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NSoft story: Passion and motivation behind Virtual Penalty Shootout

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Virtual Penalty Shootout celebrated its first birthday. Officially, the game was released on September 30, 2020, and instantly captured the attention of both – operators and players.

The expert community has also recognized the uniqueness and the beauty of the game by shortlisting it for the Global Gaming Award 2021 in the category Product Launch of the Year. Recently NSoft received seven nominations for the SBC Awards Latinoamerica 2021. Among others, we are shortlisted in the category Virtual Sports Supplier. The application for this award has leaned heavily on the Virtual Penalty Shootout game.

To celebrate all those milestones, we decided to tell a different story about Virtual Penalty Shootout game. We will not talk about the RNG, betting markets, how-to-play but let people who created the game say a word or two about passion, excitement and dedication.

By Amela Dedić and Biljana Haljevac, Senior 3D Artists/Animators

The team

Great teams and great ideas are all about people and the working atmosphere. We at NSoft’s former 3D Games Team, now 3D Creative Team were lucky to found each and we just can’t start this story without saying thank-you to former and current team members: Jasmin Ličina – Senior 3D artist/Team lead, Dragan Grbavac – Senior 3D artist, Dejan Boras – Senior Unity dev, Zlatko Vukšić – Senior Unity dev, Adnan Mujkić – Unity Dev, Dragan Rezo – Senior 3D Artist, Stojan Cvitković – Senior 3D Artist, Toni Matej Radoš – Senior 3D Artist. In this story, “we” are Biljana Haljevac –  Senior 3D Animator and Amela Dedić – Senior 3D Animator. We are the one who will take you behind the scene of  Virtual Penalty Shootout. 

Our Team’s job is to develop Virtual betting games such as Virtual greyhound and horse races, Motorcycle Speedway, etc.

New Project – Virtual Penalty Shootout

The virtual penalty shootout was the most challenging project we’ve worked on. It allowed us to learn and try new things such as Motion capture. Our first job was to figure out the best way for our small team to make such a big virtual game. The biggest challenge was the animation process. We needed a large number of highly realistic animations, and the best solution for that problem was a Motion Capture system. Our choice was a company from Sweden named Rokoko and their WiFi motion capture suit – The Smartsuit Pro.

After we placed our order for the suit, the waiting time was used to go “back to school” and research making of other elements of the game such as character and venue design and creation, MoCap animation recording and cleanup, new software, and game rules. Our best friends were Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning.

The Arrival- Smartsuit Pro is in the town 

The arrival of the Smartsuit Pro was the most joyful occasion. Also, the day when our colleague Toni officially became the resident MoCap test talent.

Since our open office was not suited for a proper MoCap test, our first pick was local park. Awesome place, beautiful weather, but just one problem: electricity was really hard to find. A better-suited place was found for proper test and future motion capture sessions. The Local Futsal field had everything we needed.

MoCap Time! 

Following initial tests, we felt confident enough to start official motion capture sessions. The first step was planning and creating MoCap sheets for each motion capture session.

Our motion capture crew was small but efficient: Toni Matej Radoš – Test talent & Talent Manager, Biljana Haljevac – Reference Cameras and Amela Dedić – Rokoko Studio, MoCap Sheet. And our Talents, real-life football players,  who without this would not be possible: Fedja Kulenić (goalkeeper) and Ivan Arapović (player).

Since we have only one suit, Goalkeeper and Player animations were recorded separately. Because of that, we had to be very careful during the planning process so the respective animations could match. We were a bit worried about the Goalkeeper’s recording sessions, taking into consideration the nature of football goalkeeping movements. To make everything easier we relocated Goalkeeper’s MoCap sessions to the local Judo club with a soft tatami mat surface.  We had 3 recording sessions and each was 3 hours long. That gave us 137 raw animations. We were aware that not every MoCap take will be successful or 100% accurate, we made sure that every take was also recorded with our reference cameras.

