As the holiday season approaches, it's time to relax, reflect, and plan for the new year. For indie developers, it's a perfect time to catch up on this past year's industry insights and opportunities that may have been missed during the hustle and bustle of game development, launch, and post-launch activities. But never fear; we've got you covered. We know gift guides are all the rage, so we've developed our slightly altered version - a holiday reading list of some of the most informative articles explicitly tailored to the challenges and solutions most relevant for indie developers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, there's something for everyone. So grab a warm beverage, and let's dive into the top articles of 2024.

Funding

Money woes can often be the difference between a game launching or sitting on the shelf. The following articles cover all things funding. Xsolla funding expands accelerator to empower game developers New game developers face a steep learning curve, juggling everything from game design to pitching to investors. In 2022, Xsolla Accelerator was launched to provide education and support to indie studios. In this article, we cover the expanded benefits that are now being offered, like:

• Free and paid programs: Learn from free courses and case studies, or delve deeper with paid options featuring pre-recorded classes, live Q&As, and personalized mentorship.
• Increased funding opportunities: Accelerator helps refine your skills and project, potentially leading to funding from investors or grant programs later.

For all the details, check out the full article here. Funding 101: The impact of the vertical slice More than just a proof of concept, the vertical slice, or a fully playable portion of your game, is a powerful tool for indie game developers. It defines the player experience and can help pay for development, publishing, and marketing through supportive programs like the Xsolla Funding Club. In this article, get a crash course education on what makes a vertical slice really pop, with topics like:

• The key components of a strong vertical slice
• Tips for creating a compelling vertical slice
• And how the Xsolla Funding Club can help you.

For all the details, check out the full article here.

5 contracts every game developer needs

Securing funding means setting up contracts with third parties, so we created a handy guide to the five most important agreements you'll need to secure and what to expect. Stay ahead of the curve when it comes to signing the following contracts:

• Independent contractor agreements
• Work-for-Hire agreements
• Option agreements
• Publishing agreements
• Porting agreements

For all the details, check out the full article here.

Taxes and payments

Once you've secured your funding and your game has launched, it's time for the less glamorous part of being an indie game developer—taxes and compliance. The following articles cover the nitty-gritty of ecommerce regulations. Understanding taxes for game developers Taxes are complex, especially for game developers selling digital goods. But they don't need to be. In this article, which is part of a larger series on taxes, we go over the basics, explaining what they are, the two main types, and how to navigate the different tax codes by region. For all the details, check out the full article here. Choose the right payment partner: MOR vs. PSP Choosing the right payment partner is crucial when building a successful video game. Understand the difference between payment service providers (PSPs) and merchants of records (MoRs) as it relates to the following topics:

• Fraud protection
• Tax management
• Legal compliance
• Customer support
• And how using Xsolla as your Merchant of Record is the best way for game developers and publishers to grow their businesses.

For all the details, check out the full article here.

Marketing and monetization

You've spent countless hours developing and launching your game; now, it's time to ensure a steady revenue stream. The following articles cover the best ways to market and monetize your game. Build your indie game community with influencer marketing Influencer marketing has become a cornerstone of modern gaming marketing strategies. Its ability to reach targeted audiences and foster strong community bonds transforms how games are promoted and experienced. In this article, we'll cover the key benefits of influencer marketing and how leveraging Xsolla's suite of tools can help you maximize the impact of your influencer marketing effort with the following:

• Xsolla Partner Network: This platform enables you to manage influencers, create affiliate programs, and track campaign performance.
• Xsolla Mall: This online marketplace allows you to create customized storefronts, track influencer sales, and offer exclusive deals.

For all the details, check out the full article here. Instant solutions for speedy game revenue The gaming industry is facing challenges like slower growth and increased competition. To address these issues, developers must find ways to increase revenue, expand their audience, and optimize costs. This article covers all our instant solutions, a suite of easily integrated tools you can use in less than 24 hours. Learn more about the options like:

• Instant Web Shop: Quickly set up an online store for mobile games, enabling direct-to-consumer sales.
• Instant Game Sales: Sell games directly to customers, bypassing traditional distribution channels.
• Instant Launcher: Launch games directly to players, eliminating the need for third-party stores.
• Instant Cloud Gaming: Provide cloud-based gaming experiences that reach a wider audience.

For all the details, check out the full article here. Two strategies to increase mobile game revenue in the DMA age The Digital Markets Act (DMA) has opened up new opportunities for mobile game developers to bypass the high fees charged by Apple and Google. This article covers what developers need to know to capitalize on the two most effective strategies to increase payment options for their players and reduce overall costs: direct-to-consumer sales and in-game SDK integrations. For all the details, check out the full article here.

The future

Last but certainly not least, we look towards the future. Our last must-read article of the year is a retrospective on the power that indie games have within the gaming industry. A modern renaissance: The rise of indie games Indie games have emerged and, in 2024, have challenged the dominance of AAA titles. These smaller-scale games, often created by independent developers, offer unique and innovative experiences that resonate with players. In this article, read about the key factors driving the rise of indie games and their role in shaping the future of gaming. For all the details, check out the full article here. As we wrap up this year, we hope this curated list of articles offers practical advice and actionable tips to help you succeed in the ever-evolving and competitive gaming industry. For those looking to level up with Xsolla's suite of tools and services, schedule a meeting with a team member to learn how we can help you tackle challenges and opportunities in 2025. Happy holidays!