Author: Benjamin Parker

Global commerce platform provider Xsolla has announced the hiring of Cathleen Nilson as its new chief financial officer. Nilson, who has over two decades of experience in the technology industry, joins the company after a one-year stint at Kami Vision, which specializes in video-based generative AI.Prior to that, she served as CFO at Turing.com and Samsung. She previously spent time in the video game business as the global IT finance controller for Electronic Arts.In February 2024, the company announced a shakeup of its leadership structure, bringing new executives into the company. Nilson's hiring as CFO may be an extended result of this change in management.

Xsolla's financial heft has invited global scrutiny

While players probably don't know the name Xsolla, studios across the globe have partnered with the company to operate their payment and monetization platforms. Among these studios are Dying Light 2 developer Techland, Smite developer Hi-Rez Studios, and Chinese publisher NetEase Games.Xsolla's r…

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The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) and YouTuber Youna Kang (aka CodeMiko) are challenging the US Patent Office. The two parties recently filed an amicus brief with the US Supreme Court over a new requirement for trademark registration.As described in the press release, the new rule calls for applicants to provide their home addresses. Odin Law & Media, a firm representing Kang and the IGDA, argued this rule "unnecessarily exposes applicants," particularly those in the game industry.

Indies and all work-from-home devs at possible risk

Beyond YouTubers who make revenue working with developers through streaming or sponsored deals, the USPTO's rule also affects indie studios. Many operate on a work-from-home basis, meaning this rule could them vulnerable to harassment if a hack occurs.Privacy concerns have become even more pronounced in the wake of events such as Bungie's case against a harasser targeting its staff, along with an upcoming trial for a Splatoon player accused of previously se…

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