Animation Cleanup

The entire process of cleanup was done in Maya and Motionbuilder using the HumanIK system. Most of the work was root motion corrections, foot slides, and arms fixes. The final part of the cleanup was merging the animations of Player and Goalkeeper into one take and making sure that the timing fits perfectly for each take.

The ball movement was a mix of keyframed animation and Unity physics.

Visuals & Final Render

Cleanup done. Next: Dressing up. The entire time of animation cleanup our player and goalkeeper rigs were dressed in nothing but their birthday suit. That caused a lot of funny looks from our other coworkers. But fear not! Our 3D artist Dragan Rezo was on the task of dressing them up for their final render.

Visuals & Final Render

Cleanup done. Next: Dressing up. The entire time of animation cleanup our player and goalkeeper rigs were dressed in nothing but their birthday suit. That caused a lot of funny looks from our other coworkers. But fear not! Our 3D artist Dragan Rezo was on the task of dressing them up for their final render.

Every visual element of the game can be easily changed. Character appearance, jerseys, crowd, banners. All this can be altered according to the client’s requirements. We had a test client request just to see how much time would be needed for all the changes and rendering.

  • Lions on background video banners
  • Goalkeeper jersey with leopard pattern and panther head as front logo
  • Penalty taker with a red jersey and white sun on blue background (Taiwanese flag) as a front logo. Number 88 on the back and name “Tigers” above it
  • Additional but not requested, all resolve screens translated to mandarin

Final words

Almost nobody was injured during the making of the game. Our Goalkeeper had some bruises from the suit’s sensors, and we almost had a heart attack when our suit had a minor malfunction.

All jokes aside, our small team is very proud to have managed to complete such a large project, learn a bunch of new things in the process, and use Motion capture technology. It was an awesome experience from start to finish.

In the end, we would like you to take a look at our little video presentation of the Motion capture animation process.

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Week 46/2025 slot games releases

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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

Spinomenal has expanded its Demi Gods Series with the launch of its epic new title, Majestic Atlas. Set high above the clouds, Majestic Atlas is a 5×3 game that’s framed within a grand celestial temple inspired by the beauty of ancient Greece. A powerful, atmospheric musical score evokes the might of Atlas and lifts the entertainment to new heights.

Spinomenal enhances its Demi Gods Series with epic new release Majestic Atlas

GAMOMAT has continued the sweet life of the beloved La Dolce Vita with the highly-anticipated La Dolce Vita 2. This new title picks up the love affair of the original with fresh gameplay, engaging features, and a beautiful new Italian location. Charming Giovanni returns to take centre stage within the bustling Italian village marketplace, where a heartfelt soundtrack creates a joyful atmosphere.

GAMOMAT serves up more sweet life with La Dolce Vita 2

Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Ancient Coins. This captivating release transports players deep into the heart of the jungle, where adventure and ancient treasures meet across 5 reels and 25 fixed paylines. Rich with colour, atmosphere and detail, Ancient Coins is designed for those who seek excitement in every moment of their gameplay.

Promatic has released Apollo’s Garden of Riches – a new 5×3 slot game that combines elegant design, rewarding gameplay and a heartfelt connection to the company’s roots in the Karkonosze Mountains. The Karkonosze region – where Promatic was founded and continues to draw inspiration – is a place of amazing landscapes, legends and rare species.

 

PG Soft has released its uplifting game, Skylight Wonders. This game welcomes players aboard a hot air balloon traversing across a dreamlike world high above the clouds. There are increasing multipliers and three reel frames that transform winning symbols into Wild symbols.

PG Soft releases uplifting Skylight Wonders title

Amusnet has released its new video slot game, 40 Mystic Gem. This gem-inspired title is set to light up the reels with brilliance, blending vibrant fruit symbols and radiant jewels in a game that captures both style and excitement. Featuring 5 reels and 40 fixed paylines, 40 Mystic Gem brings together a sparkling mix of modern design and timeless gameplay.

