Latest News
Colt Canyon crowned ‘Best Game’ and LUNARK ‘Most Anticipated’ at GameMaker Awards 2021
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!”
Amusnet
Week 4/2026 slot games releases
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming
Red Papaya, the vibrant flagship studio powered by Microgaming, has officially launched its latest blockbuster title: Nova Blast Ultra. Strapping players into a high-octane journey to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, this cosmic release blends high-end cinematic production with a suite of volatile mechanics.

XGENIA, the creator-first AI platform revolutionising game development, and Primero Games, a leader in retail and online gaming solutions, announced a landmark collaboration that brings to life Primero’s first AI-generated slot game: Blackbeard Bounty.



has launched its 2026 roadmap with the fiery release of Cash Strike X-Cash. The latest addition to the globally renowned series refreshes gameplay with a newly introduced win multiplier and the chance to trigger a dual bonus.

Gaming Corps has launched Fins of Fortune, its newest video slot that includes two rival Wild characters, coin-based prize symbols, and various Free Spins features. Set in the dusky depths of the sea, Fins of Fortune centers its gameplay on the competition between the Shark and the Orca, as both animals emerge from the shadows in search of the ocean’s buried treasure.


plunges into the depths for a mining-inspired journey in Gold Strike Express
, where players can boost their winning potential by unlocking two extra bonus features. The 5×3, 20 payline slot features a unique train-themed mechanism that offers three bonus paths aimed at enhancing retention and revenue outcomes.

: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo
, the newest installment in the enduring Immortal Romance
franchise.
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Games Global
Games Global and Stormcraft Studios extend the supernatural franchise with Immortal Romance: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo
, Power Combo
, and Wild Desire
Purchase Feature unite in an exciting slot experience.
: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo
, the newest installment in the enduring Immortal Romance
franchise.
, launched in 2011, has maintained a consistent presence in regulated markets, celebrated for its gothic style and story-driven gameplay structure. Immortal Romance
: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo
enhances that groundwork, progressing Sarah’s narrative while offering a contemporary, feature-rich slot.
Bonus. The Cash and Jackpot symbols secure their positions as the feature starts with three re-spins, resetting with every new symbol that appears, and filling all spots grants the Mega Jackpot.
, revealing as many as 31 potential feature combinations. These combinations create different structures and payout dynamics, guaranteeing that no two bonuses unfold alike.
Bonus with several modifiers already in effect, while the Twin Flames modifier may grant a double Link&Win
Bonus, with each round operating separately.
Buy Feature makes a comeback as an optional enhancement. With a bet of 100x, the feature provides a solitary spin across 1,024 winning possibilities, during which as many as five reels can become fully Wild, presenting increased win potential of up to 10,000x.Immortal Romance
: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo
is a visually striking slot designed for operators seeking established IP, with the release further showcasing Games Global’s commitment to curating diverse, high-performing franchises for its partners.
Terence Igesund, Executive Producer at Stormcraft Studios, said: “Immortal Romance
: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo
was created to move the Immortal Romance universe forward while staying true to what players love most about it. We focused on giving Sarah her defining moment, a personalised chapter so to speak. One that feels powerful and elevated, supported by gameplay that’s bold but cohesive. It’s a confident evolution of the brand and a clear signal of where the series is headed next.”
The post Games Global and Stormcraft Studios extend the supernatural franchise with Immortal Romance: Sarah’s Secret Power Combo appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
X Games and Stake Announce Groundbreaking Global Partnership to Revolutionize Action Sports Betting
X Games, the undisputed cultural home of action sports, today announced a global partnership naming Stake as the exclusive online casino and sports betting partner of the X Games League (XGL). This historic collaboration marks a significant evolution for X Games as it prepares to launch the X Games League, integrating elite competition with next-generation fan engagement and sports wagering.
As the X Games continues to push the boundaries of progression, this partnership leverages Stake’s position as the world’s leading online casino and sports betting platform to reach a digitally native, global audience. Building on the foundation laid by official data provider Alt Sports Data, fans will now have unprecedented access to live odds and betting integrations on Stake and across the X Games ecosystem.
Key Partnership Highlights:
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Official Status: Stake becomes the Exclusive Online Casino & Sports Betting Partner for the X Games League (XGL).
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Integrated Betting Experience: Real-time odds provided by Alt Sports Data will be featured during broadcasts, offering fans a seamless way to engage with the competition.
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Athlete Collaboration: A new Athlete Ambassador Fund will support top-tier X Games athletes in creating exclusive, co-branded content for the global community.
X Games livestreamed only on KICK
All four global XGL events each year, including the upcoming Winter Games in Aspen, will be live streamed on KICK, the exclusive home of livestreaming. This coverage also includes both the Summer and Winter XGL Drafts, giving fans access to every key moment throughout the season.
Executive Perspectives:
“Partnering with Stake is a monumental step in building the next generation of X Games. We are officially open for gaming and betting, providing our fans with the adrenaline-fueled engagement they crave. This isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s a strategic alignment that strengthens our business as we scale the X Games League globally. With the data expertise of Alt Sports Data and the reach of Stake, we are ready to redefine the fan experience starting right here in Aspen,” said Cherie Cohen, Chief Revenue Officer at X Games
“We’re excited to partner with X Games to explore new ways fans can engage with extreme sports. Our shared focus on innovation and entertainment makes this a natural collaboration. By bringing Stake’s advanced gaming technology to the X Games’ global audience, we’re creating experiences that reflect the intensity and energy that define elite extreme sports competition,” says Akhil Sarin, Chief Marketing Officer at Stake.
Looking Ahead
The partnership officially kicks off at X Games Aspen (January 23-25, 2026), followed by the Summer XGL Draft in March. As the X Games League continues its global expansion, Stake and Kick.com will remain at the forefront of the broadcast and digital experience.
The post X Games and Stake Announce Groundbreaking Global Partnership to Revolutionize Action Sports Betting appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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