Welcome to The Business of Games Podcast, brought to you by Xsolla.
In this episode, hosts Chris Hewish and Lia Ballentine close out the year with a special look back at 2025 and a forward look at the trends that will define 2026.
Instead of a single topic, this one pulls together voices from across the games ecosystem, from studios to platforms to service partners:
Together, they help map out how the business of games is changing, from regulation and revenue models to AI workflows, creator ecosystems, and the emotional realities of building games through another turbulent year.
We start with 2025 in review: platform rules shifting after Epic v. Google, the surprising rise of younger creators, the erosion of AAA’s monopoly, and the pressure facing studios as layoffs and pivots ripple through the industry.
From there, we turn to five key predictions for 2026:
Finally, we close with the human side of change: candid reflections on mental health, resilience, imposter syndrome, and gratitude for the careers and communities that make all of this possible.
By the end, you’ll have a clear snapshot of what 2025 actually changed and a practical sense of where to focus as 2026 begins.
Let’s get into it.
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