Latest News

Escape Studios partners with Epic Games and leading European animation schools to deliver world’s largest training programme in Unreal Engine

Published

5 years ago

July 23, 2021

Mark Flanagan, Education Partner Manager, Epic Games said: “The Summer of Unreal is an incredible opportunity that is open to professionals in animation and VFX all across Europe, and we couldn’t be happier to invite the industry to participate. Escape Studios is a wonderful partner who, along with a number of Europe’s best animation schools, are running this programme, which is set to be the biggest Unreal Engine training that we’ve undertaken to date. We’re excited to help all learners find new ways to tell awesome stories and express their creativity using Unreal Engine.”

Saint Walker, Deputy Dean of Escape Studios, said: “The Summer of Unreal is a fantastic opportunity for animation and 3D CGI professionals across Europe to discover more about the cutting-edge technology on offer with Unreal Engine.

“We’ve worked with top animation companies to create a novel animation-centric way of teaching Unreal Engine, in one of the most ambitious training programmes that Escape Studios has been involved with – our vision of a pan-European festival of learning in Unreal Engine has gained us amazing academic partners in the form of some of the best animation schools in the world. We invite learners across Europe to join us. Make your summer staycation Unreal!”

The Summer of Unreal will be taught online in English and is free-of-charge to professionals working in the animation, motion graphics and VFX industry who want an informal group experience of learning Unreal Engine over the holiday period. The course will feature daily workshops covering all the major aspects of using Unreal Engine interspersed with practice time, teamwork, as well as demonstrations and masterclasses from some of Europe’s premiere companies and artists showing how they use the platform in their work.

Mark Spevick, Escape Studios’ Head of 3D VFX will be the main ‘showrunner’ for the Summer of Unreal. The unique role used in Escapes’ larger courses ensures that tutors get to hear and address the most important questions from the online shop floor through Mark’s advocacy. Mark combines teaching and programme design with senior industry experience, having worked at Peerless Camera, the production house co-owned by Terry Gilliam.

Partner quotes

Timothy Leborgne, Head of Talent & Skills Development, The Animation Workshop/VIA University College
“A course such as Summer of Unreal is very welcome. Whether you look at film, animated series, or games we can all see a growing demand for rapid development and competent animators. And Unreal Engine is one particularly advanced tool and software we can’t avoid as professionals in the future. So, I am excited and happy we bring such a valuable course to professionals in our industry. By partnering with such competent institutions and studios across Europe, we have ensured that the course will deliver the best training.”

Gilbert Kiner, President, ARTFX
“Since its creation in 2004, ARTFX has been dedicated to training students using the latest technology and software. Beyond using this engine for our Games courses, Unreal has also been integrated into the previz pipeline for our VFX programs. We are very happy and proud to have been chosen as the exclusive French partner for this collaborative initiative.”

Felix Balbás, Area Director of Animation & VFX at La Salle-URL
“Unreal Engine is a reality we can’t ignore. No longer only in videogames and recently virtual production, now more than ever the future of any visual content creation and in particular animation and VFX, must take this evolution into account. Not only in previs stage, but also in full production. This is why La Salle-URL’s commitment towards promoting state-of-the-art training along with leader institutions at a European level is reflected in the Summer of Unreal.”

Miljana Jovović, Executive Director, Crater Training Center
“We are happy to join the Summer of Unreal as partners for Southeastern Europe, as we see this project as a great chance to upskill and connect professionals across the continent. We have spent the first part of 2021 educating university professors in Serbia in Unreal Engine so they could implement the newly-gained knowledge to their study programs and introduce the software to their students.”

Katja Schmid, Visual Effects and Post Production Professor, Hochschule der Medien
“Many artists in the industry have been waiting for this course. Now the time has come. At the moment, Unreal is one of the most in-demand tools in the industry. The response to the course announcement has been fantastic. It’s just an amazing opportunity not only to get trained for free but also to be part of a most inspiring community! We are very impressed by this large-scale project and excited to be contributing.”

Gareth Lee, Screen Skills Ireland Manager
“Screen Skills Ireland is hugely excited to be part of the Summer of Unreal. This is a unique opportunity for Irish screen sector professionals to learn about the powerful capabilities of Unreal Engine from industry experts, as well as connect with their peers across Europe.”

