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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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HIPTHER

HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026

Published

4 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-announces-media-partnership-with-nightrush-ahead-of-prague-summit-2026

HIPTHER is proud to announce a new Media Partnership with Nightrush, officially launching alongside the highly anticipated HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026. The event will take place on 24–25 March 2026 at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha, bringing together leading voices from across Gaming and Technology.

Recognised as one of Europe’s premier boutique events for industry decision-makers, the Prague Summit unites professionals from iGaming, fintech, blockchain, AI, compliance, and digital innovation. Across two immersive days, attendees will engage in expert-led discussions, curated networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping regulated digital industries.

This new collaboration marks an important step in expanding industry dialogue and strengthening global connections within the iGaming ecosystem.

Strengthening Industry Connections Through Media Collaboration

Nightrush has rapidly established itself as a trusted media platform dedicated to connecting operators, providers, and players through in-depth content, expert reviews, industry news, and community-driven engagement. What began as a focused review platform has evolved into a dynamic hub that promotes collaboration, delivers practical insights, and supports responsible gambling initiatives across the wider iGaming landscape.

Under the leadership of Brand Manager Olesea Naidion, Nightrush continues to expand its influence within the global iGaming community. Olesea will also take the stage at Prague Summit 2026, sharing expertise on brand strategy, digital marketing, user acquisition, and long-term player loyalty.

Through this Media Partnership, HIPTHER and Nightrush will collaborate to amplify key industry conversations, increase visibility for thought leadership, and support meaningful engagement among stakeholders before, during, and beyond Prague Summit 2026.

Prague Summit 2026: Celebrating a Decade of Impact

Marking 10 years of impact across Gaming and Technology, the 2026 edition of the HIPTHER Prague Summit will feature its most ambitious programme to date. The event will host four dedicated stages, covering compliance, expert panels, strategic industry themes, and practical education through the HIPTHER Academy.

Attendees can expect:

In-depth regulatory and compliance discussions
Responsible Gaming and Player Safety sessions supported by international regulators
High-level networking with operators, suppliers, innovators, and policymakers
The prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026

Within this context, the partnership with Nightrush will play a key role in advancing knowledge sharing, fostering transparency, and supporting long-term growth across regulated digital industries.

A Shared Vision for the Future

HIPTHER and Nightrush are united by a shared vision: to build stronger connections across the iGaming community and enable collaboration that drives innovation, trust, and sustainable industry development.

The Media Partnership debuting at Prague Summit 2026 represents the start of a broader collaboration focused on year-round content creation, community engagement, and cross-industry dialogue—further strengthening the foundations of the global iGaming ecosystem.

The post HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Dream Play

Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play

Published

6 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

hyper-gems-—-a-new-cosmic-adrenaline-release-from-dream-play

Dream Play continues to grow its lineup with Hyper Gems, a space-themed slot designed around speed, rising tension, and escalating multipliers.

Set within a deep cosmic environment of glowing nebulae and radiant crystal symbols, the game delivers a sharp, modern visual style. The bottom control panel reflects Dream Play’s signature polish — a centered spin button, sleek metallic controls, and a clean layout that keeps attention firmly on momentum and gameplay.

Fast Base Game, Reactive Multiplier

The base game moves at a rapid pace thanks to avalanche mechanics, where winning symbols disappear and new ones fall into place seamlessly.

Multipliers in the base game apply on a per-spin basis.
If a multiplier lands and connects with a win during that same spin, the payout is instantly boosted. Miss the connection, and it resets — keeping each spin dynamic and unpredictable.

The experience feels fast, immediate, and full of energy.

Bonus Game — Where the Adrenaline Builds

The pace shifts dramatically in the Bonus Game.

Once triggered — or activated through the Buy Bonus option — the atmosphere intensifies. The background changes, colors grow bolder, and symbol connections trigger subtle grid shake effects that add impact to every win.

The biggest change comes with the multiplier behavior.

In the bonus round, the multiplier no longer resets. Instead, it accumulates with every spin, even when no win lands. Tension builds as the value climbs spin after spin, until a winning cascade finally connects and the entire payout is multiplied by the full accumulated total.

Several quiet spins can stack significant potential, only for one sudden cascade to unleash it all at once. This is where Hyper Gems delivers its core rush.

Pop-Ups, Sound & Visual Identity

Hyper Gems features distinct Big Win, Epic Win, and Mega Win pop-ups, each with unique animations and visual styling. Transitions are smooth, modern, and fast, designed to maintain momentum rather than disrupt it.

Every win feels lively and visually rewarding.

The soundtrack reinforces the pace with a driving, space-inspired rhythm that rises alongside multiplier growth and intensifies during cascades.

Combined with strong visual effects and subtle grid movement in the bonus round, Hyper Gems delivers a cohesive, high-energy experience.

With its avalanche gameplay, accumulating bonus multiplier, and maximum win potential of x1000, Hyper Gems stands out as a release focused on escalation, tension, and momentum.

Step into the cosmic arena and experience Hyper Gems:
https://api.dreamplay.games/launch/virtual?game=hyper-gems

The post Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Dream Play

Hyper Gems — A New Cosmic Adrenaline Release from Dream Play

Published

6 hours ago

February 6, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

Dream Play expands its portfolio with Hyper Gems, a space-themed slot built around speed, tension, and multiplier escalation.

Set against a deep cosmic backdrop filled with glowing nebulae and vibrant crystal symbols, the game delivers a sharp, modern presentation.

The bottom control panel follows Dream Play’s polished design approach — centered spin button, smooth metallic controls, clean layout — keeping the focus entirely on action and momentum.

Fast Base Game, Reactive Multiplier

The base game moves quickly thanks to avalanche mechanics — winning symbols disappear and new ones cascade into place without breaking the flow.

Here, the multiplier works per spin.

If it lands and a winning combination connects in that same spin, the payout is instantly amplified. If not, it resets — keeping the gameplay reactive and dynamic.

It’s fast. Immediate. Energetic.

Bonus Game — Where Adrenaline Builds

The real shift happens in the Bonus Game.

Once triggered — or accessed via Buy Bonus — the atmosphere intensifies. The background changes, colors become more aggressive, and during symbol connections the grid adds a subtle shake effect, reinforcing the impact of every hit.

Most importantly, the multiplier no longer resets.

Instead, it accumulates with every spin — even if no win lands. The tension builds. Spin after spin, the number grows. And when a winning combination finally connects, the entire payout is multiplied by the full accumulated value.

Several spins can quietly stack the multiplier — and then one cascade suddenly lands, amplifying the entire win in a single surge.

That is where Hyper Gems delivers its core adrenaline.

Pop-Ups, Sound & Visual Identity

Hyper Gems features distinct Big, Epic and Mega Win pop-ups, each with its own animation style and visual identity. The transitions are dynamic, modern, and fast — designed to enhance momentum rather than interrupt it.

Every win feels energetic and visually impactful.

The soundtrack supports the pace with a driving, space-inspired rhythm, rising alongside multiplier growth and intensifying during cascades.

Together with the visual effects and subtle grid shake in the bonus round, the game creates a cohesive, high-energy presentation.

With its avalanche engine, accumulating bonus multiplier and max win potential of x1000, Hyper Gems stands out as a release built around escalation and momentum.

Step into the cosmic arena and experience Hyper Gems.
https://api.dreamplay.games/launch/virtual?game=hyper-gems