3233: Inside Xsolla ZK and the Future of Blockchain Gaming

I sit down with Chris Hewish, Chief Strategy and Communications Officer at Xsolla, and Lee Jacobson, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Web3 at the same company. Together, they share how Xsolla is helping game developers adapt to the rapidly shifting digital economy by bridging blockchain innovation with proven business models in the gaming world. Xsolla is no stranger to transformation. With over two decades of experience and more than 2,500 games monetized through its platform, the company is once again stepping into a leadership role—this time at the intersection of Web3 and gaming commerce.  One of the headline announcements we discuss is the launch of Xsolla ZK, a new blockchain-powered solution built on ZKsync technology. It’s designed to scale Web3 experiences in a way that’s secure, accessible, and meaningful for developers and players alike. We explore the "digital backpack" concept that sits at the core of this initiative. This isn't just a marketing buzzword—it’s a player-owned inventory system that gives gamers real control over their in-game assets. Whether it's transferring gear between games or monetizing collectibles in ways previously restricted by walled gardens, this feature signals a shift toward deeper engagement and lasting value. Chris and Lee also offer a behind-the-scenes look at how direct-to-consumer models like Xsolla’s Web Shop are unlocking new revenue channels for developers. With a fee structure significantly lower than traditional app stores and tools for customized experiences, these platforms are helping studios build stronger relationships with their communities while boosting margins. Security, transparency, and compliance remain central to the conversation, especially as blockchain adoption grows. We also touch on identity protection through zero-knowledge proofs and what interoperability might look like in a future where players and creators collaborate across an increasingly open ecosystem. From creator monetization to the evolution of in-game economies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone watching the convergence of Web3, blockchain, and gaming. 

What does it take to simplify the chaos of multi-vendor data protection while keeping sovereignty, scalability, and automation firmly in sight? In this episode, I’m joined by Thomas Bak, CEO of Auwau, to explore how his company’s Cloud Utility platform is helping managed service providers and enterprise IT teams redefine control and efficiency. I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas at the IT Press Tour, where he shared not only the story behind Cloud Utility but also how Auwau is supporting white-labeling, API-first workflows, and fully integrated billing automation.  This isn’t about adding yet another tool to the tech stack. It’s about building a self-service-first platform that acts as a single control point for complex, multi-tenant environments. Cloud Utility enables service providers and internal IT departments to operate with greater transparency and agility, from backup and object storage to role-based access and recurring billing. Thomas also opens up about why many customers still demand on-prem deployments, especially in sectors where data residency and control are non-negotiable. His perspective on how service providers can offer branded experiences for resellers while maintaining central governance is especially relevant in today's compliance-driven climate. We also discuss how Auwau’s background as an MSP shaped its customer-centric approach to product development, and why flexibility across technologies like IBM Storage Protect, Rubrik, and Cohesity is baked into the product’s core. If your business is struggling to scale its data protection offerings or looking for better ways to serve distributed teams and clients, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. How are you future-proofing your infrastructure without losing visibility or control? Let’s explore that together.

What does it really take to expose the criminal underworld operating in the hidden corners of the internet? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gareth Owenson, Co-Founder and CTO of Searchlight Cyber, to uncover what’s really happening on the dark web and how organizations can take action before threats escalate. Gareth has spent more than a decade researching the Tor network and advising governments, law enforcement, and the military on how to track criminal activity online. His work has moved from academia into frontline cybersecurity operations, leading to major breakthroughs including the takedown of a hacker group targeting a national government. We explore what makes the dark web attractive to criminal networks, how threat actors are evolving, and what defenders can do with early signals from hidden forums, marketplaces, and anonymized networks. Gareth explains how criminals are using Tor to traffic malware, trade stolen data, and build ransomware businesses, and why many organizations still overlook this part of the internet. Gareth also shares how Searchlight Cyber uses proprietary tools and research to monitor the deep and dark web, turning obscure activity into actionable intelligence for security teams and law enforcement. If you're responsible for protecting digital infrastructure and you're not factoring in the dark web, you're missing critical context. So how do you turn unseen risks into visible signals before they become full-blown attacks? Let’s find out.

What happens when blockchain meets AI infrastructure at scale? In today's episode, I sit down with Gaurav Sharma from io.net to explore how a decentralized GPU network could reshape the future of machine learning, AI development, and compute accessibility. io.net has grown rapidly over the past year. With more than 325,000 verified GPUs already in its decentralized network, it's offering an alternative to the high costs and limitations of traditional cloud compute. What caught my attention is the platform's ability to reduce GPU costs by up to 90 percent, giving startups and researchers access to performance that would otherwise be out of reach. In fact, over 73 partners have already integrated io.net's infrastructure, helping drive month-over-month network earnings growth of nearly 60 percent. But this conversation goes far deeper than computing. Gaurav walks me through the vision of a more transparent, open, and incentive-driven AI development ecosystem. From its collaboration with OKX to power Web3 infrastructure for AI developers to enabling real-world applications like Zerebro AI agents, io.net is building a new paradigm for how infrastructure should work in the era of intelligent systems. We also explore the convergence of blockchain and AI and why this isn't just a niche Web3 experiment. It's about creating real incentives for data sharing, enabling collaboration across models, and removing bottlenecks in how builders access the tools they need. Gaurav also shares how the company is evolving from a computing network into a full-stack AI development platform, including tools for no-code agent creation. So, what will the next generation of AI applications look like when they're powered by a global, decentralized network instead of a handful of cloud giants? And how can developers take advantage of this shift today?

