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Fast Company ranks Fnatic in the most innovative gaming firms

Published

5 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.

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

AI

Investor`s perspective: highlights from ICE Barcelona 2026

Published

8 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

investor`s-perspective:-highlights-from-ice-barcelona-2026

The Investments team at RedCore held dozens of meetings at ICE Barcelona with projects from MarTech/Traffic, iGaming, AI/ML, and RegTech. We share our observations on the direction of the market and changes in the approach of startups.

Technology is the main trend

The products at the conference focused on offering fundamentally new solutions rather than competing head-on. There were a huge number of game providers, but the ones that attracted attention were those betting on technological innovation.

“The trend is clear: products are trying to offer something completely new, rather than just competing in their niche,” notes Andrei Alexandrov, Investment Portfolio Manager at RedCore.

The influx of incoming applications confirmed this: even without a targeted search, most projects fell within the fund`s priority areas — MarTech/Traffic, iGaming solutions, AI/ML, and RegTech.

AI and data are changing the traffic game

At iGB Affiliate, which ran parallel to ICE, AI solutions for traffic were everywhere: trackers, predictive models, player behavior analysis panels. This reflects the maturity of the market — traffic optimization is no longer possible without ML/AI approaches.

The main competitive asset today is data and segmentation. Those who segment more deeply, personalize, and truly understand the behavior of their audience will win. Granular data, behavior by micro-segments, is no longer a “nice-to-have” but a necessity.

“Affiliates are increasingly acting not just as CPA traffic partners, but as full-fledged marketing experts who use data and content to improve engagement,” notes Iryna Yeromenko, Investment Portfolio Manager at RedCore.

Startups have become more mature

Just a few years ago, conferences were often attended by teams with raw ideas. Now the situation has changed: founders come with well-developed pitches, clear business models, and a clear understanding of the market.

“Startups are particularly impressive this year: everyone comes prepared and tries to present themselves in the best way. There was almost no one who came with just an idea,” says Andrei Alexandrov. “Some said that we are their priority fund. This level of trust confirms that we are moving in the right direction.”

Record dealflow, but quality is more important

The volume of incoming applications for ICE Barcelona exceeded the total for all other events last year. But a large flow also means risk: without clear selection criteria, it is easy to waste time on irrelevant projects.

“There are a lot of introductions, pitches, and “let`s talk”. At the same time, it is important to remember that quantity does not equal quality. ICE reinforces the need for strict investment filtering, as without clear criteria, it is easy to get lost in the noise,” explains Oleksandr Briukhovetskyi, Investment Portfolio Manager at RedCore.

This principle also works in traffic: the best affiliates focus on data strategies, mobile-first and video-first content, as well as player behavior patterns. Affiliates get access to more metrics, which lets them buy better traffic.

Long-term value instead of quick deals

ICE Barcelona isn`t about closing deals on the spot. The main value of the conference lies in the opportunity to create the foundation for partnerships for the next 6–12 months.

“Conferences bring strategic value. In terms of the density of quality contacts, long-term deals, and relevant contextual conversations, they are confidently ahead of most other channels,” — notes Oleksandr Briukhovetskyi.

Industry boundaries are blurring

ICE attracts a large number of cross-industry projects that are not formally related to iGaming but seek to integrate into this market. This creates new opportunities for investors who can see synergies between different verticals.

“ICE is a rare case where all elements of the iGaming chain are gathered in one space: operators, providers, payments, RegTech, AI, traffic, media buying, crypto, Web3. The boundaries of the industry are blurring right in front of our eyes,” Oleksandr sums up.

Where is the market headed

The market is moving towards consolidation. The trend towards aggregators and super apps is growing stronger, and now AI has joined the mix. The greatest potential lies in automated management systems, data aggregators, big data products, and predictive analytics.

In iGaming, there is growing demand for infrastructure solutions: tools for Retention, Customer Support, Antifraud, Responsible Gaming, and regulation. There is particular interest in products that allow operators to independently create loyalty systems, custom games, and analytics.

The focus of investors has shifted. Previously, they pursued ideas, but now expertise and team stability matter more. The number of startups has grown, as it is easier than ever to create an MVP in the AI era. Therefore, Due Diligence is critical: how well does the product solve a real market problem, and whether the team is ready to develop and monetize it.

