Interviews
Exclusive Q&A with Ivan Lebeau, Founder and President of Gamestream
Ivan Lebeau is a gnawed veteran in the gaming industry, having worked for over 25 years in video games and technology development. Ivan founded Gamestream in 2015 with an ambition to create the most advanced global cloud video game solution for professional industries. t
Here he talks about Gamestream and what it offers. Perhaps, the most illuminating things in the interview are two-fold. First, Gamestop’s rare business model of B2B2C in the gaming industry. Second, its proprietary technology that allows seamless game streaming at internet speeds as low as 4mbps.
He also explains Gamestream’s “magic recipe” of technology. Let’s jump straight to the interview.
Q. We usually begin our founder interviews with a stock question. Here it is: What motivated you to found Gamestream?
A. My key motivation in founding Gamestream was to democratise the joys of video game experiences. I see this as making console-quality gaming available for everyone, anywhere, at any time. Gamestream’s proprietary cloud gaming technology can thrive with relatively low internet speeds, meaning it has great applications in developing countries where expensive gaming hardware and connections aren’t always realistic.
Another strong motivation is to bring video games to the hospitality and healthcare fields. Inspired by the game Re-Mission, which has been shown to help young people navigate their cancer diagnoses and treatments, we at Gamestream firmly believe in the healing power of video games. As such, we work closely with partners such as BePlayer One, which aims to make gaming more inclusive for disabled people, and L’École des Héros, which helps teenagers overcome social anxiety through games. The Gamestream platform is also compatible with the main gamepad adapted for disabled people.
Q. What is the business model of Gamestream?
A. Gamestream is a world leader in cloud video game streaming solutions that provides console-quality gaming experiences on the devices that most people already own, including smartphones (iOS and Android), TV (OTT and Smart TV), PC, Mac and tablets.
We offer our partners a complete end-to-end cloud gaming service. While they are in charge of marketing, billing and hosting, Gamestream supplies our technology, our own highly cost-effective servers, and premium content – AA and AAA titles provided by leading video games publishers – as well as sophisticated data reporting. We help our partners reduce customer churn and increase average revenue per user by enhancing their market position and entertainment hubs.
Following the proven business models of Spotify and Netflix, Gamestream’s partners offer this cloud gaming service to their customers through an affordable multi-device subscription (usually approximately $10 per month). Our customers revert a percentage of this monthly revenue to Gamestream, which we in turn distribute a proportion of amongst the games publishers that populate our catalogue. Aside from this revenue share model, we also receive a non-recurring fee from our telecom partners to adapt, integrate and maintain our service on their network.
Gamestream’s service has been deployed under both white-labelled brands across Europe, the Middle East and Asia through partners in telecoms and hospitality. Examples of this include Telekom Slovenije’s NEO Gaming and Telkom Indonesia’s GameQoo. Customers can also choose to use our consumer brand, Pleio. With Pleio we offer the same proprietary tech and gaming experiences, but under a Gamestream brand which means we take on the community management of our customers’ users who sign up to the service. Bouygues Telecom, one of the largest telcos in France, has been using Pleio since its successful launch in late 2020.
Q. How is Gamestream different from other cloud gaming services e.g. XBOX Game Pass?
A. Unlike many other cloud gaming services which still rely on specialised gaming hardware or purchasing games individually, Gamestream offers console-quality experiences that are entirely cloud based. There are no additional downloads or purchases for our users, and no advertising. Our service is also available on the six main types of device – more than any other operator in the market.
We are one of only two companies in the cloud gaming space that provide a cloud platform with a games catalogue on a B2B2C basis. This means that we typically do not have a direct relationship with the end user – they tend to be customers of our industry partners.
Gamestream’s proprietary technology allows us to offer amazing gaming experiences using internet speeds as low as 4mbps – compared to the 10-15Mbps recommended by other cloud gaming platforms. Unlike other cloud gaming services, we reduce the burden of extra bandwidth usage on telcos by closely integrating with their server infrastructure. By integrating our servers in clients’ data centres, we can offer a much more cost-effective and profitable solution than other providers. It also means our service performs excellently in markets with less developed network infrastructure – but imagine also the incredible experiences we will be able to achieve with 4K, VR and AR as the 5G rollout gathers pace!
Q. In what ways do game publishers benefit from associating with the Gamestream platform?
A. Gamestream currently licenses games from more than 60 publishers including Disney, Capcom, Deep Silver, Codemasters, Focus Home Interactive and many others.
