Gaming

gamescom 2021 focuses on the societal potential of games for the post-pandemic era

Published

5 years ago

July 16, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

‘Games: The New Normal’ is the central theme of gamescom 2021
gamescom trends 2021: ‘more games for less money’ and ‘live streaming’
Debatt(l)e Royale with the secretaries general of the political parties will be live-streamed on 27 August starting at 12.30 p.m.

Currently, 6 out of 10 Germans play games on a regular basis, as do more than 2.2 billion people worldwide – and there is no denying the huge potential of games. Computer and video games make millions of people happy every day, especially in difficult times like the pandemic, and they have long been used in companies, schools, retirement homes and museums. This year’s gamescom aims to highlight the enormous potential of games with its central theme ‘Games: The New Normal’. After all, the pandemic has clearly demonstrated once again the importance of games in society and the potential that still needs to be developed.

‘Games are a natural part of everyday life for billions of people around the world – for entertainment, work and education. Today, no one is surprised to see concerts, election campaigns and even church services set in computer and video games. This shows the potential of games, which we have only just begun to explore. Likewise, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the more digital and networked world will rely more than ever on games and their technologies,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘This makes it all the more important now, also politically, to have a clear plan for how we can tap the tremendous potential of games even better in the future. With the recently introduced games strategy, we now have a strong concept at the national level. Now it is up to the next federal government to put concrete measures in place. This is something we also want to talk about at the political opening of gamescom and the Debatt(l)e Royale with the leading representatives of the political parties in Germany.’

Trend: ‘more games for less money’

Never before have so many games been available to play completely free of charge. On PCs, consoles and smartphones, millions of players use a wide variety of games in all genres free of charge – alone or with their friends. Still, many fans like to invest money in their free-to-play games, for instance to customise their gaming experience. And even full-price games can now be played as a standard feature of increasingly comprehensive subscription services that are available for just a few euros a month. So, despite a sharp rise in production costs in recent years, it has never been as affordable to play such a wide variety of games as it is today.

Trend: ‘live streaming’

Live streaming on platforms like Facebook Gaming, Twitch and YouTube has been one of the fastest-growing phenomena in games culture in recent years. Live streaming events with gaming communities have long since become the campfire of the digital age. This is where today’s creative talents meet their fans for a unique exchange of ideas. Increasingly, the unparalleled combination of live streaming and a community is also being used outside the gaming world, for example for music and sports events, and this is gradually blurring the boundary between creators and audiences. gamescom also relies on the phenomenon of live streaming to delight millions of fans worldwide with shows like gamescom: Opening Night Live and the formats of its many partners.

In recent years, gamescom has emerged as an important platform for political exchange. This year again, there will be several events for this purpose with the political opening of gamescom, the gamescom congress and the Debatt(l)e Royale. These special events will kick off with the political opening on 26 August from 10 a.m. On the same day, the gamescom congress starts, Europe’s leading event devoted to the potential of computer games in a digitalised world. Finally, on 27 August, the Debatt(l)e Royale will take place at 12.30 p.m. The round-table discussion of the secretaries general of the political parties will be live-streamed from the federal state representation of North Rhine-Westphalia in Berlin. This year’s host is German creator LeFloid. In addition to discussing the best games policy for Germany, the focus will be on the community’s questions about the German federal elections. With this initiative, gamescom organisers hope to send a clear message to the community underscoring the importance of taking part in the elections in September.

About gamescom

gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games, as well as Europe’s largest business platform for the games industry. In 2021, gamescom will be an exclusively digital event from Wednesday, 25 August, to Friday, 27 August. Events will not take place on-site in Cologne this year. gamescom is jointly organised by Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association.

game – the German Games Industry Association

We are the association of the German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission is to make Germany the best games location.

Amusnet

Amusnet Adds Wet and Wild Fun to Crash Gaming with Hippo Splash

Published

6 days ago

January 29, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet-adds-wet-and-wild-fun-to-crash-gaming-with-hippo-splash

Amusnet is poised to elevate the thrill in the crash game segment with the imminent launch of Hippo Splash – a lively, quick-paced game that merges fun narratives with exhilarating gameplay and a verifiably fair algorithm.

At the core of Hippo Splash is a memorable image: a playful hippo gingerly balancing on a log in the center of a lake. Every action heightens the suspense, every moment raises the stakes… until a single mistake causes the hippo to plunge into the water. That’s the moment players anticipate – and the secret to transforming clever timing into substantial victories.

Created with player enthusiasm as a priority, Hippo Splash allows gamers complete control over their tactics. They have the option to cash out early at 50% for a more secure strategy or remain in the game longer to pursue higher multipliers before the eventual drop. Each round is fast, easy to grasp, and filled with tension, allowing for immediate participation while maintaining high adrenaline.

With its colorful theme, engaging mechanics, and modern crash gameplay, Hippo Splash is poised to appeal to both seasoned crash game fans and newcomers looking for something fun, fast, and rewarding.

Get ready to watch the log, track the multiplier, and decide the perfect moment to cash out – because in Hippo Splash, every step counts, and every splash could send winnings soaring.

Gamble
Play the game and multiply your winnings through the Gambling feature!

Multipliers
The game starts with a multiplier set at 1x and rises gradually and can go up to a max coefficient of 1,000,000.
Multiplier can potentially crash at 1x, ending the game round.

50% Cash Out
Players can cash out 50% of their bet during the game round and continue playing with the remaining 50%.

Jackpot Cards
The Jackpot Cards bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive jackpots.

