Latest News

gamescom 2020: ‘A strong signal in challenging times’

Published

6 years ago

September 9, 2020

Reading Time: 3 minutes

game draws a positive balance after first all-digital gamescom
More than 2 million people worldwide simultaneously view grand kick-off show ‘gamescom: Opening Night Live’
Federal Minister Andreas Scheuer announces start of major games funding programme at gamescom

gamescom 2020 sends a strong signal in challenging times: the world’s biggest games event was successfully implemented in digital form, despite turmoil in the development plans of numerous games studios due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a comparatively short planning phase. Millions of players worldwide followed gamescom 2020, which took place in parallel on many digital platforms. The digital concept of gamescom 2020, developed in just a few weeks in collaboration with Koelnmesse and the top gamescom exhibitors, shows the great potential of gamescom for the coming years: many companies participated for the first time this year as official partners; in addition, the fair’s international reach has continued to increase significantly. This is the conclusion drawn by game – the German Games Industry Association, the co-organiser of gamescom.

Jens Kosche, game Executive Board member and Managing Director of Electronic Arts for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, says: ‘Even though the use of games has increased in the last several months, the COVID-19 pandemic is a huge challenge for the international games industry too. Physical events have been cancelled and, in many cases, the development of games also hasn’t continued in the usual manner, with the focus on the safety and health of all involved requiring that thousands of developers work from home. This made it all the more important that gamescom could be held successfully online: it was an anchor in the event calendar and attracted the attention of the community worldwide. I expressly thank all of the partners who, this year especially, have dedicated themselves to the success of gamescom, our most important industry event.’

The special highlight of gamescom 2020 was the show that kicked it off, ‘gamescom: Opening Night Live’. Over two million people viewed the event simultaneously, a fourfold increase from last year’s strong premiere. This makes it one of the top three gaming events worldwide that have taken place online in 2020. The livestreams and events of the approximately 370 official gamescom partners have contributed to its global reach. These included, for example, the ESL One Cologne and the numerous livestreams with influencers from around the world who disseminate the content of gamescom in a wide range of languages. Partnerships with platforms like Twitch and YouTube as well as TikTok and Steam also helped gamescom 2020 reach the community everywhere in the internet.

Felix Falk, Managing Director of game, says: ‘The extraordinary circumstances made gamescom 2020 extremely challenging, yet especially exciting. The digital concept demonstrates how big the international potential of our games event – already the largest in the world – still is. At the same time, however, it has become clear how important the on-site conference, in addition to further digital development, is for the community and the games industry. So, we now have to take our experience from this year and use it to develop the ideal combined on- and offline event for 2021. We’re also especially happy about the political signals that were sent by gamescom 2020. The launch of the major games funding programme announced by Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure Andreas Scheuer is historic and marks the start of our race to catch up as a competitive international site for games development. Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas’s contribution to the gamescom congress, as well as the Debatt(l)e Royale and the participation of over 200 guests in digital tours, show that, this year too, gamescom remains one of the most important platforms for the exchange between policymakers and the digital generation.’

Further information on gamescom 2020 online participation and international audience can be found here

Next year’s gamescom will be held as a hybrid event in Cologne and on the net from Wednesday, 25 August, to Sunday, 29 August 2021.

About gamescom

gamescom is the world’s largest event for computer and video games, as well as Europe’s largest business platform for the games industry. In 2021, gamescom is planned as a hybrid event to be held on-site and digitally, from Wednesday, 25 August, to Sunday, 29 August. gamescom is jointly organised by Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association.

game – the German Games Industry Association

We are the association of the German games industry. Our members include developers, publishers and many other games industry actors such as esports event organisers, educational establishments and service providers. As a joint organiser of gamescom, we are responsible for the world’s biggest event for computer and video games. We are an expert partner for media and for political and social institutions, and answer questions relating to market development, games culture and media literacy. Our mission is to make Germany the best games location.

Latest News

Sports Betting Operator Names Mark McGuinness Editor-in-Chief

Published

20 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

sports-betting-operator-names-mark-mcguinness-editor-in-chief

Peter White, Publisher of Sports Betting Operator, has announced the appointment of Mark McGuinness as the publication’s new Editor-in-Chief.

A highly respected figure in the global iGaming, crypto and digital marketing sectors, McGuinness brings more than 30 years of international experience in high-performance marketing, brand strategy and growth leadership across regulated markets in the UK, EMEA and Latin America.

