Gaming
Odeeo Raises $1M to Bring Non-Disruptive Audio Ads to Games
The $1 million pre-seed round was led by Play Ventures, the leading early-stage gaming VC, with participation from gaming founders and angel investors such as Eric Seufert (through his Mobile Dev Memo Syndicate) and Michail Katkoff (founder of ‘Deconstructor of Fun’ and Savage Game Studios). Odeeo aims to help publishers monetize better with non-intrusive audio ads that respect player experience and privacy.
The Tel-Aviv based company was founded earlier this year by CEO Amit Monheit and CPO Elad Stern, who met and worked together at mobile monetization platform IronSource, where they led business development and media.
Odeeo is an alumnus of IDCX Studio, a super-seed studio managed by Israeli VC firm AnD Ventures, Mixer Work & Lounge, and the IDC Alumni Association – securing their $1M pre-seed round under 6 months. “We are extremely proud of Amit & Elad”, says Ariel Cohen, Partner, AnD Ventures & IDCX Studio program lead. “Their laser-focused strategy and relentlessness in disrupting a large existing market are incredible!”
Odeeo offers advertisers a rare opportunity: to be among the first to connect with one-third of the globe’s population via non-disruptive, personalized audio messages in mobile games, the world’s fastest-growing entertainment medium. Its lightweight SDK has already been integrated with over 100 games, serving campaigns by Fortune 500 brands such as McDonald’s, CBS, and Progressive — and has a waitlist of over 200 additional game titles.
“Odeeo has made incredible progress this last year, with our product, our client waitlist, and our extraordinary team of top talents”, say the co-founders. “We are excited to now be backed by great value-add investors who will help us get to the next level even faster”. The company aims to shake up in-game advertising, a huge market that currently drives 25% of the $175.8 billion that the games industry is projected to generate in 2021.
Odeeo says existing options inhibit and disrupt gameplay in a way audio ads do not. “As gamers, we understand the frustration of seeing yet another pop-up in the midst of our session, and we also know that publishers are looking for better ways to monetize especially with CPM compression and degraded targeting current options offer. Odeeo is a Win-Win-Win solution for gamers, developers, and advertisers”, says CEO Amit.
In-game advertising is already a huge market, but Odeeo says its platform is differentiated by focusing on building a product that supports game advertising at scale. The $1 million funding will enable the team to accelerate client onboarding and development of its platform where advertisers can bid programmatically through traditional ad-buying platforms on IAB-recognized formats, using unique targeting capabilities.
Powered by WPeMatico
Gaming
Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms
Significant industry first will see game launch from day one across 5 alternative stores in addition to Apple and Google.
Flexion, the games marketing company, announces a partnership with preeminent developer King to market new game Candy Crush Solitaire© in alternative app stores.
Expected to be one of the exciting game announcements of the year, Candy Crush Solitaire© will be available on the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei App Gallery, Xiaomi GetApps and ONE store from the get-go thanks to Flexion’s expertise and technology. The game launches globally across platforms on 6 February and is already available for preregistration in all the stores.
Flexion has had a partnership with King since June 2024 to market Candy Crush Saga© on the alternative stores. With this latest deal, both companies are breaking new ground with concurrent launches, taking them to the leading edge of games marketing.
“This is the first time King will launch simultaneously across such a wide range of platforms,” says Jens Lauritzson, Flexion’s CEO. “King has recognised that mobile audiences come from a more diverse range of markets these days, and we are thrilled to be able to help them reach those markets. Flexion has brought to the partnership the tech, experience and expertise to ensure the ultimate in user choice.”
Commenting on the deal, Benjamin Pommeraud, General Manager of Strategic Initiatives at King, says: “We’re excited to partner with Flexion to make Candy Crush Solitaire available to more players. As our first expansion of the Candy universe into a new genre, this collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that are accessible to everyone, no matter where they choose to play.”
The post Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
FreezeNova
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)
Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.
Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.
Recognizing Early Signs
“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:
Exhaustion and Irritability
Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.
Gaming Obsession
If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.
Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests
A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.
Emotional Volatility
Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.
Physical Strain
Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.
Neglecting Basic Needs
If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.
Creating a Supportive Environment
While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.
Teamwork and Setting Boundaries
“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.
Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.
Open Communication
Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.
Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”
Compliance Updates
SYNOT Games Officially Certifies Over 140 Games in Brazil
SYNOT Games has announced that more than 140 of its games have now been officially certified in Brazil.
“We are delighted to announce that more than 140 of our games have now been officially certified in Brazil. This significant achievement allows us to expand our reach and introduce a diverse selection of games to this dynamic market. Brazil represents a key opportunity for growth, and we are committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences to the Brazilian audience,” the Company said.
“We are thrilled to introduce our portfolio in Brazil, offering innovative and engaging gameplay that promises to captivate and entertain players,” Martina Krajci, CCO at SYNOT Games, said.
-
Australia7 days ago
Regulating the Game Announced New Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Masterclass at 2025 Conference
-
Africa7 days ago
Soft2Bet takes its first steps into Africa with a multi-year Turnkey deal with media leader Channels TV
-
Eastern Europe7 days ago
Conquering Challenges: TotoGaming in Romania – 1 Year in the Market
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
IGT Maintains Responsible Gaming Leadership with World Lottery Association Recertification
-
Brazil7 days ago
INSPIRED TO LAUNCH 16 SLOT GAMES IN BRAZIL, IGNITING THE iGAMING MARKET IN JANUARY 2025
-
Latest News7 days ago
ELA Games Unveils Mythical New Game, Cash of Egypt
-
Australia6 days ago
VGCCC: Bookmaker Fined for Customer Safety Breaches
-
Latest News7 days ago
SwinttStudios’ Twin Win Games cracks the code for massive wins in Ruby Robbery