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Opera buys owner of GameMaker and starts a Gaming division
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.”
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has launched its latest all-star game, Galaxy Miner. This space-inspired title is a 3-reel, 3-row video slot featuring Win Vortex symbols and Prize symbols up to 1000x. Players travel to the year 3127, to a world beyond the stars dominated by the legendary X Vortex — a force that swirls in silence, devouring everything in its path and forging Galactic Treasures deep within.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has announced the release of three new online slot titles this July across UK and Malta iGaming jurisdictions: Chili Poppers™, Bichos Mágicos™, and Bigger Piggy Bank™. Each title is designed to provide distinctive gameplay experiences while delivering strong performance for operators.
Play’n GO revisit a classic hit with Super Flip Deluxe, bringing back the charm of the original slot while adding new ways to win and a sleek new look. This update to Super Flip keeps everything fans loved, while giving it a modern refresh. The clean, classic layout is still here – now with sharper graphics and smoother gameplay. Players can also enjoy new features that give them more chances to win, such as surprise coin prizes and a second spin when things don’t quite go their way.
TaDa Gaming, is giving players another chance to hit the big time with 3 Coin Treasures 2, a three reels, five rows slot with 243 ways to win. Part of the TriLuck™ series and a sequel to hit release 3 Coin Treasure, this new release delivers colourful coins and three separate colour coin Scatters to trigger the three different bonus games. Add in the Firecracker Wilds, the Golden Auspicious Coin, Double Reel multiplier, fixed multiplier jackpots and a Lock & Respin feature and it’s easy to see why players are going coin crazy.
Evoplay has launched Sea of Wealth: Hunt for Coin, the latest release in its aquatic-themed slot series. Set in a vibrant underwater world, the 5×3 video slot runs across five fixed paylines and features marine creatures, powerful gods, and ancient treasures hidden beneath the waves. Players will encounter seven regular symbols, alongside Wilds, Bonus symbols, and the mighty Trident as they dive into the action.
Push Gaming returns to the colony with Wild Swarm Triple Hive, blending a fan-favourite setting with the high-engagement 3 Pots system. Wild Swarm Triple Hive builds on the success of 3 Magic Pots, offering the same core mechanic adapted to the world of Push’s beloved bees. The game increases volatility and depth, providing a richer experience for players who enjoy collecting mechanics and multi-stage bonuses.
Play’n GO bring the spirit of the plains to players with Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth, a dynamic new slot rooted in the legacy of our animal-themed titles. Play’n GO Buffalo of Wealth is Play’n GO’s answer to the enduring popularity of American wildlife-themed slots. It captures the essence of iconic Play’n GO games while introducing fresh design and mechanics that elevate enjoyment.
Stakelogic has released its most action-packed slot to date with Turbo Duck, a high-octane title that blends intense gameplay with cinematic visuals and a winged hero who refuses to back down. Set in a post-apocalyptic retro arcade, Turbo Duck follows Quack-9, a fearless duck mecha-pilot ready for action. As the gameplay unfolds, players join Quack-9 in the fight for control and massive multipliers.
Blueprint Gaming™ invites players on its most bountiful fishing trip to date in Fishin’ Frenzy The Big Catch 3, with a host of sumptuous bonus modifiers charging the latest iteration from the industry-renowned series. The leading UK slot supplier has high hopes for its July release following the roaring success of the original Big Catch title and its sequel, which was released in February 2025.
Red Rake Gaming presents its latest release, Beating Alcatraz, an exciting video slot that transports players to one of the most iconic prisons in the world to experience the ultimate escape adventure. With a 5×4 reel layout and 25 paylines, Beating Alcatrazdelivers an innovative gaming experience centered around the Sticky Wins feature, where every winning combination sticks to the reels and triggers a Respin—offering players the chance to maximize their winnings while keeping the excitement going with every spin.
The latest slot game from Galaxsys takes players on a mythological journey through nine Norse realms, offering unique bonuses, free spins, and up to 7000x wins. Galaxsys, the award-winning games developer, proudly announces the launch of its new slot title: Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms. Rooted in Scandinavian mythology, Gates of Asgard: Nine Realms invites players on a journey across the nine legendary realms of Norse lore.
