Latest News
Kinetix Launches $1M Fund to Accelerate AI-UGC in Gaming
Kinetix has announced the launch of its AI-UGC Fund – a $1 million initiative designed to support game developers and modders to put Generative AI technologies directly into the hands of gamers. SmokeSpot Games, the makers of customisable fighting and fashion title Dropcult, is the first studio to receive support from the Fund.
Kinetix provides game developers with its Embeddable AI Emote Creator, allowing players to create custom 3D animations from videos directly within the game. This enables game studios to turn their players into creators, addressing the growing demand for customization and fresh content. Additionally, it boosts user-created videos shared on social media by players – who eagerly share their best creations on TikTok – hence amplifying user acquisition through virality.
This technology has already been embraced by industry leaders like OVERDARE, the new UGC game from South Korean publishing giant KRAFTON.
The Fund aims to accelerate the adoption of AI-UGC features by game studios. Selected developers will receive up to $75,000 each to bring Kinetix’s User-Generated Emote technology to life in their games or mods, as well as dedicated integration and marketing support.
The User-Generated Emote technology is leading the charge towards a future of gaming experiences which is expected to be enhanced by numerous AI features, impacting everything from interactions with non-playable characters to creation of entire virtual worlds. Enabling players to express themselves through their own emotes satisfies gamers’ increasing needs for endless customisation and opportunities to create the content they want and which reflects their identities. And, by transforming players into active creators, Kinetix helps create an endless flow of content for games and gaming platforms at minimal cost.
“While recent developments in AI make it easy for anyone to create content, this revolution is yet to be provided to players, directly in 3D games. With this Fund and our SDK, we intend to bring Generative AI capabilities into the hands of gamers, like we already did in OVERDARE or Dropcult,” said Yassine Tahi, CEO of Kinetix.
Yuriy Ternovski, CEO of SmokeSpot Games, said: “We centered Dropcult around customizable avatars, fashion and dynamic gameplay that can be streamed and shared on social media. Partnering with Kinetix took this further by letting our community express themselves through movement. Players like to create and share their creations. Everyone wins and we grew a large community around this!”
The AI-UGC Fund Programme is a selective, application-based program designed to identify and support projects with the greatest potential to shape the future of gaming on any platform. Its initial focus will be on live games or those in open/closed beta with established 3D avatar systems and growing monthly active users (MAUs). Applications are open on a rolling basis, early submissions are encouraged. To apply, developers will need to provide detailed information about their project, plans for integrating AI technology, a visual deck or short video and the amount of funding requested.
The post Kinetix Launches $1M Fund to Accelerate AI-UGC in Gaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Platipus Granted UK B2B Licence
Platipus Gaming has secured a B2B license to function in the United Kingdom. This license permits the company to supply gaming content to operators licensed in the UK and marks an important achievement in Platipus’ continuous emphasis on regulatory compliance, operational uniformity, and responsible product delivery.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is acknowledged worldwide for its comprehensive regulatory structure and exceptional benchmarks in safeguarding players, ensuring technical compliance, and overseeing operations. Obtaining a UK B2B licence verifies that Platipus’ products, operational methods, and development strategies adhere to these criteria, showing that the firm can deliver content in line with rigorous regulatory requirements.
Importance for Operators
Collaborating with a Platipus-licensed provider allows UK-licensed operators to guarantee that content complies with UKGC standards. This minimizes the requirement for extra regulatory evaluations and facilitates more seamless incorporation of third-party content into licensed activities. All products are created and provided with a focus on responsible gambling and player safety, conforming to the technical and operational criteria set by the Commission.
Strategic Significance for Platipus
The UK licence showcases Platipus’ philosophy of compliance by design. Regulatory factors are incorporated early in the development process instead of being treated as a final review point. This method guarantees that products, processes, and operational frameworks are ready for regulated settings from the beginning.
Being regulated by the UKGC also allows Platipus to participate in other markets, where UK standards frequently serve as reference points. The license backs the company’s objective of ensuring steady product quality, dependable operations, and accountable content provision in various regions.
