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Fast Company ranks Fnatic in the most innovative gaming firms

Published

4 years ago

March 11, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Every generation of video-game consoles ushers in faster, more realistic titles. This year’s releases by Sony and Microsoft continue that trend. The PS5 and the Xbox Series X deliver unprecedented levels of realism, with graphics processors that simulate shimmering reflections on puddles, controller vibrations that evoke the feeling of running through sand, and game worlds that are as large and detailed as actual cities. But games didn’t simply become more lifelike in 2020. They also became more intertwined with our everyday lives. In the year where everyone sheltered at home, escapism was accessible to more kinds of people than ever, whether you dreamt of the fashion runways in Paris, a quiet pastoral island life, or literal escape (from Zombies, aliens, enemy soldiers, the list goes on). And gaming companies further worked their way into pop culture, from sports to fashion to movies.

1. MICROSOFT

For subscribing to an anywhere, anytime gaming lifestyle

Microsoft is increasingly becoming the everyman’s gaming system. The company aims to empower Xbox fans to play any game, on any device, anywhere, anytime. In the past year, the software giant didn’t just launch its next-generation console, the Xbox Series X, it upgraded infrastructure, introduced new services, and made a sizable acquisition to bring its vision of gaming ubiquity closer to reality. Games on the Xbox Series X load faster than ever thanks to a screaming-fast solid state drive. Subscribers to Game Pass, Microsoft’s “Netflix for Games,” can now play over 100 Xbox games from any Android-powered mobile phone or tablet by tapping into the company’s xCloud streaming service. A feature called Smart Delivery upgrades games automatically and installs them on the owner’s new console—ready to resume play at the moment a player left off. In September, the company announced they paid $7.5 billion to acquire Zenimax Media, bringing games franchises like Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Doom in house. For more on why Microsoft is a 2021 Most Innovative Company, click here.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

2. SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

For leveling up yet again

Long the gaming industry’s paragon of polish and ingenuity, Sony’s gaming division burnished its reputation with new hardware and software in 2020 that built on what games can do—and who can play them. Its next generation console, the PlayStation 5, employs top-notch graphics processors that enhance how the game looks, its new controller employs haptic technology that changes how the game feels—making it possible for players to distinguish between the touch of a sandy surface versus a shiny metallic one. Games like Last of Us Part II, developed by Sony subsidiary Naughty Dog, added accessibility options to make the game playable and fun for players of any ability level, including those who are partially or fully blind (sonar-like pings relay the approach of menacing zombies). Meanwhile, Dreams, a game developed by Media Molecule (another Sony entity) makes it possible for players to crate anything from games to gadgets to puzzles and paintings with the title’s game-making toolbox and social network. For more on why Sony Interactive Entertainment is a 2021 Most Innovative Company, click here.

3. NVIDIA

For enabling auteurs with cinematic graphics

Graphics in video games have always lagged behind Hollywood CGI for a simple reason: time. Movie studios can spend weeks rendering each shadow and reflection in a given frame with intense attention to realism and detail; games have to render graphics on the fly, some 60 times every second, as the player moves through virtual space. NVIDIA’s RTX 30 series graphics chips close the quality gap between games and movies using a supremely clever chip design that combines traditional graphics processing with ray-tracing, a computationally intense process that can simulate how light beams reflect and refract off smoke, shimmering water, or high-sheen chrome. Meanwhile an AI-dedicated processing core finds shortcuts and workarounds to speed the process up to game-appropriate speeds.

4. NINTENDO

For crossing into everyday companionship

If quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic had an official pastime, it would be Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The easy-going, wholesome and social game, in which players plant a garden and decorate a home while making friends with a collection of friendly anthropomorphic animals, was exactly the kind of virtual escape many millennials and kids alike were looking for as they sheltered in place. The game’s social elements—users can visit one another’s island and pass the time with meditative, outdoorsy activities like chopping wood and fishing—provided a way for real-life friends to hang out with one another and feel a little close without violating social distancing rules.

5. DAPPER LABS

For putting collectibles on the blockchain

The blockchain-based game developer behind CryptoKitties launched NBA Top Shot, a blockchain-based collectible game, in 2020. The game offers a blockchain twist on sports cards collectibles, by allowing users to buy, collect, and trade video-clip “packets” of top NBA players and moments—pointing toward a new future for sports memorabilia. This year one such blockchain-encrypted video, also known as a “moment”, of the Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo charging to the basket, sold from one collector to another for $1,999.

