Conferences in Europe
Can Fun Be Safe? The Role of Social Responsibility in Slot Game Design
The European Gaming Congress (EGC) returns to Warsaw for 2024 on 15-16 October, and organizer HIPTHER is proud to introduce the conference’s esteemed Sponsors – trailblazing companies and accomplished professionals that help make the magic happen! In this Sponsors Spotlight Interview, we welcome Maciej Makuszewski, iGaming Director at Promatic Group, parent company of the Platinum Sponsor for EGC 2024, Promatic Games.
For many people outside the gaming industry, putting social responsibility and online slot games in the same sentence might seem counterintuitive. What’s your perspective on this? How can a slot development company demonstrate responsibility?
You’ve hit on a very interesting point right from the beginning. From an outsider’s view, social responsibility and online gambling might seem like polar opposites—like water and fire. But within the industry, we understand that to succeed, all parties, and especially operators and game studios, need to cater to a broad audience. This includes not only players seeking excitement and adrenaline but also casual players who just want a bit of entertainment. We simply need to think about the mass market when designing the gaming experience.
From there, it becomes essential to safeguard ALL players by promoting responsible behaviors and minimizing risks. After all, even with a naturally risky activity like gambling, people still want a sense of security in their experience. This is where social responsibility becomes key. While the public often associates our industry with problem gambling or even addiction, this is a simplistic view. A problem gambler is not a good player—not for them, and certainly not for us. We aim to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all players, which ultimately benefits everyone involved.
So speaking of iGaming in general, what are the key areas when it comes to promoting responsible behavior and minimizing risks for players, as you rightly put it?
I would consider Responsible Gaming as an umbrella term that encompasses a range of measures. I usually break these down into several key categories:
- Identifying and protecting vulnerable players
- Game mechanics
- Transparency and communication
- Youth exposure
- Game design and incentives
- Financial limits and self-exclusion mechanisms
- Utilization of player data
Of course, this list can evolve depending on specific market needs, but these are the core elements. I haven’t included aspects like fairness or certification, as these are typically viewed as basic prerequisites in most regulated markets—they aren’t specific to Responsible Gaming but rather fundamental requirements for offering games to customers. Additionally, technical standards can also play a supporting role in fostering a responsible gaming environment.
Given that your role as a game studio is to provide the games themselves, how can you contribute to making the experience as responsible as possible? You’re not in full control over all of the seven areas you mentioned earlier.
You’re right—our role is narrower compared to operators, but we still have a significant impact in key areas. We can influence game mechanics, transparency and communication, youth exposure (to some extent), and game design and incentives. While we don’t manage player data, we can still support the identification of problem gambling behaviors.
Take game mechanics, for example. As a studio, we invest a lot of time in balancing the speed of gameplay with clear, accurate visualizations of the spin results. One of our key principles is ensuring that all our designs and developments are configurable to meet Responsible Gaming requirements. For instance, our games were recently certified in the Czech Republic, where the regulator mandates that each spin lasts at least two seconds. This is a Responsible Gaming measure, and our configurable software allowed us to implement this requirement quickly.
Another area that’s been a focus of many regulators is the Bonus Buy feature. We were hesitant to introduce it because some of the behaviors associated with this feature may heighten the risk of problem gambling. After months of careful consideration, we decided to launch it only with the ability to monitor every player action related to this functionality. We are committed to tracking this feature closely to ensure it aligns with responsible gaming standards.
You’re also going to touch on game design and incentives at the European Gaming Congress (EGC), correct?
Yes, that’s right! We’re excited to share the story behind one of our most innovative games, Ale Fajny BOBER. The game’s theme is inspired by a popular viral video, and it was a fascinating challenge for our team to translate the essence of a two-minute YouTube clip into an engaging slot experience. We had many discussions on how to best capture and visualize that story within a slot game format. But I’ll save the finer details for the conference—we’ll be talking about it on Day 1 during our presentation! Feel free to join and ask questions!
You mentioned the game Ale Fajny BOBER. Could our readers be familiar with other titles that have come out of your studio?
Ale Fajny Bober is indeed a new game, which had its premiere in Poland on September 26. Promatic Games has a portfolio of hundreds of exciting slot games that have been both successful and widely appreciated by players. Some of these include: Mummy’s Treasure Deluxe, Dracula’s Treasure, Janosik 30 and Miss Joker Show – the latter has even been shortlisted for the Best iGaming Product category at the EiGE2024 awards, with the final taking place at the upcoming conference. I warmly invite to join us at the event and cast your vote for our title. See you there!
Promatic Group’s iGaming Director, Maciej Makuszewski, and Product Design Manager, Luka Oblak, will be presenting a workshop at the European Gaming Congress on ‘Mastering the Art of Balanced Slot Development.
Join us in Warsaw and meet the Promatic Games Team in person:
The post Can Fun Be Safe? The Role of Social Responsibility in Slot Game Design appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Conferences in Europe
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025: The Must-Attend Event of the Year for Gaming and Tech Enthusiasts
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025, happening on 25–26 March, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events in the gaming and tech calendar. Set in the heart of Europe, this boutique-style conference is renowned for delivering cutting-edge insights, fostering meaningful networking, and tackling the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Agenda
This year, the summit promises a robust agenda that combines the latest in innovation with actionable strategies for growth. Attendees can look forward to:
- AI and Blockchain Innovations: Explore how artificial intelligence and blockchain are transforming operations, enhancing security, and redefining user experiences.