Are you building a product in MarTech, iGaming, AI/ML, or RegTech? Tell the Investments team at RedCore about your project: https://redcore.group/lets-cooperate/

The post Investor`s perspective: highlights from ICE Barcelona 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Brasil on Track

ODDSGATE LAUNCHES “BRASIL ON TRACK”, A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR NAVIGATING BRAZIL’S REGULATED IGAMING MARKET

Published

11 hours ago

February 5, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

oddsgate-launches-“brasil-on-track”,-a-strategic-platform-for-navigating-brazil’s-regulated-igaming-market

As Brazil’s regulated iGaming market completes its first year under Law 14.790/2023, Oddsgate today announced the launch of Brasil on Track, a strategic platform designed to help operators monitor legislation, understand compliance requirements, and make informed decisions in Latin America’s largest economy.

Brasil on Track provides live tracking of regulatory milestones, market indicators, and operational requirements,

connecting legal updates to their business impact and linking directly to official sources.
Brazil’s regulatory landscape has evolved rapidly over the past year. Law 14.790/2023 introduced clearer frameworks for licensing, taxation, and consumer protection, which accelerated international interest and positioned Brazil among the world’s most closely watched regulated iGaming markets.

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, the sector generated an estimated R$36 billion in gross gaming revenue (January-September 2025) and R$3.3 billion in federal tax revenue over the same period, highlighting the market’s scale and momentum.
Source: Brazil’s Ministry of Finance, 2025.

“The regulation brought by Law 14.790/2023 was a major milestone for Brazil’s iGaming sector,” said Valter Delfraro Junior, Oddsgate’s Director of Regulatory Affairs. “It ended years of uncertainty and provided legal security and operational clarity. This new scenario places Brazil’s gaming industry on par with mature markets, increasing our international competitiveness and attractiveness to global investors and partners.”

During the first year of regulation, operators faced extensive requirements, including federal authorization processes, responsible gambling mechanisms, advertising restrictions, and new tax structures. Oddsgate expects the market to continue expanding throughout 2026, with early adopters well-positioned to benefit from greater credibility and market growth.

“We transform regulation into a practical, continuous guide for operating in Brazil with less risk and more clarity,” said Wagner Fernandes, Chief Marketing Officer at Oddsgate. “Brasil on Track helps teams entering, expanding, or optimizing operations decide with context, not guesswork.”

What “Brasil on Track” includes
– Live tracking of active regulation and pending bills;
– An operational roadmap mapping legal changes to required compliance actions;
– Market intelligence, including player demographics and key market indicators;
– Visibility into tax structures, licensing steps, and market-entry requirements;
– Focus areas include KYC, AML, self-exclusion tools, responsible gambling, and consumer protection requirements.

The post ODDSGATE LAUNCHES “BRASIL ON TRACK”, A STRATEGIC PLATFORM FOR NAVIGATING BRAZIL’S REGULATED IGAMING MARKET appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Latest News

LEON.BET RENEWS AS OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL PARTNER FOR 2026

Published

12 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Wladimir P.

leon.bet-renews-as-official-international-partner-for-2026

SAW is proud to announce the renewal of its international partnership with LEON.bet for the 2026 season, marking another milestone in a collaboration that continues to expand in ambition, reach, and global impact across the esports ecosystem.

More than a sponsorship, this renewed agreement reinforces a partnership built on shared values that extend beyond competition. As a core strategic partner, LEON.bet plays a key role in supporting SAW’s worldwide growth through large-scale content initiatives, interactive fan engagement, and multi-regional campaigns. These efforts include exclusive giveaways, fan rewards, and community-driven activations designed to bring supporters closer to the action than ever before.

LEON.bet’s commitment to esports reaches well beyond its CS2 partnership with SAW. By also collaborating with organizations such as FlyQuest and GamerLegion, LEON.bet demonstrates a long-term vision that spans multiple regions, titles, and competitive disciplines — underscoring its dedication to the sustainable growth of esports on a global scale.

At the heart of this alliance is mutual trust, aligned objectives, and a shared ambition to push boundaries. Together, SAW and LEON.bet will continue to innovate through fresh content, immersive fan experiences, and impactful initiatives that strengthen their global footprint.

As the partnership moves into 2026, both sides are energized to build on past successes and accelerate momentum, delivering even more value to fans and the wider esports community worldwide.

The post LEON.BET RENEWS AS OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL PARTNER FOR 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.