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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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EuropeanGaming.eu

HIPTHER Confirms Removal of EuropeanGaming.eu from Its Portfolio

Published

12 minutes ago

February 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-confirms-removal-of-europeangaming.eu-from-its-portfolio

HIPTHER today reveals a strategic enhancement to its media portfolio. Starting January 2026, EuropeanGaming.eu will no longer be included in the HIPTHER portfolio.

This update comes after a finalized deal regarding the EuropeanGaming.eu domain. Consistent with best practices and contractual requirements, no additional information about the transaction will be revealed.

Notably, HIPTHER wants to directly clarify recent rumors: HIPTHER has not been sold, and there has been no alteration in ownership or control of the HIPTHER group.

The choice demonstrates an ongoing strategic emphasis on enhancing and expanding HIPTHER’s wider media ecosystem, which sustains a robust and expanding online presence across various sectors.

“EuropeanGaming.eu played an important role in HIPTHER’s journey, and we are proud of what was built over the years. This portfolio update is not an exit, but a refinement. HIPTHER remains fully independent, fully active, and more focused than ever on strengthening its core platforms and expanding our multi-industry media ecosystem. Our commitment to quality journalism, meaningful events, and global communities is unchanged.” – Zoltan Tundik, Co-Founder & Head of Business, HIPTHER.

HIPTHER’s active portfolio includes:
● eegaming.org
● gamingamericas.com
● gamingnewsroom.com
● hipther.com
● picante.today
● and the wider network of HIPTHER-owned portals and vertical platforms

Through these channels, HIPTHER continues to deliver in-depth coverage, analysis, and thought leadership across gaming, technology, fintech, blockchain, AI, cybersecurity, and adjacent industries, supported by its global events, community initiatives, and multimedia content.

HIPTHER remains fully committed to its mission of connecting industries, fostering dialogue, and building platforms that serve professionals, innovators, and decision-makers worldwide.

For partners, clients, and the wider community, this announcement is intended solely as a portfolio clarification and reassurance of HIPTHER’s continued growth and long-term vision.

The post HIPTHER Confirms Removal of EuropeanGaming.eu from Its Portfolio appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Book of Sobek

Hölle Games Releases Book of Sobek

Published

3 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

Hölle Games has released its latest online slot, Book of Sobek. This 5×3, 10 payline slot invites players to dive deep into the magical Nile and enter the aquatic temple of the ancient Crocodile God.

With every spin, the mighty Sobek may rise from the depths to bless the reels. When players manage to uncover 3 or more sacred Books, the temple chambers swing open, granting entry into the Free Games. Within this inner sanctum, a special expanding symbol is chosen; should it land, it will stretch across the reels like the flooding Nile, paving the way for monumental wins of up to 5000x. Featuring both Feature Buy and Fire Stake options, the game is available now for MGA with other markets coming soon.

The post Hölle Games Releases Book of Sobek appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Hub88

Hub88 and Odds88 Enters into Strategic Partnership with MINT

Published

3 hours ago

February 2, 2026

Wladimir P.

hub88-and-odds88-enters-into-strategic-partnership-with-mint

Hub88 and Odds88 have entered a strategic partnership with MINT, the advanced iGaming platform built on Web3 infrastructure, seeking to expand the new operator’s position at the forefront of iGaming innovation.

MINT is designed as a next-generation gaming ecosystem, set to provide tier-one iGaming and sportsbook expertise with the agility of Web3 technology. Backed by industry heavyweights including Hero Gaming, the platform will bring credibility, technical reliability and a premium user experience to a rapidly evolving market.

Through the partnership, Hub88 will provide MINT with seamless access to its portfolio of more than 12,000 titles, while supporting efficient platform development, streamlined integration and long-term scalability through a robust API. Odds88 will provide the operator’s sportsbook platform, with a highly customisable front-end, access to multiple odds feeds, with coverage of more than 1.5 million sports fixtures, and industry-leading risk management.

By leveraging both brands’ expertise, MINT will be able to focus on delivering consistency across verticals, frictionless onboarding and UX innovation – helping bridge the gap between traditional iGaming standards and emerging technological capabilities.

Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, said: “MINT represents a new generation of iGaming platforms that are approaching Web3 with the maturity and high standards the industry expects.

“Alongside Odds88, this partnership aligns with our focus on supporting innovative operator brands that prioritise scalability, reliability and user experience.”

Will Fyler, Managing Director at Odds88, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with MINT along with Hub88 as we raise the game. Our vision to disrupt the industry and deliver a truly forward-facing proposition make this collaboration truly exciting.

“The operator is driven by exceptional talent, and we can’t wait to go live this quarter. Let’s get minted.”

Zak Manhire, CEO at MINT, said: “MINT is all about redefining expectations. We will not only push the limits of Hub88 and Odds88 and challenge what’s possible, but in doing so, we’ll grow together, champion innovation, and deliver a platform that surprises players in the best possible way.”

The post Hub88 and Odds88 Enters into Strategic Partnership with MINT appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.