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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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Belatra

Belatra Games Teams Up with SlotCatalog to Expand Reach

Published

31 minutes ago

May 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

belatra-games-teams-up-with-slotcatalog-to-expand-reach

Belatra, a prominent innovator in online slot development, has unveiled a strategic collaboration with SlotCatalog, a leading independent slot database and content discovery platform trusted across the industry.

This partnership emphasizes transparent communication with players by presenting Belatra’s entire game portfolio, including its strengths and areas where improvements can be made. The initiative aims to foster trust in the Belatra brand, showcase its diverse collection of titles, and keep players updated on new releases. SlotCatalog serves as a key platform for players to build confidence in game studios and their offerings, making it an ideal ally for Belatra in reaching and engaging its audience effectively.

Founded in 2016, SlotCatalog has rapidly established itself as a reliable resource for players, operators, and development studios. The platform provides comprehensive game data, impartial reviews, and timely industry updates, making it a central hub for slot-related insights.

Kateryna Goi, Chief Marketing Officer at Belatra, emphasized the alignment between the two organizations: SlotCatalog’s data highlights the trust players place in its platform. In turn, the platform delivers transparency and honest content for its audience—precisely what we, as a studio, are seeking. We’re confident in the quality of our games and excited about directly engaging with players. With exciting new launches planned for the summer and autumn seasons, we are eager to share them through this partnership.

Daria Kushnir, Chief Marketing Officer at SlotCatalog, highlighted the value of collaboration: “Success in this industry is fueled by goal-driven partnerships rather than mere transactions. Together with Belatra, we aim to connect the right players with the right games more quickly. This synergy between their rich game portfolio and our audience intelligence offers an excellent foundation for consistent growth and results over time.”

The post Belatra Games Teams Up with SlotCatalog to Expand Reach appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Aviator Studio

Aviator Studio Achieves Major Legal Victory in São Paulo

Published

31 minutes ago

May 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

aviator-studio-achieves-major-legal-victory-in-sao-paulo

Brazilian courts persist in denying SPRIBE’s injunction efforts as Aviator Studio achieves another two-instance triumph in São Paulo.

Aviator Studio achieved another legal triumph in Brazil as São Paulo courts denied further injunction requests submitted by SPRIBE in cases directly involving Aviator Studio.

Significantly, the recent decisions relate to the direct legal contention between Aviator Studio and SPRIBE, distinct from the previously mentioned cases involving Foggo Entertainment and Betnacional.

After securing consecutive wins in Brazil related to Foggo Entertainment, Aviator Studio has now announced that courts in São Paulo have also ruled in its favor at both judicial levels of the case.

In every instance, the courts denied the immediate actions requested by SPRIBE. Consequently, Aviator Studio and its associates can maintain their operations while the wider AVIATOR trademark conflict advances through the evidential stage.

The rulings contribute to an escalating number of courtroom defeats for SPRIBE in Brazil and further bolster Aviator Studio’s legal stance in the related proceedings linked to the AVIATOR dispute, as associated cases progress in various jurisdictions.

Commenting on the development, representatives from Aviator Studio said: “These outcomes continue to confirm a clear judicial pattern. Attempts to obtain urgent injunctions against Aviator Studio and its partners in Brazil are consistently being rejected by the courts.”

The post Aviator Studio Achieves Major Legal Victory in São Paulo appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Altenar

Philippine Sportsbook ArenaPlus Selects Altenar as Technology Provider

Published

2 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Wladimir P.

philippine-sportsbook-arenaplus-selects-altenar-as-technology-provider

Altenar has entered the Philippines’ regulated sports betting market after being selected to power ArenaPlus, the flagship sportsbook platform of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. and the #1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines.

As part of the agreement, ArenaPlus is transitioning its sportsbook operations to Altenar’s advanced, fully-managed sportsbook solution. The platform includes customised betting options for enhanced localisation, fast in-play and live betting, advanced risk management, and compliance controls designed to support a mobile-first market.

Altenar’s in-house statistical model and automated pricing tools ensure a comprehensive player props portfolio on Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games, alongside faster odds updates, enabling ArenaPlus to further enhance its sports betting experience for users.

The deal further strengthens Altenar’s position as a trusted sportsbook technology provider in regulated markets worldwide, delivering high-performance and adaptable solutions that support operators’ long-term growth. By combining innovation with operational excellence, Altenar is setting the bar for reliability and growth across Asia.

Dinos Stranomitis, COO at Altenar said: “Partnering with DigiPlus to power ArenaPlus marks a key step in our entry into the Philippines, a highly engaged and rapidly growing regulated market. Our fully managed, localised sportsbook delivers the performance, stability, and compliance required in this market.

“This agreement reinforces our ability to support ambitious operators and establishes a solid foundation for long-term growth.”

Erick Su, Head of ArenaPlus, added: “Altenar provides the technical strength and reliability needed to elevate the ArenaPlus sportsbook experience. Their fully-managed solution aligns with our strategy for continued growth in the Philippines, particularly amid the rising demand for live and in-play sports betting.

“With Altenar’s technology in place, we can continue enhancing the player experience while building a partnership focused on long-term and sustainable growth.”

The post Philippine Sportsbook ArenaPlus Selects Altenar as Technology Provider appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.