As the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 approaches, Xsolla is preparing for another edition of the event, taking place from March 17 to 21 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. In an exclusive interview, David Stelzer, President of Xsolla, shared the company's initiatives and expectations for the event.

"Our mission at Xsolla is to empower game developers worldwide, regardless of their size or location," explains Stelzer. During GDC 2025, the company will reinforce this commitment through various initiatives aimed at supporting the global game development community.

One of the main highlights will be the sponsorship of Day of the Devs, an event that promotes indie games and fosters connections within the industry. "We are supporting two editions of the event this year: Day of the Devs: San Francisco Edition and Day of the Devs: GDC Edition. These events provide independent developers with a platform to showcase their projects and gain visibility in a highly competitive market."

In addition to sponsoring the event, Xsolla will host the Xsolla Developer Summit, bringing together industry leaders to discuss trends and challenges in the sector. "One of the key sessions will be 'The Industry: Where We Have Been and Where We Are Going,' on March 18, where we will explore market changes, monetization strategies, and funding opportunities," says Stelzer.

GDC has established itself as one of the most important events in the gaming industry. For Stelzer, "it is not just a trade show; it is where the past, present, and future of interactive entertainment converge." He emphasizes that the conference brings together thousands of developers, designers, and executives, creating an environment conducive to innovation and business.

"GDC is where trends are set and ideas are challenged. The event is a space where the greatest minds in the industry come together to exchange experiences, teach, and, most importantly, listen," highlights the executive. According to him, the conference not only shapes the industry's direction but also boosts careers and creates opportunities for new talent.

Regarding the topics that are expected to gain prominence at this year's GDC, Stelzer points to the growing importance of cloud gaming and subscription services. "These trends are accelerating the breakdown of regional barriers, allowing more players to access high-quality experiences regardless of owning advanced hardware," he states.

He also notes that the real challenge for developers is not just global distribution but creating authentic connections with diverse audiences. "Traditional models of design, monetization, and storytelling may no longer be sufficient. Strategies involving localized content, regional pricing, and culturally relevant narratives will be essential to engaging players worldwide."

Comparing GDC with Gamescom, Stelzer highlights that each event plays a distinct role in the industry. "While GDC is a meeting point for professionals, filled with technical sessions and networking, Gamescom is a celebration of gaming culture, where studios present their games directly to the public. In short, GDC is where games are made, and Gamescom is where they are celebrated."

Xsolla anticipates a transformative year for indie games, with new opportunities in funding, distribution, and marketing. "Accessibility for indie developers is increasing, but game discoverability remains a major challenge. Having a great game is not enough; investing in marketing strategies, community engagement, and financial support is crucial," warns Stelzer.

To address these challenges, the company is betting on alternative monetization models, such as subscription services and direct-to-consumer sales. "Partnerships like Day of the Devs will be fundamental in providing greater visibility for developers and bringing them closer to both the public and the industry."

Finally, Xsolla reaffirms its commitment to independent creators through financial support, monetization solutions, and distribution strategies. "Beyond event sponsorship, Xsolla continues refining its services suite to help indie teams with funding, distribution, and monetization. Xsolla reduces the financial and technical burden on small studios by offering solutions that simplify payments and in-game transactions."

"Xsolla continues to utilize its global network to offer indie developers new opportunities for market expansion. We strive to help independent studios connect with audiences beyond conventional publishing channels by emphasizing direct-to-consumer sales and alternative revenue models. Essentially, Xsolla's strategy enables developers to retain creative control while ensuring financial sustainability," concludes Stelzer.