First of all, we provide a welcome additional income stream for them, with both brand new and popular legacy games being a good fit for our catalogue. We make this incredibly simple by porting a single version of their games onto our service and allowing users to play it on TV, Android & iOS Smartphones, PC, Mac, and Smart TV.
In addition, we open up exciting new markets for them. This includes emerging economies in Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe – and soon India – as well as hospitality (starting with hotels, which is a brand new stream of revenue for games publishers).
Q. You have formed partnerships with several telecom operators. How important are these partnerships for Gamestream’s growth?
A. We started our white label deployments in 2019 with major telecom operators in Indonesia and Dubai, then in Taiwan, Europe (2020) and very soon in India.
These partnerships are a key part of our growth, providing ready-made access to millions of potential subscribers and existing marketing and billing infrastructure operated by the telcos themselves. The reach of our service will hit 80m potential users by the end of 2021 and 400m by the end of 2022 – how else could we reach so many potential subscribers so rapidly?
Secondly, launching in these markets helps us to better understand the local gaming trends. We add local games to our catalogue, and have a growing expertise on local usages as well as the best marketing strategies for user acquisition.
This global understanding of markets and user bases is allowing us to launch dedicated cloud services for video games publishers themselves. High-quality content is vital to creating successful cloud gaming services – so who better to launch them than the content creators themselves? Using Gamestream’s technology, developers can offer demos of their games in the cloud, or even start their own cloud gaming service to become media brands in their own right.
Q. Gamestream also caters to the hospitality industry, for instance hotels and cruise ships. How has the response of the hospitality industry been, especially during and the aftermath of Covid 19 pandemic?
A. Much of the hospitality industry has of course been negatively impacted by the Covid-19. However, with the wider growth in gaming we have seen throughout the pandemic, it has become even more pressing for hospitality providers to find ways to integrate gaming into their offer to customers.
We have a number of growing partnerships with innovative brands such as Accor, which requested that their cloud gaming services be reactivated immediately after reopening, and expect to cultivate more throughout 2021.
Q. What are the benefits and advantages a business – a hotel, hospital or a cruise ship – can gain from Gamestream?
A. Innovation is a key topic in the hospitality and tourism industries to recover from the global pandemic. We travel to escape, to socialise, to boost our wellbeing. Increasingly, people and families do this via the medium of games. Likewise, encouraging millennials and Gen X to choose a hotel or resort over an AirBnB means catering directly to them.
We’ve already seen brands such as Atari plan gaming-theme hotels. While it isn’t possible for most hospitality companies to tear up their business model and start again, it is very simple to integrate a world class cloud gaming offering for their customers. The upshot is retaining customers and attracting new ones, as well as boosting spend in communal areas.
At Gamestream we can do this for our global customers via data centres or local installation, meaning it’s possible for them to offer a cloud gaming service even without fibre optic broadband. We can integrate the service directly with Samsung, Phillips and a large selection of Android Smart TVs, or via a discreet plug-in where TVs have not recently been upgraded. As with telcos, there is no capital expenditure on the part of the hospitality brand.
As well as in-room we have seen great demand in communal areas such as lobbies and kids’ play areas. Our service is likewise perfect for resorts, holiday camps, cruise ships, ski areas – the list is limitless. We are also exploring how our service can be used to provide esports experiences in shared spaces.
Q. In which countries do you operate now? Any immediate plans of expansion?
A. Our cloud gaming service is available on three continents already. From France and Switzerland to Taiwan, Slovenia, Indonesia, the UAE and soon India, people are enjoying unlimited access to our catalogue.
In terms of expansion, we have tripled our revenue over the past year and are on our way to doubling the size of the organisation this year. We expect to continue growing our global customer base in telecoms, hospitality and healthcare – our cloud gaming service can be deployed rapidly in any territory!
Cloud gaming is the best use case for 5G, and you can expect to see us grow particularly in Asia and the Middle East where 5G is rolling out. According to Newzoo, the value of the cloud gaming market is on track to exceed the five-billion-dollar mark in 2023, demonstrating the sheer scale of opportunity available.
Q. Finally, could you share some insights into the technology on which Gamestream platform is built?
A. Gamestream’s magic recipe is a combination of tried and tested, industry-grade technology with a seamless modern interface, leading games catalogue and multi-device strategy.
What enables us to provide such a high-quality experience even on relatively slow connections is our ability to compress and scale graphics using a video compression standard called H265. We also go into the very code of the games in our catalogue to define the processing power they need and are incredibly agile at distributing server load. In essence, we use cloud technology to inject the processing power of the most powerful computers into the ordinary, everyday devices that people own.
