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NSoft story: Passion and motivation behind Virtual Penalty Shootout

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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7Stars Partners Presents OnlySpins: A First-of-Its-Kind Casino With Advanced Gamification and Exclusive Playful Content

7Stars Partners is proud to announce the launch of OnlySpins — a first-of-its-kind casino brand that redefines the gaming experience, where fantasy meets interactive storytelling.
A Unique Concept That Goes Beyond Traditional Play
OnlySpins is a fully gamified environment where players interact with real models, unlock exclusive moments, and progress through personalised storylines on a paradise island. Each location introduces a stunning model with her own character, photos, and videos — turning every journey into an immersive and rewarding experience.
Engagement Through Gamification
The core of the experience is the OnlySpins Slot Machine, where players use Energy to spin and trigger outcomes such as OnlyBucks, story progression, or mini-games. These mini-games add variety and chance-based excitement, rewarding players with additional currency, Collection Cards, and progress boosts.
Players can spend OnlyBucks to send gifts and go on dates with the models, unlocking exclusive real content and progressing the Affection Meter. Each interaction deepens the storyline and provides tangible casino rewards such as bonus money, free spins, or real cash. Completing collections of Cards tied to each model unlocks special videos and further rewards — ensuring ongoing engagement and motivation to continue playing.
Interactive Intimacy That Retains Players
What truly sets OnlySpins apart is its layer of real-time live chat with models. Players can subscribe to chat directly with real models, receiving personalized messages, photos, and videos. This creates a strong sense of exclusivity and intimacy, driving repeat engagement and loyalty beyond standard bonus mechanics.
Benefits for Partners
For affiliates and partners, OnlySpins represents a powerful new revenue opportunity:
- Proven Conversion: The combination of slots, gamification, and exclusive-to-you content keeps players engaged and coming back for more fun.
- Retention Beyond Bonuses: Story-driven progression, collections, and interactive chat extend player lifetime value.
- Premium Brand Positioning: With stylish visuals and real model-driven storytelling, OnlySpins differentiates itself from all competitors.
- Global Scalability: Mobile-first design, multilingual support, and flexible payments allow rapid expansion across GEOs.
“OnlySpins is built to convert, retain, and scale,” said Krystal Tsiattalos, Head of Affiliates at 7Stars Partners. “It’s so much more than just a casino. This unique platform combines iGaming mechanics with exciting interactive entertainment, delivering measurable results for our partners. We believe this is the future of engagement in online gaming.”
About 7Stars Partners
7Stars Partners is a leader in the global iGaming affiliate industry, promoting innovative brands that merge entertainment, technology, and exceptional player experiences. With a growing portfolio of successful brands, the company continues to set new standards in retention, conversion, and partner growth.
OnlySpins is now live.
Partners can connect with the team today to learn how this groundbreaking brand can unlock new revenue opportunities.
7777 gaming
Shaping the Future of iLottery: 7777 gaming’s Izabel Hakim on Innovation and Engagement

