Xsolla at DICE Summit 2026: Empowering developers to go direct-to-consumer
February 9, 2026•5 min
The video game industry is evolving rapidly, and one of the most significant shifts we're seeing is the move toward direct-to-consumer relationships. Developers are increasingly seeking ways to connect directly with their players, avoid unnecessary platform fees, and build sustainable, long-term businesses on their own terms.
That's why we're excited to return to DICE Summit 2026, taking place February 10-12 at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. As the industry's premier gathering of creative minds and thought leaders, DICE Summit is the ideal venue to showcase how Xsolla's comprehensive platform equips developers with everything they need to power video game commerce and build successful direct-to-consumer businesses.
Why direct-to-consumer matters now more than ever
The traditional distribution model has served the gaming industry well, but it comes with limitations. High platform fees can significantly eat into developer margins, especially for independent studios and mid-sized publishers. Meanwhile, developers often lack direct access to their player data and relationships, making it harder to build community, drive retention, and create personalized experiences. Going direct-to-consumer isn't just about saving money on fees, though that's certainly a benefit. It's about control, flexibility, and the freedom to build your business your way. It's about owning the relationship with your players, understanding their preferences, and creating experiences that keep them engaged long after launch. At Xsolla, we've built our platform around this belief: developers should have the freedom and tools to build direct relationships with their players. Whether you're an indie studio launching your first web shop or an established publisher expanding into new markets, we provide all the things needed to succeed in today's player-first ecosystem.What we're bringing to DICE Summit 2026
This year, we're showcasing solutions that address the real challenges developers face when building direct-to-consumer operations. Here's what we'll be discussing: Web shop solutions for mobile games We've successfully integrated more than 700 web shops for mobile games, enabling developers to implement our "Pay Online, Play on Device" model. This approach allows studios to bypass platform fees, maximize revenue, and build direct relationships with players while maintaining seamless in-game delivery. Your players purchase through your web shop, and their content is instantly available in the game—no friction, no delays, just a smooth experience that benefits everyone. Global payment infrastructure that actually works One of the biggest barriers to global growth is payment complexity. Different regions have different preferred payment methods, and if you can't support what players want to use, you're leaving money on the table. That's why we've built support for 1,000+ payment methods across 200+ geographies. From credit cards and digital wallets to local market-specific payment options, we remove friction from the purchase process and enable players worldwide to pay and play how they want. This extensive coverage helps developers expand their market reach and optimize conversion rates across all regions. A complete direct-to-consumer platform Building commerce infrastructure from scratch is expensive, time-consuming, and frankly, not what most developers want to spend their time on. You want to make great games, not become payment experts. That's where we come in. From payment processing and fraud prevention to player account management and promotional tools, Xsolla provides game companies with everything needed to launch, operate, and scale direct-to-consumer operations without building complex infrastructure in-house.Connecting with the community
Beyond showcasing our platform, we're excited to participate in some of DICE Summit's most beloved traditions. We're proud to sponsor the 15th Annual DICE Go-Karting Competition on Tuesday, February 10—one of the summit's most anticipated networking events. We're also sponsoring the official DICE Speaker and Sponsor VIP Reception on Tuesday evening at Easy's Cocktail Lounge at ARIA, providing an exclusive setting for speakers and partners to connect. Throughout Wednesday and Thursday, we'll have a dedicated on-site meeting room available for partners and collaborators who want a private space for discussions, planning sessions, and strategic conversations. Whether you're exploring web shop implementation, discussing global payment optimization, or planning your direct-to-consumer strategy, our business development and product teams will be on-site and ready to help.The future is direct
As Berkley Egenes, our Chief Marketing & Growth Officer, puts it: "DICE Summit represents the pinnacle of creative and technical innovation in gaming, and we're excited to connect with developers who are shaping the future of interactive entertainment. Our platform is built on the belief that developers should have the freedom and tools to build direct relationships with their players." The shift to direct-to-consumer isn't a trend; it's a fundamental change in how successful game businesses operate. The studios and publishers who embrace this shift now will be the ones who thrive in the years ahead. They'll have stronger margins, deeper player relationships, and more control over their own destiny. If you're attending DICE Summit 2026, we'd love to connect. Whether you're just starting to explore direct-to-consumer options or ready to scale your existing e-commerce operations, our team is here to help you navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.Let's build something together
DICE Summit is all about collaboration, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in interactive entertainment. We can't wait to be part of those conversations and explore how we can support your vision for the future of your games and your business. To schedule a meeting with Xsolla during DICE Summit, visit https://xsolla.com/events/dice-summit-2026/booking. We'll see you in Las Vegas.Featured articles
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