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Fast Company ranks Fnatic in the most innovative gaming firms

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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 ScrollsFallout, and Doom in house. For more on why Microsoft is a 2021 Most Innovative Company, click here.

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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

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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.

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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

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Independent evaluation highlights impact of Ygam’s parent programme

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An independent evaluation has provided compelling evidence that Ygam’s work is effectively equipping families with the tools and knowledge to safeguard children from gaming and gambling harms.

The evaluation report, conducted by Sherbert Research, examined Ygam’s programme tailored for parents and carers, which includes online workshops, resources, and the Family Hub website.

The evaluation, assessed against Ygam’s comprehensive Theory of Change, found ‘strong evidence across all groups’ of increased understanding of gaming and gambling harms and their impact on behaviour change and the wellbeing of children and young people. It also highlighted that parents regard Ygam as a trusted source of support and information on these subjects.

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After attending a Ygam workshop, parents expressed a deeper understanding of their role in supporting children and young people on these issues. The workshops were credited with reducing stigma around gaming and gambling harms and encouraging greater engagement from families. Many parents reported proactively understanding the risks and feeling empowered to start conversations with their children about gaming and gambling, putting boundaries in place before harm occurs.

While parents and professionals are increasingly aware of the risks associated with gaming, fewer recognise children’s potential exposure to gambling and gambling-like features, along with the related harms. The report reinforces that Ygam’s work plays a vital role in closing this critical knowledge gap through awareness raising, offering effective safeguarding tools, and providing the guidance and support required to create a safer digital home environment.

The programme was also commended for shifting perceptions around video gaming and microtransactions. They described taking immediate proactive steps such as adjusting screen time, understanding app spending, and setting clearer rules around their child’s online habits.

One parent who took part in the evaluation said: “After the session, I checked my son’s gaming account and realised he had spent over £200 on in-game purchases. We talked about it, and I’ve now set up parental controls.”

The high quality and standard of Ygam’s educational content was also praised by parents, with many describing it as ‘one of the best’ workshops they had attended for addressing a topical and complex issue, and for delivering accessible knowledge that supports real-life action.

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Another parent said: ” A friend mentioned Ygam after I shared concerns about my son’s gaming habits. She had been on the course and said it had really helped her understand how to manage screen time”.

Claire Patel, Programme Lead for the Parents and Carers programme at Ygam, said: “We welcome the findings of this evaluation, which highlight the widespread and meaningful difference our programme is making for families. Parents and carers know their children better than anyone, and they have a crucial role to play – but they consistently tell us they often feel under-informed in today’s fast-moving digital world. We remain committed to listening to families and providing the information and tools they need to promote healthy habits and safeguard their children from potential harms.”

The evaluation was informed by interviews and video diaries from parents, foster carers, and professionals who attended Ygam workshops between 2023 and 2024.

All recommendations for improvement will be incorporated into the ongoing review and development of Ygam’s programmes to ensure they remain as effective and impactful as possible.

The post Independent evaluation highlights impact of Ygam’s parent programme appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Endorphina Press Releases

Endorphina’s Sticky Lips: Our Joker Returns, Ready to Stick You with Unforgettable Luck!

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Prepare for an unforgettable summer as Endorphina announces the highly anticipated release of Sticky Lips, its latest captivating slot, on the 8th of July. This visually striking title invites players into a vibrant world where Endorphina’s Joker makes a remarkable return, blowing irresistible kisses to make their winnings truly stick.

She’s wild, she’s wicked – and her lips are ready to stick you with luck! Dare to stare into her eyes in this 5-reel 4-row slot with 50 fixed paylines and prove your worth to get a lucky, juicy kiss. With every spin, her lips glow and tempt, hungry to lock in golden wins.

Key highlights of Sticky Lips:

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  • Vibrant Visuals: The captivating graphics and symbols, such as gleaming gold bars, blazing sevens, and shiny bells, bring the world of Sticky Lips to life.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Enjoy the sticky-sweet fun anytime, anywhere, with seamless play across all devices.
  • Free Games with the Sticky Wild Feature: Land 3 Scatter symbols to trigger 10 Free Games where Wilds become sticky for even more incredible wins. Scatters covered by a Wild still count towards new combinations!
  • Classic Risk Game: Dare to double your winnings up to 10 times in our signature Risk Game!

What truly sets Sticky Lips apart is its unique blend of familiar slot charm with an enticing, playful narrative. Sticky Lips features a visually striking design that captures the playful mystery and growing anticipation, drawing players deeper into the narrative with every spin.

Why try Sticky Lips?

For over 12 years, Endorphina has stood out as a premier slot provider in the iGaming industry. Since the beginning of our journey, we’ve developed slot games celebrated for their stunning visuals, engaging features, unique themes, and immersive gameplay. Our player-centered approach to game development ensures every slot delivers a magical, mobile-compatible experience, packed with thrilling features for everyone to enjoy.

The post Endorphina’s Sticky Lips: Our Joker Returns, Ready to Stick You with Unforgettable Luck! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GR8 Tech Launched the Champion’s Playbook for High-Performance iGaming Brands

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When ESPN Bet crashed during 26% of March Madness game time, it proved what heavyweight operators already know: that level of downtime is unthinkable—and expensive. When you’re processing millions of bets during a single event, every second of uptime and every millisecond of speed directly impact your bottom line.

That’s why GR8 Tech created the Champion’s Playbook for High Performance—distilling lessons from processing billions of bets per year into a tactical guide for operators who refuse to accept ‘good enough.’

Inside the guide, operators will discover:

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  • Three pillars of high performance: the non-negotiable standards for uptime, speed, and scalability that separate champions from contenders—plus the specific benchmarks that matter.
  • From heavyweight performance to champion experiences: how to transform solid infrastructure into engaging, personalized player experiences while protecting margins from churn and fraud.
  • A hard-hitting due diligence checklist: ready-made questions to evaluate your current provider or efficiently eliminate unsuitable candidates from your shortlist.

After hundreds of conversations with operators, I know exactly what’s broken in the industry. The checklist cuts through the sales pitch to the questions that actually matter. Use it on any provider, including GR8 Tech. The answers will separate the real heavyweights from the pretenders,” says Yevhen Krazhan, CSO at GR8 Tech.

Why this matters now

The iGaming landscape demands excellence. Players expect 24/7 availability, lightning-fast responses, and experiences that feel built just for them. Meanwhile, 70% of businesses struggle with poor data quality, and mobile users abandon sites that take longer than 3 seconds to load. In this environment, technical mediocrity isn’t just disappointing—it’s expensive.

Ready to perform like a true iGaming heavyweight?

Download the Champion’s Playbook and start building your path to high-performance dominance.

The post GR8 Tech Launched the Champion’s Playbook for High-Performance iGaming Brands appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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