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Search data reveals absolutely no one understands the metaverse
An estimated 2.62 million searches for the term ‘metaverse’ were made in October. This is primarily down to Facebook announcing that they’re changing their company name from Facebook to Meta after 17 years of operating under the alias. As a result, the name change has put a focus on a whole new future; the metaverse. And no one knows what it is.
Looking at search trends data, digital marketing agency, MRS Digital, revealed how confused everyone is by the metaverse, and why Google isn’t helping anyone figure it out. With a range of featured snippets (the Google search excerpts at the top of a page) that differ from one to the next, the ambition of the metaverse is already proving to be its biggest demise.
The main reason for the confusion is simple – there isn’t a complete metaverse yet and because of this, no one knows what to expect or how functional it’s going to be. There is potential for a whole new economy, way of working, and a significant shift in consumer interests. Whether it’s building a to scale replica of your hometown in Minecraft or going to virtual concerts in Fortnite, the metaverse is only starting to rear its head.
With an infographic, the most common questions on Google have been highlighted to show that amongst all the metaverse noise, only a handful of the 2.62 million people really know about how the future looks.
When looking at searches surrounding the metaverse, numerous threads of questioning arise, sparking interest in games such as Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft which are all considered to be emerging examples of metaverses, however the reason for this differs per game.
Alongside the curiosity of video games, cryptocurrencies, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and VR (virtual reality) all saw increases in search interest. Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange platform, saw a 50% increase in search interest when Facebook announced the change to their company name. While some internet users are still trying to figure out exactly what the metaverse is, some users are seeing it as an opportunity to lay foundations for making real money from virtual currencies.
The commonly asked question ‘what are metaverse coins?’ has a simple answer; they’re nothing, because the metaverse doesn’t exist. What does exist though are early iterations of what a metaverse has the potential to become one day, supported by the in-game currencies that allow users to buy new items such as outfits, avatars, and even weapons.
So now everyone knows that no one knows what a metaverse is and that Meta are planning on joining the metaverse race, an exciting and unpredictable future for technology is on the horizon. Just don’t be afraid to ask what it is.
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Conferences in Europe
Unforgettable Networking in Warsaw: HIPTHER Announces Venues for the European Gaming Congress 2025
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HIPTHER is excited to announce the official networking venues for the European Gaming Congress (EGC) 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit, taking place between 29–31 October 2025 in Warsaw.
This year’s networking program is sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB – HIPTHER’s PR Distribution Hub powered by PICANTE Today with a reach of 200,000+ articles and Human-reviewed content trusted by thousands of startups.
The networking agenda combines sophistication, celebration of excellence and Halloween tradition – creating the perfect backdrop for meaningful connections, business discussions, and unforgettable memories.
First Handshakes & Catch-ups: Welcome Meet (Day 0)
- Date: 29 October 2025
- Time: 19:00 – 22:00 (local time)
- Venue: Charlie Bar (Mokotowska 39, 00-551 Warszawa, Poland)
We kick off the Summit with a cozy pre-conference gathering at Charlie Bar, where attendees are invited to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones in a relaxed, family-like atmosphere. With complimentary drinks (Open Bar), laughter, and good company, the Welcome Meet sets the stage for two inspiring days ahead. Raise your glass to new beginnings and shared adventures!
EiGE Awards Ceremony & Evening Social Gathering Sponsored by PICANTE PR HUB (Day 1)
- Date: 30 October 2025
- Time: 19:30 – Late night (local time)
- Venue: Podwale Bar and Books (Wąski Dunaj 20, 00-256 Warszawa, Poland)
Celebrate excellence in iGaming at the EiGE Awards Ceremony and our exciting Evening Social Gathering, hosted at the iconic Podwale Bar and Books. Nestled in Warsaw’s historic “White House,” this New York–style venue blends elegance and intimacy across two floors: a cozy ground floor with an outdoor patio and an upstairs cigar lounge with plush seating, a fireplace, and balcony views.
Known for its refined British colonial style, Podwale Bar and Books offers an outstanding drinks variety: from Scotch and Japanese whiskies to premium spirits, fine champagnes, wines, and signature cocktails. Cigar lovers will appreciate a curated selection of world-renowned brands alongside the bar’s own handmade exclusives.