What happens when AI meets the human side of hiring? In this episode, I sit down with Rebecca Carr, CEO of SmartRecruiters, to unpack the shifting role of HR in a rapidly evolving talent landscape. With new research showing that 56 percent of leaders say talent acquisition has become significantly more challenging over the past five years, Rebecca offers a timely and thought-provoking perspective on how AI can help – and where it can’t. We explore the tension between automation and human connection, and how organizations can strike the right balance to create meaningful candidate experiences without sacrificing speed or scalability. From improving candidate discovery and reducing administrative overhead to using AI to flag unconscious bias in job descriptions, Rebecca shares how SmartRecruiters is pushing the boundaries of what recruiting platforms can do. We also touch on the implications of generative AI, the importance of explainability in AI-driven decisions, and how HR teams can move from being transactional to truly strategic partners in business. As companies demand more from their hiring processes and the competition for top talent intensifies, the need for smarter tools – and smarter strategies – has never been greater. If you're in HR, talent acquisition, or simply curious about how AI is transforming the way companies hire, this episode offers both practical guidance and a look at what’s next. What does it take to hire smarter, faster, and more fairly in 2025? Let’s find out.

What happens when the hype around generative AI starts to mature, and businesses begin asking harder questions about performance, risk, and long-term value? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Mike Mason, Chief AI Officer at Thoughtworks, to explore how 2025 is shaping up across the enterprise AI landscape—from the rise of intelligent agents to the growing traction of small, nimble models that prioritize security and specificity. Mike brings a deep, practical perspective on the evolution of AI inside complex organizations. He unpacks how AI agents are moving well beyond basic chatbots and starting to integrate into actual business workflows—performing as teammates that can reason, adapt, and even collaborate with other agents. We dig into examples like Klarna's workforce transformation and examine how this shift could play out across customer service, internal ops, and software development. We also look at what’s fueling the boom in open source AI and how companies are navigating the balance between transparency, IP protection, and regulatory readiness. Mike shares why some financial services firms are turning to in-house fine-tuned models for greater control, and how open-weight and fully open-source models are starting to gain real ground. Another key theme is the momentum behind small language models. Mike explains why bigger isn’t always better—especially when it comes to data privacy, edge deployment, and resource efficiency. He outlines where SLMs can outperform their larger counterparts and what that means for companies optimizing for security and speed rather than brute force compute. We also discuss Thoughtworks' forthcoming global survey, which reveals a growing divide in generative AI adoption. While mature players are building in bias detection and robust compliance frameworks, newer entrants are leaning toward fast operational gains and interpretability. This gap is shaping how GenAI projects are prioritized across industries and geographies, and Mike offers his take on how leaders can navigate both speed and safety. So, what role will explainability, regulation, and open ecosystems play in shaping the AI tools of tomorrow—and what should business and tech leaders be planning for now? Let’s find out in this wide-ranging conversation with Thoughtworks.

What does it really take to implement generative AI in a way that balances innovation, governance, and long-term value? In today’s episode, , I’m joined by Emma Irwin, Director of Sales Engineering at Dataiku. With a deep background in enterprise AI and experience supporting major organizations like AVIVA and the NHS, Emma brings a grounded, real-world perspective to one of the most hyped areas in tech today. While most businesses are ramping up GenAI investments, few have the processes, controls, or workforce skill sets needed to scale safely and effectively. Emma and I dive straight into the challenges that IT leaders are facing right now—from managing LLM usage and controlling cost, to building secure frameworks that actually reduce risk rather than amplify it. Emma unpacks the three key pillars every organization needs for sustainable GenAI success: access controls that keep your stack flexible, robust discovery mechanisms to document LLM usage across the enterprise, and value quantification to show the real return on AI initiatives. But what really stood out is the need for diverse teams and strong governance models to address bias in AI development. From sentiment analysis to internal chatbots and large-scale summarization use cases, Emma brings a mix of strategy and execution to the conversation. We also explore the importance of secure sandbox environments, the value of audit-readiness through documentation automation, and why it’s time for every business to move beyond experimentation into a more structured, responsible phase of AI maturity. Emma is also a vocal advocate for women in tech and AI, and shares how mentorship, representation, and inclusive leadership can help shape a more equitable future for the industry. So what guardrails do you have in place for GenAI? Are you really ready to move from pilot projects to enterprise-scale implementations? This episode is packed with insights for anyone building, managing, or scaling AI across the enterprise.

