Asia
iCandy Acquires Renowned Lemon Sky Studios, To Form Largest Game Development Company in Australia and Southeast Asia
iCandy Interactive Limited announced its 100% acquisition of the leading Southeast Asian gaming studio, Lemon Sky Studios. This acquisition adds strategic value and significant scale to iCandy’s existing capabilities. It will form the largest pure-play game development company on the Australian Stock Exchange, and in Australia and Southeast Asia too, with more than 450 employees while generating no less than A$17 million (US$12.36 million) revenue per annum.
With significant interest and best-regarded growth in gaming driven by the metaverse concept, iCandy Interactive and Lemon Sky will be a leading powerhouse through its regional expansion plans in developing casual and AAA gaming on blockchain for the open metaverse.
The metaverse is a virtual world that allows work and play, shared by millions (or billions) of people. It is built with next-generation technology encompassing Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Video and Gaming technologies.
iCandy Interactive’s core business is in game development, game publishing, and esports. The company is the co-founder of the global esports league and platform, Esports Players League (ESPL), fast-growing across 17 countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America and Europe.
Games on the iCandy network are played by over 360 million mobile gamers worldwide. The gaming studios based in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have won multiple awards, including Google Play’s Best of 2016 and 2017 New Android Excellence Game Award* Games Award for Crab War and other various coveted international events.
Its latest game release, Claw Stars, is a top-rated mobile game with over 1 million downloads since its initial release in July 2021. It has received more than 50,000 4-star and 5-star reviews on Google Play and App Store.
Founded in 2006, Lemon Sky Studios is an award-winning video game and animation studio world-renowned for providing innovative visual art solutions for critically acclaimed
AAA gaming titles ranging from Overwatch 2, Call of Duty – Infinite Warfare, to SimCity, Diablo 3, StarCraft: Remastered, amongst many other illustrious titles.
The studio has amassed an incredible clientele over its 15-year history, working with gaming industry leaders such as Blizzard Entertainment, Naughty Dog, 2K Games, Square-Enix, Bandai Namco, Microsoft Studios, EA Entertainment, Disney and Nickelodeon.
“Lemon Sky Studios is a phenomenal acquisition and an excellent addition to iCandy Interactive. We now have this unparalleled capability in the region, we will focus a fair bit of our newly gained superpower to make high-quality games for the metaverse, arguably the most important development for the gaming world.” says Kin W. Lau, Chairman of iCandy Interactive.
He adds, “Lemon Sky Studios’ track record in creating world-class visuals for AAA games is highly regarded in the industry. To merge our expertise with a studio like Lemon Sky is truly phenomenal, and we cannot wait to see the outcome of integrating our teams,”
“Collaborative partnerships in the creative industry are pertinent to keeping things fresh and innovative. We are positive that this merger will encourage creative working methods and bring about new ideas. We are extremely excited about the possibilities that lie ahead,” said Cheng-Fei Wong, CEO of Lemon Sky Studios.
The acquisition will be at a valuation of MYR135 million (A$44.5 million, US$32.4 million), to be fulfilled together with cash and newly issued iCandy shares.
Concurrent with the acquisition, iCandy has also announced that it has raised A$40 million (US$29.1 million) from institutional investors via a placement that is heavily oversubscribed.
Leading iCandy’s latest fundraising round is another gaming heavy-weight, Animoca Brands, iCandy’s cornerstone investor. Animoca is a global leader in gamification technology and blockchain gaming with an extensive portfolio of over 100 investments in NFT-related companies and decentralised projects contributing to building the open metaverse. They raised more than US$200 million in 2021 and is currently valued by investors at US$2.2 billion. Separately, The Sandbox – Animoca’s subsidiary raised US$93 million recently, in a round led by Softbank Vision Fund 2.
The global video game industry is estimated to be worth A$214.33 billion (US$155.95 billion) in 2020**. With the APAC region leading the industry at 49% of the worldwide market, there is a clear pathway for growth with enormous upside potential expansion.