- Regulatory Challenges and Compliance: Stay ahead of the curve with expert insights into navigating Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape.
- Fintech Advancements: Learn about the latest payment solutions and technologies driving seamless transactions and user satisfaction.
- Sustainability & ESG Initiatives: Discover how the gaming and tech industries are embracing sustainability and responsible business practices.
Global Reach Without Leaving Europe
One of the standout features of this year’s summit is the dedicated panels on Latin America and North America. These sessions bring insights from two of the most dynamic gaming markets directly to European attendees. No need for long-haul flights—gain valuable knowledge from industry leaders as they discuss trends, opportunities, and challenges in these regions.
Networking in the Golden City
Prague’s status as a vibrant business hub and cultural gem makes it the perfect backdrop for this gathering. The event offers ample networking opportunities, from structured meetups to informal conversations, ensuring every attendee can connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential partners.
Why Attend the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?
- Exclusive Access to Thought Leaders: Hear from speakers shaping the future of gaming and tech.
- Tailored Content: Topics designed to address regional and global industry needs.
- Hands-On Workshops: Gain practical insights to tackle real-world challenges.
- Boutique Atmosphere: A focus on quality over quantity ensures meaningful engagement.
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit is more than just a conference—it’s an opportunity to be part of the conversations that will shape the future of gaming and technology.
👉 Register now and join us in the Golden City this March to be part of the innovation.
The post Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025: The Must-Attend Event of the Year for Gaming and Tech Enthusiasts appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The countdown to the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 is heating up, and event organizer HIPTHER is thrilled to announce that due to overwhelming interest, the GamingTECH Awards 2025 Nominations Submission Deadline has been extended to 19 January 2025!
Organizers have announced this extension to accommodate the growing number of participants eager to compete for these prestigious accolades. “The response so far has been incredible,” said Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder of HIPTHER. “We want to ensure that every deserving company and professional has the opportunity to submit their entries, allowing us to fuel an even fiercer competition that celebrates innovation, excellence, and achievement across the gaming and tech sectors.”
GamingTECH CEE Awards Legacy: Companies & Individuals
The GamingTECH Awards spotlight transformative contributions and groundbreaking advancements in iGaming Technology for Central and Eastern Europe.
These prestigious Awards include Company Categories for B2C Operators, B2B Providers, and Connected sectors such as Affiliates, Testing Laboratories, and Responsible Gambling.
Furthermore, Individual Categories have been added to celebrate the significant contribution of All-star Professionals of the industry in CEE, such as:
- iGaming Leader of the Year
- Rising star in iGaming
- Innovator of the Year
- iGaming Influencer of the Year
- Best iGaming CEO
GamingTECH Awards offer nominees an unparalleled platform for industry recognition among companies of a global calibur.
Prague Extended: Early Bird Tickets Discount Period
But that’s not all – great news for summit attendees! The Early Bird Tickets deadline has also been extended until 20 January 2025, giving more attendees the chance to secure their spot at this must-attend event at a discounted rate.
Why Attend the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025?
The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit serves as a learning and networking hub for Central and Eastern Europe, bringing together experts from gaming, fintech, blockchain, AI, and virtual reality sectors. Discussions will delve into emerging trends, regulatory developments, and technological innovations shaping these industries.
The summit promises:
- Dynamic panel discussions featuring industry leaders
- The inaugural HIPTHER Academy’s certified workshops
- Unrivaled networking opportunities
- Insights into cutting-edge trends in gaming, tech, and beyond
Submit Your Nominations and Secure Your Tickets Now!
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping the future of gaming and tech.
The post GamingTECH Awards 2025: Nominations Deadline Extended Amid High Demand! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The EEGS Conference, held on November 27-28, 2024, in Sofia, Bulgaria, emerged as a landmark event in the gaming industry, showcasing an impressive lineup of over 50 speakers, more than 450 delegates, and participants from over 35 countries. The conference covered a wide array of topics, reflecting the dynamic landscape of the Gaming sector, including the future of iGaming, e-sports betting, evolving payment methods, the quest for regulatory balance in gaming, etc.
Prominent discussions also centered around critical issues such as restrictions on gambling advertising, cybersecurity in gaming, and the future of regulatory frameworks for land-based casinos and betting shops. The evolving trend of gaming tourism and online player protection was also thoroughly explored, highlighting the conference’s commitment to addressing the key challenges and opportunities in the gaming world.
In conjunction with the main event, the third edition of the Affiliate Conference took place on November 26, 2024, attracting over 100 affiliates, making it the only affiliate conference happening in Bulgaria. The event featured expert insights from notable speakers.
An additional masterclass held on November 25, 2024, attracted 50 attendees, with 65% of participants holding management positions from 15 different companies. This session focused on the critical topic of “The Role of the Employer in Gambling Prevention Among Employees,”
All events were hailed as top-notch, providing valuable insights and fostering networking opportunities among industry professionals. The EEGS Conference 2024 has undoubtedly set the stage for future dialogue and collaboration across the gaming sector, reinforcing Sofia’s position as a hub for Gaming innovation and excellence.
The post EEGS Conference 2024 Wrap-Up! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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