Evoplay has released Piggy Bank 3 Pots Bonanza, a vibrant and joyful slot where players can crack the safe for generous wins. With the inclusion of the popular 3 Pots mechanic and several thrilling features, the 5×3, 20-line game offers a colourful world of gold bars, diamonds, and the three titular Piggy Banks for an action-packed adventure.

Evoplay dives into the vault in Piggy Bank 3 Pots Bonanza

Tom Horn Gaming invites players to step into a world of emerald fields, leprechauns, and hidden treasures with its latest release, 3 Ribbon Pots. Launched on 11 November, this fast-paced slot delivers a new take on the popular Hold&Win mechanic, adding depth, variety, and smoother gameplay.

Tom Horn Gaming Unveils 3 Ribbon Pots. A Fresh Twist on the Hold & Win Formula

SlotMatrix is bringing the fire with the launch of Hula Moolah, an explosive new slot from Powderkeg Studios. Set in a tropical paradise where Tiki gods rule and volcanoes erupt, Hula Moolah turns every spin into a molten-hot chance to win. The game’s centrepiece is the Hold & Spin Feature, ignited when the vibrant Tiki Wilds leap into the volcano.

SlotMatrix turns up the heat with Powderkeg Studios’ Hula Moolah

Reflex Gaming is turning up the heat once again with the launch of 8 Balls of Fire Blazing Bounty, a thrilling sequel to one of the company’s most popular titles. The original 8 Balls of Fire became a breakout hit across multiple channels, and this follow-up brings even more action, jackpots and explosive potential to the reels.

BGaming summons a mystical cat-genie to help players’ wishes come true in the brand-new Golden Paw Hold & Win slot. Golden Paw Hold & Win provides a fresh perspective on the classic Hold and Win gameplay mechanic. The game boasts 1,024 ways to win on every spin, with a variety of five exciting progressive bonus rounds, expanding reels, and a mesmerising leading character.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas™ developed by Inspired’s Bell-Fruit game studio. Set on a 3×5 reel set with 10-win lines, Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas is packed with thrilling features.

Inspired Entertainment, Inc., has launched Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel™, a supercharged evolution of Inspired’s classic hit slot, Gold Cash Free Spins™. Available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.

Thunderkick has launched Pink Elephants Trinity, the third instalment of its mystical franchise, where six bonus game levels unveil a journey towards deep synesthetic immersion. The Swedish supplier has traded the desert landscape and starry sky for an ethereal jungle backdrop, where a tribe of monkeys gather around the Pink Flame for a ritual honouring the Pink Elephants.

Thunderkick evolves psychedelic series with third chapter Pink Elephants Trinity

 

Belatra has proudly released Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves, a slots saga that puts the fate of the world in players’ hands. Inspired by an ancient rivalry between the radiant Elven kingdoms and the fearsome Orc hordes, Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves unfolds on a 5×5 reels battlefield.

Belatra releases Slattors Battle - Orcs vs Elves

Play’n GO presents Rings of Prosperity, a slot rooted in ancient mysticism and the power of celestial guidance. Play’n GO’s Rings of Prosperity draws on the influence of Eastern mythology, placing players under the protection of the Dragon God – a symbol of strength and abundance. 

Rings of Prosperity channels divine favour

Just Slots, has announced the release of its latest slot title, Book of Abyss. In this dark fantasy adventure, players descend into the realm of Abyss, a fallen queen demoness bound to a cursed diary. Every spin of the reels echoes Abyss’s torment, and when the mystical Book feature opens, players peer into forbidden chapters of her soul.

Explore the Cursed Diary in Just Slots’ New Game, Book of Abyss

Playson ups the ante in its electric new release, More Energy Coins: Hold and Win, with an enlarged 5×4 reelset, special Collect Feature and 10,000x Royal Jackpot supercharging the excitement on offer. Inspired by Playson’s data-proven mechanics, the game’s starring Energy Bonus symbol unlocks the Collect Feature if it combines with any Bonus Symbol.

