Gaming
Kinetix launches world first user-generated AI-powered Emotes for gaming & metaverse

Kinetix, a pioneering 3D animation and AI tech startup, today proudly launches its revolutionary user-generated emotes for video games and virtual worlds, signifying a vital first step towards true self-expression in gaming and the metaverse.
The Kinetix generative AI-powered platform and no-code editing tools enable users, creators, video game makers, metaverse platforms, and brands to create and edit animated 3D content in seconds. This democratizes the process of creating custom 3D animated content, extending to millions of people a skill set that was previously limited to a few thousand trained artists and animators.
Today, Kinetix launches the first ever user-generated emotes to tackle the challenge of limited self-expression in gaming and metaverse worlds. Emotes are animations that can express emotion in video games and virtual worlds, such as dances, celebrations and gestures. Uniquely, emotes made with Kinetix can work in any avatar-based video game or metaverse, and fit effortlessly into any virtual environment from hyper-realism to voxel blocky worlds.
Yassine Tahi, CEO and Co-founder of Kinetix, commented:
“We want to champion a new standard for self-expression in video games and metaverse worlds by opening up the creation of emotes. Our emotes are live now for anyone to create, marking a true watershed moment for digital self-expression and our mission to humanize the metaverse.”
He added, “A once in a lifetime concert without dancing, or a drag queen show without ‘Death Drop’ are missed opportunities for self-expression, realism, individuality, and human connection. We invite everyone to embrace this new trend by playing with our easy-to-use, no-code platform and trying out their best moves on their favorite character or avatar.”
Creators can own their emotes by taking up the option to ‘mint’ them on the Kinetix platform: transforming them into digital assets called ‘Emote NFTs’. With the Kinetix marketplace, creators can then promote and monetize their work and receive 95% of the sale price, creating a fairer revenue model. Brands and IP owners can also use Kinetix tech to make custom emotes. In November 2022, Kinetix teamed up with TF1 and BBC Studios to launch an exclusive collection for international TV hit ‘Dancing With The Stars’.
Founded in Paris in 2020 by CEO Yassine Tahi and CTO Henri Mirande, Kinetix has a team of 45 and was recently named by WIRED as one of the hottest startups in Paris. Earlier this year, Kinetix raised $11 million in seed funding in a round led by Adam Ghobarah, founder of Top Harvest Capital, with participation from Sparkle Ventures, and multiple virtual world platforms and successful entrepreneurs. Kinetix already has established partnerships with leading and emerging virtual worlds including Roblox, The Sandbox, ZEPETO, Decentraland, and PolyLand.
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ARK: Survival Ascended
Best Game Server Hosting (2025): Nitrado Ranked Top Across Leading Games by Software Experts

Software Experts has recognized Nitrado as the leading choice in its 2025 feature on the best game server hosting platforms. Nitrado was ranked highly across major titles such as Minecraft, ARK: Survival Ascended, and DayZ.
Nitrado delivers scalable and reliable server hosting solutions for a wide range of online multiplayer games. The demand for high-quality game server hosting has increased as online multiplayer games have grown in scale and complexity. Expansions, downloadable content (DLC), and frequent updates have placed pressure on server infrastructure, requiring providers to deliver stability, fast updates, and community integration. For players of ARK, Minecraft, or DayZ, server downtime can result in lost progress, interruptions to group play, and diminished gaming experiences.
This trend underscores why a strong hosting partner is essential. Servers are not only responsible for keeping games online but also for supporting the evolving needs of large player communities. Nitrado has consistently aligned its platform with these expectations, offering infrastructure that adapts to both technical requirements and user demand.
Recognition Across Key Games
Software Experts noted that Nitrado has demonstrated consistent support for popular titles through timely hosting updates and tools designed for specific gameplay environments.
Minecraft hosting: With the release of the Minecraft 1.21 Tricky Trials update, Nitrado provided immediate server support, allowing players to explore new dungeons and mechanics without interruption.
ARK hosting: Nitrado servers were prepared for the Ragnarok Map in ARK: Survival Ascended and are optimized for the upcoming Aquatica DLC, ensuring survival experiences remain stable even with expansive maps and mods.
DayZ hosting: Survival titles demand persistence and uptime. Expansions such as Frostline and the upcoming Badlands were supported rapidly on Nitrado servers, enabling players to adapt to environmental changes without server disruption.
Expansion to Broader Multiplayer Titles
The recognition also emphasized Nitrado’s versatility beyond the most popular titles. In 7 Days to Die, the recent Storms Brewing update was supported on Nitrado servers at launch, giving players stable access to new weather and survival mechanics. For Conan Exiles, the platform has offered guidance on server setups such as best base locations, combined with reliable performance during intensive multiplayer sessions. In Enshrouded, Nitrado integrated the Melodies of the Mire update directly into its hosting framework, ensuring smooth adoption of new classes and gameplay features.
By covering a range of genres, Nitrado provides infrastructure that extends beyond traditional survival titles, positioning itself as a multi-game hosting solution.
Tools and Community Integrations
Software Experts also highlighted Nitrado’s focus on server management tools and community features. The platform’s web interface and mobile applications allow administrators to adjust settings with minimal technical complexity, from rolling back Minecraft worlds to tuning difficulty levels in ARK.
Support for mods and plugins further enhances gameplay. Communities can integrate texture packs, maps, and total conversions without complicated manual setups. This has proven especially useful in titles with active modding cultures, including ARK and Minecraft.
Nitrado also integrates with platforms such as Discord, creating a unified environment where players can coordinate matches, share updates, and stay connected. These integrations have become increasingly important as multiplayer gaming extends beyond gameplay into community interaction.
Performance and Reliability
Reliability remains a core measure of success in server hosting. Software Experts reported that Nitrado’s global infrastructure of data centers reduces latency for players across regions. Built-in protections such as DDoS mitigation ensure that servers remain stable against external threats.
Performance is measured in player experiences rather than technical specifications. Large Minecraft builds, ARK raids with high player counts, or DayZ survival sessions all require servers capable of managing demand without lag or interruption. Nitrado has consistently met these requirements, providing stability for both small private groups and larger multiplayer communities.
The recognition comes at a time when server hosting has become critical to the success of modern games. The rise of live-service models, frequent DLC releases, and growing player bases has made infrastructure a competitive differentiator. Hosting platforms that can update quickly, manage new expansions, and support community tools are essential for maintaining engagement.
For players, this translates into uninterrupted sessions and reliable access to content. For developers, it ensures that game updates are supported with minimal disruption. Software Experts’ analysis noted that Nitrado’s approach positions it well within this broader industry context.
Nitrado’s recognition by Software Experts as the leader in best game server hosting reflects its consistent performance across multiple titles, timely integration of expansions and updates, and investment in tools that support both administrators and communities.
As online communities expand and games evolve, the importance of reliability, performance, and community integration will only increase. Nitrado’s ability to address these needs underscores why it was recognized as a top choice for 2025.
The post Best Game Server Hosting (2025): Nitrado Ranked Top Across Leading Games by Software Experts appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Gaming
Valicy Gaming Launches as New Brand in Land-Based Gaming, Evolving from Grover Gaming

