media and strategic alliances led to a paradigm shift. “They don’t need colossal budgets; they required the right mix of innovation, connection with their audience, and tenacity,” says Chris. Chris claims that after seeing this change, a certain group of players with “heavy Indie gamers” are actively devoted and engaging, and it is crucial to understand what drives them. Following this group, which devotes a lot of time discovering new releases and keeps close ties with indie developers, aids Xsolla to improve its strategy, products, and industry outreach.
LEADING AN INNOVATION CONDUCIVE TEAM
Since innovation begins with people, Xsolla created an environment that can foster the creative flair of its staff. There is an atmosphere of trust, openness and mutual respect, which ensures every voice, irrespective of its source, is valued and considered. Its multinational crew, which spans over 200 nations, represents a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity is the cradle of ground-breaking ideas. Through teamwork, Xsolla envisions creative and feasible ideas that are continually improved to serve an international clientele. “Our dedication to crafting bespoke experiences, from providing interfaces in many languages to grasping nuanced regional payment preferences, stems directly from our unwavering spirit of innovation,” says Chris. They also have regular workshops, ideation sessions, and innovation challenges to keep the creative juices flowing.
Xsolla’s culture is a conjuncture of diverse viewpoints, continual learning, and an innovation-focused ethos. It is a vibrant ecosystem that encourages constant learning and taking risks while fostering creativity at every turn. “We don’t merely adjust to change; rather, we foresee it and help to shape it,” says Chris, who ensures that Xsolla is making a difference for each client.
THE LEADER WHO KEEPS XSOLLA AFLOAT
While the team’s collaboration and continued penchant for innovation attribute to Xsolla’s growth, Chris’ vision and leadership are instrumental in its ascent. His foundational lessons of continuous learning, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to a mission – he gathered throughout his tenure has helped Xsolla make a mark in the industry. By staying adaptable, the firm can pivot and develop novel solutions that caters to industrial demands while staying ahead of the curve. By addressing the changing needs, Xsolla can create distinctive ties with partners, developers and end users, building a network of trust. With diverse minds working together to empower gaming space, the firm stays vibrant, pushing its boundaries, be it payment solutions, marketing strategies, or global outreach.
Chris’ resilience in the face of crises also speaks a lot about his leadership. Joining Xsolla in 2020, his efforts to keeping the team believe in his vision, coupled with an indomitable spirit, has helped them sail through COVID-19. For him, resilience in the face of adversity, is the undercurrent that has propelled them forward. He led the team to become agile towards the rapid changes and uncertainties, and focusing on real-time decisions rather than relying solely on pre-established strategies. The focus on adaptability has helped them embrace new methods and tools that better suit the altered landscape. Also, it has fostered more transparency in communication, ensuring that every team member is aligned and informed. “Our approach, together with strong leadership and a committed team, can transform obstacles into catalysts for innovation and success,” claims Chris.
AN ENTREPRENEUR WITH AN EXEMPLARY LIFESTYLE
For a leader in this era, setting a good example is essential, and Chris doesn’t neglect any details. He practices what he preaches, but at the same time ensures sanctity towards personal life. His varied career through the gaming industry can be seen in the course of a regular day in his life. For instance, leading cutting-edge developments at Xsolla or the creative letter that opened the gates to Games Workshop – are striking testaments to the persisting significance of enthusiasm in success. He spends his middays navigating through lively meetings while pondering the iterative developments he pioneered at MicroProse and the efficient Greenlight Process at Activision that supplements his present strategies. His lunch breaks serve as a moment of respite, a quick getaway for him to reminisce about taking calculated risks at DreamWorks Animation or learning priceless startup skills from Bonanza Media.
As the daylight changes to evening hues, he turns his attention to the firm’s bigger picture, just like his transitional time at Skydance, when he switched from a transactional, work-for-hire mindset to one of unrestrained creativity. However, evenings are also his sanctuary. After all, family always remains paramount. Even while he dedicates the languid pace of the evenings and weekends to family, the time also helps him rejuvenate. When he takes these pauses, he often rediscovers his feeling of purpose or gets an inspiration for a novel project. Carving out these sacrosanct boundaries while enabling the intrinsic passion for gaming to thrive inside them is the genuine essence of achieving balance.
In conclusion, balancing the unrelenting demands of the game industry with the sanctity of his personal life has been an uphill battle and a rewarding adventure. The stakes and difficulties evolved as his adventure progressed from the nascent stage at MicroProse to entering a rapidly growing gaming industry to the vast horizons explored at Xsolla. While Chris’ calling was to explore this fresh frontier, one tenet remained steadfast: family comes first. In his words, “Their presence is the tranquil anchor amidst the dynamic whirlwind of entrepreneurial life.”
MANY NOTCHES IN THE BELT
There is a saying, “When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” This equates with Chris’ experience, especially how he has shaped the evolution of the game business. As a matter of fact, he was present for each critical transition, and they all left a lasting impression on his career path. He began working with Activision at the beginning of several console cycles, which saw rapid expansion. He witnessed the company’s transtion into a AAA firm and online multiplayer games. He also helped create its Greenlight Process, which was crucial to its success. He was prudent in tailoring DreamWorks Animation’s commercial strategy to the changing dynamics of the gaming industry. This project established a standard for the sector and emphasized the value of being adaptable and forward-looking.
One of his most cherished achievements isn’t a singular accolade but the culmination of various experiences that allowed to be part of game-changing projects like VR’s hit “Raw Data” when he was in Survios and later “The Walking Dead Saints & Sinners” at Skydance. These projects were successful titles and set benchmarks in their respective genres.
These experiences and triumphs have helped him to inspire teamwork and innovation at Xsolla. The firm has won praise for its dedication to providing easier and better experience for creators of all sizes, from indie to AAA. Chris’s leadership style has also evolved because of the experiences. Besides engaging with plenty of games each year, he has broadened the industry’s scope through a wider B2B viewpoint, particularly as the investing community becomes more aware of the extensive ecosystem it is surrounded by.
PURVIEW OF AN EVENTFUL FUTURE
While these achievements are notable, it can’t go unrecognized that success is rarely a solitary endeavor. It is the fruit of arduous teamwork, enthusiasm, and the common vision of many gifted people. Chris envisions to continue transforming the gaming sector with his team, developing alliances and offering services that support the success of all sizes of game publishers and developers. “We strive to be at the forefront as the gaming industry changes, providing cutting-edge tools and solutions that address the shifting needs of developers,” he says. With an increasing emphasis on Web 3.0 and the Creator Economy, they are eager to explore uncharted territories and make sure that their partners always have access to the best resources.
Chris also aims to mentor an emerging class of game industry executives, stressing the significance of enthusiasm, innovation, and teamwork. He supports expanding businesses while also influencing the larger ecosystem. By serving as a mentor, he will be able to open doors, foster imagination, and benefit the world at large. He says proudly, “Leaving a lasting legacy is at the core of every entrepreneurial journey, and that’s exactly what I envision for both Xsolla and myself.”
WORDS OF ENLIGHTENMENT FROM THE CEO
“Lead with passion and be adaptive. Build strong relationships and surround yourself with a team that shares your zeal. Don’t be deterred by setbacks; stay curious and keep learning. Remember, success, in its truest form, is the impact you leave behind.”
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Business Talk is a digital business magazine that caters to CEOs, Entrepreneurs, VC, and Corporates. While working with entrepreneurs and business executives, we focus not only on their achievements. Our mission is to shed light on business entities, including their innovations, technological benchmarks, USPs, and milestones/accolades.
