Central Europe
Hamburg’s Games Industry gets an innovative virtual home: The Gamecity Online Hub
The location initiative Gamecity Hamburg created a new virtual home for the vibrant Hamburg games industry network: the Gamecity Online Hub (available at https://hub.gamecity-hamburg.de/). Rather than providing a link-list or information website on local businesses, the Gamecity Online Hub uses the capabilities of the video game medium to give users a first-hand experience of Hamburg and its games economy: The platform is a fully playable browser game in an authentic Hamburg setting. Visitors can walk through digital comic-style miniatures of Hamburg’s harbor, the infamous St. Pauli-District, the Stadtpark, and the historic Speicherstadt area – while discovering the diverse games ecosystem of the region. With over 200 companies, from solo developers to SMEs and large games corporations, numerous educational institutions and other companies in the games value chain, Hamburg is one of Europe’s most active games metropolises.
On May 6, the first stage of the Gamecity Online Hub will open its digital doors. Visitors can explore the Online Hub throughout 2021. Further functional and content updates as well as numerous digital events set on the Online Hub are already planned during the course of the year.
Users can move freely through the Online Hub with their avatars, explore the game world and interact via in-game-chat. At individually designed booths of more than 30 Hamburg games companies and educational institutions represented on the platform, they find information, presentations of games, and opportunities for contact and exchange in open video calls. Also, the initiative Gamecity Hamburg provides insights into its Games Lift incubator and prototype funding programs, as well as its networking and information events. Hamburg games entrepreneur teams present the games they successfully developed with the help of the games funding and incubator programs.
The Gamecity Online Hub showcases the innovative spirit of Hamburg’s multi-faceted games industry. It is made possible thanks to the cooperation with the Hamburg-based company Super Crowd Entertainment, which developed the technical platform, and the financial support of the companies represented on the Online Hub. Super Crowd Entertainment, an event agency specialized in the games market, was recently awarded a special prize at the German Computer Game Awards (Deutscher Computerspielpreis) for its digital trade fair concept “Indie Arena Booth Online” based on the same technology.
Throughout 2021, the Gamecity Online Hub will grow and evolve: There will always be new things to discover, both in terms of content and functionality. In addition, the platform will be used regularly for events and get-togethers, then with additional interaction features, such as embedded person-to-person video calls.
The Gamecity Online Hub is a project of Gamecity Hamburg. It is a publicly-funded location initiative and part of the public agency for the promotion of creative industries in Hamburg, the Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft. Gamecity Hamburg aims to improve the general conditions for companies and founders of the games value chain in the city, support them in their further development and anchor Hamburg in the public perception as one of the leading games industry hot spots in Europe.
The idea for the Gamecity Online Hub was born from positive experience with digital events in the games industry: In March 2021, the Hamburg Games Conference Online set the bar with a completely remote conference with 600 participants and numerous lectures, panels, discussion rounds and networking events on the framework that is now also used for the Gamecity Online Hub.
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Central Europe
Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026
The Gaming in Germany Conference is set to return to Berlin on November 10, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from across the country’s regulated online gambling sector. The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Ku’damm and is expected to once again attract a wide range of industry professionals.
Organised by Gaming in Europe, the annual conference has established itself as a central meeting point for operators, regulators, legal experts, and service providers involved in Germany’s evolving iGaming landscape.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The 2026 edition will focus on some of the most pressing issues facing the German market. A major highlight will be discussions around the evaluation of the GlüStV 2021 (State Gambling Treaty) and its impact on the regulated online gambling environment.
In addition, the conference will cover a broad range of topics, including:
- Regulatory developments and compliance
- Market growth and competitive dynamics
- Player protection and responsible gambling
- Marketing strategies in a regulated environment
- The role of eSports within the sector
These sessions are designed to provide actionable insights while fostering dialogue between industry participants and regulatory authorities.
Confirmed Speakers
Although the event is still several months away, a strong lineup of speakers has already been confirmed. These include:
- Dr. Jörg Hofmann, Senior Partner at Melchers Law
- A senior representative from the GGL (German Gambling Authority)
- Dr. Dirk Quermann, President of DOCV
- Mathias Dahms, President of DSWV
- VP Games at ZEAL Network
- Prof. Dr. Christian Piska, University of Vienna
- Dr. Nepomuk Nothelfer, University of Agder & Melchers Law
- Josh Hodgson, COO at H2 Gambling Capital
This mix of legal, regulatory, and commercial expertise ensures a well-rounded perspective on the challenges and opportunities within Germany’s regulated market.
