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OKRE Launches ‘Development Rooms’ for Screen and Audio Entertainment Creatives in Partnership With BFI, BBC and UKIE

The first event, OKRE Development Rooms: Planet, Perspectives, Plot will be hosted by Head of Talent, BBC Content, Donna Taberer
The cross-sector collaboration charity OKRE (Opening Knowledge Across Research and Entertainment) has today launched OKRE Development Rooms, a brand new programme of talks and roundtables presenting fresh ideas and perspectives from academic research and lived experience for creatives in the screen and audio entertainment industries.
The online series is free to attend and is run in partnership with the BFI, BBC and UKIE. It welcomes all those in film, TV, interactive and podcasting who seek inspiration to develop new content across all genres for high impact audience engagement.
Each Development Rooms event will explore a major social and scientific theme from unexpected angles with experts from around the world, featuring keynote speakers, breakout Rooms and virtual networking.
The theme for the first OKRE Development Room is Planet, Perspectives, Plot, offering a lateral look at climate change research, personal lived experiences and sources of funding.
Says OKRE Director Iain Dodgeon: “OKRE’s mission is to further cross-sector collaboration between the entertainment industries, academic research and the social impact sector. We’re delighted to partner with BBC, BFI and UKIE on the OKRE Development Rooms, which will bring diverse creative minds together for an energising and inspiring experience. Now feels like an invigorating and urgent time to be collaborating with communities from all over the world, so I’m really excited to follow the connections that result from these events.”
Says BFI Senior Production & Development Executive Lizzie Francke: “OKRE Development Rooms will provide a welcome space for creatives in the screen industries to engage with experts to inform their work and enable them to interpret important issues in accessible, informative and entertaining ways for audiences to enjoy. We’re delighted to be supporting this programme.”
“The BBC is pleased to partner with OKRE, the BFI and UKIE in this initiative. Bringing together academics and creatives to explore the key subjects of our age such as climate change is critical. I’m delighted to be able to host OKRE’s first Development Room: Planet, Perspectives, Plot to see how we might make these subjects engaging for all audiences.” Donna Taberer, Head of Talent, BBC Content.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of Ukie, said: “We know that games are an incredibly powerful medium for stories and ideas, and an important way for people to understand sometimes complex topics. We have also seen what can happen when the science community collaborates meaningfully with game developers to create impactful stories as well as in harnessing player attention to work through complex data sets and problems. This initiative will support more collaborations and will help games achieve real social impact.”
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Clarion gaming
‘The voice of Spain’s gaming community will be at the very heart of ICE Barcelona 2026’ states Clarion Gaming’s Ewa Bakun

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ICE Barcelona has demonstrated its commitment to the Spanish industry following a highly successful engagement program at the Expo Congreso de Juego Luis Escribano in Torremolinos.
Recognised for being one of the most established and respected gatherings in the Spanish gaming calendar, the event provided a powerful platform for the ICE team to connect with industry leaders, regional representatives, and national stakeholders, as momentum builds towards the second edition of ICE Barcelona taking place January 2026.
The ICE Barcelona delegation engaged with more than a dozen of Spain’s most influential trade associations, including Asociación de Operadores de Juego de la Comunidad de Madrid, Asociación de Operadores de Asturias, Asaebin Andalucía, Ageo Galicia, Andemar Comunidad Valenciana, Anesar, Aemexa Extremadura, Club de Convergentes, CEJUEGO, Femara and Aspromares to share the exciting development plans for January’s event.
Reviewing the programme of meetings Ewa Bakun, Director of Industry Insight and Engagement at Clarion Gaming said: “Our aim in Torremolinos was clear: to listen, to connect, and to demonstrate our commitment to the Spanish industry. The conversations that we had were without exception forward-looking and constructive focussing on how we can work hand in hand with associations to shape and deliver a Spain-focused agenda at ICE 2026.”
She added: “Topics ranged from regional market opportunities to association-led content creation, as well as new ways to maximise knowledge sharing, showcase innovation, and elevate Spain’s presence on the global gaming stage.”
“A central pillar of our discussions was the La Plaza —a dedicated hub on the ICE show floor. More than simply a meeting point, La Plaza will host an industry-led programme co-curated with the Spanish associations, featuring bespoke content sessions, networking events, and collaborative initiatives that put the voice of Spain’s gaming community at the very heart of ICE Barcelona.
“We warmly invite all associations, including those we could not meet in person at the Expo Congreso, to join us on the journey to Barcelona and play a central role in shaping ICE 2026. The response from delegates to both the debut of ICE Barcelona in 2025 and the 2026 roadmap was overwhelmingly positive.
“Attendees expressed strong enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase Spain’s strength and dynamism on a global stage, while also embracing the chance to contribute to the broader strategic conversations impacting the future of the industry.”
The post ‘The voice of Spain’s gaming community will be at the very heart of ICE Barcelona 2026’ states Clarion Gaming’s Ewa Bakun appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Former Playtech Director of Internal Audit & Risk Joins eGaming Integrity