The former Founder and CEO of Grover Gaming has officially launched a new brand in land-based gaming. Named by combining the names of his daughters, Valicy Gaming was unveiled during a recent company launch party held in Greenville, North Carolina.
Evolving from Grover Gaming—which was recently sold to Light & Wonder for a total consideration of $1.05 billion —Valicy will now focus on becoming a major manufacturer in land-based gaming across North America. Retaining a majority of the employees from the acquisition, Valicy will continue forward with a veteran team that will have a sharper focus on game development and hardware design.
Despite the name change, Valicy continues under the same experienced executive leadership team and remains dedicated to providing best-in-class customer service and technical support—qualities customers have come to depend on. The company’s values, represented by its CARE triangle—People, Company, and Work—are deeply rooted in its culture and will remain central to its mission moving forward.
The public debut of the Valicy brand will take place at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, October 6–9, at the Venetian Expo, Booth #1623, where the team will showcase its new identity and game offerings to casino partners and operators from across the industry.
“This is an exciting time for our teams,” said Garrett Blackwelder, Founder and CEO of Valicy. “We have the opportunity to do big things in new markets, which gives us energy and enthusiasm. As we grow Valicy, we will focus on relationships, excellence, and innovation.”
The post Valicy Gaming Launches as New Brand in Land-Based Gaming, Evolving from Grover Gaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Call of Duty
Monster Energy and Call of Duty Unite Again with Exclusive In-Game Rewards and Expanded Program Timing

Monster Energy is teaming up once again with Call of Duty to deliver bonus in-game rewards, bonus 2XP and an expanded promotional window that gives fans even more opportunities to fuel up and power their gameplay.
Gamers and Monster fans can start collecting codes to stockpile rewards ahead of the highly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on November 14. Following the record-breaking success of the last year’s program – the 2025 campaign has been extended and will run through March 31, 2026, with code redemption available until April 30, 2026.
Players who purchase specially marked Call of Duty cans of Monster Energy, Monster Zero Sugar, or Monster Zero Ultra can find a unique code under the tab and redeem it online at callofduty.monsterenergy.com. Every can unlocks bonus in-game items and double experience points.
2025 in-game rewards include:
• 1 Can = “Energy Flash” Large Decal + 15 min 2XP
• 2 Cans = “Peacekeeper MK1 – Hyper Green” Weapon Blueprint + 15 min 2XP
• 3 Cans = “Green Fury” Operator Skin + 15 min 2XP
• 4 Cans = “VS Recon – Green Thunder” Weapon Blueprint + 15 min 2XP
• 5 Cans = “Daylight Ripper” Operator Skin Recolor + 15 min 2XP
In addition, select retailers will feature specialty bonus in-game content such as Emblems, Charms, Weapon Stickers, and Dual 2XP.
And as an added bonus, fans who create an account on callofduty.monsterenergy.com before October 31 will score a Black Ops 6 in-game skin – no purchase required.
“Monster Energy is built on fueling competitive spirit and our collaboration with Call of Duty continues to push that to new levels. With expanded timing, bonus rewards and the unmatched value of Double XP in every can, this year’s program is our biggest and most exciting yet,” said Dan McHugh, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Monster Energy.
“We’re proud to continue building on the success of our partnership with Monster Energy. Monster is the go-to fuel of gamers and they are going to drink up these exciting in-game rewards,” added Cody Neal, Associate Director of Global Partnerships, Call of Duty.
The limited-edition Monster Energy Call of Duty cans are available in 16oz in Original Monster Energy, Monster Zero Sugar and Monster Zero Ultra. Special 4, 12, and 15 can Monster Energy Call of Duty multipacks are on shelves now.
The post Monster Energy and Call of Duty Unite Again with Exclusive In-Game Rewards and Expanded Program Timing appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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