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Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech, looks at how operators can best utilise free-to-play (FTP) solutions to drive engagement with their customers.
It is often said that one of the main attractions of sport is the anticipation of the event, even more so than the event itself. How much do FTP games for sportsbooks tap into the buzz around sporting events for fans?
As we saw recently with all the attention paid to Super Bowl in the run-up to the game, people were heavily invested to the extent that even the half-time show became the subject of countless articles in the media and commentary on social channels. Naturally, predicting outcomes for teams and players is a major focus for sports fans worldwide and that is where free-to-play (FTP) games come in for sportsbooks by tapping into the sense of excitement. Combining the lure of free rewards and often big cash prizes with the promise of compelling sporting action definitely creates a perfect storm for marketeers. At Splash Tech, we have the technology and product to create tangible results on the back of pre-game noise, be it in the United States or anywhere else in the world, across all sports.
In terms of technology, across UI/UX, data and other areas, what refinements have you seen that have had a big impact in the way end users interact with FTP games?
Over the years, the FTP vertical has certainly become sophisticated in terms of how slick and engaging games and products are when presented to the end user. The effectiveness of a modern FTP strategy rests on how segmentation is carried out. It is all about rewarding the right user at the right time with the right prize and this is the secret to success.
If we look at dynamic segmentation, player experiences can be tailored to their progress within an operator’s ecosystem. New customers encounter more compelling offers, incentivising initial deposits, while established players experience gamified reward systems, promoting and recognising continued engagement. All incentives are personalised based on player lifetime value, delivering appropriate rewards to each user instantly. By offering players pertinent, timely, and enjoyable games, providers of promotional solutions can significantly boost operator revenue.
You recently struck a deal with Wildz Sports to roll out a series of Daily Predictor and Pick 6 games across a wide range of sports. How do you plan to keep these games fresh and interesting?
Localisation is very important when working with multi-regional partners. You can have the same game types running, but the content has to be tailored to user and regional preferences. With the Wildz Sports deal, we are rolling out game experiences across football, ice hockey, cricket, rugby and all US sports. Naturally, you wouldn’t expect a huge take-up for a cricket-based experience in the United States, but operators have found that it’s a sport that is extremely popular with bettors in other geographies. As such, FTP can play a major role in acquisition and retention in countries and regions that love the sport.
Finally, what is the future direction of FTP games? How can they evolve to become even more seamless and attractive as both acquisition and retention tools?
FTP can and should start at the top of the funnel and follow a user all the way through their journey with a sportsbook or casino. With the data we now have at our disposal, we can trigger real-time game experiences tailored to user preferences, optimised to enhance their loyalty with a brand. Given the diverse preferences of players, a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t cut it in what is an extremely competitive market. Highly targeted and relevant engagement is crucial for capturing and retaining player attention and neglecting the tools that enable this can be a costly mistake.
The post Splash Tech: How operators can tap into the hype appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
How does the Atlaslive Platform leverage AI to enhance responsible gaming and player protection as a leading B2B iGaming tech provider?
At Atlaslive, we see AI as a game-changer in responsible gaming, offering smarter, data-driven solutions to protect players while empowering operators. Our platform integrates machine learning tools that continuously analyze player activity, detect early signs of risky behavior, and provide personalized interventions—all while maintaining a seamless gaming experience. The goal is to equip operators with proactive tools that support player well-being without unnecessary friction.
Looking ahead, we’re diving deeper into AI’s potential, exploring more advanced profiling techniques to refine risk assessments and deliver interventions that feel intuitive and effective. The responsible gaming landscape is evolving rapidly, and we’re committed to staying ahead, ensuring our solutions meet market demands and regulatory expectations.
AI is also revolutionizing compliance by automating key processes like KYC verification, real-time player monitoring, and reporting. This not only saves operators time but also strengthens regulatory adherence without adding operational complexity. As AI technology continues to advance, it’s clear that its role in responsible gaming will only grow, creating a safer, more responsible, and ultimately fairer gaming ecosystem where both operators and players benefit.
What AI-driven technologies does the Atlaslive Platform use to detect potentially harmful player behaviors?
The Atlaslive Platform uses real-time behavioral analytics powered by AI to detect patterns that may indicate risky player activity. Our system continuously monitors key behavioral signals, such as sudden increases in deposit frequency or unusually long gaming sessions, helping operators identify potential concerns before they escalate.
We leverage advanced machine learning models to refine these detections, ensuring accuracy and minimizing false positives. However, we also prioritize usability—our AI-driven insights are designed to be clear and actionable, allowing operators to intervene at the right time with minimal disruption. It’s about striking the right balance between cutting-edge technology and practical, real-world solutions that enhance player protection.
