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2021 has already overtaken 2020 with more female-led games
While women make up nearly half of all gamers, a continued study by Buzz Bingo has revealed that only 12% of next-generation video games exclusively feature a female protagonist, with 2020 being the worst year yet for female representation.
As part of this continued study, Buzz Bingo analysed every game released on PlayStation and Xbox since 2016 to see how female representation in the gaming industry has developed, as well as how this representation is unfolding in 2021.
1. PlayStation Games Year-on-Year
- Our research showed us that 2020 was the lowest year in terms of the number of female-led games released on PlayStation consoles, with only 14 games (8.6%) released that year featuring a female protagonist.
- 2021 is already looking more promising in terms of the number of games set to be released featuring a female lead, with 23 games (18.4%) with a female protagonist having been announced so far.
| Year | Female | Male | Mixed | Ambiguous/NA/TBC | Total |
| 2016 | 27 | 120 | 97 | 62 | 306 |
| 2017 | 49 | 85 | 115 | 61 | 310 |
| 2018 | 27 | 90 | 98 | 42 | 257 |
| 2019 | 22 | 87 | 91 | 24 | 224 |
| 2020 | 14 | 53 | 67 | 29 | 163 |
| 2021 | 23 | 50 | 30 | 22 | 125 |
2. Xbox Games Year-on-Year
- In three out of the six years we analysed, only 9 of the games that were released for Xbox consoles featured a female lead.
- So far, 2021 already ranks second for the highest number of female protagonist led games for Xbox, with 14 games (12.8%) featuring a female lead having been announced or released.
| Year | Female | Male | Multiple Options | Ambiguous/NA/TBC | Total |
| 2016 | 16 | 83 | 54 | 34 | 187 |
| 2017 | 9 | 49 | 65 | 21 | 144 |
| 2018 | 10 | 46 | 56 | 29 | 141 |
| 2019 | 9 | 49 | 74 | 16 | 148 |
| 2020 | 9 | 27 | 49 | 22 | 107 |
| 2021 | 14 | 43 | 30 | 22 | 109 |
3. The New Generation: Xbox Series X/S and PS5
- Research from Buzz Bingo has revealed that only 51 games (12%) out of the 414 confirmed PS5 and Xbox Series X/S exclusively feature a female protagonist compared to 139 (34%) games with a male-only lead.
- 33% of all games had both male and female protagonists or allowed the user to customise the gender.
| Gender of Lead(s) | Xbox Series X/S | PlayStation 5 | Xbox % | PS5 % | Total % |
| Female | 21 | 30 | 11% | 13% | 12% |
| Male | 58 | 81 | 31% | 35% | 34% |
| Multiple Options | 68 | 68 | 37% | 30% | 33% |
| Ambiguous/NA/TBC | 38 | 50 | 21% | 22% | 21% |
Methodology
- We analysed every game released on PlayStation and Xbox since 2016, and then manually checked each game to find out whether the playable character was male, female, ambiguous or had mixed options.
- We then broke this down to find out the best and worst years for female representation in video games.
- To determine gender, we researched wiki pages for the individual games and searched for the corresponding pronouns when necessary.
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Casino Technology
Spintec Shines at ICE Barcelona 2026 with Innovative Electronic Table Games and Jackpots
Spintec took center stage at this year’s ICE Barcelona, captivating visitors with a stunning array of electronic table games, interactive experiences, and high-impact jackpots under The Merkur Group’s motto: “Spin with Power. Shine in Color.”
As one of the largest exhibitors, Merkur consistently drew large crowds, showcasing their latest innovations with entertaining presentations and immersive gaming setups.
Charisma Eye: Multi-Game Entertainment for 12 Players
Spintec’s Charisma Eye setting stole the spotlight, designed for up to 12 players. This versatile setup combines a roulette wheel and a dice shaker, allowing players to enjoy roulette, SicBo, and Craps simultaneously or individually. Enhanced with varied payouts, multipliers, and two thrilling jackpots—Galactic Jackpot on roulette and Dragon Jackpot on SicBo—Charisma Eye delivers nonstop excitement for both casual players and high rollers.