Priscila Ribeiro, Chief Strategic Officer, said: “Obtaining a UK B2B licence confirms that our internal processes, development approach, and products meet the regulatory expectations of one of the most scrutinised iGaming markets globally. It allows us to operate with UK-licensed operators within a clear compliance framework.”
Viktoriia Andreasen, Head of Marketing: “The UK market is highly structured and regulated, with detailed expectations for content providers. Holding this licence allows Platipus to engage with licensed operators while maintaining consistent operational and compliance standards, and ensures our content is designed and delivered responsibly.”
A Milestone for Operational Maturity
With its B2B license in the UK, Platipus Gaming begins a new phase of compliant operations. The license demonstrates the organization’s dedication to enduring operational dependability, adherence to regulations, and accountable product provision. It further verifies that Platipus is capable of providing content in one of the most strictly regulated iGaming markets globally, with all technical, operational, and compliance standards met.
This milestone signifies more than just an expansion in geography. It indicates that Platipus has organized procedures, strong governance, and a development approach centered on compliance, establishing a basis for ongoing regulated activities and sustainable growth across various markets.
The post Platipus Granted UK B2B Licence appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
How to Apply for a Finnish iGaming License: Gaming in Finland Webinar on Application Steps and Technical Standards
Starting March 1, 2027, Finland’s gambling authority will begin handling online gambling license requests in anticipation of the iGaming market launch on July 1, 2027.
The necessary secondary legislation and associated technical requirements for effectively submitting an iGaming license application are anticipated to be released soon.
While the precise details remain unclear, it is evident that Finnish regulations will significantly differ from those in other Nordic countries, like Sweden or Denmark.
Due to these developments, Gaming in Finland will host a webinar on Thursday, March 5 at 14:00 CET/15:00 EET, titled “How Finland is different.”
Gaming in Finland founder Willem van Oort commented: “If you are considering entering the Finnish iGaming market, this webinar comes at a most opportune time: one or perhaps two weeks after the publication of the secondary legislation that is necessary to submit your license application. Naturally, we are particularly grateful to our local partners for helping us make sense of the license application process and the associated technical requirements.”
Topics and speakers
The webinar will cover the following topics:
Regulatory update
FAQ: The license application form
Technical requirements & acceptable solutions
At present, the following speakers have been confirmed:
Morten Ronde, Founding Partner, Nordic Legal
Pekka Ilmivalta, Head of Finnish Office, Nordic Legal
Technical expert, Ubetec
Registration
Registration for the Gaming in Finland webinar is now open: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_z604czymTd6un1ER7Lu0ng#/registration
The post How to Apply for a Finnish iGaming License: Gaming in Finland Webinar on Application Steps and Technical Standards appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
affiliate platform
Ihor Zarechnyi signs up to the Gamblers Connect Contributors Program
Gamblers Connect, the award‑winning iGaming media and affiliate platform, has welcomed Ihor Zarechnyi, CEO and Founder of NeverEnding, as the latest expert in its Gamblers Connect Contributors Program.
Zarechnyi becomes the second established industry professional to join this curated roster, which prioritizes experienced practitioners over guest bloggers and emphasizes real‑world insight from leaders with “skin in the game.”
As head of NeverEnding, a dynamic iGaming studio built to eliminate bureaucracy and drive innovation, Zarechnyi brings a performance‑driven approach, rooted in his “Games, Growth, and No Excuses” philosophy. In his new role as one of the program’s 12 contributors, he will offer behind‑the‑scenes perspectives on building a game studio from scratch and launching effective global content strategies based on his extensive executive experience.
Gamblers Connect’s Founder, Gjorgje Ristikj, highlighted Zarechnyi’s unique outlook on product development. Ristikj noted that Zarechnyi’s “B2B backed by B2C power” approach focuses on creating games that deliver genuine market traction and strong player engagement — a shift away from superficial visibility toward meaningful industry impact. This aligns with the platform’s goal of delivering high‑value educational content on game mechanics, technological stability, and real operational challenges.
The post Ihor Zarechnyi signs up to the Gamblers Connect Contributors Program appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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