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Izabel Hakim, Head Project Manager at 7777 gaming, joins us for an exclusive conversation ahead of HIPTHER’s European Gaming Congress – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit 2025.
A recognized professional with a strong background in Product Development and Business Management, Izabel has nearly a decade of leadership experience in the iGaming sector. At 7777 gaming, she plays a pivotal role in driving product innovation across the company’s two key verticals: lottery and online casino.
As a General Sponsor of EGC 2025, 7777 gaming will showcase its cutting-edge iLottery solutions and 200+ game portfolio, reflecting its mission to create games for every player, niche, and taste.
Izabel, as Head Project Manager at 7777 gaming, you’ve been shaping product development in both lottery and online casino. From your perspective, how is iLottery evolving today, and why is it becoming such a central pillar of iGaming?
iLottery has evolved far beyond its traditional image of paper tickets and live draws. What we’re seeing today is the transformation of lottery into a dynamic, digital-first experience, one that resonates with modern players who value interaction, instant results, and engagement.
At 7777 gaming, we see iLottery as a bridge between tradition and innovation. It retains the thrill of chance that people love, but now enhanced with engaging visuals, storytelling, and personalized digital features. This evolution makes iLottery not just another vertical, but a central pillar of iGaming’s future, one that connects generations of players through technology and creativity.
7777 gaming is known for its bold creativity – from cinematic storytelling and unique mechanics to the expansive 7777 Multiverse. How do these innovations translate specifically into your iLottery products?
Creativity is our universal language, it flows through everything we create. The 7777 Multiverse isn’t just a feature, it’s a philosophy that connects our entire portfolio. Within iLottery, that means moving beyond static experiences and turning every game into a journey.
We weave storytelling and visual immersion into lottery formats that feel alive, games where the player isn’t just waiting for numbers but engaging with dynamic worlds, symbols, and rewarding mechanics. Our goal is simple: To make every draw feel like part of a bigger, evolving adventure. You can already see that spirit in one of our newest fully customizable Raffle Lottery products.
Only five years after launching, 7777 gaming is certified in 14 regulated jurisdictions and continues to expand globally. How does compliance ensure your iLottery solutions fit the specific needs of each market?
Compliance is one of our strongest assets. We don’t view it as a limitation, we see it as the framework that allows sustainable innovation to thrive. Every product we build is designed with regulation in mind from day one, ensuring that creativity and compliance evolve hand in hand.
When working with lotteries, the regulatory landscape can be even more complex, as in many cases the country itself is the regulatory body. That’s where our experience truly shines. We’ve successfully customized our iLottery solutions for national operators such as the National Lottery in Moldova, Azerloterya, the National Ukrainian Lottery, and others, each with its own technical, legal, and local specifics.
This hands-on experience enables us to adapt quickly to diverse jurisdictions while maintaining the creative quality, reliability, and security that define 7777 gaming. Our compliance-first mindset ensures that wherever our partners operate, our products not only meet the highest standards but also deliver the same trusted, engaging experience to every player.
Lottery has traditionally been seen as more static compared to casino gaming. How are you and your team reimagining iLottery to make it more engaging for the next generation of players?
We’re reimagining iLottery as something vibrant, social, and interactive, but also as a bridge between traditional and digital play. Many players are still accustomed to the offline lottery experience, so our goal is to guide that transition online by offering products that feel familiar, yet reimagined with fresh, engaging, and interactive twists that keep them playing longer.
Our strategy is built on variety and adaptability. We offer everything from instant win games and keno, to bingo, raffle lotteries, and themed or localized content tailored to specific markets with over 70 games for our lottery vertical. This range ensures that every player, whether they’re just discovering iLottery or already part of the digital ecosystem, can find something that resonates with their habits and preferences.
It’s all about giving players agency, connection, and excitement. We want iLottery to feel not just like a game of chance, but an evolving experience that fits naturally into how people play, connect, and engage today.
Community engagement and mentorship are passions you’ve personally championed. How do these values influence the way 7777 gaming develops products and connects with players in the iLottery space?
I’ve always believed that great products come from great teams, and great teams are built on trust, mentorship, and shared curiosity. At 7777 gaming, we nurture that culture through open collaboration, cross-functional creativity, and constant learning. Every project is a collective effort, shaped by diverse ideas and perspectives.
This mindset directly influences how we build our iLottery products. When your team feels empowered and inspired, it reflects in the final result – games that are thoughtful, well-crafted, and full of personality. It’s that internal synergy that allows us to consistently innovate and deliver experiences that stand out in the market.
Looking ahead, what can we expect next from 7777 gaming in the iLottery vertical? Are there particular innovations, markets, or partnerships that excite you most as you expand further?
The next phase of our lottery journey is all about personalization and deeper player engagement. We’re using data-driven insights to understand what excites players most and to craft experiences that truly speak to their preferences, blending the best of both verticals we work with – lottery and casino into fresh, hybrid formats that feel modern and intuitive.
We’re also entering new regulated markets and strengthening strategic partnerships that reflect our vision of responsible, engaging, and borderless entertainment. The opportunities ahead are exciting and 7777 gaming will continue to set new standards for innovation and creativity in future.
Thank you, Izabel, for sharing your insights on how 7777 gaming is redefining iLottery with innovation, compliance, and a people-first approach. We look forward to hearing more from you on stage at the European Gaming Congress 2025!
Join us at the European Gaming Congress 2025 | 30–31 October | Warsaw
Meet 7777 gaming and discover how they’re shaping the future of iLottery and iGaming.
The post Shaping the Future of iLottery: 7777 gaming’s Izabel Hakim on Innovation and Engagement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
BongoBongo Partnership Boosts GR8 Tech’s Expansion in Africa

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GR8 Tech has joined forces with East African iGaming brand BongoBongo. Active across Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya, BongoBongo is known for its bold growth strategy and sharp market focus. Now, that momentum continues with the launch of GR8 Tech’s ULTIM8 Sportsbook—a high-performance solution built for ultimate speed, scale, and competitive edge.
While the iFrame integration already powers live operations, BongoBongo is also one of the first brands to leverage GR8 Tech’s robust backend integration via API. This will enable BongoBongo to take full control of the front end, tailoring the player experience to its brand vision while relying on GR8 Tech’s infrastructure under the hood. It’s a heavyweight blend of freedom and firepower, built for operators ready to differentiate and dominate.
“As we continue to grow across Africa and expand our local teams, having a high-performance sportsbook that complements our casino-first strategy is key. GR8 Tech gives us exactly that: the freedom to shape our frontend on top of a powerful, scalable engine. With the ULTIM8 solution and API, we’re ready to raise the bar for our players,” said Randy Heyrowsky, CEO at BongoBongo.
GR8 Tech’s Proven Success in Africa
GR8 Tech has already demonstrated strong traction in Africa by delivering a custom light sportsbook frontend for a regional operator in 2024. Designed for real-world conditions typical for the region, such as slow networks, older devices, and limited bandwidth, the solution prioritized speed and performance. The results were striking: conversion from registration to first deposit rose by 12% and user retention more than doubled, from 10% to 25%.
It was a strategic localization. GR8 Tech’s ability to blend performance engineering with market-specific UX shows what’s possible when products are built to meet the moment. In Africa and beyond, this is how heavyweight platforms win.
“Every market has its own demands, and success comes from listening closely and building accordingly. With Africa, we’ve proven that smart technical decisions drive long-term value. Now, with BongoBongo, we’re doubling down on that principle. They have bold plans and deep market insight, and we’re excited to support their next phase with tech that’s fast, flexible, and built to scale with their vision,” said Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech.
Connect with GR8 Tech at the upcoming SiGMA Central Europe to discover new developments and explore opportunities.
The post BongoBongo Partnership Boosts GR8 Tech’s Expansion in Africa appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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