Latest News
Escape Studios partners with Epic Games and leading European animation schools to deliver world’s largest training programme in Unreal Engine
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.”
Atlaslive
Why Customer Support Defines Platform Performance in 2026
Technology powers iGaming platforms—but customer support defines their stability, resilience, and long-term performance. As regulation matures and competition intensifies, support has evolved from a reactive function into a critical operational pillar.
In this article, Atlaslive examines how customer support is shaping platform performance in Brazil’s regulated iGaming environment in 2026, playing a decisive role in risk mitigation, compliance, and scalable growth.
When Minutes Translate Into Losses
In Brazil’s regulated market, even brief disruptions can have immediate and measurable consequences. Payment interruptions, bonus logic errors, KYC friction, or odds instability directly impact regulatory compliance, player retention, and revenue performance.
During high-traffic sporting events, minutes of downtime can quickly escalate into financial losses—making rapid response and issue resolution a non-negotiable requirement for operators.
System Interconnectivity and Operational Risk
Modern iGaming platforms are deeply interconnected ecosystems. Sportsbook engines, casino modules, CRM systems, payment providers, anti-fraud tools, business intelligence layers, and regulatory integrations must function in perfect coordination.
Customer support sits at the center of this ecosystem, ensuring continuity across systems and acting as the first line of defense against cascading failures. Whether it’s a boost malfunction before kickoff, withdrawal bottlenecks, or mobile instability during traffic spikes, operational speed and technical precision are essential to protect both short-term revenue and long-term player value.
Localization as a Form of Risk Mitigation
In regulated markets like Brazil, local expertise is a strategic advantage. Understanding Pix payment dynamics, Brasileirão schedules, and local compliance reporting requirements significantly improves response times and decision-making.
Support teams that operate within the local context are better equipped to anticipate issues, communicate clearly with operators, and build trust through informed, culturally aligned interactions.
The Difference Between Coverage and Competence
While true 24/7 coverage is essential for global operations, competence—not availability alone—defines high-performance support.
Strategic support teams must possess deep technical expertise, capable of handling odds configuration, risk analysis, payment API integrations, and complex platform migrations. This level of proficiency separates proactive partners from standard call-center-style support models.
Proactive Support in Practice
At Atlaslive, customer support accompanies operators throughout the entire platform lifecycle. Direct communication channels, clearly defined SLAs, and continuous monitoring enable real-time optimization and early issue detection—often preventing incidents before they affect revenue or compliance.
As Bruno Almeida, Head of Sales LATAM at Atlaslive, explains:
“What clients consistently praise about Atlaslive is that our support goes far beyond issue resolution. Our managers understand the local culture, speak the operator’s language, and work in the same timezone, allowing us to identify needs faster, communicate more clearly, and act proactively before issues impact revenue.”
Regulation and Competitive Maturity
With Brazil’s regulatory framework fully active in 2026, operators are increasingly prioritizing platform stability, accountability, and long-term partnership value. In this environment, customer support becomes a defining competitive differentiator rather than a background service.
Atlaslive’s nomination for Best Customer Service at the European iGaming Awards reflects this approach—underscoring the industry’s growing recognition that operational excellence begins with support.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive is a B2B software development company specializing in multifunctional, automated platforms for sports betting and casino operators. The Atlaslive Platform includes Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and a Retail Module, enabling operators to optimize performance across the entire value chain.
Follow Atlaslive on LinkedIn to stay up to date with the latest developments in iGaming technology.
This document is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and was prepared by the Atlaslive team using publicly available sources. It does not constitute legal, financial, or business advice, nor an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Atlaslive does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information and accepts no liability for losses arising from its use.
The post Why Customer Support Defines Platform Performance in 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Latest News
Launch Of A Fresh Online Casino Guide 2026
SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, the leading gambling guide for South African players and active since 2003, has launched its refreshed 2026 Online Casino Guide, designed to help players navigate the local online gambling landscape with greater clarity and confidence.
The updated guide places a stronger focus on clear bonus explanations, ZAR-friendly banking insights, and a curated shortlist of standout casino brands, reflecting what South African players are actively searching for as 2026 begins. Key topics include South Africa online casino options, free spins, and free no deposit-style offers that allow players to try a platform before committing meaningful funds.
According to SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, the 2026 refresh brings these high-demand topics together in one streamlined resource, alongside practical “what to check first” guidance for anyone comparing a casino in South Africa or looking for a ZAR-focused online casino experience.
What’s New in the 2026 Guide
The 2026 update focuses on simplifying bonus-led casino browsing and reducing confusion for players. Key improvements include:
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A clearer bonus hub showcasing popular promotion types—especially free spins and free no deposit bonus offers—while explaining how they work, which games they apply to, and why they are so popular with South African-facing players.
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Expanded ZAR and banking context, with content tailored to South African payment preferences and familiar local deposit options.
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A refined “Star List” for 2026, spotlighting a select group of brands chosen for specific strengths such as bonuses, mobile usability, game variety, or combined sportsbook and casino access.
