Gaming

game – the German Games Industry Association celebrates its fifth anniversary

Published

3 years ago

January 31, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

game – the German Games Industry Association is celebrating its fifth anniversary. It was on 29 January 2018 that the BIU and GAME completed their merger.

The new organisation was home to approx. 180 members when it began. Now, five years later, game has long since grown to more than 400 members. Since completing the merger, the association has spoken for and successfully represented the interests of the games industry as a whole. There have been numerous positive developments to report: the subsidiaries Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body (USK) and Foundation for Digital Games Culture (Stiftung Digitale Spielekultur) have both grown during this period, while new subsidiaries such as devcom and the esports player foundation have been welcomed to the game family. Thanks to game’s regional offices, the games industry is now represented throughout Germany. In order to supplement the existing, in some cases long-standing, regional associations, game joined with local companies to establish seven new regional offices. As a result, the games industry has been able to celebrate a series of successes in Germany’s federal states and growing support from many federal state governments, something evidenced among other things by increased funding for regional support programmes. Both gamescom, the world’s biggest event for computer and video games, and the German Computer Games Awards (DCP) have been able to achieve numerous milestones over the past five years. The industry’s unified voice has also found an audience with policymakers: from the introduction of funding for the games industry and the establishment of a dedicated games department to the creation of a games strategy, the German government has done a great deal at the federal level these past five years to strengthen Germany as a games industry hub – and game has been a huge part of these efforts.

‘The past five years have supplied a clear demonstration of just how much we can achieve now that we are working together and our industry is speaking with a single voice,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – the German Games Industry Association.

‘With our association of more than 400 members and our institutions, we have created a powerful structure – and we are using this structure to raise the profile of games and of our industry, create opportunities, counter risks, and deliver effective assistance to stakeholders in Germany’s growing games ecosystem. We owe a particularly big thank you to our entire team and our many dedicated members. I am also grateful for the statements made by political figures on the occasion of our anniversary, something that underscores the government’s focus on and appreciation of our industry. All of this represents a strong foundation for the future as we continue to pursue our mission of making Germany the best games location. We have big plans, and our association and industry have never been in a better position to make these a reality than we are today.’

Brazil

EGT to showcase its gaming portfolio for Brazil at SiGMA Americas 2026

Published

2 days ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

egt-to-showcase-its-gaming-portfolio-for-brazil-at-sigma-americas-2026

Following a strong showing at SBC Summit Rio earlier this month, EGT is set to present its Brazil-focused portfolio once again at BiS SiGMA South America 2026, taking place in São Paulo from April 7–9. Visitors can explore the company’s latest solutions and partnership opportunities at stand L146.

“Don’t miss the chance to experience our products firsthand and discover how we can work together,” said Celina Guedes, Regional Director Brazil at EGT.

Advanced Land-Based Solutions

A key highlight will be EGT’s Super Sorte Video Lottery Terminals. The range includes the slant-top Super Sorte 27/27 ST, featuring dual 27-inch full-HD touchscreens with 4K UHD resolution, and the vertical Super Sorte 43V, equipped with a single 43-inch curved display. Both models are designed to deliver an immersive, next-generation gaming experience.

Also on display will be EGT’s latest online betting terminals, Top Estrela and Bar Estrela. The Top Estrela unit features a sleek 24-inch portrait touchscreen, while Bar Estrela offers a compact solution ideal for bars and smaller venues. Both are supported by an intuitive platform that ensures smooth navigation and secure access to a broad content library.

All terminals will feature the Gold VLT multigame package, offering 50 titles across diverse themes. This includes popular classics such as Amazons’ Battle and Rise of Ra, fruit-themed favourites like Burning Hot, and regionally popular games such as Keno Universe.

Expanding Digital Capabilities

EGT Digital will also present its growing iGaming portfolio, including more than 180 in-house slot titles. Among the highlights are established jackpot series such as Bell Link, Clover Chance, and Gods & Kings Link, alongside newer releases like Panda Ventura, which has quickly gained traction with players thanks to its distinctive style and engaging gameplay. The title also marks the beginning of a new character-driven series, with Tiger Ventura set to follow.

