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gamescom 2020: ‘A strong signal in challenging times’
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.
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Full-service digital and cloud infrastructure provider to support customers launching in the fast-growing, emerging regulated Brazilian market with its cutting-edge solutions
Continent 8 Technologies, the award-winning managed hosting, connectivity, cloud and cybersecurity provider to the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, is set to launch in Brazil. This strategic expansion aims to address growing customer demand in this rapidly emerging market. The move comes in anticipation of the market’s quick progression towards a comprehensive regulation of its online offering, with an expected launch in the summer of 2024.
Its move into Brazil strengthens its position in the wider Latin America region, where it has taken an ambitious first-to-market approach to deliver tailored solutions to customers in the likes of Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico. Brazil adds to a private network spanning more than 100 locations across the world, making it one of the Top 20 best connected networks globally.
Operators and suppliers in Brazil will be able to benefit from Continent 8’s full suite of innovative and reliable digital and cloud infrastructure solutions including a Public Cloud, a scalable and cost-effective offering, with a usage-based commercial model to suit the customer.
Customers will also be able to access its Gaming Exchange, a powerful private internet that offers unrivalled speed, capacity, and security, as well as a full suite of cybersecurity solutions designed to combat the ever-changing threat landscape.
Cybersecurity will be a major concern for both operators and suppliers making a move in Brazil as it is a hotbed for cyber-attacks, in addition to the iGaming and online sports betting industry being one of the most vulnerable to attack ahead of healthcare and finance.
Luana Monje, Sales Executive at Continent 8 Technologies, said: “Brazil looks set to be a hugely significant market and one that our customers are keen to explore.
“Digital and cloud infrastructure is the foundation of any successful online business, and we are delighted to be launching in Brazil to support new and existing customers with our solutions and services as they make their move in the market.”
Continent 8 has strategically positioned itself with certified operations in various locations across Latin America. This recent expansion into the Brazilian territory is integral to Continent 8’s long-term Latin American and global growth strategy as the company looks to deliver essential local, technical, and regulatory support in each new and emerging market.
Michael Tobin, Founder and CEO of Continent 8 Technologies, added: “For more than 25 years, we have been supporting customers as they launch into new and growing markets, and we couldn’t be more excited to be doing this in Brazil.
“This is a market that offers tremendous potential to both operators and suppliers, but they must have the right foundation in place to maximise the opportunities on the table. Continent 8 has the experience, expertise, and solutions to help businesses do just that.”
Raptor PR, the specialist tech PR agency for the global video games industry, has appointed MCV/DEVELOP 30 Under 30 2023 winning PR and communications professional James Law as PR Director. James will play an instrumental role in the establishment of Raptor PR’s new consumer gaming PR division, and will be leading on key B2B accounts at the agency.
Since early 2021, Raptor PR has carved out a unique reputation as the world’s only specialist B2B tech PR agency for the global games industry. James’ appointment will see the agency expand its B2B offering with a fully integrated B2C PR service for ambitious game development studios and publishers from the worlds of mobile, PC and console gaming.
James was previously PR Manager at Heaven Media, a leading creative marketing agency specialising in the gaming and technology industries. His experience includes global brands such as Nexon, Fanatec, and PowerA, as well as indie darlings like OutOfTheBit, Wales Interactive, and Utomik. Prior to Heaven Media, James was an experienced consumer games industry journalist, having written for leading gaming outlets such as Eurogamer, NME, Rock Paper Shotgun, and PC Gamer. He has also been Managing Editor at Gfinity Esports.
Rana Rahman, Founder and CEO at Raptor PR, commented: “We’re beyond excited to have James come on board to help shape the next evolution of Raptor PR. We’ve spent the last three and a half years establishing ourselves as the leading B2B tech PR agency for the global games industry, with flagship clients such as The Games Fund, Sandsoft, Midjiwan, Stardust, and Metaplay. We implicitly understand the complexities of the businesses and technologies that are powering the games industry, hence it is a natural progression for team Raptor PR to voyage into the world of consumer gaming PR, immediately supporting our existing portfolio with consumer gaming consultancy and tactical execution.”
