I recently attended the D.I.C.E. Summit in Las Vegas, one of the premier gatherings for leaders in the video game industry. What stood out most was not a new platform or technology, but the people behind them.

D.I.C.E. remains one of the few places where leaders across games, technology, and storytelling can speak openly about where the industry is heading, from the future of player communities to the economics of development and distribution.

The real highlight was reconnecting with old friends and collaborators. In a world of constant digital communication, there is still no substitute for meeting in person. The spontaneous conversations, nuance, and trust that come from being face to face remain invaluable.

The trip culminated in a wonderful dinner co-hosted by Xsolla’s Justin Berenbaum at the Paris Hotel.

Justin is a veteran executive in the video game industry with 25+ years of experience across companies like Activision, 505 Games, and Capcom. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Industry Relations and Funding General Manager at Xsolla, where he leads funding initiatives that help connect game developers with investors.

Through education, structured pitch opportunities, and industry connections, Xsolla aims to help studios operate more effectively and remain viable long after a game launches.

“Modern investors are not just investing in a game; they are investing in a business and its ability to deliver on a game.”

— Justin Berenbaum

That approach is explored further in the discussion below, where Berenbaum and other industry leaders examine what investors now expect from game studios.

Xsolla’s Key Funding Initiatives

These programs form the core of Xsolla’s approach to sustainable game financing:

1. The Xsolla Funding Accelerator: This program identifies overlooked games with potential and provides early funding, introductions to industry specialists, and expert feedback on developer builds and portfolios.

2. The Scaffold Game Accelerator: This 12-week program guides studios through the creation of a 5- to 15-minute playable demo and a detailed, publisher-ready pitch deck, culminating in a remote showcase for selected investors.

3. The Xsolla Funding Club (XFC): This curated matchmaking platform connects experienced developers directly with publishers and investors.

As game development becomes more complex and investors more selective, funding models must evolve. Xsolla’s approach reflects a broader shift in the industry, one that prioritizes sustainable businesses, meaningful partnerships, and long-term success over one-off launches.

For studios ready to think beyond a single title, the future of funding is about building companies, not just games.

Further Reading:

1. From pitch to play: How game developers are securing investor partnerships with Xsolla Funding | GamesBeat

2. Xsolla & Scaffold Institute Launch Accelerator to Help Indie Studios | 80LV

3. Xsolla and Scaffold Institute launch accelerator to help studios grow and monetise games | PocketGamer