2026 Star List: Highlighted Online Casinos in South Africa
The 2026 Star List focuses on what truly matters to players when choosing an online casino in South Africa: the value of the welcome offer, clarity of bonus terms, quality of the game library, and overall reliability beyond the headline promotion.
Rather than overwhelming users with dozens of options, the guide presents a curated shortlist for players comparing free spins, free no deposit offers, and long-term value.
Hollywoodbets
Best for: A quick, low-commitment start.
Hollywoodbets stands out with its free R25 sign-up bet, making it easy for new players to get started. The addition of Evolution live casino content adds a premium feel, while the refer-a-friend feature offers extra value.
ZARbet
Best for: Free spins and game variety.
The guide highlights ZARbet’s 50 free spins on Big Blue Fishing (via coupon code) and a 125% match bonus up to R3,750. A strong provider lineup including NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Evolution adds depth.
Lucky Fish
Best for: A simple test-the-waters bonus.
Lucky Fish Casino is featured for its R50 free sign-up bonus and straightforward bonus structure, supported by games from NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Evolution.
Pantherbet
Best for: One-account convenience.
Pantherbet is positioned as an all-in-one option for players who want seamless access to both sports betting and casino games without juggling multiple accounts.
YesPlay
Best for: A broad entertainment platform.
YesPlay Casino combines casino games, lotteries, and sports betting, offering over 200 live-dealer and RNG games for players who prefer variety in a single platform.
How the 2026 Star List Is Selected
Rather than following industry hype, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za evaluates platforms based on practical, everyday player priorities. These include mobile usability, transparency of bonus terms, payment and withdrawal ease, game quality (including live casino options), and customer support responsiveness.
Each brand on the 2026 Star List is featured for a specific standout strength, helping players quickly identify which casino best suits their preferences.
What SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za Says
“Players are coming into 2026 looking for two things: a smoother online casino experience and clearer answers on bonuses,” a SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za spokesperson said. “This refresh is about cutting through the noise—highlighting our star list, explaining free spins and free no deposit casino bonus offers in plain language, and helping players understand what they’re actually signing up for.”
Website:
southafricancasinos.co.za
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive. Please play responsibly.
The post Launch Of A Fresh Online Casino Guide 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Affiliate Succes
CasinoBarcelona.es Taps NetRefer for a Next-Generation Affiliate Marketing Solution
CasinoBarcelona.es, a well-known online casino operator in Spain, has teamed up with NetRefer, the top data-driven, AI-enhanced affiliate marketing platform in the industry, to enhance the growth and management of its affiliate program.
CasinoBarcelona.es, part of Casinos Grup Peralada, has established a solid reputation as a top online casino operator in Spain. Operating since 2012, the brand has dedicated over ten years to enhancing its digital services, merging industry knowledge with a strong emphasis on player experience, responsible gaming, and enduring sustainability. Although grounded in a wider legacy of leisure and entertainment, its expansion has been fueled by digital activities and the capacity to foresee market trends.
Casino Barcelona’s online offerings include casino games, sports betting, and poker, featuring a diverse array of game types like slots and live roulette. Throughout the years, the operator has consistently broadened its catalogue, becoming the first online casino in Spain to exceed 5,000 slot games. This wide range of content showcases a sustained approach aimed at diversity, creativity, and providing a premium gaming experience tailored to various player tastes.
Accountable and sustainable practices are fundamental to Casinos Grup Peralada’s overall strategy, and specifically for CasinoBarcelona.es. The operator fosters a secure and open gaming atmosphere via its Responsible Gaming Decalogue and collaborates closely with expert organizations like Acencas. Moreover, a collaboration agreement with Bellvitge University Hospital enhances ongoing prevention and training efforts that strengthen its enduring dedication to player safety.
Various acknowledged certifications and standards also bolster this dedication. The organization possesses ECA + G4 accreditation for responsible gaming, in addition to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications for quality and environmental management. The Biosphere certification given to Casino Barcelona highlights its dedication to sustainability and responsible practices in the entertainment industry.
Affiliate marketing is essential for enhancing CasinoBarcelona.es’s growth strategy. By choosing NetRefer, the operator secures a platform aimed at providing performance transparency, dependable tracking, and effective partner management. This allows CasinoBarcelona.es to confidently track affiliate activities, enhance partnerships, and foster sustainable growth throughout its online operations.
Alejandro Mayol, Marketing Manager at CasinoBarcelona.es, said, “We had been looking for a technology partner to support the next stage of our affiliate strategy. Feedback from our affiliates highlighted the need for a more competitive solution. From the early stages of our discussions, NetRefer demonstrated the technological robustness and reliability we were looking for, which gave us the confidence to move forward with the partnership.”
Michael Saliba, Global Acquisitions Manager at NetRefer, commented, “Casino Barcelona is a respected and established online brand in the Spanish market, with a strong commitment to responsibility and long-term sustainability. We are proud to support their affiliate programme with stable, scalable technology that delivers the clarity and operational confidence teams need to grow in the competitive European and global markets.”
The post CasinoBarcelona.es Taps NetRefer for a Next-Generation Affiliate Marketing Solution appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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