David Stelzer
Seattle,WA
Summary
Business leader with over 20 years of experience in video games, entertainment, and law. Expertise in scaling global businesses and implementing digital monetization strategies. Proven track record of driving double-digit growth through high-performance team leadership and transformative deals in gaming and emerging technologies. Skilled in navigating legal, commercial, and operational functions with a global perspective.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
President & Chief Business Officer
Xsolla
Seattle, WA
12.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Global leader in payments, webshops, and monetization tools for the video game industry
- Defined and executed company-wide strategy across sales, marketing, support, and product alignment
- Delivered double-digit YoY revenue growth and expansion of enterprise integrations
- Spearheaded adoption of Xsolla's monetization tools (in-game payments, webshops, D2C) among top-tier developers and publishers
- Positioned Xsolla at the forefront of shifts in platform economics (Web3, UGC, decentralized commerce)
- Built scalable operating models and partner ecosystems, increasing lifetime value and reducing churn
- Led global GTM and customer success strategy; integrated internal functions across Legal, Product, Finance, HR, and Engineering
Sr. Director, Business Development & Licensing – Unreal Engine
Epic Games
Seattle, WA
11.2015 - 10.2023
- Built and scaled a global 70+ person team across Americas, EMEA, and ANZ for games and non-gaming verticals
- Drove Unreal Engine adoption across industries: media, automotive, simulation, and AEC
- Aligned product roadmaps with customer needs and led strategic partnerships to accelerate adoption
- Key contributor to >2x revenue growth in UE4 business (2016) Polygon Article – Unreal Engine Revenue Growth
Head of Games Business, Unreal Engine
Epic Games
Seattle, WA
12.2021 - 09.2023
- Led global business for Unreal Engine's gaming vertical; responsible for KPIs, revenue, licensing, and partner success
- Collaborated across Marketing, Legal, Product, and Finance to align growth strategy and operational execution
- Managed multi-regional BD and customer success teams; served as key contact for AAA game developers
Chairman, Board of Directors
International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
10.2016 - 10.2018
- Oversaw governance, policy, and community engagement for the largest non-profit representing global game developers
- Advocated for developer rights, industry transparency, and ecosystem support globally
Head of Video Games Department
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Los Angeles, CA
08.2010 - 11.2015
- Global head of games representing AAA studios and leading $500M+ in aggregate project budgets
- Structured and negotiated strategic partnerships, development deals, and IP monetization strategies
- Drove 100%+ revenue growth for the department; advised Fortune 50 clients on gaming strategy
- Developed and sold entertainment IP across games, television, music, and new media
VP & General Counsel
SouthPeak Interactive
Dallas, TX
11.2009 - 08.2010
- Head of legal for global publisher; led contract negotiation, compliance, litigation, and IP protection
- Oversaw legal matters for multiplatform console and PC publishing across North America and Europe
Director of Legal, Corporate Secretary
Sega of America
San Francisco, CA
11.2008 - 08.2009
- Led legal ops across North American Sega subsidiaries (video games, amusement, and hospitality businesses)
- Managed legal teams handling contracts, HR, licensing, litigation, and regulatory compliance
- Interfaced with Sega Japan and Europe to coordinate legal strategy across geographies
Sr. Legal Counsel, Corporate Secretary
Sega Entertainment & Sega Amusements
06.2007 - 11.2008
- Led legal ops across North American Sega subsidiaries (video games, amusement, and hospitality businesses)
- Managed legal teams handling contracts, HR, licensing, litigation, and regulatory compliance
- Interfaced with Sega Japan and Europe to coordinate legal strategy across geographies
Legal Counsel
The Amidi Group
Los Angeles, CA
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Managed legal affairs for high-rise residential real estate developments
Director of Business Affairs
House of Blues Entertainment
Los Angeles, CA
01.2000 - 10.2002
- Led legal for live music, new media, and real estate; negotiated licensing with major labels and MTV
- Oversaw rights for digital distribution, VOD, and webcasting across 40+ live venues
Attorney
Chandler & Vatave
Orange County, CA
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Practiced complex business litigation including trial work, client intake, and legal research
Education
J.D. - Law
Western State University
Fullerton06-1996
B.A. - Radio And Television
California State University, Northridge
Long Beach, CA06-1994
Skills
- Executive Leadership & P&L Management
- GTM Strategy & Commercial Growth
- Strategic Partnerships & Licensing
- Video Game Production
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Legal Affairs & Corporate Governance
- Digital Entertainment & Media Strategy
- M&A, Fundraising, and IP Transactions
- Emerging Tech: Web3, UGC, Platform Economies
Affiliations
- International Game Developers Association – Past Chair
- Frequent speaker at GDC, DICE, and game industry summits
- Advisor to multiple early-stage startups in gaming and media
Websites
Certification
- Member of California State Bar
Timeline
President & Chief Business Officer
Xsolla
12.2023 - Current
Head of Games Business, Unreal Engine
Epic Games
12.2021 - 09.2023
Chairman, Board of Directors
International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
10.2016 - 10.2018
Sr. Director, Business Development & Licensing – Unreal Engine
Epic Games
11.2015 - 10.2023
Head of Video Games Department
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
08.2010 - 11.2015
VP & General Counsel
SouthPeak Interactive
11.2009 - 08.2010
Director of Legal, Corporate Secretary
Sega of America
11.2008 - 08.2009
Sr. Legal Counsel, Corporate Secretary
Sega Entertainment & Sega Amusements
06.2007 - 11.2008
Legal Counsel
The Amidi Group
08.2006 - 06.2007
Director of Business Affairs
House of Blues Entertainment
01.2000 - 10.2002
Attorney
Chandler & Vatave
01.1995 - 01.1997
J.D. - Law
Western State University
B.A. - Radio And Television
California State University, Northridge
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