Latest News

Opera buys owner of GameMaker and starts a Gaming division

Published

5 years ago

January 22, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Opera, the browser developer and consumer internet brand, announced its acquisition of YoYo Games, creator of the world’s leading 2D game engine, GameMaker Studio 2, for approximately $10 million. The tuck-in acquisition represents the second building block in the foundation of Opera Gaming, a new division within Opera with global ambitions and follows the creation and rapid growth of Opera’s innovative Opera GX browser, the world’s first browser built specifically for gamers.

Krystian Kolondra, EVP Browsers at Opera, said: “With Opera GX, Opera had adapted its proven, innovative browser tech platform to dramatically expand its footprint in gaming. We’re at the brink of a shift, when more and more people start not only playing, but also creating and publishing games. GameMaker Studio2 is best-in-class game development software, and lowers the barrier to entry for anyone to start making their games and offer them across a wide range of web-supported platforms, from PCs, to, mobile iOS/Android devices, to consoles.

Annette De Freitas, Head of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Opera Gaming, added: “Gaming is a growth area for Opera and the acquisition of YoYo Games reflects significant, sustained momentum across both of our businesses over the past year. Our new Opera GX browser hit 7 million MAUs in December, 2020, up 350% year over year, while YoYo Games’ GameMaker engine achieved 400K new registered creators in 2020. We’re tremendously excited by the opportunities the combination creates not only for our combined users, but also for the expansion of Opera’s gaming community.”

Stuart Poole, GM at YoYo Games who will remain with the business alongside technical lead Russell Kay stated, “For over twenty years, the vision behind the GameMaker engine was to not just create more games, but expand development within and beyond the game studio. We think the transaction with Opera – whose products are known, trusted and used worldwide by millions of people every month- represents a massive opportunity to accelerate fulfilment of that founding vision, during a period of exceptional growth for both companies.”

“We are very excited to start working with the team at YoYo Games,” said Krystian Kolondra, EVP Browsers at Opera. “We see the Game Maker Studio platform as being an ideal acquisition to complement our global ambitions in gaming, and to help drive awareness and traffic to our Opera GX gaming browser.”

Opera GX, YoYo Games and GameMaker will unite under Opera Gaming, focusing on innovating across the gaming, game development, and browser experience. “We look forward to further growing Opera GX and driving the growth of GameMaker as part of a broader ecosystem, making it more accessible to novice users and developing it into the world’s leading 2D game engine used by commercial studios,” continued Krystian Kolondra. “Opera Gaming will be focusing on accelerating the growth of this emerging ecosystem, combining the 7+ million highly engaged gamers using Opera GX with millions of GameMaker creators. We are also thrilled to continue realizing synergies between YoYo Games’ products and Opera GX.”

GameMakerStudio is an integrated game development software, performance-tuned 2/2.5D engine that fuels many games, including multi-million hits like Risk of Rain, Undertale, or Hyper Light Drifter on an extensive range of mainstream platforms. Starting to build games with Game Maker Studio requires little to zero coding skills. Due to its extensive functionalities and ease of use Game Maker Studio lowers the barriers to entry and empowers a variety of creative people to make their games come alive and share them with the world.

Kolondra explained further: “Performance is essential to even 2D gaming, and sustaining that performance across mobile devices and laptops as well as variable bandwidth and connectivity requires thinking outside of traditional application silos. The line between building good games and good browsers has been eroding for years – with gaming interactivity across internet connections ramping up and browsers growing more multi-function and sophisticated. Traditionally the two types of technology compete for hardware and bandwidth resources. But as Opera GX proved, there was a better way to address that competition and improve the experience across both functionalities. YoYo Games’ team, development expertise and studio relationships lay the groundwork for turning the Opera GX vertical into a new kind of horizontal. This horizontal opportunity is why we’re building Opera Gaming and its infrastructure – so that we can further integrate gaming and browsing in ways beneficial to both in terms of not only monetization, but also experience.”

Conferences

Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation

Published

2 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

win-systems-arrives-at-gat-expo-cartagena-with-its-latest-innovation

Win Systems, a leading provider of technology solutions for the gaming and entertainment industry, will be attending GAT Expo Cartagena 2026 on March 25–26 in Cartagena de Indias. Visitors can find the company at Stand A7, where it will highlight its latest electronic roulette innovations and casino solutions.

At the event, Win Systems will unveil Colors, the next evolution of its successful electronic roulette line. This includes an innovative 6-position wall-mounted version designed to optimize floor space while delivering maximum performance and visual impact on the gaming floor.

Customization and Player Engagement

Colors stands out for its high level of customization, allowing operators to tailor visual elements and configurations to align with their brand identity and market preferences. Whether in compact or large-scale setups, Colors is engineered to capture attention and enhance player engagement from the very first spin.

A key innovation is its dynamic paytable, which enables players to select from four different paytable options. This includes multipliers of up to 120x on inside bets, offering both increased excitement for players and higher revenue potential for operators. By combining design, performance, and flexibility, Colors delivers a highly versatile and profitable solution for modern casinos.

