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Leading Video Game Streaming Platform Antstream Arcade Launches Free to Play Model

Published

5 years ago

February 12, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Leading retro games platform Antstream Arcade has announced the introduction of a free tier to its online streaming platform, providing users with free access to the platform’s thousands of iconic games.

The first game streaming service to announce a free-to-play tier, Antstream Arcade hosts the world’s largest library of retro games, with over a thousand playable retro classics available and dozens of new titles added every month. Utilising cloud-based streaming, users can play any game on any device wherever there is a 4G connection or better present – even where 5G is developing. The introduction of this new pricing model will allow users in North America and Europe to access the platform’s full list of features for free.

Antstream Arcade’s CEO Steve Cottam said: It’s an age old argument in the media, how should users pay for content? Ads, attention, data or money are the most common methods at present. We are continuing to offer a premium service without ads or interruptions, but, for users who don’t want to pay, we are now also offering a free-to-play tier. Ultimately, we want our customers to get the best value, we want licensors to be paid fairly for their IP and we want our investors to see the company grow to its full potential – this is the latest step in throwing open the doors to gamers everywhere and achieving that goal.”

Antstream Arcade has partnered with some of the biggest names in gaming to create its extensive catalogue of iconic games, including Taito, Atari and Bandai-Namco, Disney and Warner Bros – making it the world’s largest collection of retro games. Antstream Arcade represents the only way that many gamers are able to access the games of the past while supporting the game’s original creators and rights holders. In addition to providing gaming rights holders with a revenue stream for the use of their content, Antstream provides a wealth of gameplay data from players allowing game owners to better decide how to shape their franchises for future audiences.

Alona Shevtsova

Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova moderates Global Gaming Expansion panel in Riyadh

Published

4 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

sends-ceo-alona-shevtsova-moderates-global-gaming-expansion-panel-in-riyadh

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, will moderate a panel at The Blockchain show on 29^th June, bringing together experts from entertainment, location-based gaming, and content localisation to examine what it takes to build sustainable gaming ecosystems across emerging markets.

The panel, titled “Global Gaming Expansion: Lessons from Untapped Markets,” will structure its discussion across four themes: the growth dynamics reshaping emerging gaming markets; the role of localisation in creating experiences that genuinely connect with new audiences; the infrastructure and communities needed to build gaming ecosystems beyond the game itself; and the lessons and opportunities that will define successful expansion in the years ahead.

Alona Shevtsova plans to frame the discussion around the central challenge for companies looking to expand globally: entering a new market requires far more than bringing an existing product to a new audience. Understanding local cultures, building communities, adapting experiences, and creating ecosystems that allow gaming to grow sustainably are all as important as the product itself.

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, said:

“The future growth of gaming will come not only from new technologies, but from understanding people — their cultures, communities, and the experiences they want to be part of. Successful expansion will belong to those who can combine global ambition with local understanding.”

The first segment will examine why regions including the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are becoming increasingly significant for developers, operators, and investors — driven by young audiences, accelerating digital adoption, and new entertainment models creating substantial growth potential. Panellists will explore how consumer preferences differ across markets and what trends among younger audiences are shaping the future of gaming and entertainment.

The third segment will broaden the lens beyond the game itself, exploring the role of location-based entertainment, gaming centres, esports, and experiential destinations in attracting new audiences and building long-term communities. Panellists plan to address how entertainment ecosystems — spanning physical venues, events, and community infrastructure — accelerate gaming adoption in markets where the category is still establishing itself.

Earlier this month, Alona Shevtsova was shortlisted for the 2026 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Established Business of the Year category. Her team is also preparing for the Fintech Connect conference in London later this year. Sends will be a leading sponsor of this event.

*Sends is a trade name of SMARTFLOW PAYMENTS LIMITED, registered in England and Wales (Company No.11070048). For more information, visit sends.co .

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