Chris Hewish is known for blending creative vision with operational precision, delivering lasting impact across a career at the forefront of the global games industry. He has shaped billion-dollar franchises, scaled high-performing teams, and led through some of the most pivotal transformations in gametech and fintech.
From Activision and DreamWorks to Survios, Skydance, and now Xsolla, alongside a few startups, Chris has built and led world-class, award-winning studios. He has delivered nearly 100 projects that reached hundreds of millions of players and generated billions in revenue. His leadership is defined by measurable results and by the cultures of innovation, resilience, and passion he cultivates.
Chris believes the future of games belongs to those who empower creators and respect players. It is a vision built on direct connection, where developers own their relationships, define their economies, and build sustainable businesses on their terms. For him, it is not just about how games are made, but how they are shared. Personally. Passionately. Player first.
Whether leading...Chris Hewish is known for blending creative vision with operational precision, delivering lasting impact across a career at the forefront of the global games industry. He has shaped billion-dollar franchises, scaled high-performing teams, and led through some of the most pivotal transformations in gametech and fintech.
From Activision and DreamWorks to Survios, Skydance, and now Xsolla, alongside a few startups, Chris has built and led world-class, award-winning studios. He has delivered nearly 100 projects that reached hundreds of millions of players and generated billions in revenue. His leadership is defined by measurable results and by the cultures of innovation, resilience, and passion he cultivates.
Chris believes the future of games belongs to those who empower creators and respect players. It is a vision built on direct connection, where developers own their relationships, define their economies, and build sustainable businesses on their terms. For him, it is not just about how games are made, but how they are shared. Personally. Passionately. Player first.
Whether leading Xsolla’s largest acquisition, launching market-defining products such as the Web Shop, or turning underperforming assets into industry-leading studios, Chris operates with a dual focus: strategic depth and human-centered leadership. He is just as comfortable negotiating with banks and governments as he was writing an Ork-themed letter to land his first job in games. That blend of bold creativity and disciplined execution has shaped his path from designer to executive.READ MOREVIEW LESS
Xsolla is a global financial technology and video game commerce company that provides developers and publishers with tools to launch, distribute, and monetize games worldwide. Its integrated platform simplifies payments, player engagement, and cross-border commerce, enabling partners to scale their businesses across multiple markets and platforms.
EVP Interactive, Head of Studio (Skydance Interactive)
Apr 2017
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Mar 2019
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Skydance is a diversified entertainment company spanning film, television, animation, and interactive media. As EVP Interactive and Head of Studio, Chris built and led the company’s entire interactive division, overseeing strategy, slate planning, licensing, co-productions, business development, and the day-to-day operations of a 130-person development and publishing studio.
Survios is a virtual reality developer and publisher known for premium, immersive experiences across major VR platforms. Chris served as Head of Studio at Survios, where he scaled and led development and publishing operations for this globally recognized VR content studio.
DreamWorks Animation is a global animation studio behind major franchises including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and How to Train Your Dragon. Chris was Head of Global Interactive at the studio, where he managed the company’s interactive licensing and co-production business across console, PC, and mobile platforms.
Luxoflux
Lead Creative and Game Designer
Jan 2006
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Mar 2008
Santa Monica, CA, USA
Luxoflux was a Santa Monica–based video game developer owned by Activision, known for console franchises including True Crime before the studio’s closure in 2010. Chris was a senior creative and game designer at the company, working on large-scale, publisher-funded console games as part of Activision’s internal studio network.
Activision is a global video game publisher known for major franchises across console, PC, and emerging platforms. As an Executive Producer and Creative Executive, Chris worked on internal and external projects with responsibility for creative direction, production oversight, and P&L management.
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences is a nonprofit organization that recognizes excellence in video games and interactive entertainment. The academy produces the annual D.I.C.E. Awards and supports industry education and leadership.
Los Angeles Business Technology Center
Advisor
Jan 2010
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Jan 2014
Altadena, CA, USA
Founded in 1998, the Los Angeles Business Technology Center is a technology incubator that supports early-stage tech firms with mentoring, facilities, and help accessing funding and commercializing research.
A candid conversation that moves beyond surface-level talking points to explore the Chris Hewish's personal journey, defining moments, and perspective on the industry.
In this feature on On New Jersey, Chris explores how the rapid evolution of the global gaming ecosystem is transforming entertainment, digital economies, and the way players connect across borders.
In this episode of The Level Up Lounge, Xsolla leaders Chris Hewish and Berkley Egenes explore the future of game commerce, global growth strategy, and the keys to building impactful partnerships in the interactive entertainment industry.
In this episode of Modern CTO, Chris Hewish of Xsolla explores the evolving landscape of gaming, from emerging technologies to business strategies shaping the industry's next decade.
This edition of ONNJ's 'Mornings with Ken Rosato' features Chris discussing the business of video games, industry growth, and how platforms like Xsolla help developers reach global audiences.
In this episode of The Tech Talks Daily podcast, Chris discusses the shift toward direct-to-consumer (D2C) models in gaming. The conversation covers regulation, platform shifts, live service monetization, and how developers are increasingly taking ownership of player relationships, commerce, and long-term game operations.
Joel Beasley, host of the Modern CTO podcast, talks to Chris about the evolution of Web3 in gaming, why early models failed, and how blockchain is being reimagined to support gameplay, creator economies, and more sustainable player adoption.
In this episode of Business of Apps Podcast Chris discusses how direct-to-consumer (D2C) models are reshaping game monetization. He highlights tools such as Xsolla’s Web Shop and explains how developers are using web-based stores to gain more control over revenue and player relationships.
This profile highlights Forbes Technology Council Member Chris Hewish's contributions as a senior games industry executive. It includes his published articles on game commerce, platform strategy, and the evolving business of interactive entertainment.
chrishewish.com is Chris's personal blog, featuring essays and commentary on the business of games, leadership, and the evolving global games ecosystem. The website reflects his perspective as a senior industry executive, combining strategic insight with practical experience.
This cover story profiles Chris and his leadership at Xsolla, focusing on his work to help game developers sell their games worldwide and get paid across different markets. It also looks at how Xsolla supports creators in reaching players and growing their businesses globally.
Chris was involved in the interactive production and licensing of Kung Fu Panda during his tenure at DreamWorks Animation, a period that coincided with the title receiving the Annie Award for Best Animated Video Game.
Mobile Excellence Award
Best Game: Turbo FAST / Racing League Mobile Game
2013
During his time at DreamWorks Animation, Chris was involved in the interactive licensing and publishing of mobile titles based on DreamWorks franchises, including Turbo FAST / Racing League. The game went on to receive a Mobile Excellence Award for Best Game.
Through his role at Xsolla, Chris has supported work connected to Games for Change, a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes games created for social impact. It works with developers, educators, and institutions to use games to address real-world issues such as education, health, social justice, and civic engagement.
St Vincent Medical Center
Member of the Board of Trustees
Jan 2010
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Jan 2014
Los Angeles, CA, USA
St Vincent Medical Center was a historic Catholic hospital in Los Angeles that served its community for more than 160 years. It closed in 2020 following financial difficulties and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