In addition, the company will demonstrate its modular X-Nave platform, which integrates casino, CRM, payment gateway, bonus management, and an aggregator offering over 20,000 games from 200+ providers. The platform also includes a high-performance sportsbook with flexible integration and advanced personalisation features, supported by AI-driven tools that enhance engagement and automate key processes.

Strengthening Regional Partnerships

“Our main goal at BiS SiGMA South America is to strengthen strategic partnerships with operators, platforms, and stakeholders shaping Brazil’s regulated market,” Guedes added. “It’s also an opportunity to showcase our full technology and content ecosystem, supporting both online growth and potential future land-based developments such as VLT operations. Ultimately, we’re focused on building long-term relationships and positioning EGT as a trusted partner across Brazil and Latin America.”

The post EGT to showcase its gaming portfolio for Brazil at SiGMA Americas 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Gaming

Soft2Bet launches MEGA Islands, a new gamification engine designed to increase player retention

Published

4 days ago

March 30, 2026

Wladimir P.

soft2bet-launches-mega-islands,-a-new-gamification-engine-designed-to-increase-player-retention

Soft2Bet has unveiled MEGA Islands, the latest addition to its MEGA Suite, designed to enhance player engagement and retention across both casino and sportsbook offerings.

The new engine introduces a persistent progression system that carries over across sessions, giving players an ongoing reason to return. Through island-building, resource collection, and continual advancement, players embark on a long-term journey that transforms short play sessions into sustained engagement.

First previewed in Soft2Bet’s recent Lodur release, the MEGA Islands system allows players to develop their own islands over time. Resources earned through gameplay can be used to construct new buildings, upgrade existing structures, and unlock further stages of progression. Each upgrade opens new goals, creating a loop of continuous advancement that keeps players invested.

The engine also incorporates plundering mechanics, giving players an additional path to gather resources by raiding other islands. This feature not only accelerates growth but also maintains a dynamic and engaging progression loop. With no fixed endpoint, MEGA Islands is built to encourage repeat play through a satisfying cycle of building, collecting, and advancing.

“MEGA Islands is designed to make retention feel natural by providing players with a progression journey they want to return to,” said Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet. “By building islands, collecting resources, and unlocking upgrades—including through plundering—each session becomes part of a longer experience. It gives players a clear reason to come back while providing operators with a retention tool that integrates seamlessly across casino and sportsbook.”

The launch of MEGA Islands underscores Soft2Bet’s commitment to gamification as a driver of long-term growth. As part of the MEGA Suite, the new engine offers operators a powerful tool to extend player journeys, increase engagement cycles, and deliver consistent value in competitive markets.

The post Soft2Bet launches MEGA Islands, a new gamification engine designed to increase player retention appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arcade

Pragmatic Play Elevates Arcade Roster with the Im-Peck-Able Chicken+

Published

1 week ago

March 26, 2026

Wladimir P.

pragmatic-play-elevates-arcade-roster-with-the-im-peck-able-chicken+

Pragmatic Play, a prominent content provider for the iGaming sector, has enhanced its arcade collection with the debut of Chicken+, a retro-themed game showcasing fast-paced action and significant winning opportunities.

Brought to existence with retro 8-bit visuals, the game tests players to evade approaching vehicles and various dangers, leading the chicken safely over the road.

With each lane successfully cleared, the win multiplier increases. Players can withdraw their earnings whenever they choose or try to navigate all lanes for the top reward, but a single random mishap concludes the round as a defeat. Players are able to view the possible winnings and the likelihood of success in reaching each lane to aid in their decision-making.

There are four levels of risk – Easy, Mid, Hard, and Daredevil. Raising the level reduces the number of lanes per round and increases the volatility, enhancing the maximum win potential from 24x in Easy mode to over 3,000,000x in Daredevil.

Blending nostalgic visuals with an eccentric theme, a user-friendly interface, and rapid betting rounds, Chicken+ meets the increasing demand for engaging, fast-paced games.

The title signifies the newest entry in Pragmatic Play’s continually growing arcade collection, succeeding the launches of Plinko+, Spire+, and Mines+.

Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said: “Chicken+ blends retro charm with simple, high-engagement mechanics. With configurable risk levels and significant win potential, it stands out as another compelling addition to Pragmatic Play’s diverse arcade portfolio, inviting players to test their nerve and cross the road.”

The post Pragmatic Play Elevates Arcade Roster with the Im-Peck-Able Chicken+ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.