What are the opportunities and challenges for suppliers and operators when integrating AI into responsible gaming, player engagement, and operational efficiency?
AI presents significant opportunities for both B2B tech providers and operators in iGaming. On the player engagement side, AI-driven personalization is a game-changer. By analyzing real-time player behavior, AI can recommend games, promotions, or responsible gaming interventions tailored to individual habits. Research shows that AI-powered alerts can be highly effective—over 50% of high-risk players who received targeted warnings adjusted their gambling behavior the same day, with 54% continuing to play more responsibly a week later. This level of personalization not only supports safer gaming but also fosters stronger player loyalty by making interactions more relevant and meaningful.
From an operational perspective, AI enhances efficiency across multiple areas. It automates KYC processes, detects fraud, and streamlines resource allocation. Machine learning models can also identify risk patterns—such as sudden spikes in deposits or extended play sessions—and trigger timely interventions, helping operators act proactively rather than reactively.
However, these benefits come with challenges. Transparency remains a key concern, as players increasingly want clarity on how AI-driven decisions impact them. Studies indicate that over 80% of people have concerns about AI transparency, according to research by Jobin et al. Additionally, navigating evolving regulations, such as the EU’s AI Act, requires operators to ensure their AI tools meet strict standards for fairness, privacy, and accuracy.
Ultimately, while AI is reshaping responsible gaming and operational efficiency, success depends on balancing innovation with compliance and building trust with players. The real challenge lies in leveraging AI’s potential while ensuring ethical, transparent, and player-friendly implementation.
What ethical considerations should iGaming operators keep in mind when implementing AI for responsible gaming?
When it comes to using AI for responsible gaming, operators need to understand that it’s about supporting players, not controlling them. Transparency is very important here, and players should know how AI is being used and feel confident that it’s there to help, not to invade their privacy or manipulate their behavior.
It’s also important to keep the human element in mind. While AI can handle a lot of the heavy lifting, like spotting risky patterns or automating interventions, as I mentioned before, operators should make sure there’s still room for empathy and personalized support when it’s needed. AI should complement human oversight, not replace it entirely.
Another consideration is fairness. AI systems need to be designed and monitored to avoid any unintended biases or outcomes that might negatively impact certain groups. I think it is more about creating tools that genuinely protect players while building trust and a sense of fairness in the gaming environment.
How do you see AI shaping the future at Atlaslive, not just in responsible gaming but across your entire iGaming platform?
AI is set to play an even bigger role at Atlaslive, enhancing multiple aspects of our platform beyond responsible gaming. One of the most exciting areas is real-time odds optimization — AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data instantly allows us to adjust odds dynamically based on live events. This makes betting faster, smarter, and more responsive, ensuring that operators can offer the most competitive and accurate odds at any moment.
Another major focus is automated customer care. AI-powered support systems can efficiently handle player queries, from setting limits to finding specific games or resolving account issues. By streamlining these interactions, AI ensures that customer service is not only faster but also more personalized, creating a smoother user experience.
We’re also exploring AI-driven content personalization. By analyzing player preferences and behavioral patterns, AI can recommend games, bonuses, and features that feel uniquely tailored to each user. This level of customization keeps engagement high and makes every interaction on the platform more relevant and immersive.
Ultimately, AI is helping us refine and elevate every part of the iGaming experience, from betting mechanics to customer engagement and operational efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, its role in optimizing both player satisfaction and operator performance will only grow.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post The Future of Responsible Gaming: AI’s Role in Player Protection – Atlaslive’s View appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
2024 was your debut year with Xanada Investments. Looking back, what are the key highlights or moments that defined this first year for the fund?
2024 marked the beginning of an ambitious journey for Xanada Investments – a year where we laid a strong foundation for what’s to come. While the real work lies ahead, I can confidently say that we’ve set the stage.
The highlight was undoubtedly our successful allocation of $9 million across 8 impactful projects, selected from a pool of 350 submissions. Each startup impressed us with its scalability, strong team, and ability to deliver real results – qualities we value as the cornerstone of every successful partnership.
Another defining moment was the debut of the Xanada Startup Contest. It was a platform not just to identify potential investments. We actively participated in major industry events like iGB LaunchPad, SiGMA Pitch, and SBC First Pitch – events we couldn’t pass up. As a newcomer, we not only made our presence known but also earned recognition, securing awards and forging valuable connections.
Beyond numbers, the year was about building a community – a network of partners, founders, and investors who believe in driving transformative change.This is just the start of an exciting journey.
