Xsolla and Curine Ventures have created Xsolla Curine Academy.

Xsolla and Curine Ventures launch academy for game ecosystem in Kuala Lumpur

Global game ecommerce company Xsolla has teamed up with Curine Ventures to launch the Xsolla Curine Academy to support the game ecosystem in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Curine Ventures is a venture builder that incubates and develops profitable startups in Southeast Asia and the Americas. The companies said the initiative, facilitated by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), marks a significant commitment to nurturing and empowering local talent within the video game industry. The grand opening is scheduled for today (April 18) at KL Eco City.

The Xsolla Curine Academy will be dedicated to equipping game developers with essential competencies through its expansive, industry-aligned program. From one to 12 months, the academy offers diverse courses encompassing key areas, including communication practices within the gaming industry, indie game design and development, computer graphic art, game strategy, and IP incubation.

Whether participants aspire to launch their own game or studio, build an effective team, or confidently step into a career in gaming, they will receive support to reach their goals.

With a student-centric approach at its core, XCA provides three distinct learning tracks to accommodate applicants with varying levels of experience and preparation. These tracks are carefully crafted to meet the needs of a diverse range of students, each with their own career goals and aspirations.

By combining industry-relevant program design, access to XCA’s proprietary engine Megamod, a next-generation solution for game creation, and global expertise, XCA ensures learners have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in the global gaming arena.

The program includes mastering storytelling, CG art, character creation, analytics, project management techniques tailored for the gaming industry, leveraging cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence, marketing strategies unique to gaming audiences, monetization strategies, and effective pitching tactics — all vital components for thriving in the competitive landscape of the game development business.

In an innovative collaboration, the Xsolla Funding Club and Accelerator will integrate with the Xsolla Curine Academy, creating a network of over 250 investors and publishers. This synergy is designed to share invaluable experiences and support in launching indie games, such as Lost in Play, Fix Fox, Toy Tactics, Flame Keeper, and many others, reinforcing the team’s dedication to nurturing gaming talent and fostering an ecosystem ripe for innovation.

David Stelzer, president of Xsolla, said in a statement, “The launch of the Xsolla Curine Academy in Kuala Lumpur is a pivotal moment in our quest to democratize game development and propel Malaysian and ASEAN talent onto the global stage. By providing local developers with unparalleled access to global expertise, resources, and networks, we’re not just bridging the gap between talent and industry but fostering a community where innovation flourishes. Our commitment through XCA is to empower game developers to realize their full potential and contribute to a thriving global gaming ecosystem.”

Bandai Co. partners with Xsolla on Tamaverse Ticket Shop

Bandai Co. partnered with Xsolla on Tamaverse Ticket Shop

Meanwhile, Xsolla helped create the Tokyo-based game Tamagotchi Uni, a Bandai Co. service offered through the Xsolla Web Shop technology.

This partnership is set to provide Tamagotchi Uni users with a convenient payment environment for purchasing and downloading digital content, enabling them to play and pay for their gaming experience in any way they want. Additionally, leveraging this solution to support payment solutions in various countries worldwide contributes to securing global reach, scale, and revenue for Tamagotchi Uni.

Tamaverse Ticket Shop is a digital commerce site where you can directly purchase Tamaverse Tickets to play Tamagotchi Uni from the website. By entering the download code obtained from the shop into “Tamagotchi Uni,” users can download various items, including limited nurturing characters and unique customization options for their Uni Tama.

Dean Takahashi

Dean Takahashi is editorial director for GamesBeat at VentureBeat. He has been a tech journalist since 1988, and he has covered games as a beat since 1996. He was lead writer for GamesBeat at VentureBeat from 2008 to April 2025. Prior to that, he wrote for the San Jose Mercury News, the Red Herring, the Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and the Dallas Times-Herald. He is the author of two books, "Opening the Xbox" and "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked." He organizes the annual GamesBeat Next, GamesBeat Summit and GamesBeat Insider Series: Hollywood and Games conferences and is a frequent speaker at gaming and tech events. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.