Enhanced Collect Feature electrifies gameplay in Playson’s More Energy Coins: Hold and Win

Blueprint Gaming™ has turned up the heat in its latest release, Lava Lock Jackpot King™, with the sweltering title leading with a new Volcano feature and a host of refreshed modifiers for an enriched gameplay experience. Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, takes centre stage in the 5×3, 30 payline slot.

Blueprint Gaming introduces new Volcano feature in explosive Lava Lock Jackpot King™

Gallop into Big Wins with Mustang Hold and Win from Booming Games! Step into the wild and untamed world of Mustang Hold and Win, where the free-spirited mustangs rule the reels. With a 5×3 grid and 25 paylines, this slot delivers an exhilarating experience with stunning visuals of the American wilderness.

Mustangs Run Wild in Booming Games’ Latest Hit Mustang Hold and Win!

BGaming boldly goes where no slot studio has gone before with the release of Star Trek™: The Next Generation. The slot honours the legacy of the show, beaming players into a new dimension with an entertainment-first approach that will please Star Trek™ fans and newcomers alike.

 

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SA Gaming partners with EGT Digital to offer extraordinary gaming experiences

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SA Gaming is delighted to announce our new partner, EGT Digital, one of the largest gaming platforms in Europe. This agreement will see our games available on EGT Digital’s platform.

This collaboration marks an important milestone for both of us as it enhances our brand visibility and allows us to reach a broader audience. This alliance is also bringing elevated gaming experience to players on the platform of EGT Digital.

As one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe, EGT Digital has an extensive network and a comprehensive product portfolio that attract a diverse player base from numerous markets around the world. As players of EGT Digital now have access to our wide range of Live Games, which are certain to attract players – this new partnership certainly fulfills the business objectives of both EGT Digital and SA Gaming.

EGT Digital’s spokesperson commented, “For us at EGT Digital, the priority number 1 is always to give our customers the best gaming experience. That is why we are very pleased to have the opportunity to offer them SA Gaming’s titles, standing out with great thematic diversity, highly engaging mechanics and captivating bonuses. We believe that this partnership will both enrich our platform and enhance the game developer’s reach, while providing players with access to the high-quality gaming content they are looking for.”

As we continue to provide top-notch entertainment, this agreement creates new room for both of us to grow and flourish. We are eager to embark on this journey together and look forward to the infinite possibilities that would deliver exceptional value to all players.

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Anti-Fraud Innovation of the Year

Frogo Wins “Anti-Fraud Innovation of the Year” at SiGMA Central Europe 2025

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Frogo has won the “Anti-Fraud Innovation of the Year” award at the SiGMA Central Europe B2B Awards 2025. The award recognizes companies that are redefining how businesses approach risk, security and operational transparency.

Unlike traditional systems focused on blocking individual cases of fraud, Frogo’s approach is built around strategic prevention and real-time decision support. The platform helps businesses to understand their data, predict potential risks and act before losses occur. It combines artificial intelligence, behavioral analytics, graph-based forensics and – most importantly – deep industry expertise in a single environment that enables teams to identify fraud patterns and adapt instantly to changing traffic or threat dynamics.

“We’ve always seen fraud prevention as more than a reactive process,” said Volodymyr Todurov, CEO at Frogo. “Our goal is to help companies think strategically about risk, to build systems that recognize patterns, not just red flags. That’s what makes prevention sustainable.”

The SiGMA jury highlighted Frogo’s ability to balance automation with flexibility, allowing companies across sectors such as iGaming, fintech and e-commerce to maintain both security and user trust. Businesses using Frogo can automate complex fraud checks, reduce operational noise and focus on making informed, timely decisions rather than manual investigations.

The post Frogo Wins “Anti-Fraud Innovation of the Year” at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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