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Opera buys owner of GameMaker and starts a Gaming division

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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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Powering the Next Generation of Online Casinos: Inside DSTGAMING’s Scalable iGaming Ecosystem

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Interview with John Tan, Digital Marketing Analyst at DSTGAMING

Ahead of HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026, we speak with John Tan, Digital Marketing Analyst at DSTGAMING, to explore how their white label, turnkey, crypto-ready platforms, and powerful game aggregation solutions empower operators – from rapid launch and unified game integration to risk management, payments, and next-generation crypto deployment.

 

From your perspective, what are the biggest operational barriers new casino operators face today – and how does DSTGAMING address them through technology and infrastructure?

New casino operators often underestimate the complexity of launching and sustaining an iGaming operation. Beyond platform development, they face challenges related to licensing alignment, payment integrations, risk management, game provider negotiations, fraud prevention, and ongoing technical maintenance. Each of these components requires expertise, time, and significant capital investment.

DSTGAMING addresses these barriers by delivering a structured, technology-driven ecosystem that consolidates critical operational components into a single, unified infrastructure. Instead of managing multiple vendors and fragmented systems, operators gain access to a centralized platform that integrates game aggregation, payment gateways, compliance-ready frameworks, and backend management tools. This significantly reduces operational friction and allows operators to focus on market growth, branding, and player acquisition rather than technical troubleshooting.

DSTGAMING provides White Label solutions enabling casinos to go live in as little as a few weeks. What operational processes and technical frameworks make such rapid deployment possible?

Rapid deployment is made possible through a pre-configured yet flexible platform architecture. DSTGAMING’s White Label solution is built on a modular infrastructure where essential systems — player management, payment integrations, risk control, reporting dashboards, and game aggregation — are already technically optimized and tested.

Instead of building from scratch, operators plug into an established framework that supports domain setup, branding customization, provider configuration, and payment integration within a structured onboarding workflow. Automated compliance tools, ready-made back-office dashboards, and scalable cloud infrastructure further streamline the process. This approach minimizes development cycles while maintaining operational stability and performance.

The Turnkey solution focuses on full branding flexibility, user-friendly management, and extensive game libraries. How does this differ strategically from White Label in terms of operator control and long-term scalability?

Strategically, the White Label model is ideal for operators seeking speed-to-market with lower upfront investment and reduced technical responsibility. It provides a comprehensive operational framework where much of the infrastructure and maintenance is centrally managed.

The Turnkey solution, however, is designed for operators who require greater autonomy and long-term strategic control. It offers full branding flexibility, deeper system customization, independent licensing alignment, and enhanced scalability options. From a business standpoint, Turnkey allows operators to build their own technology identity while retaining access to DSTGAMING’s infrastructure backbone. This structure supports expansion into multiple jurisdictions, diversified payment ecosystems, and tailored player engagement strategies over time.

DSTGAMING’s Casino Game Aggregator provides access to more than 10,000 games from 100+ providers – how do you approach game content management, performance consistency, and provider diversity to ensure long-term player engagement?

Managing a large-scale aggregation portfolio requires structured curation rather than simple volume expansion. DSTGAMING focuses on performance analytics, regional player preferences, and technical optimization when onboarding providers.

Game content is continuously monitored for performance indicators such as session duration, retention rates, and conversion metrics. Low-performing titles can be rotated, while trending categories — whether slots, live casino, or crash games — are strategically highlighted. Provider diversity is carefully balanced to include established industry brands alongside emerging studios offering innovative mechanics.

From a technical standpoint, standardized API integration protocols and server optimization ensure latency consistency and stable gameplay across regions. This combination of analytics-driven curation and infrastructure reliability supports sustained player engagement rather than short-term spikes.

DSTGAMING also offers crypto-focused casino deployment. How is cryptocurrency reshaping payment flows, compliance considerations, and global player acquisition strategies?

Cryptocurrency is fundamentally reshaping cross-border transaction efficiency and player accessibility. Traditional payment systems often involve processing delays, regional banking restrictions, and high transaction fees. Crypto payments reduce these friction points by enabling faster settlement, lower costs, and broader global reach.

However, crypto integration also requires structured compliance frameworks. Responsible implementation includes wallet verification systems, AML alignment, transaction monitoring, and jurisdictional risk assessment. DSTGAMING integrates crypto-ready infrastructure within a controlled environment to balance operational efficiency with regulatory awareness.

From a growth perspective, crypto expands access to digitally native audiences and markets where conventional banking infrastructure may limit participation. Operators can position themselves competitively by offering both fiat and digital asset payment options within a secure and scalable ecosystem.

What key iGaming technology or business trends should operators watch most closely heading into 2026?

Heading into 2026, operators should closely monitor three primary areas: infrastructure scalability, payment diversification, and data-driven personalization.