James Law, PR Director at Raptor PR, commented: “Raptor PR is in such an exciting place with the agency’s fantastic success and strength in the B2B gaming and tech sectors. The opportunity to lead the agency’s nascent consumer gaming division is one I couldn’t resist – I love the games industry and the people in it, and the Raptor team is one that shares my passion for gaming and drive to make the industry a better place. I can’t wait to get stuck in – meeting the brilliant Raptor team and working alongside them has already been a fascinating learning experience, and it’s been a treat to be able to contribute and deliver my own unique perspectives. Here’s to a successful new partnership!”
James’ work demonstrates a passion for the games industry community, and a desire to make it a better place. As co-founder of startmenu, a website and community dedicated to bringing new and upcoming writing talent together within the games industry, James has helped build bridges into the industry that previously didn’t exist. At Raptor PR, James will be supported in his voluntary roles, as an ambassador for Safe In Our World, the video games industry mental health charity, and as a mentor in the 2024 Limit Break mentorship scheme.
The post RAPTOR PR HIRES AWARD-WINNING JAMES LAW AS PR DIRECTOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
On the eve of SiGMA Americas, the largest iGaming show in the region, SOFTSWISS, a leading global software supplier with 15 years of experience, introduced the racing legend Rubens Barrichello as its Non-Executive Director in Latin America. Local press, influencers, and industry representatives attended the unveiling event, expressing broad interest in SOFTSWISS as the company actively expands its presence in the region.
During the official introduction, Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, and Rubens Barrichello, Non-Executive Director in Latin America at SOFTSWISS, shared the company’s plans for the Brazilian market, commented on the local gambling regulations, and answered questions about Barrichello’s role within SOFTSWISS.
Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, expressed his excitement about the significant milestone, saying: “This marks a thrilling chapter for us. It’s an extraordinary day for me personally as I’ve been a Formula 1 fan since 1994, my teenage years. Welcoming Rubens to our team feels like a dream come true.”
Rubens Barrichello, now serving as SOFTSWISS’ Non-Executive Director in Latin America, highlighted his deep connection to the company’s values. “I am new to this role but no stranger to challenges. In racing, the goal is always to win, but knowing when to step back and why things didn’t go as planned is important. I see responsible gaming in a similar manner. It is about knowing your limits and pushing forward to improve. I’m here to bring that mindset to our team.”
In light of the ever-evolving news about gambling regulation, Montik commented: “We are looking forward to the final version of the Brazilian law, expected to be unveiled this July. Understanding the regulatory landscape will guide our efforts to adapt to software requirements and bring solutions to the market. We aim to collaborate closely with local operators and businesses, empowering them with robust software tools tailored to their needs.”
Addressing security concerns, Ivan Montik emphasised: “Ensuring the security of our software solution has always been paramount. It’s been a core strength for us since the beginning. Throughout our journey in the industry, we have maintained a clean record with no cases of software hacks, of which I am proud. Our software undergoes rigorous testing by international laboratories like GLI, meeting many cybersecurity standards. We not only meet but exceed these requirements because fraudulent activities and hacker attacks constantly target the gaming industry.”
Rubens Barrichello’s appointment as Non-Executive Director in Latin America signifies a pivotal strategic step for SOFTSWISS, particularly in Brazil’s rapidly expanding market. With projections from TGM Research indicating that by 2026, Brazil’s iGaming industry could yield gross revenues of 2.3 billion euro, potentially accounting for 1% of Brazil’s GDP, which stands at 1.5 trillion euro.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international tech company supplying software solutions for managing iGaming projects. The expert team, which counts over 2,000 employees, is based in Malta, Poland and Georgia. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides one-stop-shop iGaming software solutions. The company has a vast product portfolio, including the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with thousands of casino games, the Affilka affiliate platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS was the first in the world to introduce a Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution.
The post F1 Star Joins SOFTSWISS as LatAm Non-Executive Director: Key Highlights appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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