Development
Xsolla celebrates International Women’s Day
March 8, 2026•3 min
As the global gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, representation and leadership diversity are becoming increasingly important for long-term innovation. This International Women’s Day, Xsolla is reaffirming its commitment to supporting women across the gaming ecosystem through global initiatives, industry partnerships, and community-driven events designed to elevate female voices and leadership.
“Representation matters, not only at the executive level, but across every layer of the gaming ecosystem,” said Ilayda Bayari, VP of Business Development EMEA at Xsolla. “By fostering mentorship, creating visible role models, and building meaningful connections between regional talent and global networks, Xsolla helps create real pathways for the next generation of women entering the industry. A more inclusive ecosystem drives stronger innovation, better decision making, and long-term growth for the entire ecosystem.”
Building opportunities across growing gaming hubs
As the gaming sector expands globally, emerging markets are playing a critical role in shaping the future of the industry. Xsolla has been actively investing in community-building initiatives across regions such as Turkiye, Dubai, and Cyprus to help connect regional talent with global opportunities. In Dubai, Xsolla recently hosted a dedicated gathering that brought together women founders and senior leaders from across the Middle East and neighboring markets. The event created a space for open dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration as participants explored strategies for scaling studios and expanding into global markets. The timing is significant. The Middle East and North Africa gaming sector is experiencing rapid growth, with revenues projected to reach $9.57 billion by 2030. By creating forums where women can exchange ideas and build partnerships, Xsolla is helping ensure that female leaders play a central role in shaping this expanding ecosystem.Strengthening the global Women in Games community
Xsolla’s commitment to women in gaming also extends to industry collaborations and conferences designed to amplify female voices. In Cyprus, the company partnered with organizations including the Women in Games Association and hosted the Women in Games conference alongside partners such as Axlebolt and WN. The event brought together women and allies from across the gaming industry to share experiences, build professional networks, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in interactive entertainment today. Conferences like these provide a platform for women to share their stories, grow their careers, and contribute to shaping the future of the industry. Turkiye represents another key focus area for Xsolla. The country’s gaming ecosystem surpassed $1.01 billion in revenue in 2025, and a new generation of talented professionals - including many women - is emerging across development, publishing, and leadership roles. By connecting these professionals with its global network, Xsolla aims to accelerate growth and expand international opportunities.Creating pathways for the next generation
Through its tools, partnerships, and global events, Xsolla is focused on driving meaningful change across the gaming landscape. Key goals include:- Increase visibility for women leaders and founders in gaming
- Encourage mentorship and peer-to-peer collaboration
- Facilitate cross-border connections between regional studios and global markets
- Support sustainable growth across emerging gaming hubs
“Representation matters, not only at the executive level, but across every layer of the gaming ecosystem,” said Ilayda Bayari, VP of Business Development EMEA at Xsolla. “By fostering mentorship, creating visible role models, and building meaningful connections between regional talent and global networks, Xsolla helps create real pathways for the next generation of women entering the industry. A more inclusive ecosystem drives stronger innovation, better decision making, and long-term growth for the entire ecosystem.”
Leading by example
Xsolla’s commitment to female leadership also starts internally. Across its global operations, women lead teams in legal, human resources, business development, training, and customer success. Many of these leaders participate in professional organizations such as Chief and have been recognized by programs like Women We Admire and OnConferences Top Leaders awards. As Xsolla continues to expand its global ecosystem, its message for International Women’s Day is clear: empowering women in gaming is not only about representation, it’s about unlocking innovation, strengthening communities, and building the future of the industry together.Get started with Xsolla
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