Invisible Web3, smarter launches: a playbook for indies with Mark Long, CEO of Villain Studios

Welcome to The Business of Games Podcast, brought to you by Xsolla.In this Extended Cut, host Lia Ballentine talks with Mark Long, veteran producer, investor, and CEO of Villain Studios, about how indie developers can thrive in an increasingly crowded market and why the future of Web3 depends on making it invisible.With experience at HBO, Microsoft, and as former CEO of Shrapnel, Mark shares a modern indie playbook built around ownership, community, and smart planning. He explains why developers should control their launch strategies, focus on meaningful player connections, and treat blockchain as background infrastructure rather than the story itself.Across the discussion, Mark shares insights on:Building direct-to-player funnels and owning your launchFocusing on wishlist quality, not just quantitySequencing storefronts to build lasting momentumUsing Web3 as invisible infrastructure to enhance player trustApplying AI responsibly while keeping creative work humanWhether you're launching your first game or exploring new technologies, this episode offers practical guidance for building games and communities that last.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.