Modern CTO Web3 Was a Failure…Will Gaming Save it? with Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla
Nov 13, 2025
In this engaging talk, Chris Hewish, President at Xsolla and savvy expert in gaming business models, dives into the collapse of Web3's first gaming phase, exposing how speculation led to pyramid schemes. He highlights a promising shift: integrating blockchain technology into gameplay for better user experiences. Chris also discusses the potential of creator economies and regulated secondary markets, emphasizing the importance of clarity in crypto regulations for future investments. His insights could reshape how we view gaming's intersection with Web3.
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Web3 Needs Gameplay First
- The first wave of Web3 failed because technology led and gameplay followed, creating speculative, non-fun experiences.
- Web3 should be moved under the hood to enhance gameplay and reduce user friction.
Portability Promises Were Overstated
- Interoperability promises (items moving between major games) were unrealistic due to incentives and technical gaps.
- Web3's real value lies in creator economies, royalties, and marketing tech that augment existing platforms.
Turning Down DJ Life For Activision
- Chris recounted choosing Activision over a career as a nightclub DJ as a pivotal decision.
- That choice launched a 13-year run that shaped his career in games.
