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NSoft story: Passion and motivation behind Virtual Penalty Shootout

Published

4 years ago

October 5, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

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

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.

Casino Carrasco

WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers

Published

39 minutes 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

39 minutes 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.

Reference

A similar article on esports events and industry leadership can be found on Esports Insider:

This source regularly covers leadership changes, event production, and strategic developments in the esports industry.

The post MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Asia

FeedConstruct and East Asia Super League Sign Multi-Year Exclusive Data and Streaming Agreement

Published

6 hours ago

March 18, 2026

Wladimir P.

feedconstruct-and-east-asia-super-league-sign-multi-year-exclusive-data-and-streaming-agreement

FeedConstruct has secured the exclusive worldwide data and streaming betting rights to the East Asia Super League (EASL) under a landmark multi-year agreement. The deal takes immediate effect, covering the remaining final stages of the 2025/2026 season as well as full future campaigns.

EASL, widely regarded as the Champions League of professional men’s basketball in East Asia, features top-performing teams from leading leagues across Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, and Macau S.A.R.

Through this partnership, FeedConstruct’s global network of partners will gain access to premium, exclusive coverage of EASL action. The agreement spans all international territories excluding Hong Kong, with coverage beginning right away as the 2025/2026 Quarterfinals tip off on March 18.

Narek Harutyunyan, CEO at FeedConstruct, commented: “Signing a multi-year agreement with EASL is an important step for FeedConstruct. East Asia is a fast-growing region for sports, with strong fan engagement and increasing demand for quality content. Through this partnership, we aim to provide our partners with reliable access to EASL competitions across our global network.”

EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins added: “We are thrilled to join forces with FeedConstruct in this landmark partnership. This collaboration reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that EASL’s data reaches the world responsibly, accurately, and with the integrity our league demands. The demand for official, high-quality sports data continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, and we believe that aligning with a partner of FeedConstruct’s caliber and global reputation accelerates our mission to elevate EASL’s profile on a truly global scale. While we recognize the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the betting industry, we are committed to approaching this space thoughtfully and in full alignment with the standards and values of our league and its stakeholders. This is a partnership we are genuinely proud of.”

The agreement creates a direct bridge between East Asian basketball and the global iGaming ecosystem, enabling operators to tap into a highly engaged audience that has historically exceeded 100 million viewers.

This strategic move further strengthens FeedConstruct’s position as a leading provider of sports data, streaming, and technology solutions, reinforcing its role in connecting the worlds of sport and iGaming on a global scale.

The post FeedConstruct and East Asia Super League Sign Multi-Year Exclusive Data and Streaming Agreement appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.