6. FNATIC

For upgrading esports teams into elite status

The esports organization is building a lifestyle brand that is synonymous with gaming excellence while selling every aspect of it: Its stable of professional esports players win championships in massively popular games ranging from League of Legends to CS:Go, while using Fnatic’s line of performance gaming equipment (keyboards, mice, chairs) and wearing the company’s co-branded apparel and accessories, which it makes in partnership with fashion houses like Gucci. The company’s CEO, Sam Matthews, sees Formula One as an inspiration; in fact he made Nick Fry, the former CEO of the Mercedes AMG Formula One team, the company’s head of commercial strategy.

7. FAZE CLAN

For elevating video games into pop culture

Rivals may deride the sprawling collective of content-makers and gamers as a Gen Z mashup, but the company’s massive reach is undeniable: FaZe Clan members play video games professionally in tournaments, stream their lives on platforms like Twitch, and make short-form videos for sites like YouTube. The company, led by Lee Trink, a music executive who was once president of Capitol Records, is expanding into novel and traditional forms of content alike, from podcasts on Spotify and clips on TikTok to film and television projects, such as Crimson, which was released in October. The collective is also making its talent for Zoomer whispering available to mass-market brands from Verizon to Nissan to Venmo.

8. HERMAN MILLER

For fashioning the gamers’ throne

9. HOLLOW PONDS

For killing us softly with its quirky creations

10. DREST

For dressing up high fashion into a video game

Latest News

Where B2B Marketing Stumbles

Published

1 hour ago

August 27, 2025

Wladimir P.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Marketing in B2B is like a midfielder in football: it’s supposed to cover the whole field and only occasionally push forward. Meanwhile, all the glory rightfully goes to the strikers, while our role is to reliably back the team.

Still, remove marketing from any business, and you’ll immediately recall Stewart Britt’s line about winking at a girl in the dark. Working without marketing today means being unarmed and invisible in the sea of offers and background noise that’s only getting harder to cut through.

Today, we’re celebrating Trueplay’s 7th anniversary — and as a small but meaningful gift, our marketing team would like to offer a bit of striptease and self-flagellation by offering fixes for some of the most common mistakes marketing teams make.

Clear your meeting calendar

Let’s start with a universal pain point for remote-era businesses: weeding through online meetings. Endless regular calls — with or without a clear purpose — fill up the day and ruthlessly devour your time.

Our conclusion: meet only when the issue cannot be solved in writing. Video calls are great for fast, efficient status updates, but become a protracted torture when the only reason is “just to have a call.”

We’re not denying the value of human connection — even through Google Meet — but add this to your calendar: meet only with purpose.

Work together — validate your ideas

Important decisions should always be made collectively, with all relevant perspectives taken into account. To execute any process — especially one that impacts the company’s success — you need a complementary team.

Only in fairytales or propaganda do people unanimously accept top-down decisions. In reality, any idea — especially a creative one — will have both supporters and critics. That’s why you need to build processes where important decisions are validated collectively.

If you’re launching a new website, building a key campaign, or preparing for a major expo — take the time to gather all the department heads around the (virtual) table, especially Sales. Run the idea by them and give them a heads-up about what’s coming.

One of the most common mistakes marketing teams make is leveraging their authority to impose changes: “This is how we’re doing things now.” But if the rest of the team doesn’t support your idea — at least tacitly — failure is almost guaranteed.

It reminds us of a brilliant example from Ichak Adizes, who once visited a shoe factory. Taking aside a factory worker, he discovered how employees responded to unpopular management decisions. They didn’t argue or complain — they simply packed mismatched shoe sizes into the same box and sent them to stores.

Just imagine: marketers, managers, and strategy consultants working around the clock to design company-wide strategies — and a few disengaged people silently undo it all by refusing to cooperate.

Leave time for execution

Marketers love ideas. But even the best concept can fall apart due to a lack of time, budget, or resources.

We’ve held pure gold in our hands — ideas that could’ve flown. But when it came to execution, we stalled. You never know where the problem will arise: a legal nuance, a burning deadline, or a system that simply isn’t ready.