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Amusnet
Amusnet Strengthens Asian Expansion Strategy with Strong Presence at SiGMA Asia Manila 2026
Amusnet is going to participate in SiGMA Asia Manila 2026. This year’s participation marks a special milestone as Amusnet celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Against the vibrant backdrop of Manila, one of Asia’s fastest-growing gaming hubs, Amusnet will present a portfolio designed to reflect both its international expertise and its strong commitment to localised player experiences. The company’s presence at SiGMA Asia is about unveiling games and products for online casino, live casino and land-based, while building long-term partnerships and deepening its strategic footprint across the Philippines and the wider Asian market.
“SiGMA Asia represents an important strategic opportunity for Amusnet as we continue to strengthen our footprint across the Philippines and the wider Asian region. The market demonstrates exceptional growth potential, and our focus remains on delivering localised gaming experiences, building strong partnerships, and expanding sustainably in one of the industry’s most dynamic regions. Celebrating our 10th anniversary makes this year’s participation even more special for us,” said Desieriel Agdeppa, Director Philippines at Amusnet.
At the heart of the showcase will be Golden Tiger 1000, one of the standout titles leading Amusnet’s Online Casino presentation. Inspired by themes and mechanics that resonate strongly with Asian audiences, the game embodies the company’s ongoing focus on combining engaging storytelling, dynamic gameplay, and entertainment-driven features. Set against a vibrant Asian-inspired backdrop, every spin is a joyful chase for rewards. Stacked symbols, cheerful Wild Tigers and the Respin Feature keep the reels full of surprises, while multipliers can boost wins up to 25,000x the bet.
Alongside it, visitors will discover a diverse lineup that includes Coin Gobbler, 20 Golden Coins: Reel Fishing, Wenshi Lion, Hot Deco Super Pot, Roman Coins, Asian Palace, 40 Extra Crown Triple Boost Golden Coins Link, Crazy Red, Clover Super Pot and Gorgon’s Luck.
The experience extends beyond individual titles. Amusnet will also demonstrate how its broader engagement ecosystem supports operators through tools such as Golden Coins Link, Tournaments and the Bonus Platform, solutions created to enhance retention, increase engagement and deliver more personalised player journeys.
The company’s Live Casino offer will bring another layer of excitement to the exhibition floor. Designed to blend immersive entertainment with high-energy gameplay, the showcase will unveil new products like Golden Goal Roulette, Eye of Ra Roulette 2000x, Candy Wheel and Vegas Gobbler LIVE, highlighting the company’s ambition to continuously evolve the live gaming experience for players and operators alike. The portfolio will also feature existing titles such as Virtual Monaco 72x, Space 120x, Vegas Roulette 500x, Showtime Roulette 500x, Football Thrill, Dynamic Roulette 120x, Live European Roulette and Speed Baccarat.
Amusnet will also highlight selected solutions from its Land-based portfolio, further demonstrating the company’s comprehensive multi-channel strategy. Among the products on display will be the Type S 55J cabinet with a striking 55-inch J-curved monitor and Jackpot Signage, designed to deliver enhanced visual impact and elevated player engagement on the casino floor.
Type S55J slot cabinets will be powered by the Amusebox 3.0.0 software. The showcase will highlight the Golden Coins Link jackpot and the renowned Jackpot Cards Plus systems. One of Amusebox’s 3.0.0 key advantages is its ability to run Jackpot Cards Plus and Golden Coins Link simultaneously on a single machine, providing operators with greater flexibility and players with enhanced jackpot opportunities.
The presentation will also include specially developed Golden Coins Link titles and popular Triple Boost games, such as 40 Power Hot Triple Boost, 40 Vampire Beast Triple Boost, 40 Extra Crown Triple Boost and Trophy Rush Triple Boost Golden Coins Link, all designed to deliver engaging bonus features and dynamic gameplay.
Completing the land-based showcase, Amusnet will present an advanced roulette centre with four terminals, combining modern design, seamless functionality and interactive multiplayer gameplay, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovative casino entertainment solutions.