First, scalable cloud-based architectures will become increasingly important as competition intensifies and multi-market expansion accelerates. Second, payment ecosystems will continue diversifying, including alternative payment methods, regional wallets, and cryptocurrency adoption. Third, advanced data analytics and AI-driven personalization will play a central role in player retention, segmentation, and responsible gaming monitoring.

Additionally, regulatory adaptability will remain critical. Operators must design systems that allow compliance updates without disrupting operational continuity.

DSTGAMING is joining the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 as the Lanyard Sponsor. What would you like operators and partners to take away from engaging with your team there?

DSTGAMING’s participation at the HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 as Lanyard Sponsor reflects its long-term commitment to industry collaboration and technological advancement.

At the summit, the objective is not simply to present solutions, but to engage in strategic discussions with operators and partners about sustainable growth models, market expansion strategies, and infrastructure optimization. Visitors should walk away with a clear understanding that DSTGAMING provides more than a platform — it delivers a structured ecosystem designed to support rapid launch, scalable expansion, diversified payments, and long-term operational stability.

The focus remains on building partnerships grounded in technology reliability, strategic flexibility, and measurable business outcomes as the industry moves into its next phase of evolution.

The post Powering the Next Generation of Online Casinos: Inside DSTGAMING’s Scalable iGaming Ecosystem appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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PunterClash Partners with QTech Games to Power Casino Expansion in Nigeria

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PunterClash, a newly launched Nigerian sports gaming platform centred on skill-based engagement and next-generation sportsbook experiences, has announced a strategic partnership with QTech Games, the leading aggregation platform serving emerging markets.

The agreement forms part of PunterClash’s phased rollout strategy as the company officially enters the Nigerian market. While the platform launches with its core sportsbook and proprietary OddScore contest format, the integration with QTech Games lays the groundwork for a curated casino offering to be introduced in a future product phase.

Built on a modern approach to sports engagement, PunterClash blends sports prediction, competition-driven mechanics, and responsible design principles to deliver a more interactive experience for fans. Through the partnership, the platform gains access to a scalable casino aggregation solution designed to support localisation, regulatory compliance, and structured market growth.

Richard Owoyemi, Managing Director at PunterClash, said:

“Partnering with QTech Games is an important step in our long-term product strategy. Our immediate focus at launch is delivering a strong, reliable sportsbook and skill-based contest experience through OddScore. QTech strengthens our roadmap by giving us access to a world-class aggregation platform that we can introduce in a structured and responsible way as we scale.

“In a competitive market like Nigeria, differentiation comes from product quality and execution. This partnership supports our vision of building a sustainable platform with depth across multiple verticals over time.”

Ekaterina Mayorova, Head of Region for Africa at QTech Games, added:

“We’re delighted to partner with PunterClash as they enter the Nigerian market. Their focus on innovation and long-term product thinking aligns well with how we support operators across emerging markets. Our aggregation platform gives partners the flexibility to introduce new gaming experiences at the right time and in the right way for their audience.”

The partnership underscores PunterClash’s focus on measured expansion, responsible gaming practices, and building a scalable platform tailored specifically to Nigerian players.

The post PunterClash Partners with QTech Games to Power Casino Expansion in Nigeria appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Ebbe Groes Group Co-CEO and Co-Founder EveryMatrix

EveryMatrix Fuels FitzBet’s UK & Ireland Debut with Complete Turnkey Setup

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Irish bookmaker Fitzwilliam Sports has teamed up with EveryMatrix to introduce a complete turnkey sports and casino operation for its mass market offering, FitzBet, now live online for the first time in the UK and Ireland.

FitzBet, operated by well-known Irish racehorse owner Paul Byrne, has moved to online betting for the first time, while improving its established telebetting service using EveryMatrix’s full technology stack.

The shift allows the private high-net-worth bookmaker, recognized for exceptional in-house customer service, to connect with its customers in both the UK and Ireland via a compliant and scalable framework.

EveryMatrix has provided its comprehensive turnkey solutions to the brand, featuring its own player account management, payment, bonusing, and affiliate platforms, as well as extensive operational assistance through its internally managed services.

The tier-1 provider has rolled out several UK betting and iGaming brands in recent months, driven by its turnkey technology and strengthened by its acquisition of FSB Technology in 2024 and the introduction of its own horse racing product in 2025.

Ebbe Groes, Group Co-CEO and Co-Founder, EveryMatrix, said: “It’s a privilege to support FitzBet as they launch online for the first time. They’ve placed their trust in us and our technology to grow their digital revenues and we’re proud to provide the advanced platform technology, tools, and services to help them further expand in both Ireland and the UK.”

Paul Byrne, Director at FitzBet, added: “This is a significant step for us. Thanks to EveryMatrix, we have the technology and support we need to take our service online and to continue delivering the trusted, high-quality experience our clients are accustomed to. We are excited for what’s ahead.”

The post EveryMatrix Fuels FitzBet’s UK & Ireland Debut with Complete Turnkey Setup appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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