Sam Gaglani

As the Vice President of Business Development at Xsolla, Sam is instrumental in driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships. His role involves crafting global operation and product strategies, ensuring that the most innovative ideas in the gaming industry are brought to life. With over 19 years of experience in the gaming and digital media industry, Sam's career began at Activision as an Associate Producer. During his time there, he contributed to developing and releasing several high-profile games, including Tony Hawk Underground, True Crime 2, and Rome: Total War.  

Mastering the Game: Funding, Publishing, and Community in 2025

Creating and launching a successful game in today's competitive market requires more than just a great idea. In the never-ending changes of the 2024 gaming industry, self-publishing and securing funding are more critical than ever. This panel explores the intricacies of self-publishing without leaving it to chance, delving into direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategies that are shaping the market for 2025 and beyond along with steps to secure funding from publishers and investors. We’ll also explore the importance of community and ecosystem management plays in sustaining your game's longevity, position, and success.