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Conferences

HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 Becomes History: 400 Industry Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Impact in a Landmark Edition

Published

3 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-prague-summit-2026-becomes-history:-400-industry-leaders-celebrate-10-years-of-impact-in-a-landmark-edition

The HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 has officially concluded, marking not only the end of another exceptional edition, but the celebration of a defining milestone: 10 Years of Impact.

Bringing together nearly 400 professionals from across iGaming, technology, fintech, compliance, AI, and blockchain, this year’s summit stood as the most ambitious and dynamic edition to date — two days of high-level insights, meaningful connections, hands-on learning, and unforgettable experiences.

From early-morning wellness sessions to late-night celebrations, HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 delivered a complete, immersive industry experience — one that will be remembered as a benchmark moment for the European Gaming & Tech ecosystem.

A Summit Designed for Insight, Strategy & Real Connections

Held on 24–25 March 2026 at OREA Hotel Andel’s Prague, the summit once again proved why it remains a cornerstone event where technology, compliance, and innovation converge.

The 10th Anniversary edition expanded into its full-scale format featuring:

Three core conference stages
The hands-on HIPTHER Academy
The GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Curated networking experiences across every touchpoint

The result? A boutique, high-impact environment where conversations weren’t just happening — they were shaping the next decade of the industry.

Four Stages. One Unified Vision of the Future

The summit unfolded across four stages, bringing together compliance, regulation, business strategy, and innovation into one cohesive narrative. From regulatory deep dives and enforcement trends to cross-industry discussions spanning iGaming, fintech, AI, and media, the agenda balanced specialization with meaningful dialogue between operators, suppliers, and advisors.

A standout element was the dedicated Responsible Gaming & Player Safety focus on Day 2, curated by the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH). This track placed player protection and sustainable industry growth at the forefront, addressing emerging risks, early detection mechanisms, and the need for greater cross-border regulatory alignment through expert-led panels and case-driven discussions.

Elevating the conference, the HIPTHER Academy further expanded the summit’s scope into a practical learning environment, offering hands-on workshops and certifications across AI, compliance, marketing, and leadership. With a clear emphasis on real-world application, the Academy positioned itself as a platform for professionals looking to strengthen both their expertise and strategic impact.

Networking: From Morning Energy to Nights of Excellence

At HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, networking extended far beyond the conference floor, shaping the experience from early morning and delicious breaks, to late-night celebrations.

The days began with intention, from a calming yoga session on Day 1 to the Morning Networking Run on Day 2 — blending wellness, movement, and connection in true #hipthers style.

As evening fell, the spotlight turned to recognition and celebration. The GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 honoured the industry’s standout performers, announced in the exciting Endorphina Club Party & Awards Ceremony at Buddha-Bar Prague. As the official Awards Ceremony & Party Sponsor, Endorphina delivered a premium networking experience where prestige met Asian culture and vibrant energy.

The momentum continued with the Closing Party at Reduta Jazz Club, while the now-traditional Unofficial Karaoke Afterparty added a final, memorable touch — proving once again that the strongest connections are often built beyond the stage.

Powered by Industry Leaders: Our Sponsors

The success of HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 was made possible thanks to the incredible support of its partners and sponsors:

Grand Stage Sponsor: Tom Horn Gaming
Grand Quality & Compliance Sponsor: Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)
Silver Sponsor & Badge/Bracelet Sponsor: Kanggiten
Awards Ceremony & Party Sponsor: Endorphina
Lanyard Sponsor: DSTGAMING
General Sponsors: Gaming in Poland, RM Legal, WinSpirit Casino

Their continued support reflects a shared commitment to advancing innovation, compliance, and collaboration across the industry.

A Decade of Impact — And the Next Chapter Begins

Under the theme “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Impact,” the 2026 edition didn’t just celebrate the past — it set the tone for what comes next.

Zoltan Tündik – HIPTHER Co-Founder & Head of Business stated: “Reaching the 10-year milestone with the HIPTHER Prague Summit is a proud moment of reflection for us. With 19 years of navigating the ever-evolving media and news landscape, we have seen firsthand how vital authentic connection is to industry progress. This edition was a celebration of a decade of impact, but it was also a launchpad for our next chapter. Over the next five years, our focus is on consolidation. We are deepening our roots in the CEE, D-A-CH, Baltic, and Nordic regions. However, we aren’t standing still. We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the HIPTHER Balkans Summit in 2027, and we are keeping a very close watch on North America. The market there is ripe for the unique ‘HIPTHER-style’ of boutique, high-value networking, and I suspect we may have some surprises in store for that region very soon.”

