Gaming Awards
SBC Reveals Shortlists for Game Developer Awards, Recognising Top Industry Talent
SBC is thrilled to announce that the shortlists, recognising and celebrating the game development studios and teams behind the industry’s most successful titles, for the prestigious CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards are now in.
Relax Gaming leads the pack with an impressive ten nominations across multiple categories. ELK Studios follows with six nominations, while Blueprint Gaming and Light & Wonder make a strong showing, boasting five nominations each.
The awards ceremony, which takes place during the CasinoBeats Summit conference and exhibition, will take place at the InterContinental Hotel on 25 May. The lavish event will be attended by 400 guests and presented by Trudy Kerr.
The ‘Streamer of the Year’ category, which recognises the rising importance of streamers who, with their influential presence, shape the landscape of the industry, saw the shortlist narrowed down to ten remarkable streamers: Brian Christopher, CasinoDaddy, Chipmonkz, Juicy_Spins, Kim Hultman, Roshtein, SlotsMarko, Trainwreckstv, William Barnes (Hideous Slots), and xQc.
The Game Performance categories, which were not open for nominations, saw a highly-contested Slot of the Year category with ten shortlisted entries, including two entries (Cowboy Coins and Down the Rails) from last year’s winner, Pragmatic Play. Relax Gaming is poised to challenge Pragmatic Play’s dominance with two entries of their own – Dead Riders Trail and Money Train 3, in hopes of claiming the coveted title.
In the Best Studio Debut Game category, four exciting slots will compete for the top spot, including Mustang Freedom by Barbara Bang, Dog Days by Nailed It! Games, Wildfire West by Rogue, and Barti’s Treasure by Wild Gaming.
In the Slot Legacy Title category, three titles from Blueprint Gaming (Deal or No Deal, Fishin Frenzy, Ted) and two from NetEnt (Gonzo’s Quest, Starburst) have been shortlisted, competing against five other established titles. Meanwhile, the Slot Collaboration of the Year category will feature a total of six contenders, and in the Slot to Watch category, three out of nine shortlisted titles are from Relax Gaming (Cluster Tumble Dream Drop, Money Train 4, and Money Train Origins Dream Drop).
The shortlisted companies for the Game Innovation Spotlight Award will have the opportunity to showcase their games at the CasinoBeats Summit’s Game Innovation Stage on the exhibition floor and pitch their games to a panel of esteemed judges. Among the entries are games from renowned companies such as Caleta Gaming, ELK Studios, Wazdan, Vibra Gaming, and many others.
In the six Game Creation categories that were open for nominations, Blue Guru Games has been shortlisted for two categories, including Game Music/Soundtrack with two entries, and Game Retro-style with one entry. ELK Studios has been nominated for Game Design and Art Direction, Game Mechanic of the Year, Game Music/Soundtrack, and Game Retro-style. Hacksaw Gaming has been shortlisted for three categories, including Game Design & Art Direction, Game Mechanic of the Year, and Game Music/Soundtrack. Relax Gaming has been nominated for four categories, including Game Design & Art Direction, Game Feature of the Year, Game Music/Soundtrack, and Game Retro-style. Swintt has been shortlisted for three categories, including Game Feature of the Year, Game Licensed Content, and Game Music/Soundtrack.
In the Game People categories that were also open for nominations, the list of talented individuals who have been shortlisted in their respective categories – Product Manager, Game Designer, Game Composer – for their notable contributions to the game industry can be accessed on the dedicated website.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of the event organiser SBC, said: “I am thrilled that this year we’ve added three Game People categories to the Game Developer Awards for the first time ever. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only celebrate the best studios and titles in the business but also the amazing people who make it all happen. Can’t wait for the ceremony and want to give a big shoutout to all our sponsors for their support in making this night one filled with celebrations and positive vibes. Congratulations to all the shortlisted companies and individuals!”
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2026 EKG Slot Awards
IGT Continues Wheel of Fortune 30-Year Anniversary Celebration with EKG Slot Awards Best Cabinet
IGT announced that its 30th anniversary celebration of Wheel of Fortune Slots continued at the 2026 EKG Slot Awards Show when its Wheel of Fortune Trio cabinet won the coveted “Top Performing NEW Premium Cabinet” category. The EKG Slot Awards Show is a performance-based, annual program produced by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG) that recognizes excellence in slot game development in the casino gaming industry.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Wheel of Fortune Slots, these EKG Awards represent the strength of IGT’s content and capabilities as we focus on delivering industry-leading products and solutions to our customers. This is just one step in our global transformation as we continue to build a winning culture and position for growth,” said Hector Fernandez, IGT Incoming CEO.
IGT launched the Wheel of Fortune Trio cabinet in 2025 with the Wheel of Fortune Cash Link game. Famous for its oversized, 76-inch mechanical reel, three ultra-high-definition 49-inch portrait screen gaming machines and a 140-inch-tall video backdrop, the striking hardware has become a high-performing fixture on casino floors across North America.