Galactic Spin: Three Roulette Games in One
Another major highlight was Galactic Spin, Spintec’s flagship roulette game. This year, the latest version integrates three game modes: classic roulette, Hot Spot, and Galactic Spin. Players can easily switch between modes, all designed to offer highly immersive and engaging gameplay.
Enhanced User Interface for Multi-Game Play
To elevate the player experience further, Spintec introduced a new touchscreen interface that splits the display, allowing players to monitor up to four games simultaneously. When one game becomes particularly engaging, it can expand to full screen, giving players complete control over their gaming experience.
Bestsellers That Continue to Impress Globally
ICE attendees also explored Spintec’s best-selling table games:
- Charisma Amphitheatre: Ideal for live tournaments, this setting offers a wide variety of games playable at the same time, enhanced with vibrant graphics tailored for LED walls.
- Charisma Stand-Alone: Perfect for individual players, featuring game selector buttons for smooth transitions and fully independent operation.
- Charisma Blackjack (5 Play Stations): Brings the thrill of live blackjack to multiple players with five innovative side bets, capable of multiplying winnings up to 320x.
- Charisma Roulette (8 Players): Spintec’s proven global bestseller, featuring Galactic Spin, GLI-certified technology, high visibility of the roulette wheel, and a two-sided LED animated topper for added flair.
Spintec at ICE 2026: Innovation Meets Player Engagement
From multi-player roulette and blackjack to immersive interfaces and high-value jackpots, Spintec reinforced its position as a leader in electronic table games. ICE Barcelona 2026 offered visitors the chance to experience firsthand the combination of player comfort, dynamic gameplay, and innovative design that continues to set Spintec apart in the global gaming industry.
The post Spintec Shines at ICE Barcelona 2026 with Innovative Electronic Table Games and Jackpots appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
betting solutions
GoldenRace and Spinmatic Partner with Lynon in Global iGaming Distribution Deal
GoldenRace and Spinmatic, both part of Softquo Holding, have entered into a global distribution partnership with Lynon, an all-in-one iGaming platform, to integrate their full portfolios of Virtual Sports and Slots into the Lynon ecosystem.
The strategic agreement significantly expands Softquo’s global reach, making GoldenRace’s industry-leading Virtual Sports and Spinmatic’s innovative slot games available to a broader international audience. Under the terms of the deal, Lynon will gain access to the entire game libraries of both providers, enabling operators and players worldwide to benefit from high-performance, market-ready betting and gaming solutions.
Strengthening Lynon’s iGaming ecosystem
By adding GoldenRace and Spinmatic content, Lynon enhances its offering with some of the most advanced Virtual Sports and Slots products currently available. The integration further positions Lynon as a comprehensive iGaming platform capable of delivering diverse, engaging content to regulated markets across multiple regions.
The partnership also reinforces the market leadership of GoldenRace and Spinmatic, whose combined expertise spans data-driven Virtual Sports, immersive slot mechanics, and scalable global distribution.
“Teaming up with Softquo allows us to deliver a double-edged competitive advantage to our partners,” said Sona Grigoryan, Partnership Manager at Lynon. “By combining GoldenRace’s Virtual Sports expertise with Spinmatic’s creative slot excellence, we are significantly enhancing the value of the Lynon ecosystem on a global scale.”
Expanding Softquo’s international footprint
Softquo CEO and Founder Martin Wachter highlighted the agreement as a reflection of growing global demand for the group’s products and technology.
“Our teams are working incredibly hard to ensure we keep growing worldwide and bringing our top-tier products to players in every corner of the globe,” Wachter said. “This agreement with Lynon shows that leading industry platforms recognise the value of our portfolio. We are delivering the best tools to help our partners engage players and drive sustainable growth, and we are pleased to see our international footprint continue to expand.”