What inspired you to launch the Xanada Startup Contest, and how would you evaluate its impact in 2024?
It’s no secret that many startups are in need of investment. But the real question is, do they have the expertise, networks, and strategic foundation to actually make that investment work? This was one of the key insights that led us to create the Xanada Startup Contest. It wasn’t about running a competition with just a single winner; it was about creating a transparent process: a live showcase of how startups grow, pivot, and adapt in real-time.
Too often, what happens behind the scenes stays hidden, but we wanted to change that. The results speak for themselves. With 250 applications pouring in, representing a diverse range of ideas from around the globe, we witnessed firsthand the depth of creativity within the startup ecosystem. And through a rigorous selection process, we identified and elevated one standout winner – FTDx. The real impact of the contest lies in its ability to challenge founders to think bigger and execute better. That’s what makes the Xanada Startup Contest more than just a competition.
Many associate investment funds with slow decision-making processes. Yet Xanada Investments has been incredibly dynamic. What’s your secret to keeping up this pace in the previous year?
The secret lies in creating frameworks that balance precision with speed. We’ve developed rigorous evaluation processes that combine both quantitative and qualitative metrics to assess startups effectively without losing momentum.
But beyond frameworks, it’s about having a team with the right mindset. At Xanada Investments, we embrace adaptability and foster collaboration. Our team operates with the energy and agility of a startup, and that allows us to move quickly, even in an industry often seen as traditional and slow.
You partnered with 8 startups this year. What caught your attention in these projects, and what’s your strategy for picking the “perfect match” for Xanada Investments?
At Xanada Investments, our focus has always been on backing projects that bring something unique to the table. What sets us apart is not just what we look for, but how we see it. For us, it starts with the people – the founders. Their vision, resilience, and ability to execute are what capture our attention first. These are individuals who truly understand their markets, are ready to pivot when challenges arise, and have the determination to turn ideas into reality.
Among the projects we’ve backed this year, Promofy is revolutionizing user retention with AI-driven gamification, delivering personalized engagement at scale. Gamixter is helping operators optimize player interaction with real-time engagement tools, creating more immersive gaming experiences. Bettorify, focused on the rapidly growing Asian market, provides localized white-label and turnkey solutions, enabling operators to navigate regional complexities with ease.
These are just a few examples of the startups we support. Each project we invest in plays a role in building a stronger, more dynamic iGaming landscape. And we’re only getting started.
With 11 award nominations and 2 wins already, success is clearly part of Xanada’s DNA. But how do you define success beyond the numbers?
For us, success isn’t measured by the number of awards. Of course, we are talking about financial returns, about impact, although we deeply appreciate the recognition – it’s always rewarding to see our efforts acknowledged on such a level. These awards are proof that we’re on the right track, but they are only part of the story.
But are we helping startups achieve their goals? Are we setting new benchmarks in the iGaming industry? The true measure of success lies in the growth of the projects we support and the people behind them. When we see startups flourishing, scaling their businesses, and turning ideas into impactful solutions, that’s the ultimate reward.
Another key indicator of success for us is the relationships we cultivate. When founders and partners come to see Xanada Investments not as just an investor but as a trusted collaborator and ally, we know we’re doing something right. These connections, built on trust and mutual ambition, are the foundation of our ecosystem.
What does the future hold for Xanada Investments in 2025? Are there any ambitious goals or projects you can share with us?
2025 is about scaling powerful results. We plan to invest in 10–12 new startups, focusing on projects with strong business fundamentals, exceptional teams, and clear strategies for growth. Our approach prioritizes opportunities with a targeted IRR of 25–40% and a MOIC of 3–5x, ensuring every investment aligns with our commitment to sustainable, measurable returns.
We’re taking the Xanada Startup Contest to the next level this year. Xanada Investments is expanding its reach and updating the evaluation process to attract a wider range of participants from diverse industries and markets. To ensure the best selection, we’re involving not only our team but also top industry experts to evaluate the entries. This will help us find and support the most promising ideas out there. With more transparency and live engagement, you’ll have the chance to see and hear these groundbreaking ideas in action. Stay tuned, big things are on the horizon!
Xanada Investments is also focused on strengthening our internal capabilities. A key priority for 2025 is to grow our team by bringing in top talent, including a dedicated analyst, to refine our data-driven approach to startup evaluation. We want to be a partner that equips startups with the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to succeed. The road ahead is ambitious, but we’re ready to seize the opportunities 2025 has in store.
The post XANADA’S BREAKTHROUGH YEAR AND THE ROAD AHEAD appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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