Gaming
CKH Innovations Opportunities Development partners with Blacknut to provide cloud gaming services; Drei Austria the first to launch with ‘Drei HomePlay’
Cloud-gaming specialist Blacknut and CKH Innovations Opportunities Development (CKH IOD), a telecom unit of CK Hutchison Holdings, have partnered to bring cloud gaming to their customers across Europe and beyond. Drei Austria is the first 3 Group mobile operator to invest in this new innovative content. Drei Austria will offer a whole new experience of entertainment through a new service called Drei HomePlay.
Drei HomePlay’s subscription will bring unlimited access to a catalogue of family-friendly premium games. Customers that subscribe to the service for a monthly fee of 9.99€ will have access to a dedicated application with a catalogue of over 500 family-friendly games. The catalogue includes games from all genres, including racing simulation, adventure, strategy, role-playing games and more.
Drei Homeplay will allow each subscriber to create up to 5 player profiles per account and works across desktop, mobile and selected SmartTVs. Blacknut’s platform also allows players to have a full crossplay experience, meaning they can switch between devices without losing their game saves or progress.
CKH Innovations Opportunities Development (CKH IOD) is the international development hub of CK Hutchison, which creates innovative technologies and services built on CK Hutchison’s mobile networks.
According to market analyst Omdia, cloud gaming is expected to grow into a $4 billion market this year, up 188% compared to 2020, and is expected to more than triple by 2025.
Blacknut’s cloud gaming business solution enables ISPs, device manufacturers, OTT services and media companies to quickly launch their own streaming games services. Blacknut is already providing cloud gaming services for several telecom operators and is available to consumers in 40 countries.
“We’ve been working with CKH IOD for some time to develop an ambitious strategy to bring Innovation and Gaming to all their customers”, said Olivier Avaro, CEO of Blacknut, “The forthcoming launch with Drei in Austria is the first step towards bringing the fun and convenience of cloud gaming to millions of subscribers.”
“We selected Blacknut not only for its extensive expertise in cloud gaming but also because of their great scalable streaming technology ideally designed for carriers and their ability to deploy it to reach even more users and gamers,” said Guenter Lischka, Division Manager Consumer of Drei. “We are proud to be the pilot country within the 3 Group to bring cloud gaming to our subscribers in Austria, and look forward to growing our partnership with Blacknut.”
Francesco Zampini, Director of Devices, Products and Services at CKH IOD, stated, “We are very glad to start this global collaboration with an innovative company like Blacknut. Their cloud gaming platform will be a core element of our Group gaming strategy, enabling seamless multi-screen access and immersive experiences across a rich and dynamic portfolio of games unlocking the power of our 5G Networks for our Customers.”
New and existing Drei customers can subscribe to Drei HomePlay for €9.99 from the 6th of May. Drei HomePlay will give access to over 500 games on Windows, Mac OS, Android Mobile, Tablets, Android SmartTVs and Amazon Fire TV.
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Brazil
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
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+
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.
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