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eGaming Integrity is delighted to announce the appointment of Robert Penfold as Head of Internal Audit, further strengthening the firm’s ability to support Isle of Man licence holders in responding to increasing regulatory scrutiny and upholding the island’s reputation for integrity.
Robert brings with him more than two decades of high-level experience in governance, risk, audit, and compliance across global gaming and financial services organisations. Most notably, Robert spent over eight years as Director of Internal Audit & Risk at Playtech plc, the world’s largest online gaming software and services supplier listed on the London Stock Exchange. In this role, he was a member of Playtech’s Audit, Risk and Governance Committees, overseeing global audit programmes and supporting the business in meeting complex regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Robert has also held senior positions at bwin.party digital entertainment plc, where he led global risk management across regulated markets including Spain, Denmark, Italy, Belgium, France, and Gibraltar. More recently, he was engaged as Governance, Risk & Compliance Manager at the Isle of Man Government’s Attorney General Chambers, where he implemented new risk frameworks and data governance processes across multiple divisions.
Emma Shilling, Director at eGaming Integrity, commented: “This is a landmark appointment for us. Robert’s depth of experience, particularly his years at the helm of audit and risk at Playtech, represents a real step change for eGaming Integrity and our clients. His appointment evidences our commitment to providing heavyweight, board-level expertise to Isle of Man licence holders at a time when regulatory scrutiny has never been higher.”
Robert Penfold added: “I’m thrilled to be joining eGaming Integrity at such a pivotal time for the sector. I’ve spent much of my career working to ensure organisations not only meet regulatory requirements but build strong, resilient frameworks that protect their businesses and customers. I look forward to working with Emma and the team to help our clients strengthen their compliance and governance cultures.”
Robert’s appointment adds further depth to eGaming Integrity’s team of industry experts and former regulators, reinforcing its position as the Isle of Man’s leading provider of mock audits, remediation, and internal audit services for the island’s eGaming licence holders.
The post Former Playtech Director of Internal Audit & Risk Joins eGaming Integrity appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Anastasia Rimskaya Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix
Aviatrix live with Wildz following Wildz Group integration

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Innovative crash game Aviatrix has integrated with leading operator Wildz Group, in a partnership that sees it launch with flagship casino Wildz and a selection of other, high-performing brands.
The launch is made possible via a Relax Gaming integration, giving Wildz Group players access to Aviatrix’s award-winning gameplay. In addition to Wildz, the title is now available at Spinz, Caxino, Tuplaus, Chipz and Wheelz.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “Wildz Group has built an outstanding reputation for delivering player-first entertainment, and we’re delighted that Aviatrix is joining that journey. We’re certain Aviatrix’s unique take on the crash genre will engage the full Wildz Group network, and we’d like to thank Relax Gaming for a swift and seamless integration.”
Jani Koskinen, Chief Marketing Officer at Wildz Group, said: “We’re always looking to add content that brings something new to our players, and Aviatrix fits the bill perfectly. Its blend of innovation and engagement is a great match for our casinos, and we’re excited to roll it out across our portfolio following a successful launch at Wildz.”
Since its debut a little over two years ago, Aviatrix has rapidly grown in popularity, thanks to a relentless focus on innovation and a commitment to keeping gameplay exciting for an expanding global audience.
The post Aviatrix live with Wildz following Wildz Group integration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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