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Colt Canyon crowned ‘Best Game’ and LUNARK ‘Most Anticipated’ at GameMaker Awards 2021

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The judges have deliberated. Over 33,000 votes have been cast. And we can now reveal that Colt Canyon has been crowned ‘Best Game’ and LUNARK ‘Most Anticipated’ game of the year, at the GameMaker Awards 2021.

Created by German-based developer Retrific, Colt Canyon is a stylish western-themed pixel art shooter combining roguelike elements with real-time combat. The judges were impressed with Colt Canyon’s highly engaging gameplay and heavily pixelated artist style. While in the popular vote, members of the GameMaker and Opera GX communities voted Colt Canyon the clear winner.

The other finalists for ‘Best Game’ included: Chicory: A Colorful Tale, Jet Lancer, Post Void and Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!.

The winner of ‘Most Anticipated’ game is LUNARK, from Canari Games. LUNARK is a 2D cinematic platformer, designed in the vein of ’80s and ’90s classics. The game challenges players to run, jump, hang, climb, roll, and shoot their way through a kaleidoscope of different environments. These include mysterious alien ruins, a flying penitentiary, a high-tech megalopolis, and a majestic forest.

The judges were blown away with how the Canari Games team have pushed the creative limits of cutscenes and pixel art in GameMaker, to create a game that is both visually stunning and great to play. Set for release later this year, LUNARK also made a big impression with the voters – who overwhelmingly crowned it the ‘Most Anticipated’ game of 2021.

The other finalists for ‘Most Anticipated’ game included: NYKRA, Jitsu Squad, APICO and Toodee and Topdee.

The GameMaker Awards, in partnership with SpecialEffect, a charity that uses video games to enhance the lives of those people with physical disabilities, celebrate creativity and innovation in Indie game development, honouring the best games created using GameMaker Studio 2 as well as the Indies and Studios that designed them.

From over 200 entries, only 5 games for each category were selected by an expert panel of industry peers, including GameMaker Studio CTO Russell Kay, Opera GX Product Director Maciej Kocemba, and Into Indie Games Editor Harry Cole.

Russell Kay, CTO, GameMaker Studio, said: “This year’s GameMaker Awards has redefined what we’ve come to expect from the indies and studios that choose GameMaker as their creative engine of choice. Each of the finalists have demonstrated  both amazing creativity, plus the technical ability to harness GameMaker’s powerful functionality to design a game that really pushes the boundaries. Given the incredible standard of this year’s entries, I am only glad that the final decision was left in the hands of our loyal GameMaker and Opera GX communities.”

Jonathan Mannshoven of Retrific, said: “Colt Canyon wasn’t a bestseller when it launched last year. It wasn’t free from criticism either. But by working closely with the community, I’ve been able to make many improvements to the game which have helped turn a lot of criticism into positive feedback. Having all that hard work now paying off with Colt Canyon winning ‘Best Game’ at the GameMaker Awards 2021 is an overwhelming and surreal feeling – just incredible!

“GameMaker has always been my engine of choice as it is just so easy to use yet also powerful, enabling me to reach maximum productivity. Which as a solo developer is extremely valuable. Put simply – I wouldn’t be a game developer now if it wasn’t for GameMaker.”

Johan Vinet of Canari Games, added: “LUNARK started as a passion project to create a game in the genre I loved in my youth. Making it a reality became so clear that I decided to quit my job, start my own studio and launch a Kickstarter campaign. Winning the “Most Anticipated Game” award is an incredible recognition from the players and the GameMaker Community, which brings some welcome legitimacy and a massive confidence boost to actually finish the game! Thank you!”

Affiliate Events

Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner

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N1 Partners is heading to iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona with a clear focus on partners and the grand finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event dates, N1 Partners will welcome partners at the booth and host an exclusive evening side event in Barcelona, where the winner of the promo will be announced and awarded the grand prize: a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.

At iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Partners will welcome industry colleagues at booth 80-C80. Conversations at the stand will focus on performance, traffic strategies, and the key priorities for growth in 2026.

At booth 80-C80, visitors will find an exclusive “The Sky Is Not the Limit” merch drop created specifically for iGB Affiliate 2026. A cocktail bar will be part of the booth experience, making it a convenient meeting point throughout the day. The N1 Partners booth is designed as a space where partners can easily stop by, start a conversation, and spend time, combining a relaxed atmosphere with the right setting for discussing deals and strategies.

Interactive elements with prizes will add an engaging touch to booth visits. Most importantly, partners will be able to speak directly with N1 Partners affiliate managers about current market dynamics, upcoming trends for 2026, traffic performance, and individual cooperation terms.

