Gaming
Trailblazing creators’ platform Ludo launches iconic new function for game developers and designers
Ludo.ai unveils icon search feature and makes its platform accessible to all with new free tier
Ludo.ai has announced the launch of a groundbreaking icon search feature, a tool that uses cutting edge AI technology to enable users to quickly source and review all mobile game icons. With the new addition of a free tier, Ludo’s icon search is now available to everyone, providing fresh inspiration for game developers to design their own icon.
The new icon search feature is facilitated by Ludo’s AI – giving users a detailed view of each icon, what filters are in place, and cross-referencing this across multiple online game storefronts. Expertly created to support users, whether game developers beginning their journey or independent studios looking for inspiration on iconography, the icon search feature pulls from Ludo’s impressive database of over a million different published apps that are live on the Apple App Store, Google Play and Itch.io. Searches can be refined even more with seven unique filters, offering a look at games of a specific genre, by release date, art style, platforms it’s available on, stores it’s available on, colours used and even top-performing apps.
As well as the new icon search, Ludo uses state of the art machine learning and natural language processing to instantly suggest game ideas and mechanics, review gaming trends, and more, on-demand – helping to inspire developers and creators. Users set parameters by providing keywords, natural language descriptions, game mechanics, or imagery and Ludo quickly returns multiple written game concepts, artwork and images, by analyzing its growing database of 1.2 million games and over four million images. Following the introduction of a new free tier, Ludo’s platform is now accessible for free, with paid tiers being available to help businesses to expand the toolset and its functionality.
Arguably the front cover of a game, players judge an icon’s appearance and often decide whether to play a game because of it. The main purpose of a game icon is to not only appeal to potential users but to give an accurate representation of a title, drawing players in and alluding to the experience on offer. With roughly one in five apps being games on the Apple App Store alone, there is an expansive market to compete within. First impressions count more than ever, as games can be published and lost within the flurry of the market.
Tom Pigott, CEO and Founder of Ludo says “Our exciting new icon search feature came as an addition to our image search, following feedback from our users. We are excited to now be able to help facilitate icon design on Ludo. We found that the relevancy and impact that an icon can have for a game is just as important as the game itself – it gives those searching an idea of what’s in store if they choose to play.
“Ludo is offering our icon search function, as well as other key tools including the latest trends, gamestorming and image search, within our new free tier. We’re helping to create a centralised toolbox for game design and ideation, adding another string to the bows of our users.”
With the launch of the icon search feature, Ludo aims to support developers to create unique icons for games. Those who work in smaller studios, or even independently, may not have the resources or time for professional icon design that is available to larger studios. Ludo’s toolkit provides many tools that can benefit these studios and indie developers, supporting them to deliver hit games to a high standard.
Ludo combines a non-bias search engine, a library of over 1.2 million games and ways to collate research and inspiration, all in one place. Ludo offers a free subscription tier including the icon search feature, alongside many excellent features for game development, design and research. You can find out more at ludo.ai or contact Ludo on Twitter.
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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.
From qualifiers to finals, EAFC 25 to Beat Saber, Over R250 000 in prizes and two champions to crown – this is South Africa’s ultimate gaming experience!
South Africa’s biggest gaming tournament is back. The 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience kicks off on 18 May, bringing months of competitive energy, in-centre activations, and serious prize money to malls across the country. This year’s edition raises the stakes with the return of the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament and the debut of the MTN Beat Saber Challenge – two national titles, one massive celebration of gaming culture.
Over five months, eight Hyprop shopping centres will play host to a mix of online qualifiers and live in-mall events, creating a national stage where gamers of all levels can test their skills, win prizes and join a fast-growing community of South African players. The top contenders will face off in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17 to 21 September, with R50 000 on the line in the EAFC 25™ Football Final and more prizes up for grabs in the Beat Saber showdown.
Tournament Dates and Venues:
- Rosebank Mall
Online Qualifier: 18 May | In-Centre Event: 23–25 May
- Somerset Mall
Online Qualifier: 25 May | In-Centre Event: 30 May–1 June
- Woodlands
Online Qualifier: 7 June | In-Centre Event: 13–16 June
- The Glen
Online Qualifier: 22 June | In-Centre Event: 27–29 June
- Table Bay Mall
Online Qualifier: 13 July | In-Centre Event: 18–20 July
- Clearwater Mall
Online Qualifier: 3 August | In-Centre Event: 8–10 August
- Capegate Mall
Online Qualifier: 31 August | In-Centre Event: 5–7 September
- Canal Walk (National Finals & Last Qualifier)
Online Qualifier: 7 September | In-Centre Event: 17–21 September
“The SHIFT Gaming Experience is more than a tournament; it’s where South African gamers show up, show off and celebrate what they love,” says Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “From football simulations to VR rhythm battles, we’ve created something that speaks to every kind of player. Whether you’re competing or just watching, there’s always something happening.”
The format combines online, and in-person play. Qualify online on the ACGL platform, then take on your opponents in-centre across malls in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Each in-mall weekend features the EAFC 25™ tournament, daily Fighting Cups, a PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder, Carry1st COD Mobile and the popular SuperSprint lap challenge presented by the Toyota Gaming Engine.
Gamers can also go head-to-head in Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, Minecraft and Call of Duty: Mobile, with dozens of R1 000+ gift card prizes on offer each weekend. The Beat Saber Challenge, hosted by MTN and playable both in-mall and on MTN’s Battle+ platform, brings a high-energy VR experience into the mix. Players with the highest Beat Saber scores at each mall qualify for the National Final – and anyone who tries it stands a chance to win a gaming PC worth R50 000.
“We’re creating spaces where South Africans can compete, connect and get rewarded for their passion,” says Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa. “Whether it’s with Beat Saber or Battle+, we want our community to know that gaming lives here.”
The SHIFT Gaming Experience also makes space for younger players. Friday events feature tournaments designed for schools and under-18 gamers, offering dedicated Minecraft build challenges, EAFC 25™ scholars only tournament and Rocket League face-offs – all with real prizes.
The post HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience2025: South Africa’s Biggest Gaming Showdown Returns appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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