Global demand for Virtual Sports and Slots
The partnership underscores the increasing worldwide appetite for Virtual Sports and premium slot content, as operators look to diversify offerings and improve player engagement. By aligning with Lynon, GoldenRace and Spinmatic further strengthen Softquo’s position as a global supplier of innovative, high-quality iGaming content.
The post GoldenRace and Spinmatic Partner with Lynon in Global iGaming Distribution Deal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BMM Innovation Group
BMM Testlabs Secures Minas Gerais License, Expanding iGaming and Sports Betting Certification in Brazil
BMM Testlabs, the world’s longest-established gaming test laboratory, has been officially granted approval and accreditation as a Testing and Certification Laboratory in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, significantly expanding its regulated footprint in one of Latin America’s fastest-growing gaming markets.
The authorization, issued under the state’s formal lottery regime Loteria do Estado de Minas Gerais, allows BMM Testlabs to test and certify fixed-odds iGaming and sports betting products, including online sports wagering and instant games offered through LotoMinas.bet. The approval marks another key milestone in BMM’s long-term expansion strategy across Brazil’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Strategic expansion in Brazil’s second-largest state
Minas Gerais is Brazil’s second-largest state, home to more than 21 million residents and a major economic center in the country’s southeast region. Entry into this jurisdiction positions BMM Testlabs to support regulators, operators, and suppliers as the state develops its regulated online gaming and sports betting ecosystem.
With the Minas Gerais license, BMM Testlabs is now fully authorized to test and certify regulated gaming products across five Brazilian jurisdictions, including:
- Federal-level accreditation in Brazil
- State-level accreditation in Minas Gerais
- State-level accreditation in Paraná
- State-level accreditation in Maranhão
- State-level accreditation in Rio Grande do Norte
This expanding portfolio reinforces BMM’s role as a trusted compliance partner in Brazil’s rapidly formalizing gaming sector.
Supporting regulators and sustainable market growth
Marzia Turrini, President of iGaming & Cybersecurity at BMM Testlabs, said the approval underscores the company’s commitment to supporting Brazil’s regulators and licensed suppliers with independent, high-quality testing services. “As the Brazilian market continues to evolve, regulators and suppliers require testing partners with deep technical expertise, global experience, and strong local knowledge,” Turrini said. “We are proud to support Minas Gerais with independent testing and certification services that help protect players, strengthen regulatory confidence, and enable sustainable market growth.”
Global experience with deep local reach
Founded in 1981, BMM Testlabs is the longest-standing private independent gaming certification laboratory in the world. The company has spent more than four decades testing and certifying a full range of gaming products, including land-based gaming systems, online and iGaming platforms, sports betting, lottery solutions, and emerging digital wagering technologies.
BMM has been recognized for its regulatory leadership, winning the Vixio Global Regulatory Award for Testing Service or Solution Provider of the Year in both 2024 and 2025. The company authored the first independent gaming standards in 1992 and the first online gaming standards in 2001, helping shape modern compliance frameworks worldwide.
Innovation, cybersecurity, and global scale
In addition to traditional testing and certification services, BMM operates the BMM Innovation Group (BIG), which delivers advanced technology solutions focused on cybersecurity through BIG Cyber and professional training through RG24seven Virtual Training.
BMM Testlabs employs more than 800 professionals across 16 global locations and holds more than 700 licenses worldwide, enabling it to support regulators and gaming suppliers across mature and emerging markets. The company’s global headquarters are in Las Vegas, with offices throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, including a growing presence in Brazil.
With its new Minas Gerais accreditation, BMM Testlabs continues to solidify its position as a leading testing and certification authority for Brazil’s regulated iGaming and sports betting market.
The post BMM Testlabs Secures Minas Gerais License, Expanding iGaming and Sports Betting Certification in Brazil appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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