Latest News
Zynga Acquires Echtra Games Team Led by Developers of Diablo and Torchlight Franchises
Zynga Inc., a global leader in interactive entertainment, announced that it has acquired Echtra Games, a cross-platform game studio composed of a development team whose core members have previously shaped the world of action role-playing games through their work on genre-defining titles including Diablo, Diablo II, the Torchlight franchise and more.
The Echtra Games team strengthens Zynga’s cross-platform play future by adding talented developers with extensive cross-platform play experience as well as proprietary cross-platform development tools and technologies that have been built on top of the Unreal Engine. Specifically, the Echtra Games team will be developing a new, yet to be announced RPG for cross-platform play in partnership with Zynga’s NaturalMotion studio.
“Max and his team at Echtra Games are responsible for some of the most legendary game properties ever created, and they are experts in the action RPG genre and cross-platform development. I’m excited to welcome the Echtra Games team into the Zynga family,” said Frank Gibeau, Chief Executive Officer of Zynga. “This acquisition will be instrumental in growing our iconic licenses and brands from mobile to PCs and consoles, while helping to further expand Zynga’s total addressable market.”
“Echtra Games is delighted to be joining the Zynga family,” said Max Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Echtra Games. “We share Zynga’s vision that cross-platform play is an essential part of the future of RPGs and interactive entertainment and are eager to apply our vast experience and talents to this effort.”
Echtra Games was founded in 2016 and is led by an experienced group of industry veterans. Max Schaefer and his leadership team co-founded companies such as Blizzard North, Flagship Studios and Runic Games, and have strong development experience on titles such as Diablo, Diablo II, the Torchlight franchise, The Sims 4 and more. Echtra Games’ veteran employees have worked with companies such as Blizzard, Disney, Electronic Arts, Runic Games, Kabam and Undead Labs. Echtra Games’ development team has published and run live services on mobile, PC, Playstation 4, XBox One and the Nintendo Switch.
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Business Development
Soft2Bet hires Ryan Collinge as EVP for business development and partnerships
Collinge joins as Executive Vice President – Group Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, bringing 20+ years across retail and online gaming.
Soft2Bet has appointed Ryan Collinge as Executive Vice President – Group Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, adding him to its senior leadership team.
In the role, Collinge will focus on supporting Soft2Bet’s growth plans and strengthening relationships with operators and entertainment brands, the company said.
Andrew Cochrane, Chief Commercial Officer at Soft2Bet, said: “Ryan brings the commercial judgement, industry relationships and operational experience needed to support Soft2Bet’s growth. His appointment strengthens our executive team as we expand our work with leading operators and global entertainment brands.”
Soft2Bet said Collinge brings more than 20 years of commercial, product and operational experience across retail and online gaming, including work with private equity-backed start-ups and multinational gaming groups. The company added that his background includes global sales, commercial strategy and business development, along with iGaming content, product development and studio management.
Soft2Bet also pointed to Collinge’s experience in the casino content vertical, which it said will support client needs analysis and solution optimization.
The post Soft2Bet hires Ryan Collinge as EVP for business development and partnerships appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Caesars Entertainment
Vanderpump Hotel reports $813,553 Pai Gow Poker jackpot weeks after opening
Caesars Rewards member Pam W. from Colorado hit a seven-card straight flush on the Las Vegas Strip property.
The Vanderpump Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip has reported an $813,553 jackpot win on Pai Gow Poker, just weeks after the property officially opened.
According to the company, Caesars Rewards member Pam W., visiting from Littleton, Colorado, won the payout after hitting a seven-card straight flush while playing Pai Gow Poker at The Vanderpump Hotel. The release said Pam was on a weeklong vacation with her husband and plans to use the winnings toward a European river cruise.
The Vanderpump Hotel is Lisa Vanderpump’s first hotel, developed in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. The property has 188 guest rooms, including 21 suites, and a 40,000-square-foot casino, the company said.
The venue’s food, beverage and nightlife lineup includes GIADA by Giada De Laurentiis, rooftop pool and event space Soleia, and Drai’s After Hours in its original location beneath the hotel. The property also hosts Caesars Sportsbook in a lounge-style format, alongside lounges including Gigolo and The Bar at The Vanderpump Hotel.
The post Vanderpump Hotel reports $813,553 Pai Gow Poker jackpot weeks after opening appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Caesars Rewards
Raise a Glass: The Vanderpump Hotel Celebrates $813,553 Jackpot Win
The Vanderpump Hotel – Lisa Vanderpump’s first-ever hotel in partnership with Caesars Entertainment – is dealing out big wins on the Las Vegas Strip, celebrating a dazzling $813,553 payout just weeks after officially opening its doors.
Caesars Rewards® member Pam W., visiting from Littleton, Colorado, hit the jackpot with a seven-card straight flush on Pai Gow Poker at The Vanderpump Hotel. Pam, who is in town enjoying a weeklong vacation with her husband, is already planning her next adventure – turning her Vegas luck into a dream European river cruise.
Blending elevated design with a distinct sense of personality, The Vanderpump Hotel introduces a boutique, lifestyle-driven hospitality experience in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. The hotel offers an intimate footprint with 188 guest rooms, including 21 suites.
The property also features a 40,000-square-foot casino; Gigolo, a sexy, sultry lounge and The Bar at The Vanderpump Hotel, an inviting destination in the center of the casino – all curated to deliver a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere.
Culinary and nightlife offerings are anchored by GIADA, the award-winning flagship restaurant from celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis; Soleia, a 65,000-square-foot rooftop pool and event space with open-air, panoramic views from 11 stories above the Las Vegas skyline; and Drai’s After Hours, located in its original home beneath the hotel. Caesars Sportsbook at The Vanderpump Hotel provides a boutique, lounge-style setting for sports fans and gaming enthusiasts alike. Guests can book stays at The Vanderpump Hotel via the Caesars Rewards app or online at caesars.com/thevanderpumphotel.
The post Raise a Glass: The Vanderpump Hotel Celebrates $813,553 Jackpot Win appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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