The post Amusnet Adds Wet and Wild Fun to Crash Gaming with Hippo Splash appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

155.io

155.io Breaks the Mold Again, Introducing the CCTV Game Genre via Rush Hour

Published

7 days ago

January 28, 2026

Wladimir P.

155.io-breaks-the-mold-again,-introducing-the-cctv-game-genre-via-rush-hour

155.io, the live content studio transforming real-world games, has launched CCTV.Game, an innovative genre created entirely from live CCTV footage collected worldwide. The category debuts with its inaugural title, Rush Hour. The live game operates around the clock to convert real-life traffic into immediate viewing and wagering entertainment.

The CCTV Game signifies a new path for 155.io, broadening its chaos-oriented philosophy into completely live, real-world settings. Created using numerous live CCTV feeds from around the globe, the game transforms everyday activities into quick, engaging, and immediately bettable entertainment.

Running nonstop, Rush Hour enables players to wager on straightforward, distinct results during rounds lasting under a minute – such as the number of cars that cross a junction or the quantity that turns left or right within a specified timeframe. Each round is dynamic, spontaneous, and influenced by the organic rhythms of the world, instead of standard RNG methods.

Rush Hour’s live recordings feature diverse locations such as Sydney, Swindon, Arizona, and Taipei, as well as landmarks like Patong Beach in Thailand and Abbey Road in London. From everyday crossroads to landmark locations, the entire world transforms into the game board. Crafted for mobile devices, Rush Hour is immediately comprehensible and genuinely engaging, providing a much-needed option to conventional casino formats. CCTV Game embodies 155.io’s fundamental philosophy: chaotic reality, straightforward games, and entertainment designed primarily for mobile.

The launch enhances 155.io’s attraction to the upcoming player generation, merging live-stream culture with instant betting features.

CCTV Game and Rush Hour can now be accessed via Hub88 or through direct integration.

Sam Jones, Founder & CEO of 155.io, commented: “Rush Hour is the first expression of our CCTV Game genre – think Big Brother blended with Polymarket. It’s completely live, and the world is now our studio. CCTV.game takes real-world chaos and turns it into something instantly playable and genuinely entertaining – this is content the next generation will queue up to try.”

He added: “Once you realise the entire world can be a live game feed, there are no boundaries. Live traffic content is just the start – from live wildlife to iconic sporting locations – we’re only just setting off on our journey of what real-world chaos entertainment can be.”

The post 155.io Breaks the Mold Again, Introducing the CCTV Game Genre via Rush Hour appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Chicken X & Friends

Million Games Launches Chicken X & Friends Today Following Strong ICE Reception

Published

7 days ago

January 28, 2026

Wladimir P.

million-games-launches-chicken-x-&-friends-today-following-strong-ice-reception

Million Games announces today the official launch of Chicken X & Friends, its real-time multiplayer crash game and the highly anticipated sequel to the award-nominated hit Chicken X.

Following a successful showcase at ICE 2026, where the game attracted strong interest and positive feedback from operators, partners, and industry professionals, Chicken X & Friends is now live and available to play.

Set across a chaotic multi-lane highway, Chicken X & Friends brings Jack Chicken back into action—this time in a shared, unlimited multiplayer environment. Unlike traditional crash games, gameplay never pauses. There are no waiting rounds or session start times. Players can jump in instantly and start playing at any moment.

Multiplayer Crash Gameplay, Evolved

Chicken X & Friends introduces unlimited, real-time multiplayer gameplay to the crash genre. Players are visible live on screen as they navigate traffic lanes, build multipliers, and decide when to cash out before the crash.

“This launch marks an important step for us,” said Thomas Nimstad, CEO of Million Games. “Chicken X & Friends builds on everything players loved about the original, but adds a social layer that fundamentally changes how crash games feel. Seeing other players make decisions in real time adds tension, strategy, and excitement—and that was very clear from the feedback we received at ICE.”

Player Choice, Progression, and Personalisation

Gameplay takes place across multiple traffic lanes, each offering a distinct risk-and-reward profile. Slower lanes provide steadier multiplier growth with lighter traffic, while faster lanes increase volatility with denser traffic and quicker multiplier escalation.

Players actively choose how and where to play—staying safe, pushing into danger, or switching lanes as conditions change. Safe zones offer a brief pause from traffic, but staying too long triggers an automatic cash-out, ensuring the pace remains high and the pressure stays on.

As players progress, they unlock levels and cosmetic customisations, including different skins and hats for Jack Chicken. These visual rewards allow players to stand out on the road and showcase their experience and performance without affecting gameplay balance.

Movement is fast and intuitive, controlled through taps or directional inputs, allowing players to react instantly as traffic patterns evolve.

Social, Competitive, and Always On

In public playgrounds, up to ten players appear live on screen. Each player is represented by Jack Chicken, while competitors appear as pigeons, creating instant visual awareness of who is still in the race. The leading player is highlighted with a unique “king” skin and a visible live multiplier.

Live leaderboards track top performances over the past hour and 24 hours, encouraging repeat play and competition. Players can also choose to play solo or create private rooms with friends, offering flexibility without compromising the core gameplay experience.

Now Live and Available

Chicken X & Friends is launching today and can be played now on the Million Games website. Operators and partners interested in integrating the game or learning more about distribution opportunities are encouraged to get in touch with the Million Games team.

“This game represents something genuinely new for our industry,” added Thomas Nimstad. “We’re pushing beyond familiar formats to create experiences that players haven’t seen before. Unlimited gameplay, visible multiplayer tension, and shared decision-making open up a new direction for crash games—and that’s exactly the kind of innovation we want Million Games to be known for.”

The post Million Games Launches Chicken X & Friends Today Following Strong ICE Reception appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.