Gaming

GAMERS TO GET EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO HASH RUSH AS THEY ANNOUNCE NEW PLAY TEST

Published

4 years ago

April 20, 2022

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Play test to showcase new gameplay features and improved RTS experience.

Users granted access through unique NFT key drops, in partnership with blockchain gaming platform, Vorto Network.

Event to go live at 15:00 (CET) on Friday 22 April via www.hashrush. com

Award winning real-time strategy game Hash Rush has announced an exciting new play test, giving gamers an opportunity to see what life is like in the reimagined version of the Hermeian Galaxy.

The test will showcase a range of newly introduced gameplay features including graphic and gameplay adaptations, access to three maps, the introduction of in-game crafting systems and special ‘crystal’ resources, as well as the implementation of Founder Bundle and Hash Rush Comic heroes.

Access to the play test and its various rewards will come via a unique NFT key, dropped to players who have a Vorto Network account with an active item in their inventory. Alternatively, players can purchase a Rush Key, making the user eligible to participate in the upcoming and all future play tests.

Commenting on the announcement, Nathan Ziedonis, Head of Studio at VZ Games said: “We have been building up to this play test for a number of months and we are eager to show the community some of the fantastic new features that our development team has introduced to Hash Rush. In our last play test, 30,000 gamers were given the opportunity to test initial updates, enjoying a more immersive combat experience that challenged players tactical abilities. The upcoming test will do much of the same, and despite being a play test, we are enthused by the huge steps we have taken to make the game more interactive, action-packed and enjoyable. This test will provide us with invaluable end-user feedback regarding many features we will be using in the full release.”

As one of the original play-to-earn games, Hash Rush has received rave reviews since its launch in 2018, winning the Best Innovation Award at the prestigious Gamescom, as well as being nominated for Best Indie Game.

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming play test.

When can I access the play test?

The play test will go live from 15:00 (CET) on Friday 22nd April via www.hashrush .com.

How do I get access the play test?

All users must sign up to the Vorto Network via www.vortonetwork .com and have an active item in their inventory e.g. a Hash Rush hero. If you do not have an active item in your inventory, users can purchase a Rush Key that will grant the holder access to the upcoming and all future play tests.

What can I expect from the play test?

Players will have the chance to train workers and combat units, build and upgrade their base, gather resources and fight back against the horde of Scourge monsters. The playtest will also present the basics of the in-game crafting system – the ability to craft your own heroes and items!

An upgraded user interface has made gameplay easier to track, with numerous shortcuts and colour adjustments making the experience more practical and beginner friendly.

What rewards will I get?

Gamers can expect to receive a variety of rewards for their participation in the play test, including bespoke heroes, crafting materials and special equipment.

Crash Games

Evoplay launches Caramelo Dog Lucky Run crash game for Brazil

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2026

Wladimir P.

evoplay-launches-caramelo-dog-lucky-run-crash-game-for-brazil

Evoplay has launched Caramelo Dog Lucky Run, a new crash-style instant win game themed around Brazilian street culture and the widely recognised “Caramelo Dog” reference.

The title follows Taco, a dog navigating a neighbourhood filled with obstacles. Players move step by step across roads as the multiplier increases, choosing to cash out or keep going.

Evoplay said the game uses randomised obstacle patterns so each round plays differently. Players can choose between four difficulty settings — Easy, Medium, Hard, and Hardcore — with higher difficulty increasing obstacle intensity and the multiplier.

Caramelo Dog Lucky Run also includes a cash-out function that can be triggered after Taco safely stops, plus customisable autoplay settings for stake preferences and stop conditions.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Caramelo Dog Lucky Run brings a completely fresh personality to our portfolio through its vibrant Brazilian-inspired setting and charming main character.

“Players in Brazil need games that feel familiar, authentic and culturally connected to them. When a player recognises something that reflects their everyday life and online culture, it creates a far deeper level of engagement than entertainment alone, and that is exactly what Caramelo does in this game.”

The post Evoplay launches Caramelo Dog Lucky Run crash game for Brazil appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Asia

S8UL streamer Payal Dhare and OWND! launch gamer-curated fashion capsule

Published

4 days ago

May 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

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.

Berkley Egenes

Xsolla Brings Creator Strategy and Game Commerce Expertise to Toronto’s Leading Industry Events

Published

1 week ago

May 21, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

xsolla-brings-creator-strategy-and-game-commerce-expertise-to-toronto’s-leading-industry-events

Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, is participating in two leading co-located industry events, XP Game Summit Toronto and Xsolla Connect Toronto, on May 21-22, in Toronto. Xsolla will engage with partners, creators, and industry leaders across both events, focusing on the evolving gaming ecosystem.

At XP Game Summit Toronto, Xsolla will showcase its Web Shop solution, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform that helps developers build and scale their own storefronts outside traditional app stores. The Web Shop ecosystem integrates storefronts, LiveOps tools, and player engagement features, enabling studios to strengthen player relationships while increasing revenue and operational control.

Xsolla will also highlight its global payments infrastructure, which supports more than 1000+ payment methods across 200+ geographies. Designed to optimize conversion and deliver localized checkout experiences, Xsolla Payments enables developers to reach players worldwide while adapting to regional preferences and regulatory environments.

Additionally, Xsolla will showcase how they are connecting developers with premium entertainment-based intellectual property (IP). By simplifying licensing and partnership opportunities, Xsolla Agency helps studios enhance player acquisition, drive engagement through LiveOps, and unlock new monetization pathways.

In addition to showcasing its product offerings and solutions, Xsolla will also present a featured panel session titled “Building the Creator Pipeline: How Smart Partnerships Are Scaling Influencer Marketing”. The panel will include John Nguyen, Regional Vice President, Canada, at Xsolla; Scott Christian, Studio Director & Founder of Hilltop Games; Gem Johnson, CEO at Corvian Marketing; and Corina (Newby) Diaz, Marketing and Social Media Director at Mighty Yell. They will share practical insights on building sustainable creator ecosystems, leveraging strategic partnerships, and driving measurable impact through influencer marketing initiatives.

In addition to the company’s participation in XP Game Summit Toronto, Xsolla will host Xsolla Connect Toronto, further expanding opportunities for meaningful engagement between developers and publishers through curated programming and networking experiences. Xsolla Connects are designed to give local communities the opportunity to engage, collaborate, and integrate with Xsolla’s industry leaders in an open and transparent environment and through conversations.

“Toronto continues to emerge as a key hub for gaming innovation and collaboration in North America. We’re excited to participate in XP Game Summit and host the Xsolla Connect to connect with the community while sharing insights on how creators and partnerships are helping to build the future of game growth,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla.

“Toronto has built itself into a major Canadian video game hub. We are glad to contribute to the continued growth of the local industry as well as Ontario’s Game Industry as a whole. What makes it special is the combination of deep technical talent, global creative diversity, and a production ecosystem that truly scales. That’s why gatherings like XP Game Summit and Xsolla Connect matter so much: they bring that energy together, and we’re excited to be part of it and help showcase what this community can do,” said John Nguyen, Regional Vice President, Canada at Xsolla.

The post Xsolla Brings Creator Strategy and Game Commerce Expertise to Toronto’s Leading Industry Events appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.