Step back in time and experience the excitement of Reels Paradise by Booming Games. This classic slot machine features iconic reels and symbols, with modern features that make every spin engaging and enjoyable. Reels Paradise is a 5-reel, 3-row slot game with a unique twist. The first three reels showcase classic slot symbols such as diamonds and bars. The 4th reel is the Value Symbol reel, which exclusively contains prize values.
Gaming Corps is diving into deep waters with the launch of its latest slot, Fishing Pro: Reel Collect — an action-packed release designed to hook players with its unique Prize Collect mechanic. Set against a colourful underwater backdrop, Fishing Pro invites players to bait their hooks and aim for the big one. Every spin in this wild slot brings new opportunities to collect fish, lobsters, and mythical mermaids across a grid bursting with aquatic prizes.
FBMDS just launched Secrets of Scarabs, the first title in its brand-new Titan Series – a premium slot collection created to deliver engaging gameplay, flexible configurations, and high-quality performance across platforms. Inspired by the opulence and mystery of Ancient Egypt, Secrets of Scarabs invites players to explore a world of golden treasures, mystical artefacts, and potential wins.
ICONIC21 is letting players experience the pulsing energy of an unforgettable Vegas night in its latest slot release, Neon Paradise Hold & Win. A new kind of glow is lighting up the game board in this bold and bright slot that brings a modern twist to a proven and always popular game mechanic. Players get to experience the thrills of the classic 3×5 reel setup, aiming to collect six or more Diamond symbols to unlock the Bonus Game.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Extra Crown Classic Buy Bonus. This new release invites players to embark on a royal adventure across the 5 beautifully designed reels. This classical video slot has 10 fixed paylines offering many chances to score big and feel the thrill of majestic rewards.
The post Week 31/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry Awards
Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025
The studio continues its momentum with two new nominations
ELA Games, a dynamic game development studio, is proud to announce its double nomination at the upcoming SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 in the “Best Game Studio” and “Best Slot Game Provider” categories.
These nominations for two of the most prestigious categories at the event highlight a milestone year for ELA Games, marked by innovative developments, a growing portfolio, and key partnerships. Central to this recognition are standout titles including Shoot Happens, Juicy Crystal, and Joker Winpot. Each title has showcased the studio’s balance of creativity, visually rich design, and technical excellence.
Shoot Happens is a prime example of ELA Games’ progression as a game development studio. It’s a high-energy game that breaks from traditional game formats to give players more agency over their gameplay. Players face off against increasingly tougher and valuable opponents to fill up their “Winpot,” which they can then choose when to cash out. Shoot Happens reflects ELA Games’ ambitions to offer new experiences that connect with modern player preferences and provide high-performing content for operators.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the nominations, “The team has been in overdrive working on new titles and rethinking the online gaming landscape. Being nominated for two of the biggest categories at the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 is a testament to the entire team’s efforts to create engaging, visually rich content that’s genuinely fun to play. We look forward to the award ceremony results and continuing to push creative boundaries with new, exciting games!”
Voting is open for the SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025.
The post Awards Up For Grabs: ELA Games Shortlisted in Two Categories at SiGMA Euro-Med Awards 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Certification for its standalone casino aggregator product allows WA Technology to increase its range of integrated iGaming content supplied to operators in the Brazilian market.
This ever-expanding catalogue of content includes tens of thousands of games, cementing it as a more trusted partner for operators seeking to thrive in this market, with the added assurance that it fully complies with Brazilian regulatory requirements.
Meeting the necessary requirements for the casino product builds on WA Technology’s strong record in the region, where it already has an established presence and certified platform, with an experienced team of professionals based out of an office in Recife. This gives the business a unique understanding of the players in the country and the team to simplify any complexities that may arise for operators.
The certification follows on from recent launches such as its Pick’Em player products for stats-led gameplay and Sportsbook Managed Service, to provide operators with more services and opportunities to grow.
Country Director for Brazil said: “This is a significant milestone for the business and signals our intent to expand further into the Brazilian market. I’m proud of the team’s hard work to secure this certificate and allow us to meet the market demands for casino games within this region.
The post WA. Technology Receives GLI Certification in Brazil for Casino Aggregator Product appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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