- Pocket Gamer Connects London is just weeks away
- Attendees can expect 30 unmissable conference tracks covering a wide range of cutting-edge topics, including mobile, PC, console, Web3, AI, and more.
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Pocket Gamer Connects, the leading international conference series for the global games industry is coming back to London on January 20th and 21st, 2025.
This must attend event will unite more than 2,750 industry professionals for two days of learning, pitching and networking. Attendees will dive into 20 expertly curated conference tracks exploring the latest trends and admencests in mobile, PC, console, web3, AI and beyond.
Joining the line-up of speakers is Xsolla’s senior VP business development — EMEA, Chris Meredith, a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience building and scaling businesses across global operations.
We spoke with Meredith to discuss what he will be talking about at the upcoming event.
Pocketgamer.biz: What will you be speaking about at Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025 and why is it important?
Chris Meredith: At PGC London, I’ll be on a panel of experts discussing the implications of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act on the video games industry.
This legislation is crucial for mobile game developers as it enables alternative payment systems and lowers commission fees, allowing them to retain more revenue, foster fairer competition, and offer greater flexibility in monetisation.
I welcome everyone to come to the panel, as we’ll unpack the key provisions of the Digital Markets Act and offer practical suggestions for compliance.
What key trend should we be paying attention to in the next 12 months?
In the next 12 months, a key trend will be the shift towards hybrid monetisation models.
“As player demographics become more diverse, game developers are moving beyond relying solely on ads or microtransactions.”
Chris Meredith
As player demographics become more diverse, game developers are moving beyond relying solely on ads or microtransactions. Instead, we’ll likely see a combination of subscription services, ad-free premium versions, and optional in-game purchases.
Some games may even introduce new reward systems, allowing players to earn in-game currency by watching ads or completing challenges, offering more value without compromising the overall experience.
Can people get in touch with you at PGC London? What sort of people would you like to connect with?
Absolutely. At Xsolla, we specialise in providing end-to-end solutions for payment processing, player support, and in-game commerce, so we’re always interested in meeting people who are exploring new monetisation models, cross-platform integration, or ways to optimise their payment systems. If you’d like to speak with me, please reach out!
What are the next big opportunities in the mobile games market?
One of the next big opportunities in the mobile games market is the rise of in-game web shops. With 77% of players already purchasing through these online stores, developers are seeing the potential for a smoother, cross-platform experience that bypasses app store fees.
The model offers players greater flexibility with payment options and opens the doors for exclusive offers, bundles, and time-limited deals, which can drive engagement and revenue.
As the mobile gaming sector is projected to generate an impressive $98.7 billion in revenue globally in 2024, this opportunity shouldn’t be overlooked. If developers embrace web shops, they could unlock new revenue streams and elevate the gaming experience.
What developments do you think have been undervalued by the mobile games industry?
One development that the mobile games industry has perhaps undervalued is the potential impact of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
The legislation, aimed at curbing the power of tech giants, could dramatically shift the mobile gaming landscape. By forcing these companies to open their app stores to alternative payment systems, the Digital Markets Act could reduce the hefty fees that developers face, giving them more control over revenue.
“One development that the mobile games industry has perhaps undervalued is the potential impact of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.”
Chris Meredith
This is a big deal for smaller developers who often need help competing with platform giants. The act could allow for more direct relationships with players, opening up new ways to monetise games.
While the Digital Markets Act is still in the early stages of enforcement, its potential to level the playing field for developers and shake up the app store status quo should not be underestimated.
The mobile space evolves at a much faster pace than console and PC gaming, but is there a console or PC trend that you think has potential within the mobile space?
While the mobile gaming space evolves at lightning speed, one trend has serious potential: the rise of cloud gaming. Console and PC gamers have long enjoyed the convenience of playing high-quality games via streaming platforms.
This trend is slowly making its way into the mobile space, where the prospect of playing graphically intensive games on a mobile phone or tablet without needing gold-standard hardware is incredibly appealing.
If mobile games can harness the potential of cloud gaming, it could significantly expand the scope of what’s possible on the phone, bringing triple-A experiences to a much wider audience.
It could help break down some of the barriers around device limitations, giving players access to premium content without needing to upgrade their hardware constantly. While mobile gaming is known for its quick, casual experiences, cloud gaming could add a new dimension to the market.
Tickets for Pocket Gamer Connects London are available now, with Mid-Term prices offering savings of up to £170. Offer ends Tuesday, January 7th.