So always build in time. Don’t rush. Remember that cycles repeat — if it didn’t work now, you can always return later with stronger preparation.

Test the product

Even if no one expects it from you — use your market knowledge to help improve the product. Talk to clients. Validate hypotheses early. Stay in touch with the market. Share your insights with the product team.

The worst service you can provide is silent acceptance. You’re not paid to promote anything blindly — you’re here to make products and services better.

Watch your costs

Prices always go up. Invoices from contractors, expo fees, event costs — they’ll all increase each year. That means you must constantly monitor the budget and plan for risks.

To stay ready for tough negotiations — research the market, look for alternatives, check out new vendors. A shark dies if it stops swimming.

Keep your eyes open

Marketing is a 24/7 job. You’re always learning — no matter the field. Every brilliant campaign, viral case, or breakthrough idea is your teacher.

Read the news. Follow innovation and creativity channels. Feed your brain with inspiration. Your superpower is insight, intuition, and ideas. And they can come from anywhere.

Remember your role

Marketing is the company’s radar. Its navigation system. Its sails. You’re always where it’s loud and messy. Your job is to make the company seen, to build the brand. It’s a serious responsibility.

And yes, product creators often get the credit — and that’s fair. But remember: you shape the packaging. And packaging makes things desirable.

That’s your work.
That’s your win.

The post Where B2B Marketing Stumbles appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

BET9JA BACK BOXING WITH BALMORAL GROUP PROMOTIONS SPONSORSHIP

Published

2 hours ago

August 27, 2025

Wladimir P.

bet9ja-back-boxing-with-balmoral-group-promotions-sponsorship

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Bet9ja, Nigeria’s premier sportsbook and gaming platform, today announced a landmark multi-year, multi-fight sponsorship partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions, aimed at elevating Nigerian boxing to new heights both domestically and on the global stage. This strategic alliance underscores Bet9ja’s commitment to fostering Nigerian talent, building the sport’s profile, and creating unforgettable moments of national pride through high-profile events that showcase emerging stars and deliver thrilling action to fans worldwide.

The partnership will kick off with a historic night of boxing titled “Chaos In The Ring” on Nigerian Independence Day, October 1, 2025, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. Headlined by a highly anticipated cruiserweight clash between American contender Brandon Glanton (20-3, 17 KOs) and former WBA super middleweight champion Rocky Fielding (30-3, 18 KOs) from Liverpool, the event has already captured global attention for its narrative and star power. Glanton, seeking redemption after his loss to British former World Champion Chris Billam-Smith, will face Fielding in what promises to be an explosive main event. The card also features notable bouts including former IBF lightweight champion Richard Commey versus Shiloh Defreitas, and appearances by rising talents like Dan Azeez, further highlighting Nigeria’s growing presence in international boxing.

This inaugural event is presented in collaboration with legendary former world champion Amir Khan and his AK Promotions, alongside support from the National Sports Commission of Nigeria. Broadcast live on DAZN, “Chaos In The Ring” will not only celebrate Nigeria’s independence but also serve as a platform to inspire the next generation of boxers, with a focus on community engagement, talent development, and global storytelling through exclusive content series.

Building on its recent foray into boxing, Bet9ja draws inspiration from its successful sponsorship of British-Nigerian heavyweight sensation Moses Itauma, announced in August 2025. As part of that deal, Itauma, an unbeaten prospect with 12 professional wins (10 by knockout) and holder of the WBO Intercontinental and WBA International titles, served as a Bet9ja brand ambassador during his high-profile knockout victory over Dillian Whyte in Saudi Arabia. The partnership featured Bet9ja’s branding on Itauma’s training gear, ringside apparel, and exclusive digital content under the “#CatchTheBoom” campaign, amplifying Nigeria’s pride and global visibility. This experience has fueled Bet9ja’s ambition to further invest in boxing, with the Balmoral partnership set to replicate and expand this model to nurture more Nigerian stars and iconic moments.

Jennifer Olatunji, Senior Marketing Manager of Bet9ja said: “Bet9ja is proud to back Nigerian boxing through this transformative partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions. Our shared vision is to shine a spotlight on the incredible grit and talent within our nation, building future stars and delivering some of Nigeria’s most proud and publicized sporting nights. Starting with this Independence Day spectacle, we are committed to growing the sport’s ecosystem, creating opportunities for athletes, and engaging fans in ways that resonate both at home and abroad.”

Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, added: “This multi-year sponsorship from Bet9ja is a game-changer for Nigerian boxing. Together with AK Promotions and Amir Khan, we’re not just hosting fights – we’re building hope, uniting communities, and positioning Nigeria as a powerhouse in the global boxing arena. October 1st will be a night to remember, marking the dawn of a new era for our sport.”

Amir Khan, CEO of AK Promotions and former unified light-welterweight world champion, said: “I’m thrilled to partner with Balmoral Group Promotions and now Bet9ja to bring world-class boxing to Nigeria. This event on Independence Day will showcase incredible talent and draw eyes from around the world, helping to develop the stars of tomorrow and create lasting legacies for the country.”

As part of the sponsorship, Bet9ja will provide branding visibility across events, exclusive digital content, fan engagement initiatives, and support for grassroots boxing programs to nurture young talent. This collaboration builds on Bet9ja’s growing involvement in combat sports, following its recent ambassadorship with rising heavyweight star Moses Itauma.

The post BET9JA BACK BOXING WITH BALMORAL GROUP PROMOTIONS SPONSORSHIP appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Vixio Releases 2025 Gaming Supplier Survey Highlighting Increasing Regulatory Scrutiny

Published

2 hours ago

August 27, 2025

Wladimir P.

vixio-releases-2025-gaming-supplier-survey-highlighting-increasing-regulatory-scrutiny

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Vixio, a leading provider of regulatory intelligence solutions, has released the findings of its 2025 Gaming Supplier Survey, analysing the views of leading executives with gambling suppliers on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), responsible gaming and technical compliance.

Findings of the Vixio survey are being released today ahead of the Global Gaming Suppliers Seminar being hosted later today in Las Vegas by Vixio and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), the leading international trade association representing the interests of gaming equipment suppliers.

The Vixio Gaming Supplier Survey reveals that suppliers expect to face increased scrutiny from regulators who are becoming more knowledgeable about suppliers’ impact on the global online gambling ecosystem. This heightened awareness underscores the need for suppliers to implement robust, technology-enabled solutions and establish clear internal frameworks and company policies for compliance.

James Kilsby, Chief Analyst for Vixio, said: “The Gaming Supplier Survey underscores the increased regulatory burdens falling on online gambling suppliers as more European jurisdictions introduce specific B2B licensing regimes and regulators scrutinise how illegal, offshore sites are being supported. In addition, regulation of iGaming is spreading to new parts of the world and suppliers are grappling with an increasingly diverse set of technical compliance rules and other regulatory restrictions, as they seek to capitalise on these exciting growth opportunities.”

The compliance pressure is not just coming from the regulators: 75% of suppliers surveyed agree that operators are increasingly pressuring suppliers to remain compliant as well.

Suppliers Facing Choice Between Regulated and Grey Markets

Industry executives believe that within the next five years, online gambling suppliers will need to make more definitive choices between serving exclusively licensed and regulated markets or those with a more ambiguous legal status.

Latin America and North America were identified as regions poised to offer the most significant commercial growth opportunities for suppliers in the coming years. Additionally, the Africa/Middle-East region, particularly the United Arab Emirates, presents a substantial yet uncertain opportunity.

Technical Compliance Requirements Becoming Increasingly Diverse

Technical compliance challenges were also highlighted through the survey, with 90% of respondents agreeing that technical or product compliance requirements are becoming increasingly diverse across regulated markets, and this trend is only likely to accelerate over the next five years. To address these challenges, Vixio has launched a dedicated Technical Compliance Tool, the online gambling industry’s first one-stop solution for navigating technical compliance requirements. It consolidates full coverage of all technical compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions and covers a comprehensive set of modules for suppliers.

AI Poses an Opportunity, But Not a Magic Bullet

The survey also highlights the transformative potential of AI in the online gambling industry, including potential applications in game design, personalized RG tools and financial reporting.

However, 58% of surveyed executives say the adoption and benefits of AI are expected to be limited by the pace at which regulators and lawmakers understand and address the technology over the next three to five years.