For Amusnet, SiGMA Asia Manila 2026 comes at a particularly important moment in the company’s regional journey. Asia continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic and strategically important markets in the gaming industry, offering significant opportunities for innovation, expansion and long-term collaboration.
As the company celebrates ten years in the industry, its presence in Manila reflects not only how far Amusnet has come, but also where it is heading next. With a strategy centered on localised content, scalable gaming solutions and strong regional partnerships, Amusnet continues to position itself as a trusted and forward-looking provider for the evolving Asian gaming landscape.
The post Amusnet Strengthens Asian Expansion Strategy with Strong Presence at SiGMA Asia Manila 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
Playson Secures Approval from PAGCOR for Game Distribution in Philippines
Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, has secured approval from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for the distribution of its games in the regulated Philippine market.
The approval was achieved through close cooperation between Playson and its aggregation partner, Light & Wonder, enabling Playson’s portfolio to be made available to licensed operators in the Philippines.
The project was delivered in a matter of days through a coordinated effort across Playson’s and Light & Wonder sales, integration, architecture and compliance teams. From a technical perspective, the process was completed with no major market-entry or infrastructure changes needed, as Playson’s platform was already prepared to meet the relevant specifications.
The milestone marks a new regulated market entry for Playson, which already operates in 27 regulated markets worldwide. PAGCOR approval further reinforces the company’s position as a recognised entertainment supplier with a strong and expanding compliant markets’ presence, and for delivering high-quality gaming content to operators and players around the world.
Ben Wood, Chief Commercial Officer at Playson, said: “Securing PAGCOR approval is an important step in Playson’s continued regulated-market growth. The Philippines represents an exciting opportunity for the business, and we are delighted to have achieved this milestone in cooperation with our valued aggregation partner, Light & Wonder.
“This approval reflects the strength of our platform, the readiness of our technology and the expertise of the teams involved. We are proud to bring Playson’s product suite to a new audience and to further strengthen our international presence.”
The post Playson Secures Approval from PAGCOR for Game Distribution in Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
S8UL streamer Payal Dhare and OWND! launch gamer-curated fashion capsule
S8UL gaming creator and streamer Payal Dhare has partnered with OWND!, the Gen Z-focused fashion brand from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited, to launch a gaming-inspired fashion capsule called ‘Gamer Drop’. The companies describe it as India’s first female gamer-curated capsule. The collection will be available on OWND!’s website and in the brand’s stores across India.
According to the press release, ‘Gamer Drop’ includes menswear and womenswear pieces built around gaming culture and streetwear, positioned as a creator-led collection rather than conventional creator merchandise. The campaign leans on the growing overlap between gaming culture, creator communities, and youth fashion.
Marco Agnolin, Chief Executive Officer, OWND!. said, “We see gaming today as a powerful cultural force that is shaping how young consumers express themselves, communicate, and engage with fashion. As one of India’s biggest gamers, Payal Dhare represents this new generation perfectly through her authenticity, confidence, and deep connection with the gaming community. Her influence extends far beyond gaming content, making her an ideal face for our gaming collection. Through this collaboration, we aim to celebrate individuality and connect with India’s digitally native youth in a way that feels relevant, inclusive, and culture-driven.”
Payal Dhare aka Payal Gaming said, “Gaming today has become a culture and a form of self-expression for millions of young people across the country. That’s what makes this collaboration with OWND! so exciting for me. With this curation, I wanted to create something that genuinely reflects my vibe and the energy of my community. It’s stylish, comfortable, expressive – and made for people who want to own who they are.”
The release also points to India’s expanding creator economy. Citing a Boston Consulting Group report, it says India has nearly 2 to 2.5 million creators, with more than 60% of consumers exposed to creator-led content and over 30% of shoppers influenced by creators in purchase decisions.
The post S8UL streamer Payal Dhare and OWND! launch gamer-curated fashion capsule appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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