What if your mobile app could detect bugs, fix UI inconsistencies, and spot user frustration before a user ever reports it? In today’s episode, I sit down with Kenny Johnston, Chief Product Officer at Instabug, to explore how AI is reshaping the way developers build, test, and maintain mobile apps. Instabug is taking mobile observability to an entirely new level by developing what Kenny describes as “zero maintenance apps.” Powered by on-device AI models, their platform can now detect subtle UX breakdowns, visual design flaws, and even frustration signals that wouldn’t normally trigger crash reports. Whether it’s an unresponsive button, a layout shift, or a broken navigation path, Instabug flags the issue, often before a user ever notices. Kenny shares how Instabug’s approach to AI is helping development teams move faster and smarter, particularly in high-stakes environments like retail and e-commerce where performance peaks during events like Black Friday or Valentine’s Day. Through real-time crash reporting, automated UI analysis, and deep session insights, developers can spot and solve problems that would otherwise get lost in a backlog or surface in app store reviews. We also explore the unique pressures of mobile development. With no quick rollbacks and high user expectations, developers need tools tailored to the realities of app store approvals, device fragmentation, and version-specific bugs. Instabug’s platform brings together observability, feedback, and issue reproduction in a way that simplifies the mobile stack and accelerates release cycles. Kenny draws on his experience at GitLab to reflect on the need to consolidate tools and workflows in mobile development. He offers valuable insights for product leaders and mobile engineers on how to navigate change, evolve their approach, and stay curious in the face of constant technical demands. So how can your team shift from reactive debugging to proactive experience design? And are you really seeing all the issues your users encounter or just the ones they report? It's time to find out.

What happens when Microsoft joins forces with IGEL to reimagine the future of endpoint computing? In today’s episode, recorded live at IGEL’s Now & Next 2025 in Miami, I sit down with Scott Manchester, Vice President of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop at Microsoft. With decades of experience at the helm of virtualization and cloud innovation, Scott brings a grounded yet forward-looking view of how Microsoft is enabling businesses to adapt to the evolving demands of work. Our conversation explores how Microsoft and IGEL are working together to address real enterprise challenges—from simplifying endpoint management to ensuring high-performance, secure digital workspaces. We look at how Windows 365 Cloud PC and Azure Virtual Desktop are helping businesses embrace the cloud while navigating the transition to Windows 11. And we discuss the real-world implications of this shift, from extending the lifecycle of devices to increasing flexibility for IT teams and remote users alike. Scott also opens up about the industries that are leading in cloud workspace adoption—from healthcare systems like Baptist Medical Center to federal agencies and financial services—and how Microsoft is shaping its offerings to meet the distinct needs of these sectors. We unpack the unique advantages of IGEL’s Linux-based OS, the growing role of zero trust architecture, and why seamless user experiences are no longer optional in the hybrid era. With new licensing models like Windows 365 Frontline Shared and deeper integration between Microsoft and IGEL, it’s clear this partnership is more than technical alignment—it’s a shared strategy aimed at delivering resilient, secure, and scalable digital environments. Whether you’re planning your Windows 11 migration or just exploring cloud PCs as part of your future roadmap, this episode is packed with strategic insights from a tech leader who knows how to deliver results. What role will the cloud desktop play in your 2025 strategy?

What does bringing clarity and control to today’s fragmented digital work environments take? In this episode, recorded live at IGEL Now & Next 2025, I sit down with Tommy Walker, Partner CTO at Omnissa, to explore the intersection of user experience, security, and operational simplicity in modern enterprise IT. With career-spanning roles at VMware, Citrix, and Cisco, Tommy offers a real-world perspective on navigating complexity while building meaningful solutions that work at scale. This is a conversation grounded in reality. We discuss how organizations can move beyond legacy infrastructure and simplify their digital workspace strategy without overwhelming users or IT teams. Tommy shares how Omnissa is helping enterprises shift from scattered tools and outdated workflows to unified, AI-informed platforms that boost both productivity and resilience. We also unpack the practical steps for tackling challenges like technical debt, the Windows 10 end-of-life transition, and rising pressure on IT to deliver more with fewer resources. Throughout the discussion, Tommy emphasizes the importance of partnerships—not just between vendors, but within the entire IT ecosystem—to deliver outcomes that matter. And yes, there’s also room for a few lighter moments involving drones, endpoint telemetry, and the occasional geek-out over infrastructure design. But at the core of this conversation is a clear message: modern IT is about enabling users without compromising security and simplifying operations without losing flexibility. If you’re rethinking your endpoint strategy, evaluating your hybrid work approach, or just trying to bring a little more order to the chaos, this episode will leave you with practical insights and maybe even a few new ideas for your roadmap.  Are you ready to build a digital workspace strategy that actually works? Let’s get into it.