Enhanced Slot Offerings

In addition to Colors, Win Systems will showcase its renowned Sublime and Rhapsody slot machines, now featuring new game releases that blend advanced graphics, innovative mechanics, and high performance. These updates reinforce Win Systems’ commitment to creating engaging content that maximizes both the player experience and operator profitability.

Strategic Industry Presence

“GAT Expo Cartagena is a key platform for the Latin American gaming industry,” said Manuel Wladdimiro, Sales Director for Central America & the Caribbean at Win Systems. “It’s an ideal opportunity to present our latest innovations and strengthen our presence in the region.”

With a proven international track record and a constantly evolving product portfolio, Win Systems continues to prioritize innovation, performance, and results-driven design. Attendees are invited to visit Stand A7 to experience these new developments firsthand.

The post Win Systems arrives at GAT Expo Cartagena with its latest innovation appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

PureWager and MIRACL announce new partnership

Published

2 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

purewager-and-miracl-announce-new-partnership

MIRACL, the world’s only single-step multi-factor authentication (MFA) provider, today announces a strategic partnership with PureWager Group, an emerging leader in next-generation sports betting technology. This collaboration will enable effortless player access via MIRACL’s passwordless, single-step login, boosting security and improving user experience across PureWager’s network.

PureWager Group is at the forefront of delivering innovative retail and online sportsbook solutions across North America, with a particular focus on Tribal Enterprises. Their platform empowers clients with Class 2 and on-premises mobile gaming solutions, alongside engaging social sportsbook and iCasino experiences.

MIRACL replaces traditional login methods entirely, providing passwordless authentication through a simple PIN. Fully compliant with GDPR, AML, and other international standards, MIRACL eliminates the need for usernames, passwords, or separate 2FA tools. With a proven 99.9% login success rate, the solution ensures players enjoy seamless access, while operators reduce potential revenue loss from login friction.

Sandro Di Michele, Chief Revenue Officer at PureWager Group, commented:

“Simplicity sits at the heart of the PureWager platform. As we expand our next-generation sportsbook ecosystem across North America, it’s essential that players can log in quickly and securely. MIRACL’s single-step authentication removes unnecessary friction while delivering the highest levels of security and compliance. This partnership strengthens our ability to offer a modern sportsbook experience that’s intuitive for players, efficient for operators, and scalable for future growth.”

Rob Griffin, CEO of MIRACL, added:

“MIRACL is fast becoming the standard for secure, frictionless logins across iGaming and sports betting. By partnering with leading next-gen technology providers like PureWager, we are removing password-related login barriers while supporting operators in meeting evolving regulatory requirements for multi-factor authentication. This collaboration will give more players access to a secure, seamless experience, keeping them engaged and loyal, while protecting their accounts with best-in-class security.”

MIRACL Trust eliminates the need for passwords, SMS codes, push notifications, or physical key cards. Leveraging patented Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology, no personal data is stored or transmitted, meaning there are no “honey-pots” vulnerable to attack, and the solution remains fully GDPR-compliant. Players can log in using a simple PIN or biometric scan in just two seconds, enjoying an average success rate of 99.88%.

By combining ease of access with robust security, MIRACL ensures the online gaming experience is both safe and convenient. For operators, this reduces fraud risk and strengthens the integrity of their platforms, while players benefit from a smooth, uninterrupted gaming experience.

The post PureWager and MIRACL announce new partnership appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arman Tsarukyan

Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch

Published

2 hours ago

March 11, 2026

Wladimir P.

choice-gaming-launches-high-energy-crash-game-arm’s-punch

Choice Gaming is taking crash games to the next level with the launch of Arm’s Punch, a high-energy title created in collaboration with MMA superstar Arman Tsarukyan. The partnership brings the adrenaline and intensity of the fight arena directly to players’ screens, where every round feels like stepping into the ring and every multiplier offers the chance to land a big win.

Set inside a buzzing boxing arena, Arm’s Punch delivers non-stop action as multipliers climb higher with every passing second. Players must decide the perfect moment to cash out before the round crashes, balancing risk and reward to maximise their potential winnings.

The game offers manual and automatic cash-out options, the ability to place multiple bets per round, and a live feed displaying bets and results in real time, creating a fast-paced and immersive experience that keeps players constantly engaged.

Anna Vardanyan, Partnership Manager at Choice Gaming, said:

“We’re excited to introduce Arm’s Punch and deliver a crash game that combines speed, excitement and real win potential. The collaboration with Arman Tsarukyan adds an extra level of energy to the experience, bringing the thrill of combat sports into the gameplay.”

With lightning-fast rounds, explosive gameplay and the involvement of one of MMA’s rising stars, Arm’s Punch delivers a dynamic crash experience designed for players who enjoy both the strategic timing of crash games and the electrifying atmosphere of combat sports.

More than just a game, Arm’s Punch aims to deliver a true knockout experience for fans of fast-paced gaming and fight-inspired action.

The post Choice Gaming Launches High-Energy Crash Game Arm’s Punch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.