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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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AGS Interactive

AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments

Published

25 minutes ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

ags-interactive-strengthens-global-team-with-key-appointments

Brett Jackson, Vice President of Product Management, Interactive (L) and Angelo Daino, Country Manager for Europe, Interactive (R)

AGS Interactive (AGSi), a leading supplier of high-performing slots, table games, and interactive gaming products, has announced the appointment of two senior executives to bolster its global growth strategy.

Brett Jackson has been named Vice President of Product Management, Interactive, while Angelo Daino joins as Country Manager for Europe, Interactive. These appointments reinforce AGSi’s commitment to expanding its presence in regulated markets and enhancing product innovation worldwide.

Strategic Leadership for Global Expansion

Mark DeDeaux, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Slots at AGS, stated: “Brett and Angelo bring unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of the gaming industry that will support AGS’ global expansion. Brett’s leadership in product development and Angelo’s regional acumen and commercial capabilities position them as integral to AGS’ growth strategy.”

Brett Jackson – Driving Product Innovation

Jackson brings extensive experience in game development and product leadership, having held roles at Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder, Apple, and Atlassian.

In his new role, he will oversee AGSi’s product management initiatives, ensuring the development of innovative, user-focused gaming solutions across online and interactive platforms. Jackson combines customer insight with forward-thinking product vision to enhance AGSi’s portfolio and meet evolving market demands.

Angelo Daino – Leading European Market Growth

Daino brings over a decade of international commercial experience and four years in the iGaming industry. As Country Manager for Europe, he will lead strategic partnerships, market expansion, and operator engagement across regulated European territories.

His role focuses on commercializing AGSi’s online real-money gaming content and forging collaborations to expand the company’s footprint in key global markets.

Engagement Across Global Industry Events

AGSi plans to actively showcase its offerings and engage with partners at major upcoming events, including:

Enada Primavera – Rimini, Italy
IGA – San Diego, California
SBC Summit – Canada and Lisbon
IGB Live – London, UK

These events provide opportunities for AGSi to strengthen industry relationships, demonstrate its latest interactive products, and drive global growth initiatives.

Commitment to Innovation and Growth

The leadership appointments signal AGSi’s dedication to combining innovative gaming solutions with strategic international expansion. By leveraging Jackson’s product expertise and Daino’s regional experience, AGSi aims to solidify its position as a global leader in interactive gaming content.

The company continues to focus on delivering cutting-edge slot games, table games, and interactive platforms designed for regulated markets, ensuring partners and operators worldwide can access premium, scalable gaming solutions.

The post AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Casino Carrasco

WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers

Published

2 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

wsop-circuit-returns-to-latin-america-with-ggpoker-qualifiers

The prestigious World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP Circuit) is making a highly anticipated return to Latin America in 2026, with GGPoker offering exclusive online satellite tournaments for players aiming to secure a seat at the upcoming Montevideo stop.

Set to take place from May 18 to 25, 2026, the event will be hosted at the iconic Casino Carrasco in Montevideo, bringing together top poker talent from across the region and beyond.

A Major Poker Event Returns to Latin America

The WSOP Circuit Montevideo stop marks a significant moment for the Latin American poker scene, placing the region back in the global spotlight. The tournament series will feature 12 official gold ring events, alongside a full schedule of side tournaments, VIP experiences, and international media coverage.

With its scenic riverside setting and world-class facilities, Casino Carrasco provides an ideal backdrop for what is expected to be one of the most exciting poker festivals of the year.

According to Juan Carreño, Head of Spanish LatAm at GGPoker, the event represents a unique opportunity for players across Latin America to participate in a world-class poker experience in a premier destination.

GGPoker Launches Online Satellite Tournaments

To make the event accessible to a wider audience, GGPoker has introduced a comprehensive schedule of online satellite tournaments, running from March 30 to May 10, 2026.

These qualifiers allow players to secure entry into the live event at a fraction of the cost, with buy-ins and formats designed to suit players of all levels.

Key Satellite Highlights

$5 Daily Satellites (Mon–Fri): Multiple evening opportunities to qualify affordably
Freeroll Tournaments (Saturday): Chance to win satellite tickets without entry fees
$33 Package Qualifiers (Mon–Sat): Pathway to full event packages
$22 Last Chance Satellites (Sunday): Final opportunities to qualify
$215 Weekly Final (Sunday): High-stakes qualifier for premium entries

This structured approach ensures consistent opportunities for players worldwide to compete for a seat at the Montevideo event.

Day	Time (UTC +0)	Tournament Name
Mon–Fri	7-8-9-10-11 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $5 Daily Satellite
Saturday	8:30 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – Freeroll (5 x $215 satellite tickets)
Mon–Sat	12 AM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $33 Package Qualifier
Sunday	8 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $22 Last Chance Satellite
Sunday	11 PM	WSOP-C Uruguay – $215 Weekly Final

High Stakes and Exclusive Rewards

Beyond the prestige of competing in a WSOP Circuit event, players will have the chance to win official WSOP gold rings, one of the most coveted prizes in tournament poker.

