From platforms to players: the new rules of game discovery — featuring Xsolla’s Nic Ingham

Welcome to Xsolla Conversations. In this episode, Xsolla’s Chris Hewish sits down with Nic Ingham to discuss one of the biggest shifts in the game business: discovery. For years, developers relied on platform-controlled visibility App Store placements, algorithm boosts, and pay-to-win UA to get noticed. But the rules have changed. With seismic shifts like the Digital Markets Act and the Epic v. Apple ruling, developers now face both a challenge and an opportunity: building discovery engines from scratch. Nic shares actionable insights on how the most forward-thinking studios are creating interconnected ecosystems that blend first-party data, retargeting, community engagement, and content loops. These strategies aren't just buzzwords they’re essential to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're a developer, marketer, or studio lead, this episode is packed with real-world tactics and strategic advice to help you navigate the evolving discovery landscape. Let’s get into it. For more insights and resources, visit xsolla.com/podcast. Want to join the conversation? Follow and comment on our LinkedIn page at The Business of Games Podcast. That’s where we’ll be sharing updates, highlights, and continuing the discussion. And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share the podcast with friends who want to learn more about the business of games.