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Minecraft adopts Hadean’s Aether Engine to dynamically scale new gaming experiences

Published

6 years ago

September 15, 2020

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Minecraft, the biggest game in the world, has selected the startup’s powerful spatial simulation engine to accelerate global reach

Minecraft, the best-selling game of all time, has signed up to use a spatial simulation engine that is so powerful it is also being used in the fight against Covid-19. Created by supercomputing startup, Hadean, Aether Engine is being made publicly available for game studios of all sizes, from independent developers to AAA game studios, with Minecraft developer Mojang Studios as its first global partner.

With more people than ever before enjoying video games and going online, the demands on games to support large numbers of users is growing exponentially. Built from the ground-up, Aether Engine allows developers to augment both new and existing games with minimal effort and no disruption to players’ experiences.

Craig Beddis, CEO and Co-Founder at Hadean, said, “We’re seeing a huge behavioural shift in gaming, as more and more people want to be involved in massive, online multiplayers. Aether Engine enhances these experiences by providing games unprecedented depth, complexity, realism and connectivity. That’s been our focus as we developed Aether Engine, along with its ability to integrate with existing games, such as Minecraft and its highly engaged gaming community.”

Aether Engine is underpinned by the Hadean platform, which sits close to the metal and eliminates excessive middleware, orchestration and overengineering. It implements a unique process model which distributes applications by default, dynamically provisioning more or less resources as required, and marking a step-change in how game engines are developed and used by studios. While several other businesses are exploring distributed multiplayer solutions, traditional infrastructure requires layers of middleware, creating architectural complexity that negatively impacts scalability, performance and reliability.

Michael Weilbacher, Chief Technology Officer at Mojang Studios, stated, “Hadean’s Aether Engine is a game-changer that opens up a range of new design possibilities — not just for games like Minecraft, but for streaming platforms, developer communities, and even enterprise applications. We are pleased to be partnering and using Hadean’s next-generation. technology to help us create new opportunities for our customers.”

Being able to run large scale simulations and manage the computational requirements of highly complex environments has a wide range of applications beyond just online gaming. The globally renowned Francis Crick Institute is using the engine to accelerate the development of a single, massive-scale simulation of how viruses, like COVID-19, spread.

Beddis concluded, “It might seem incongruent that AAA games like Minecraft would use the same technology as efforts to better understand viruses, but they both create and consume huge amounts of data. That means massive compute power, combined with the ability to rapidly simulate and model complex situations with millions of different variables. Aether Engine is one of the few platforms with the scalability, adaptability, and reliability to support those requirements.”

For further information, visit www.hadean.com.

AI

Veikkaus rolls out OpenBet’s Neccton responsible gambling platform ahead of 2027 reform

Published

11 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

veikkaus-rolls-out-openbet’s-neccton-responsible-gambling-platform-ahead-of-2027-reform

Veikkaus will deploy the latest version of OpenBet’s Neccton AI-enhanced responsible gambling platform across its digital and retail channels, the companies said on 16 June 2026. The rollout comes as Finland’s newly approved Gambling Act increases operator obligations to spot and address risky gambling behaviour early, including active intervention where risk indicators emerge.

OpenBet said the Neccton platform is designed to identify potentially risky gambling behaviour in real time, generate automated alerts, and support tailored player interventions. The system summarises behavioural data, risk markers and historical context in plain language, and provides AI-assisted explanations intended to support compliance teams while maintaining human oversight.

Susanna Saikkonen, Vice President for Sustainability at Veikkaus, said: “Veikkaus’ individual gambling safety net model is based on identifying risky gambling as early as possible and offering players both support and concrete limitations. The Neccton platform provides us with an ISO-certified, extensively security tested and scientifically validated tool that strengthens our ability to identify risk and support our customers in gambling responsibly.”

Dr Michael Auer, Managing Director of Neccton at OpenBet, said: “In today’s regulatory environment, operators must demonstrate how they actively prevent gambling-related harm. The latest version of the Neccton platform enables real-time, data-driven intervention and measurable duty of care. We are proud to expand our partnership with Veikkaus to further strengthen its responsible gambling framework.”

The Neccton deployment extends Veikkaus’ existing relationship with OpenBet. OpenBet has been powering Veikkaus’ next-generation sportsbook platform and providing Managed Trading Services across digital and retail channels since May 2025, according to the companies. Veikkaus is preparing for Finland’s expected market liberalisation in 2027.

The post Veikkaus rolls out OpenBet’s Neccton responsible gambling platform ahead of 2027 reform appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Jani Kontturi Head of Games at SkillOnNet

SkillOnNet adds Octoplay casino games across its UK brands

Published

11 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

skillonnet-adds-octoplay-casino-games-across-its-uk-brands

Octoplay titles go live on PlayOJO, Genting, SpinGenie and MegawaysCasino, with more regulated markets planned.

SkillOnNet has launched Octoplay’s casino games across its UK iGaming sites, making the supplier’s content available to players on brands including PlayOJO, Genting, SpinGenie and MegawaysCasino.

The UK rollout includes Octoplay titles such as Vegas is Dead: Battle Arena, Shaolin Panda: Chaos Reels, and Serpent Gold: Hold and Win. SkillOnNet said it plans to expand the partnership into additional regulated markets in the coming months.

Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet said: “We’re delighted to welcome Octoplay to our platform in the UK. The studio has built a strong reputation for developing high-quality games that combine engaging mechanics with blockbuster production values. We are confident our players will love the content, and we’re excited to extend the partnership into additional regulated markets in the near future.

Ralitsa Georgieva, CEO at Octoplay: “Launching with SkillOnNet in the UK represents another important milestone for Octoplay. SkillOnNet operates some of the industry’s most established iGaming sites, and this partnership allows us to bring our games to a wider audience of players. We look forward to building on this initial launch and expanding together into further markets.”

The post SkillOnNet adds Octoplay casino games across its UK brands appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

iGaming content

Microgaming launches new Playboy-branded slot, Playboy Gems and Desires

Published

11 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

microgaming-launches-new-playboy-branded-slot,-playboy-gems-and-desires

Microgaming has launched Playboy Gems and Desires, the latest addition to its official Playboy-branded games portfolio.

The slot uses a reel set featuring Wild stacks that land on reels two, three and four. The game also uses a ways win structure as part of its presentation.

Free Spins are triggered by landing the letters B-U-N-N-Y. During the bonus, an active Win Multiplier can build, while Reel Jackpots and a Jackpot Wheel are also included.

Microgaming said the game includes “Personal Persistence”, which allows the Free Spins Multiplier and Reel Jackpots to carry across all bet levels. The supplier stated a maximum win potential of up to 5,000x the bet.

A Microgaming spokesperson said: “Playboy is a brand with instant recognition, but also a very clear sense of style, confidence and premium entertainment. With Playboy Gems and Desires, the aim was to capture that atmosphere in a way that feels authentic to the brand, while delivering a slot experience with real energy and broad player appeal. It is another strong addition to our official Playboy portfolio and one that reflects the quality and ambition behind the partnership.”

The post Microgaming launches new Playboy-branded slot, Playboy Gems and Desires appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.