Gaming
The official teaser of “I, the Inquisitor” is here!
In 2019, The Dust, a small gaming studio from Wrocław Poland, acquires the rights to create a game based on the book series by the renowned fantasy writer Jacek Piekara. A few months later, in September 2019, the studio holds a press conference, where they disclose the foundations of the project and reveal the game’s name. It is “I, the Inquisitor”.
We hear about the project again in September 2020, when we learn that the main character will be none other than the hero of the series – Inquisitor Mordimer Madderdin. Today, The Dust is showing us the first teaser and reveals the place of the game’s action – the town of Koenigstein and the mysterious NonWorld.
The darkness surrounds Koenigstein
Since the beginning of the game’s development, the Wrocław’s studio has been providently limiting the amount of information about it, due to the long-term marketing plan for “I, the Inquisitor”. To understand how important the project is for the studio and how much they believe in its success, we have to look at The Dust’s stock reports and from there draw our conclusions. They have signed a game trailer production contract with a world-famous Juice studio, increased the title’s budget, and enlarged their team from a few employees to a few dozens of specialists. All these actions are showing us the real progress of work The Dust did on the game. Now, we can also observe it on brand-new screenshots from “I, the Inquisitor” and the first, exciting video material.
In “I, the Inquisitor” players will take on the role of Inquisitor Mordimer Madderdin, a hero who under the guidance of the Holy Office, will be overseeing the law and order of the world. The story says, that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross, but came down from it, punished the unbelievers, and now rules the world. Mordimer Madderdin goes to the town of Koenigstein, where the entire plot of the game takes place. At the September conference, the studio revealed that they plan to focus on an in-game area, which they will be able to refine in the smallest detail.
“Koenigstein is divided into five districts. Each district is unique in terms of architecture, climate, and general feeling. The inhabitants of individual districts also differ significantly from one another. The locations architecturally reflect the era of the early Renaissance, which creates a very unique atmosphere.” – Kacper Szwajka | Art Director The Dust
The atmosphere straight from the pages of a novel
Thanks to the new screenshots, we can get a feeling of the game’s climate. The first thing we’ve noticed is that The Dust has put huge attention to details and the whole thing looks extremely coherent. Just take a look at the executioner’s quarters… We know that extracting information from suspects will play a very important role in the game, so the mere thought of interrogating people in this room is giving us shivers.
Speaking of the atmosphere, here is the first short teaser from “I, the Inquisitor” by The Dust studio. It perfectly reflects the stuffy and heavy feeling of the world that players will enter.
The teaser sees the main character praying in the privacy of a room, with a broken cross, the symbol of the inquisitors, hanging above his head. The whole thing is dark, mysterious, and incredibly atmospheric. It also shows us several districts of Koenigstein and the NonWorld, a place where Mordimer can transfer to, to seek answers to questions related to his investigation.
“The NonWorld will play an extremely important role. It is “a place that shows the true essence of things”, making it one of the most important tools for the player to use on his way to discovering the truth and solving the intrigues around him. It will often help to put certain facts together and to look for new clues. At the same time, the NonWorld is a dark, evil, and very dangerous place that Mordimer will have to face.” Damian Pawlak | Game Designer The Dust
The following months will be extremely busy for The Dust team. The studio claims that the game will be ready in 2022. Currently, the company is focusing on the alpha version of the game and continues presenting the title to global publishers, from which it will choose its partner this year.
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Executive Summary – Optimove US Gaming Pulse Report (May 2025)
The May 2025 report analyzes data from over 3.2 million U.S. players and 21 million global players to benchmark performance across casino and sports betting.
Key Insights:
U.S. Players Spend More: U.S. bettors consistently outperformed the global average in deposit amounts, averaging $604 in May 2025 marking a 10% year-over-year increase for the US compared to just 2% globally.
Casino Activity Remains Strong: U.S. casino bettors averaged $8,259 over the period, 6.2x the global average of $1,329 — ending at $7,928 in May 2025. Despite a slight slowdown since January, the number of U.S. casino bettors grew 30% year-over-year by May, compared to 14% globally.
Sports Betting Surges, Then Slows: U.S. average monthly sports betting peaked at $1,001 in May 2025, versus $380 globally. However, the number of U.S. sports bettors declined, showing only a 14% year-over-year increase in May — while global numbers remained stable, slightly decreasing to 97% compared to the May 2024 baseline.
Global Players More Engaged: Global players showed consistently higher engagement, averaging 8.9 days per month per active customer in May 2025, compared to 7.9 days in the U.S. — a 12% engagement gap.
Retention Higher Globally: While close, global retention remained stronger, reaching 71% in May 2025, compared to 65% in the U.S.