Additionally, each event winner will receive a $5,000 package to the WSOP Circuit Championship at the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, adding further incentive for competitors.

This prize structure not only elevates the stakes but also connects the Montevideo stop to the broader global WSOP ecosystem.

Strengthening Latin America’s Poker Scene

The return of the WSOP Circuit to Latin America reflects the region’s growing importance in the global poker landscape. Countries across the continent have seen increased interest in both online and live poker, driven by expanding platforms and international events.

By hosting the event in Uruguay and offering accessible online qualifiers, GGPoker is helping to bridge the gap between online and live poker, enabling more players to transition from digital tables to major international tournaments.

A Premier Destination for Poker Enthusiasts

Montevideo’s blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty makes it an attractive destination for poker players and fans alike. Combined with the luxurious setting of Casino Carrasco, the event promises not only competitive poker action but also a memorable travel experience.

From professional players chasing titles to recreational participants seeking excitement, WSOP Circuit Montevideo 2026 is set to deliver a complete poker festival experience.

Conclusion

With exclusive qualifiers on GGPoker and a prestigious live event in Montevideo, the WSOP Circuit’s return to Latin America marks a major milestone for the region’s poker community.

The combination of accessible online satellites, high-value rewards, and a world-class venue ensures that this stop will be one of the standout events on the 2026 poker calendar.

Reference Article

A similar article about WSOP events and international poker tournaments can be found on PokerNews:

Related article: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/

This site provides comprehensive coverage of WSOP Circuit events, qualifiers, and global poker tournaments.

The post WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

eSports

MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth

Published

2 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

mega-appoints-morgan-tremaine-as-executive-producer-to-drive-esports-growth

Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA), the powerhouse behind the globally recognized Esports Awards, has announced the appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer.

The move signals a new phase of growth for the organization as it looks to elevate its live events, expand its intellectual property portfolio, and strengthen premium partnerships across the esports ecosystem.

Based in London, MEGA continues to position itself at the forefront of esports entertainment, with Tremaine now stepping into a key leadership role to guide its next chapter.

A Strategic Leadership Appointment

Having already served as producer for the Esports Awards since 2023, Morgan Tremaine’s promotion formalizes his role within MEGA’s senior leadership team. In his new position, he will oversee the development and production of MEGA’s full events portfolio, including flagship ceremonies and associated digital content.

His appointment reflects MEGA’s ambition to scale its globally recognized event properties and deliver more immersive, high-quality experiences for esports audiences worldwide.

Extensive Experience in Live Production

Tremaine brings over 13 years of experience in live production, content creation, and large-scale event execution. His career spans major media and esports organizations, including roles at TMZ and Esports Engine.

He is also the Founder and CEO of Cuer, a next-generation platform designed to streamline live broadcasts and event production workflows.

Throughout his career, Tremaine has contributed to some of the most high-profile events in gaming and beyond, including TwitchCon and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games streaming initiatives. His portfolio also includes collaborations on Twitch Rivals and major brand activations such as the Fortnite x Polo Ralph Lauren launch.

Collaborations with Global Brands and Talent

Tremaine’s work extends beyond event production into strategic brand partnerships and talent collaborations. He has worked with globally recognized companies such as Ford, Samsung, and Doritos.

In the gaming and streaming space, he has collaborated with leading creators including Pokimane, Quackity, and Botez Sisters, reinforcing his deep connections within the esports and content creator ecosystems.

Driving MEGA’s Event Evolution

In his new role, Tremaine will work closely with publishers, platforms, and commercial partners to shape both the creative and commercial direction of MEGA’s events. His responsibilities will include:

Leading executive production for flagship ceremonies
Supporting strategic partnership development
Enhancing brand integrations and audience engagement
Driving innovation across live and digital event formats

He will also contribute to MEGA’s agency operations, providing leadership on high-profile client projects and helping scale the company’s production capabilities.

MEGA’s Growing Influence in Esports

Since its inception, MEGA has established itself as a leading force in esports live events. In addition to the Esports Awards, the organization produces major industry ceremonies such as the Decade Awards and the Mobies, setting benchmarks for production quality and audience engagement.

Beyond events, MEGA is committed to supporting the broader gaming ecosystem by nurturing talent, promoting education, and creating opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals.

Vision for the Future

Morgan Tremaine expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the importance of creativity, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of esports events.

Similarly, MEGA co-founder Michael Ashford highlighted Tremaine’s pivotal role in the success of the Esports Awards and expressed confidence in his ability to elevate the company’s event portfolio to new heights.

Conclusion

The appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer marks a significant milestone for MEGA as it continues to expand its global footprint in esports entertainment.

With a proven track record in live production, deep industry connections, and a forward-looking vision, Tremaine is well-positioned to lead MEGA into its next phase—delivering world-class events that captivate audiences and redefine standards in esports and gaming entertainment.