N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Finale Party

The N1 Puzzle Promo has been running globally from April 21 to December 31, 2025, bringing partners together around a long-term competition built on performance and consistency. Over the course of the year, participants progressed through the promo step by step, moving up the leaderboard and unlocking rewards as they advanced toward the final stage.

On January 20, N1 Partners will host a private party in Barcelona to mark the grand finale of the N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event, the company will announce the top three partners and the winner of the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter

The evening is designed as a celebration of a year-long promo journey. It brings together partners, invited guests, and the N1 Partners team in an informal setting that combines recognition, entertainment, and shared moments. The program follows a structured show format with live performances and curated experiences created specifically for the N1 Partners community.

Find out who the special guest of the evening will be and secure your spot: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html 

 

Why Meet N1 Partners in Barcelona

iGB Affiliate 2026 is an opportunity for partners to reconnect with the N1 Partners team and benefit from:

  • 14+ licensed casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
  • Top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
  • CPA up to €700 for partners with top-performing traffic, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid models

Book your meetings with N1 Partners affiliate managers at booth 80-C80 and join the N1 Puzzle Promo finale in Barcelona.

After all, why drive when you can fly?

Be number one with N1 Partners.

The post Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Affiliate Management

N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing”

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In iGaming, many things start with a simple “hi” in chat. Messages turn into long conversations, calls follow one after another, yet the goal remains the same — to make traffic profitable. Behind every dialogue is a person with their own background, approach, and communication style — and that’s exactly what defines the success of any partnership.

Partners need to see more than just a messenger account — they need to see a real person they can trust with their traffic and their goals.

N1 Faces is a series of short and lively interviews where N1 Partners introduces the managers behind the affiliate program: their values, their workflows, and their unique management styles.

Today’s spotlight is on Daria Maichuk, Affiliate Manager at N1 Partners, who shares her journey into the industry, her approach to building reliable long-term partnerships, and how she maintains internal balance while working at a fast pace.

Daria Maichuk

Affiliate Manager, N1 Partners

Daria is the kind of manager whose calm mindset, attentiveness, and quick reaction become obvious within the first minutes of communication. She maintains a fast pace, yet always leaves room for a genuine conversation — and that’s what makes working with her both easy and productive.

How did you get into the affiliate industry, and when did you realize it was the right fit for you?

I entered the industry in 2019, starting as an account manager at an advertising network. We worked with push, pops, native — and I had the chance to dive into each vertical.

After four years, I felt the need to focus on one direction and look at the market from another angle — to understand how different traffic sources operate. The role of an affiliate manager offered exactly that: an opportunity to explore the product in depth, build long-term relationships with partners, see campaign launches from the inside, and directly influence performance.

Why N1 Partners? What aligned in terms of values and approach?

I had known about the company for a long time — since 2020. We ran push-traffic tests together, and met often at conferences. I always noticed the team’s energy, openness, and genuine passion for their work. N1 Partners felt like a place where people truly love what they do.

When the opportunity to join the team appeared, I immediately felt that the rhythm and atmosphere matched me perfectly.

What advice would you give yourself in your first month on the job?

Don’t be afraid of the information flow — trust yourself more. At first everything may seem overwhelming, but over time each puzzle piece falls into place, especially once real practice begins.

How do you usually start communication with a new partner? What’s important to understand in the first five minutes?

It’s ideal when both sides have time for a quick call — to meet, exchange expertise, and discuss all details and expectations for upcoming launches. We share the results we aim to see by certain deadlines, while the partner outlines their vision — which GEOs they want to run now and what conversion they expect.

For me, it’s important to understand how open the partner is, how willing they are to share details about their launch plans, and which approaches they intend to use. Our goal is always the same: find terms that are mutually beneficial.

How do you build trust with a partner to ensure productive cooperation?

Personal communication is key, and conferences help immensely. Face-to-face interaction allows you not only to discuss business but also to learn more about the person. Small details can significantly improve future communication and make it more trusting.

Sometimes one meeting is enough for the dialogue to become smoother, faster, and more efficient.

This personal contact becomes a bridge that simplifies any further work.

Are there cases when you need to give tough feedback? How do you do it while preserving trust and a good working relationship?

Yes, it happens — and in such situations I always rely on statistics and concrete data. Numbers speak for themselves, which keeps the conversation transparent, grounded, and efficient. We look at facts together and make decisions based on them.

Constructive feedback with clear recommendations often becomes the most valuable tool for mutual growth.

What personal communication rules help you maintain speed without sacrificing quality?

I follow several principles: be polite, listen carefully, ask the right questions, avoid interrupting, and clarify anything that may cause misunderstanding.

These simple rules help keep both the pace and the quality of communication high.