IGT also won the following categories at the 2026 EKG Slot Awards Show:
• Top Performing NEW Video Poker/Keno Game – Major Multipliers Poker
• Top Performing Game – EMEA – Money Gong Emperor.
The post IGT Continues Wheel of Fortune 30-Year Anniversary Celebration with EKG Slot Awards Best Cabinet appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Africa
Amusnet Wins “Best Slot Game Provider” Award at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2026
Amusnet has won the Best Slot Game Provider award at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2026, held on March 3rd during the SiGMA Africa expo in Cape Town. The recognition comes at a special moment for the company as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, highlighting Amusnet’s position as one of the most trusted and high-performing providers across the continent. By successfully bridging global expertise with a deep understanding of local market dynamics, the company continues to strengthen its presence and impact in the African gaming market.
The award serves as a testament to Amusnet’s diverse portfolio, which is meticulously crafted around timeless mechanics, iconic themes and excellent mathematical models.
“Winning ‘Best Slot Game Provider’ is a significant milestone that reflects our on-the-ground dedication to the African market. We aim to build lasting partnerships by delivering games that players truly enjoy and that operators can trust,” said Cameron Green, Country Manager at Amusnet Africa.
This accolade further highlights Amusnet’s global expansion as a leading online provider, marking an important milestone as the company celebrates its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, Amusnet has strengthened its presence across international markets, delivering engaging gaming experiences across multiple channels while building a reputation as a trusted partner to operators worldwide.
The post Amusnet Wins “Best Slot Game Provider” Award at the SiGMA Africa Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Central Europe
Endorphina Club Returns to Host the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony & Party at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026
HIPTHER proudly announces the return of the Endorphina Club Awards Party & Ceremony, the official celebration of the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026, taking place on 24 March 2026 at 20:00 at the iconic Buddha Bar Prague.
Organised by Endorphina, the Awards & Party Sponsor of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, the evening marks one of the most anticipated moments of the summit’s 10th anniversary edition, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers to celebrate excellence across the Central and Eastern European gaming and technology ecosystem.
This year’s edition continues the successful partnership between HIPTHER and Endorphina, which began in 2023, with the Endorphina Events Team once again curating an unforgettable awards celebration concept and selecting one of Prague’s most elegant venues for the occasion.
A Celebration of Innovation, Community, and Excellence
The GamingTECH CEE Awards shine a spotlight on the companies, products, teams, and individuals shaping the future of gaming and technology across the region.
As part of the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, the awards recognise outstanding contributions across a wide spectrum of categories spanning iGaming innovation, compliance leadership, technological advancement, and industry growth.
The Endorphina Club Awards Party elevates the awards ceremony into a full evening experience, where the community gathers to celebrate achievements in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
Guests can expect an exclusive evening where sophistication meets the spirit of Asia, featuring premium drinks, vibrant entertainment, and the unmistakable energy of one of Prague’s most iconic venues.
RSVP Required for Summit Participants
All HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 participants who wish to attend the Awards Party are invited to confirm their participation in advance.
To secure a place on the official Endorphina Club guest list, attendees should contact the organiser to RSVP, at:
Due to the exclusive nature of the venue and limited capacity, online RSVP is mandatory.
Celebrating a Continued Partnership
The ongoing collaboration between HIPTHER and Endorphina has become a cherished tradition within the Prague Summit experience, with each edition introducing new creative concepts and memorable venues for the industry’s celebration night.
Commenting on the partnership, Zoltan Tundik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated: “The GamingTECH CEE Awards have always been about recognising the people and companies who push our industry forward. Over the years, the Endorphina Club celebration has become one of the most anticipated moments of the Prague Summit. It’s a place where competitors turn into collaborators and the community comes together to celebrate innovation, resilience, and creativity. We are thrilled to once again partner with the Endorphina team to host this special evening in one of Prague’s most iconic venues as we mark the summit’s 10-year milestone.”
The Endorphina Club Party for GamingTECH Awards 2026 takes place during the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, held on 24–25 March 2026 at OREA Hotel Andel’s Praha, gathering regulators, operators, technology providers, affiliates, fintech innovators, and industry leaders from across Europe and beyond.
“Prague is our home – and as a Czech company, there’s nowhere we’d rather bring the industry together! Hosting The GamingTECH CEE Awards here isn’t just convenient, it’s personal. That’s why our collaboration with HIPTHER means so much to us: together we get to welcome partners, friends, and colleagues from across the industry to the city that made Endorphina what it is today. The Endorphina Club evening is one of those nights we pour our hearts into-because home games are always the best ones.” — Irina Veselkova, Head of Marketing at Endorphina
Under the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact,” the summit explores the intersection of technology, regulation, and innovation through expert panels, workshops, and curated networking opportunities.
HIPTHER and the Endorphina Club Awards Party promises to deliver an unforgettable evening celebrating the achievements, creativity, and spirit of collaboration that define the gaming and tech community.
More information about HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026:
https://hipther.com/events/prague/
The post Endorphina Club Returns to Host the GamingTECH CEE Awards Ceremony & Party at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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