Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, met with Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla, a global commercial platform for game developers. The discussion focused on potential future collaboration opportunities between Azerbaijan and Xsolla.
A key topic of the meeting was the possibility of transforming Xsolla’s office in Azerbaijan into a regional research and development hub. This initiative aims to strengthen Azerbaijan’s digital infrastructure and support innovation within the gaming industry. Establishing a regional R&D center could enhance the local technology ecosystem and position Azerbaijan as a significant player in the global gaming market.
It is worth noting that Xsolla has already been active in Azerbaijan for some time. In collaboration with the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), the company runs several important programs for local game studios and young developers. The most notable of these is the Xsolla–IDDA Incubation Program, an international incubation initiative. Through this program, 10 local game studios receive international experience and mentorship support, with the top-performing teams awarded cash prizes at the conclusion.
Such programs significantly contribute to the growth of Azerbaijan’s gaming ecosystem, provide local talent with access to international markets, and support the country’s goal of becoming a regional hub for the gaming industry. Further details on the outcomes of the meeting and the next phases of collaboration are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
