Welcome to The Business of Games Podcast, brought to you by Xsolla.

In this Extended Cut, host Lia Ballentine talks with Mark Long, veteran producer, investor, and CEO of Villain Studios, about how indie developers can thrive in an increasingly crowded market and why the future of Web3 depends on making it invisible.

With experience at HBO, Microsoft, and as former CEO of Shrapnel, Mark shares a modern indie playbook built around ownership, community, and smart planning. He explains why developers should control their launch strategies, focus on meaningful player connections, and treat blockchain as background infrastructure rather than the story itself.

Across the discussion, Mark shares insights on:

• Building direct-to-player funnels and owning your launch
• Focusing on wishlist quality, not just quantity
• Sequencing storefronts to build lasting momentum
• Using Web3 as invisible infrastructure to enhance player trust
• Applying AI responsibly while keeping creative work human

Whether you're launching your first game or exploring new technologies, this episode offers practical guidance for building games and communities that last.

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