Get ready for the next great chapter starting next year — Save the Date & Join us: 23–24 March 2027

Over the last decade, HIPTHER Prague Summit has grown into a trusted platform for knowledge-sharing, cross-border dialogue, and real business connections, bringing together regulators, operators, innovators, and decision-makers shaping the future of Gaming & Tech .

And if this edition proved anything, it’s that the next decade will be even bigger.

The post HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 Becomes History: 400 Industry Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Impact in a Landmark Edition appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

DigerPAM

Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators

Published

3 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

digicode-launches-digerpam:-a-next-generation-player-account-management-system-for-igaming-operators

International software provider Digicode has unveiled DigerPAM, an enterprise-grade Player Account Management (PAM) system designed to serve as the operational backbone for modern iGaming operators. DigerPAM integrates core account management, CRM, compliance, promotions, analytics, and growth workflows into a single, scalable platform, giving operators full visibility, control, and performance across their brands and player base.

Built for operational excellence and regulatory compliance
Engineered for operators navigating complex regulations and multi-brand strategies, DigerPAM centralises every player interaction—from acquisition and registration to lifecycle engagement and retention—within one intelligent framework.

Key capabilities include:

Unified operational core: Manage player profiles, wallets, CRM, bonus engines, content, compliance workflows, and reporting seamlessly from a single system.
Full lifecycle oversight: Track and engage players from first interaction to lifetime value with real-time behavioural insights and segmentation.
Built-in compliance and reporting: Optional KYC/identity verification, responsible gaming tools, immutable tax logs, and regulatory reporting across jurisdictions.
Modular, scalable architecture: Cloud-agnostic microservices built for high-traffic, multi-currency operations and rapid provider integration.
Optional suite integrations: Full compatibility with Digicode’s ecosystem, including DigerRGS, DigerPay, DigerClick, and DigerCompanion, to expand platform functionality.

A solution for modern iGaming realities
DigerPAM supports both standalone operations and complex multi-brand ecosystems, giving operators actionable insights into player behaviour, campaign performance, compliance readiness, and key business KPIs—all without relying on fragmented legacy systems.

“Operators today need a unified engine that not only manages accounts but drives growth with intelligence and compliance at its core,” said Max Maslii, Global CEO at Digicode. “DigerPAM delivers a single, cohesive view across the player lifecycle, eliminates operational fragmentation, and empowers brands to scale confidently.”

The post Digicode Launches DigerPAM: A Next-Generation Player Account Management System for iGaming Operators appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Sporting Risk Extends Sportradar’s Agreement to Deliver Player Markets Across 50 Soccer Competitions

Published

3 hours ago

April 1, 2026

Wladimir P.

sporting-risk-extends-sportradar’s-agreement-to-deliver-player-markets-across-50-soccer-competitions

Sporting Risk, the sports analytics company specializing in predictive models for market-leading pricing and betting content, has announced the extension of its soccer distribution agreement with Sportradar Group AG.

Sporting Risk’s team and player stat markets are now accessible to Sportradar’s global network of 800 sportsbook operator clients via the Unified Odds Feed (UOF). Covering up to 50 pre-match competitions and 24 in-play competitions, the extensive player market coverage and combinability enhances Sportradar’s existing soccer portfolio. This portfolio already includes exclusive betting data agreements with AFC, Bundesliga, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF, CAF, MLS, and UEFA, offering operators a comprehensive, standout soccer betting experience.

For the upcoming World Cup, Sporting Risk will expand its offering to include 100+ player markets, spanning singles, head-to-head, micro markets, and multis, ensuring players have a wide range of betting opportunities.

Sporting Risk’s solutions are designed for real-time engagement, delivering fast, relevant, and entertaining betting options that align with player behaviour and market demand.

Andy Phillips, CBDO at SportingRisk.com, said:
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Sportradar and reach its unmatched operator network. With the World Cup on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to enhance our offering for the tournament. Together, we’re redefining how player data and analytics power the next generation of betting experiences.”

Karl Danzer, SVP Business Development, Sports Content at Sportradar, added:
“Partnering with Sporting Risk ensures our operator clients have access to a market-leading soccer portfolio, helping drive engagement with the world’s most popular sport.”

The post Sporting Risk Extends Sportradar’s Agreement to Deliver Player Markets Across 50 Soccer Competitions appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.