This evening promises an atmosphere perfect for networking, celebrating achievements, and connecting with industry peers in one of Warsaw’s most distinctive lounges.
Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER, shared his thoughts: “We’re thrilled that PICANTE PR HUB is sponsoring all three evening networking parties at this year’s European Gaming Congress. From the Welcome Meet at Charlie Bar, to the EiGE Awards Ceremony and social gathering at Bar & Books, and closing with our traditional Halloween Party at Steam Bar, we’ve lined up incredible venues. What started as a Halloween tradition in Warsaw has grown into a full series of memorable nights, and we can’t wait to take the networking experience to the next level.”
EGC Closing Party: Halloween Edition 
- Date: 31 October 2025
- Time: 19:30 – 24:00 (local time)
- Venue: Steam Bar (Nowogrodzka 23, 00-511 Warszawa, Poland)
The Summit wraps up in true HIPTHER style with the 3rd annual Halloween Closing Party at the beloved Steam Bar. Once again falling on October 31st, this year’s edition invites attendees to embrace the spooky spirit and dress to impress (or scare!) in their best Halloween costumes.
And while costumes are optional, conversations are mandatory! Expect a night of great company, delicious food, flowing drinks, and a lively atmosphere as we close out EGC 2025 with fun, flair, and celebration.
Join us in Warsaw
The European Gaming Congress 2025 – HIPTHER Warsaw Summit is not just about premium learning opportunities, panels and discussions – it’s about the people, the stories, and the connections made to last beyond the conference halls. With these three unique venues, attendees are guaranteed an unforgettable networking experience in the heart of Warsaw.
Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your European Gaming Congress Tickets Today!
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BetterGambling
BetterGambling Exclusive Report: 800+ UK Casino Operators Face Closure as 2026 Regulations Trigger Industry Apocalypse
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BetterGambling, the UK’s independent gambling industry think tank, released its comprehensive Market Intelligence Report, indicating over 800 casino operators will be forced out of the UK market by 2027, the largest industry slump in British gambling history.
The study, authored by BetterGambling’s stable of former casino bosses and regulatory experts, projects a precipitous 30-40% drop in authorised operators as the 2026 regulatory landscape renders continued operation economically non-viable for the low-to-midsized players.
“We are witnessing the greatest scale of change since the Gambling Act 2005. Our analysis proves that this is not just market consolidation – it’s a structural realignment of an industry that today supports 2,262 licensed operators as of March 2024,” said Diana Tunsu, Reviewer at BetterGambling.
Key findings from the BetterGambling report include:
• 680-900 operators anticipated to exit the market by the end of 2027 (30-40% of the current market)
• New casino launches will drop by 60-70% relative to 2024 levels
• White-label operations will see a 45-55% closure rate as a result of shifts in platform economics
• Stand-alone casinos will see 40-50% market consolidation as a result of compliance barriers
• Total first-year compliance investment of £800,000-2.8 million per operator.
The Compliance Investment Reality
BetterGambling’s in-depth analysis of operators reveals the true cash investment required for 2026 compliance. The regulatory fee alone will remove £100 million from the industry annually, and technology infrastructure upgrades will cost individual operators between £500,000 and £2 million.
“The economics are straightforward. Operators with GGY below £3 million per year are faced with a stark choice: spend significantly on compliance or consider strategic options including withdrawing from the market,” explained Diana Tunsu.
For more detailed analysis of the impact on different forms of casinos, see our in-depth UK Casino Reviews section.
White-Label Market Transformation
White-label casino businesses are recognized as being severely tested in this report, with 45-55% predicted to merge or close down. Of the estimated 350-450 current white-label businesses, BetterGambling predicts 200-300 will survive past 2027.
“White-label operators have a complex equation,” said the BetterGambling research team.
“They must navigate through the same compliance for independent operators when handling revenue-sharing arrangements with platform providers.”
The post BetterGambling Exclusive Report: 800+ UK Casino Operators Face Closure as 2026 Regulations Trigger Industry Apocalypse appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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