Gaming
MENA’s Sandsoft Games invests $3.25m in racing game developer, The Tiny Digital Factory
Sandsoft Games, the mobile-first game developer, publisher and investor powered by AAA talent, today proudly announces that it has invested USD $3.25 million (EUR €3 million) in The Tiny Digital Factory (TDF), a leading independent developer of world-class mobile racing and motorsport games.
The investment in the France and Canada-based studio represents a significant addition to Sandsoft Games’ portfolio and will enable the two companies to continue to trailblaze player-first mobile gaming experiences into 2023 and beyond. Sandsoft Games has an established global presence, including its flagship internal game development studio and publishing team based in Riyadh, as well as further publishing teams in Barcelona, Helsinki, and Shanghai. The Sandsoft Games leadership is driven by senior games industry talent, including CEO David Fernandez, and Head of Publishing, Miikka Lindgren, who will team up with The Tiny Digital Factory’s highly experienced team to expand the studio’s successful game development plans. Additionally, Sandsoft will publish TDF’s games in the MENA region, taking advantage of its localization and marketing capabilities to attract players from the Arab world.
The Tiny Digital Factory is led by a veteran of iconic racing game franchises such as Test Drive Unlimited and V-Rally, Stéphane Baudet, who has since created successful mobile-first games including GT Manager. Over the past 18 months, TDF has developed unprecedented expertise in web3 and the power of digital ownership in racing games thanks to collaborations with the early players in the field, F1 Delta Time and Revv Racing. TDF is currently developing a state-of-the-art web3 racer, Infinite Drive, which has already received critical acclaim for its game-first approach and recently announced its official partnership with Aston Martin.
Mr. Abdulaziz Alajlan, Managing Director of Sandsoft, commented:
“Investment in The Tiny Digital Factory is an important step in Sandsoft’s investment vision of facilitating gaming studios on their journey to become the leaders in the mobile and web3 gaming space. This will also contribute to Saudi Arabia’s positive impact to the global gaming industry, in alignment with the national gaming strategy and Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The Tiny Digital Factory’s team has tremendous potential and we are excited to have the opportunity to help drive them forward.”
David Fernandez, CEO at Sandsoft Games, continued:
“We’re thrilled to welcome The Tiny Digital Factory into the Sandsoft Games collective of game makers. It has a tremendous track record of producing world-class racing games, and is a natural partner for Sandsoft Games as we look to create a lasting legacy of innovative, mobile-first core gaming experiences. The Tiny Digital Factory also shares our philosophy for player-first web3 gaming, where any integration of blockchain needs to deliver unique value for players that can’t be achieved with existing technology. Our new alliance is an ideal match because both teams have the player and gameplay experience at the epicentre of our games.”
Stéphane Baudet, CEO at Tiny Digital Factory, added,
“Sandsoft Games is both a major investor in and supporter of global games industry growth and innovation. The team’s ambition enables us to be even bolder, braver and better in the talent and tech we allocate to bring stunning mobile games to new and enthusiastic audiences. We are singularly impressed with the AAA team in place at Sandsoft, and their player first philosophy which is ingrained in their company from top to bottom.”
Sandsoft has recently invested in major IP-linked mobile titles including Rambo: Strike Force, and Pacific Rim: Breach Wars, as well as new and emerging technologies in the gaming space. Sandsoft is the gaming arm of Ajlan & Bros Holding company, one of the MENA region’s largest corporations, providing the company and partners such as The Tiny Digital Factory with access to an unrivalled global infrastructure.
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Brazil
EGT to showcase its gaming portfolio for Brazil at SiGMA Americas 2026
Following a strong showing at SBC Summit Rio earlier this month, EGT is set to present its Brazil-focused portfolio once again at BiS SiGMA South America 2026, taking place in São Paulo from April 7–9. Visitors can explore the company’s latest solutions and partnership opportunities at stand L146.
“Don’t miss the chance to experience our products firsthand and discover how we can work together,” said Celina Guedes, Regional Director Brazil at EGT.
Advanced Land-Based Solutions
A key highlight will be EGT’s Super Sorte Video Lottery Terminals. The range includes the slant-top Super Sorte 27/27 ST, featuring dual 27-inch full-HD touchscreens with 4K UHD resolution, and the vertical Super Sorte 43V, equipped with a single 43-inch curved display. Both models are designed to deliver an immersive, next-generation gaming experience.
Also on display will be EGT’s latest online betting terminals, Top Estrela and Bar Estrela. The Top Estrela unit features a sleek 24-inch portrait touchscreen, while Bar Estrela offers a compact solution ideal for bars and smaller venues. Both are supported by an intuitive platform that ensures smooth navigation and secure access to a broad content library.