Conclusion:
While the U.S. market continues to lead in player spend and betting volumes, global markets show superior engagement and retention. U.S. growth remains closely linked to seasonal events and regulatory expansion, with future success tied to boosting long-term customer engagement and retention strategies.
Report Metrics:
- Source: Betting trends in United States compared to the global benchmark in the trailing 12 months (May 2024-2025)
- Database: A 12-month average of over 3.2 million active players per month in the U.S. and over 21.3 million globally.
Category: Average Deposit Amount
Key findings: Average Deposit Amounts Greatest in the US
In terms of monthly average total deposit amounts, the US consistently outpaces the global average, with an average deposit value 2.6 times higher throughout the period.
The U.S. average kept the highest global average in May 2025 with $604 average deposit amount. marking a 10% year-over-year increase, while the 12-month average leading to May 2025 stood at $550.
Global deposit amounts remained relatively stable, reaching $214 in May 2025, representing a 2% increase in May year over year.
Definition of Average Deposit Amount: The average deposit amount is calculated by taking the total sum of all deposits and dividing it by the number of Sports and Casino bettors (players) who have made at least one deposit.
Category: Total Monthly Casino Betting Amount & Number of Casino Bettors Growth
Key findings: The US has been leading in both betting amount and number of casino bettors’ growth
Throughout the period, the US consistently outpaced global averages, with an average of $8,259 per bettor over the period compared to $1,329 globally. US ending at $7,928 in May 2025 while the global average stands on $1344.
The number of casino bettors in the US market showed a slowdown over the past two months following a peak in January. However, the year-over-year growth remains strong, reaching 130% by May 2025 compared to the May 2024 baseline of 100% (a 30% increase). In contrast, global growth was more moderate, rising to 114% over the same period.
Definition of Total Monthly Casino Bet Amount: The average casino bet amount is the total sum of all casino bets and divided by the number of bettors who have placed at least one casino bet.
Definition of Casino Bettors Growth Trend: calculated by dividing the total number of casino bettors each month by the number of casino bettors in May 2024, which serves as the baseline (100%).
Category: Total Monthly Sports Betting Amount & Number of Sport Bettors Growth
Key findings: The US consistently outpaced global averages in monthly average sports bet amounts peaking at $1,150 in March 2025, however with a decrease in number of sport bettors by May 2025.
Throughout the period, the US keeps outpaced global averages in monthly average sports bet amounts. The US average was at $1,001 in May 2025, however with a notable decrease compared to May 2024.
In contrast, the global average remained steady, reaching $380 in May 2025.
In terms of the number of sport bettors, the US market experienced a sharp decrease in May 2025, reaching only 14% increase in May 2025 compared to May 2024.
Global growth remained more stable, changing from 100% to 97% over the same period.
Definition of Total Monthly Sport Bet Amount: The average sport betting amount is the total sum of all sports bets and divided by the number of bettors who have placed in least one sport bet.
The Sport Bettors Growth Trend: calculated by dividing the total number of sport bettors each month by the number of sport bettors in May 2024, which serves as the baseline (100%).
Category: Average Number of Activity Days per Active Customer
Key findings: the global market consistently maintained a higher engagement level than the US.
The global market keeps consistently maintaining a higher engagement level than the US, with 12% more activity days on average per active customer throughout the period. In May 2025 the US average stands at 7.9 days per month per active customer while the global average stands at 8.9.
Definition of Average Activity Days: The average number of activity days is the total number of activity days divided by the number of bettors who have at least one activity day.
Category: Average Active Retention Rate
Key findings: Although retention rates remained relatively close, the global market consistently outperformed the US.
While retention rates between the US and global markets remained close throughout the period, the global rate consistently outperformed the US in most months.
The global average on May 2025 stands at 71% compared to 65% in the US.
Definition of Active Retention Rate: The percentage of bettors who were active in the preceding month and remained active in the current month.
The post Optimove US Gaming Pulse Report – May 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Bridging the gap between functional hardware and considered design, Phantum debuts its first line of high-performance mousepads. The collection is built for users who demand precision but won’t compromise on aesthetics. Developed in Paris by founders Amine G. and Victor B., the mousepads combine minimalist design with carefully selected materials and collectible elements, positioning the product as a functional tool and a design object.
Created for gamers and digital creatives, Phantum’s mousepads emphasize tactile performance while remaining visually restrained. The surfaces are crafted using Japanese Poron and advanced fabrics chosen for their durability, responsiveness, and sensory qualities. Each product is designed to enhance, not distract from, the overall composition of a desk setup.
The company’s visual language draws on space, transparency, and disappearance themes, an intentional move to create objects that integrate flawlessly into a work or play environment. “Every detail reflects our DNA: clean, sharp, and futuristic,” said co-founder Amine G., whose tech-focused YouTube channel, MRG TECH, has built a following of over 200,000 subscribers. “We create tools that disappear under the hand but leave a lasting impression through design, feel, and finish.”