Currently operating as a Fractional CMO and strategic advisor, McGuinness has built a reputation for scaling brands, transforming underperforming channels and delivering measurable commercial impact across B2B, B2C and D2C environments. His expertise spans user acquisition, retention, lifecycle marketing, affiliate and SEO strategy, as well as AI-driven growth initiatives.

In addition to his advisory roles, McGuinness is Co-Founder of the iGaming Roundtable, a fast-growing industry forum designed to foster meaningful, solution-led discussions among senior leaders across the sector.

Peter White, Publisher of Sports Betting Operator, said: “Mark’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Sports Betting Operator. His depth of experience, industry credibility, and forward-thinking approach to marketing, AI, and emerging technologies align perfectly with our vision to deliver authoritative, insightful, and commercially relevant content to the global betting community.”

Mark McGuinness, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Betting Operator, said: “I’m delighted to join Sports Betting Operator at such a pivotal time for the industry. The convergence of AI, data, and player engagement is reshaping the landscape, and there is a clear need for intelligent, honest, and forward-looking editorial. I look forward to working with Peter and the wider network to build a platform that informs, challenges, and connects the industry.”

As Editor-in-Chief, McGuinness will lead the editorial direction of Sports Betting Operator, focusing on high-value content, expert insights and in-depth analysis across sports betting, iGaming, technology and regulatory developments. His appointment signals a continued commitment to innovation, editorial integrity and industry leadership.

The post Sports Betting Operator Names Mark McGuinness Editor-in-Chief appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Amusnet

Amusnet’s Type S27 Slot Cabinets Debut in Ireland

Published

20 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

amusnet’s-type-s27-slot-cabinets-debut-in-ireland

A new gaming experience has arrived in Ireland. The first Type S27 slot cabinets powered by Amusnet were successfully installed across two Premier Casinos locations by Elite Gaming Distributions (GRUPO ORENES). The machines were deployed across venues in Cork and Dublin, marking the first time this platform has been introduced to players in the country.

The rollout was facilitated by Elite Gaming Distributions (GRUPO ORENES), who partnered with Premier Casinos to bring the latest Amusnet technology to players in Ireland. This launch represents an important step in expanding access to modern, high-quality gaming solutions across the country.

The introduction of the new slot machines brings a fresh selection of engaging content to Irish players. Among the featured titles are 20 Power Hot, Candy Palace, Extra Crown, Bulky Fruits and Diamond Plus, each designed to deliver fast-paced gameplay and vibrant visuals. The installation also includes Jackpot Cards Plus, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for players visiting the venues.

Guillermo Ruipérez, Business Development Manager at Amusnet, said: “Bringing our Type S27 slot cabinets to Ireland for the first time is an important milestone for us. Our partnership with Elite Gaming Distributions Ltd has allowed us to introduce a platform that combines reliable hardware with engaging game content. This launch marks the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and growing presence in the Irish market.”

For Elite Gaming Distributions Ltd (GRUPO ORENES), the launch reflects its continued commitment to enhancing the gaming experience. By working closely with operators such as Premier Casinos, the company continues to introduce new technologies and high-performing content to the market.

Benjamin Fernandez, Head of Sales for Elite Gaming Distributions Ltd, said: “We are delighted to introduce the Type S27 slot cabinets with Amusnet to the Irish market. This rollout in Cork and Dublin represents an exciting step forward, bringing fresh games and new features to players. The early response has been extremely positive, and we look forward to expanding this platform further across additional locations.”

The post Amusnet’s Type S27 Slot Cabinets Debut in Ireland appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Compliance Updates

Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications

Published

20 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

ukraine-launches-online-portal-for-gambling-licence-applications

Businesses can now obtain licenses for organising and conducting gambling activities online through the Diia portal, without paper documents or in-person interaction with the state, according to a statement by PlayCity, the state agency regulating Ukraine’s gambling and lottery market.

According to the release, applications can be generated in the Diia electronic cabinet and signed using a qualified electronic signature (QES). Some data will be automatically retrieved from state registries, including information about the company, its owners and beneficiaries.

PlayCity will review submitted applications, and applicants will receive decisions on license issuance or refusal online via Diia.

Companies will be able to apply for licenses covering casino operations, bookmaking, slot machine halls, online poker, as well as B2B services in the gambling sector.

Acting Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Borniakov said on Telegram that the ministry, together with PlayCity, has also prepared amendments to sector-specific legislation aimed at strengthening entry checks for companies in terms of reputation, integrity, ownership structure and absence of ties to the aggressor state.

“Our goal is to create a transparent and controlled market in which digital tools ensure both convenience for businesses and trust in the state,” Borniakov said.

The post Ukraine Launches Online Portal for Gambling Licence Applications appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.