All terminals will feature the Gold VLT multigame package, offering 50 titles across diverse themes. This includes popular classics such as Amazons’ Battle and Rise of Ra, fruit-themed favourites like Burning Hot, and regionally popular games such as Keno Universe.
Expanding Digital Capabilities
EGT Digital will also present its growing iGaming portfolio, including more than 180 in-house slot titles. Among the highlights are established jackpot series such as Bell Link, Clover Chance, and Gods & Kings Link, alongside newer releases like Panda Ventura, which has quickly gained traction with players thanks to its distinctive style and engaging gameplay. The title also marks the beginning of a new character-driven series, with Tiger Ventura set to follow.
In addition, the company will demonstrate its modular X-Nave platform, which integrates casino, CRM, payment gateway, bonus management, and an aggregator offering over 20,000 games from 200+ providers. The platform also includes a high-performance sportsbook with flexible integration and advanced personalisation features, supported by AI-driven tools that enhance engagement and automate key processes.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
“Our main goal at BiS SiGMA South America is to strengthen strategic partnerships with operators, platforms, and stakeholders shaping Brazil’s regulated market,” Guedes added. “It’s also an opportunity to showcase our full technology and content ecosystem, supporting both online growth and potential future land-based developments such as VLT operations. Ultimately, we’re focused on building long-term relationships and positioning EGT as a trusted partner across Brazil and Latin America.”
The post EGT to showcase its gaming portfolio for Brazil at SiGMA Americas 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gaming
Soft2Bet launches MEGA Islands, a new gamification engine designed to increase player retention
Soft2Bet has unveiled MEGA Islands, the latest addition to its MEGA Suite, designed to enhance player engagement and retention across both casino and sportsbook offerings.
The new engine introduces a persistent progression system that carries over across sessions, giving players an ongoing reason to return. Through island-building, resource collection, and continual advancement, players embark on a long-term journey that transforms short play sessions into sustained engagement.
First previewed in Soft2Bet’s recent Lodur release, the MEGA Islands system allows players to develop their own islands over time. Resources earned through gameplay can be used to construct new buildings, upgrade existing structures, and unlock further stages of progression. Each upgrade opens new goals, creating a loop of continuous advancement that keeps players invested.
The engine also incorporates plundering mechanics, giving players an additional path to gather resources by raiding other islands. This feature not only accelerates growth but also maintains a dynamic and engaging progression loop. With no fixed endpoint, MEGA Islands is built to encourage repeat play through a satisfying cycle of building, collecting, and advancing.
“MEGA Islands is designed to make retention feel natural by providing players with a progression journey they want to return to,” said Yoel Zuckerberg, CPO at Soft2Bet. “By building islands, collecting resources, and unlocking upgrades—including through plundering—each session becomes part of a longer experience. It gives players a clear reason to come back while providing operators with a retention tool that integrates seamlessly across casino and sportsbook.”
The launch of MEGA Islands underscores Soft2Bet’s commitment to gamification as a driver of long-term growth. As part of the MEGA Suite, the new engine offers operators a powerful tool to extend player journeys, increase engagement cycles, and deliver consistent value in competitive markets.
The post Soft2Bet launches MEGA Islands, a new gamification engine designed to increase player retention appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Arcade
Pragmatic Play Elevates Arcade Roster with the Im-Peck-Able Chicken+
Pragmatic Play, a prominent content provider for the iGaming sector, has enhanced its arcade collection with the debut of Chicken+, a retro-themed game showcasing fast-paced action and significant winning opportunities.
Brought to existence with retro 8-bit visuals, the game tests players to evade approaching vehicles and various dangers, leading the chicken safely over the road.
With each lane successfully cleared, the win multiplier increases. Players can withdraw their earnings whenever they choose or try to navigate all lanes for the top reward, but a single random mishap concludes the round as a defeat. Players are able to view the possible winnings and the likelihood of success in reaching each lane to aid in their decision-making.
There are four levels of risk – Easy, Mid, Hard, and Daredevil. Raising the level reduces the number of lanes per round and increases the volatility, enhancing the maximum win potential from 24x in Easy mode to over 3,000,000x in Daredevil.
Blending nostalgic visuals with an eccentric theme, a user-friendly interface, and rapid betting rounds, Chicken+ meets the increasing demand for engaging, fast-paced games.
The title signifies the newest entry in Pragmatic Play’s continually growing arcade collection, succeeding the launches of Plinko+, Spire+, and Mines+.
Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said: “Chicken+ blends retro charm with simple, high-engagement mechanics. With configurable risk levels and significant win potential, it stands out as another compelling addition to Pragmatic Play’s diverse arcade portfolio, inviting players to test their nerve and cross the road.”
The post Pragmatic Play Elevates Arcade Roster with the Im-Peck-Able Chicken+ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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