A Key Industry Meeting Point
Willem van Oort, founder of Gaming in Germany, highlighted the importance of the event:
“After last year’s highly successful edition, we are extremely pleased to return to Berlin in 2026. Our goal is to connect the industry with regulatory and social stakeholders. This year, we expect to gain valuable insights into the evaluation of the 2021 State Gambling Treaty and its impact on the market.”
He also emphasized that the conference remains one of the best opportunities to meet key decision-makers in Germany’s iGaming sector.
Registration and Participation
Industry professionals are encouraged to save the date and secure their place early. The event also offers opportunities for speakers and sponsors to get involved and share their expertise with a targeted audience.
With its strong agenda and high-level networking opportunities, the Gaming in Germany Conference 2026 is set to be a must-attend event for anyone active in the German regulated iGaming market.
The post Gaming in Germany Conference returns to Berlin November 10, 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Central Europe
Gaming Laboratories International Named Best Testing Laboratory in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named “Best Testing Laboratory in CEE” in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026. The awards were presented during the Hipther Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. GLI has won this award multiple times in a row.
“We are thrilled to be honored by the industry in this way. At GLI, we have been fully committed to the gaming industry across Central and Eastern Europe for decades, working with suppliers, regulators, and operators to provide the insights and technical expertise that help the industry move forward safely and securely. Being recognized for our efforts is humbling and gratifying,” said GLI Managing Director EMEIA James Boje.
According to organisers, the GamingTECH Awards celebrate the standout companies, teams and individuals shaping the future of gaming, compliance, payments and innovation across Central & Eastern Europe.
The post Gaming Laboratories International Named Best Testing Laboratory in the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Austria
Wazdan strengthens European foothold with Austrian market entry via win2day
Wazdan has continued its European growth strategy by entering the Austrian iGaming market through a new partnership with win2day, the country’s only licensed online casino operator. The move represents a significant milestone for the developer as it strengthens its footprint in regulated markets across the region.
The agreement will see a selection of Wazdan’s most recognisable titles made available to Austrian players, including 9 Coins
, Hot Slot
: 777 Cash Out, and Mighty Wild
: Panther. These initial releases mark the beginning of a broader rollout strategy aimed at steadily expanding the studio’s presence on the platform.
Gradual Rollout Strategy
Following the initial launch, Wazdan plans to introduce one new title each month to the win2day portfolio. This phased approach allows the operator to continuously refresh its offering while ensuring each addition aligns with player preferences and market demand.
By focusing on quality over volume, the partnership is designed to enhance player engagement through carefully selected content that combines strong visual appeal with innovative gameplay mechanics.
Bringing Signature Features to Austria
In addition to its established titles, Wazdan will introduce Austrian players to its suite of proprietary features that have become central to its brand identity. These include Hold the Jackpot
, Cash Infinity
, Collect to Infinity
, Sticky to Infinity
, and Cash Out
.
These mechanics are designed to increase player interaction and extend gameplay sessions by adding dynamic elements and customizable experiences. As operators increasingly seek differentiated content, such features play a key role in enhancing retention and overall player satisfaction.
Partnering with a Trusted Operator
win2day is operated by Austrian Lotteries, a long-established organization with more than four decades of experience in the market. As the sole licensed online casino operator in Austria, win2day holds a unique position, combining strict regulatory compliance with a strong reputation for responsible gaming.
The collaboration brings together Wazdan’s expertise in game development with win2day’s established market presence, creating a partnership focused on delivering high-quality and secure entertainment to players.
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan, said:
“Entering the Austrian market with win2day is a significant milestone for Wazdan and a rewarding step in our continued European expansion. Partnering with a trusted, long-established operator allows us to deliver the quality user experience we are known for to a new audience.”
Georg Wawer, Managing Director of win2day, added:
“As Austria’s only licensed online gaming operator, we are committed to offering a carefully curated portfolio of high-quality games. Partnering with Wazdan allows us to combine engaging gameplay with the highest levels of safety and responsibility.”
Strengthening Regulated Market Presence
As the European iGaming landscape continues to evolve, expansion into regulated jurisdictions remains a key priority for leading developers. Wazdan’s entry into Austria highlights its commitment to sustainable growth through strategic partnerships and compliance-driven market entry.
By aligning with a trusted operator and delivering proven content alongside innovative features, Wazdan is well-positioned to establish a strong presence in the Austrian market.
The post Wazdan strengthens European foothold with Austrian market entry via win2day appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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