Xsolla: Which Markets Are "Actively Shaping the Future of the Industry"?

According to David Stelzer, President of Xsolla, the Global South is not only a promising emerging region, but also a major driver of global gaming growth.

GamesMarkt: As a provider of payment solutions (and much more), Xsolla has a unique perspective on the gaming industry. Which gaming market is particularly interesting for Xsolla at the moment, or which one is particularly on the rise?

David Stelzer: "Right now, all eyes are on the Global South - with Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the MENA region emerging not just as "promising" but as essential engines of global gaming growth. These markets are no longer viewed through the lens of potential alone; they're actively shaping the future of the industry."

"Latin America stands out with a projected revenue of $20.3 billion in 2025 (source: Statista) and the fastest growth rate among global gaming markets, clocking in at 6.2% year-over-year. What's driving this surge isn't just an increase in player numbers - it's a shift in player behavior. LATAM is a mobile-first market where players are not only engaging with global titles but also showing an increasing appetite for locally developed content that reflects their cultures, languages, and gameplay preferences. Brazil and Mexico, in particular, are leading the charge, with improved digital payment infrastructure, and growing interest from global publishers and investors."

"Southeast Asia is another region redefining what it means to be a gaming hotspot. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines boast young, hyper-connected populations with some of the highest mobile engagement rates in the world. Monetization strategies are maturing, with players showing a growing willingness to spend through in-app purchases, subscription models, and localized payment options."

"Meanwhile, the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) is rapidly asserting its presence on the global stage. With countries like Saudi Arabia investing billions into gaming and esports as part of broader digital transformation strategies, the region is positioning itself as both a consumer and producer of gaming content. High smartphone penetration, increased leisure spending, and government-backed gaming initiatives are creating a dynamic ecosystem where international studios are partnering with local talent to build culturally relevant, high-impact experiences."

"What's particularly exciting is that these aren't just passive consumer markets - they're becoming centers of development, innovation, and cultural production. Infrastructure is catching up, local payment preferences are stabilizing, and more developers - both local and international - are seeing tangible returns."

"For Xsolla, these regions aren't secondary considerations. They represent the frontlines of the next phase of gaming: fast-growing, mobile-native, digitally savvy, and culturally distinct. The smart money isn't just watching these markets - it's investing, building, and launching in them."

The full interview with David Stelzer about the state of the games industry, trends and changes in games monetisation, the importance of the mobile ecosystem and the European market can be found here (GM+).

David Stelzer is the President of Xsolla. His role includes leading the company's strategic initiatives to enhance its offerings to the global gaming community. With over 20 years of experience in the digital entertainment and video game industry, he has held various senior positions in business development and legal affairs. Since joining Xsolla in December 2023, he has focused on expanding direct-to-consumer services, including the Xsolla Web Shop, to make their solutions more accessible and valuable to gamers worldwide. "I aim to build upon our strong foundation and drive innovation that benefits our partners and the broader gaming community," said Stelzer.

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