Phantum’s founders launched the brand after finding few products that met their standards for both performance and design integrity. The debut line is only the beginning: the team is developing glass mousepads and matching performance sleeves, with plans to expand into a broader ecosystem of desk essentials. Each new release will continue to feature collectible packaging designed to add narrative value rather than act as decoration.
Though recently launched, Phantum is already drawing attention beyond France, particularly in Latin America, where design-conscious gamers have begun to integrate the mousepads into their setups. The first collection is now available on phantum.co, with new formats and accessories to follow.
The post Phantum Introduces High-End Mousepads with Collectible Packaging and Parisian Design Roots appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
In the latest round of Prototype Funding, Gamecity Hamburg, part of Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, supports six promising digital games with up to 80,000 euros each as a non-repayable grant. This funding enables start-ups in Hamburg and supports companies in developing marketable prototypes. In addition, start-ups and developers can apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s Games Lift Incubator until June 10: https://www.gamecity-hamburg.de/de/inkubator/
The awarding committee selected projects with the greatest market potential from the many applications. Including this seventh round of funding, the development of 37 prototypes has been supported as part of Prototype Funding since 2020. The application phase for the next Prototype Funding round will start in spring 2026.
“The high quality of the projects submitted to this funding round led to an intensive decision process within the awarding committee. The funded projects show a wide variety of genres, ideas, and teams. With the Prototype Funding, we are supporting established companies and up-and-coming start-ups in Hamburg as a games location,” commented Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg and member of the awarding committee.
The 2025 funding recipients were selected by the awarding committee, consisting of Hamburg industry experts Nina Müller (VP Publishing & Development Services, Goodgame Studios), Jonas Hüsges (Publishing Director, Daedalic Entertainment), Valentina Birke (Director Indie Arena Booth / Super Crowd Entertainment), Michael Schade (CEO & Co-Founder ROCKFISH Games) and Dennis Schoubye (Head of Gamecity Hamburg).
The Funded Projects 2025
- NeverLight by Nightless Games – € 80,000
- Pet Universe by Tivola Games – € 80,000
- Space Station Manager by gameXcite – € 80,000
- Unbreachable by Buckfish – € 72,000
- Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio – € 32,000
- Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs – € 30,000
NeverLight by Nightless Games
NeverLight is a dark, cooperative role-playing game with fantasy and extraction elements, in which up to three players act as hunters in an endless night in search of terrifying monsters and collect valuable loot. The game combines monster hunting with the excitement of having to bring each reward to safety with the team to receive it.
Pet Universe by Tivola Games
In the 3D animal shelter simulation “Pet Universe”, players build their animal shelter from the ground up, organize animal care, collect donations, and design the shelter grounds according to their own ideas. The aim is to care for the animals with their individual needs and to find them a loving home.
Space Station Manager by gameXcite
In this strategy building game with real-time space battles, players manage a space station that serves as a base for spaceships, battles, recruitment, and a strategy hub for missions. In addition to organizing the base, players manage their limited resources and various upgrades, improve crew morals, and explore the galaxy with their individual fleets.
Unbreachable by Buckfish
In the multiplayer strategy game “Unbreachable”, players build a fortress in each run that competes with ten castles of rival players. Players strategically construct the different fortress buildings to increase attack power or minimize weaknesses to climb the leaderboard in competition with other players.
Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio
In this sci-fi horror game with puzzle mechanics, players are trapped in the communication room of a remote research station during a toxic storm. To escape, they must coordinate the various crew members, decipher cryptic transmissions, and complete the research as the threatening situation escalates over several days.
Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs
In this humorous and fast-paced roguelite, players fight their way through space with their ship in order to escape from a capitalist alien dictatorship. Weapons, shields, upgrades for the engine, and customization of the ship determine the narrative of the game. Depending on the character chosen, the course of the game and the story told vary in several runs.
All detailed information on the teams and games can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/funding/#Funded_Projects_2025
Developers, start-ups, and companies from Hamburg were able to apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s prototype funding from March 3 to April 7. In 2024, Gamecity Hamburg introduced a diversity checklist when applying for prototype funding, the answers to which can optionally be used by the awarding committee in the evaluation process.
The next application phase for prototype funding will start in spring 2026.
Further funding opportunities through Gamecity Hamburg
Each year, the Games Lift Incubator supports five teams, developers, and start-ups in the development of digital games. In addition to € 15,000 in start-up funding, the recipients receive a comprehensive coaching and mentoring program with international experts as well as workshops and follow-up individual support. Since 2024, the program has also included a visit to an international industry event.
Teams and developers can currently apply for the Games Lift Incubator until June 10.
All information can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/incubator/apply-now/
The post Gamecity Hamburg Supports six new Digital Games with Prototype Funding appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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