What energizes you outside of work, and how does it help in working with partners?

Anything connected to movement and social interaction: sports (three workouts a week), yoga, walking my dog, warm moments with family and friends.

Time spent outside work helps me recharge, stay balanced, and maintain my energy levels. Thanks to this, I remain attentive, calm, and ready for constructive dialogue with partners.

If not iGaming, then… who would you be?

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a flight attendant — I loved the atmosphere of travel and the feeling of being close to the sky.

Speaking of my current interests, I would probably choose marketing — maybe performance or targeted advertising. I’ve always been drawn to its dynamics and opportunities for creativity.

Name the Top-3 tools you can’t imagine an affiliate manager working without.

CRM systems and convenient communication channels

They structure daily workflow, simplify interaction, and help keep important details organized.

Monitoring dashboards and analytics tools

They make it possible to evaluate traffic quality, build reports, and make data-driven decisions.

Work devices & messengers

The backbone of daily communication — calls, quick discussions, approvals, and keeping constant contact with partners.

Phone, laptop, Telegram, and MS Teams are my essentials.

Join N1 Partners

To discuss a new launch, choose the right terms for your traffic, or test an offer, you can contact Daria directly.

N1 Partners provides everything partners need to stay ahead and achieve results: high-converting products, regular analytics with optimization recommendations, and full support from the team.

Become a partner: https://n1.partners/

N1 Partners is more than just an affiliate program. The company brings together 14+ casino and betting brands, operates in 10+ Tier-1 GEOs, delivers Reg2Dep rates of up to 70%, and offers competitive conditions for top partners — CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45%.

More than 14,000 partners trust N1 Partners for its transparency, flexibility, and an approach where people and communication quality play a central role.

The post N1 Faces: Daria Maichuk — “Communication as the Key to Strong, Effective Partnerships in Affiliate Marketing” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Affiliate Events

Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner

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on

taking-off-with-n1-partners-at-igb-affiliate-2026-in-barcelona:-grand-final-and-a-helicopter-for-the-n1-puzzle-promo-winner

N1 Partners is heading to iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona with a clear focus on partners and the grand finale of the global N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event dates, N1 Partners will welcome partners at the booth and host an exclusive evening side event in Barcelona, where the winner of the promo will be announced and awarded the grand prize: a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.

At iGB Affiliate 2026, N1 Partners will welcome industry colleagues at booth 80-C80. Conversations at the stand will focus on performance, traffic strategies, and the key priorities for growth in 2026.

At booth 80-C80, visitors will find an exclusive “The Sky Is Not the Limit” merch drop created specifically for iGB Affiliate 2026. A cocktail bar will be part of the booth experience, making it a convenient meeting point throughout the day. The N1 Partners booth is designed as a space where partners can easily stop by, start a conversation, and spend time, combining a relaxed atmosphere with the right setting for discussing deals and strategies.

Interactive elements with prizes will add an engaging touch to booth visits. Most importantly, partners will be able to speak directly with N1 Partners affiliate managers about current market dynamics, upcoming trends for 2026, traffic performance, and individual cooperation terms.

N1 Puzzle Promo Grand Finale Party

The N1 Puzzle Promo has been running globally from April 21 to December 31, 2025, bringing partners together around a long-term competition built on performance and consistency. Over the course of the year, participants progressed through the promo step by step, moving up the leaderboard and unlocking rewards as they advanced toward the final stage.

On January 20, N1 Partners will host a private party in Barcelona to mark the grand finale of the N1 Puzzle Promo. During the event, the company will announce the top three partners and the winner of the grand prize, a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter

The evening is designed as a celebration of a year-long promo journey. It brings together partners, invited guests, and the N1 Partners team in an informal setting that combines recognition, entertainment, and shared moments. The program follows a structured show format with live performances and curated experiences created specifically for the N1 Partners community.

Find out who the special guest of the evening will be and secure your spot: https://n1puzzle.promo/en.html 

 

Why Meet N1 Partners in Barcelona

iGB Affiliate 2026 is an opportunity for partners to reconnect with the N1 Partners team and benefit from:

  • 14+ licensed casino and sportsbook brands with Reg2Dep up to 70%
  • Top deals across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs
  • CPA up to €700 for partners with top-performing traffic, RevShare up to 45% + NNCO, and hybrid models

Book your meetings with N1 Partners affiliate managers at booth 80-C80 and join the N1 Puzzle Promo finale in Barcelona.

After all, why drive when you can fly?

Be number one with N1 Partners.

The post Taking Off with N1 Partners at iGB Affiliate 2026 in Barcelona: Grand Final and a Helicopter for the N1 Puzzle Promo Winner appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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