Latest News
Fast Company ranks Fnatic in the most innovative gaming firms
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
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Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Bragg Gaming Group confirmed that it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results prior to the opening of the financial markets on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The release will be followed by a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, hosted by Bragg Chief Executive Officer, Matevž Mazij and Chief Financial Officer, Robbie Bressler, to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. During the call, management will review a presentation that will be available on the day of the call.
Context Networks Inc, the first programmatic advertising platform engineered for the gaming industry, has announced the rollout of its groundbreaking Deep Intelligence Marketing strategy, redefining how brands engage consumers in bars, taverns and on-premise slot route operations. Leveraging the power of AI-driven data analytics, machine learning and context-aware digital couponing, Context Networks is turning local venues into the next frontier of high-impact retail media. Through its Contextual Promotions Media Network (CPMN), Context is converting digital screens—such as slot machines in bars—into dynamic, smart advertising surfaces. These systems use advanced data signals to deliver highly targeted promotions based on real-time factors like venue type, consumer behaviour, time of day, and even emotional context, moving far beyond traditional static or cyclic Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising.
ACR Poker’s Blitz Bonus Boost promotion is back by popular demand to supercharger players’ bankrolls, offering a 50% bonus up to a sizzling $500. To take advantage, players need to deposit $25 or more by 11:59 pm ET on Saturday, May 31 using bonus code: BLITZ and ACR Poker will match 50% of it, up to $500.
Partnerships
International Game Technology PLC announced that IGT PlaySports technology is now powering retail sports betting at Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale, Wash. This technology agreement builds on IGT PlaySports’ leadership in the region, marking the 11th casino in Washington State to deploy the Company’s award-winning sports betting platform, and the 10th casino in the State to leverage its trading advisory services.
Playtech and Hard Rock Digital (HRD) have launched New Jersey’s first-ever dedicated trivia experience on the top-rated Hard Rock Bet online casino platform. This milestone establishes Hard Rock Bet as the first operator to launch a dedicated Live Trivia Game Show in the state. Since the announcement of their strategic partnership in 2024, Playtech has provided a wide range of gaming content through Hard Rock Bet, including slots, card & table games, and live dealer games.
Everi Holdings Inc. announced the Company’s digital CashClub Wallet technology is powering Penn Entertainment Inc’s (PENN) “PENN Wallet” at M Resort Spa Casino in Henderson, NV. The “PENN Wallet” offers M Resort guests the ability to access cashless payments throughout the gaming floor via integrations with existing loyalty and payments systems. PENN currently utilises CashClub Wallet technology across 22 properties in 11 jurisdictions. CashClub Wallet elevates patron engagement with frictionless, omni-channel payments. Everi’s industry-leading cashless payments solutions drive additional volume, improve operational efficiencies and transform the traditional casino cash-centric environment into a modern, seamless experience for an enhanced player journey.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – May 5-11 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Blending classical training, jazz roots, and EDM firepower, Timmy Trumpet will take the stage at the INFINITY Lisbon closing party with a high-energy set that promises to close SBC Summit with a bang.
Taking place on Thursday, September 18th at the MEO Arena—which serves as the Super Stage during the day—the venue will transform into the ultimate party setting for the Australian DJ and producer, widely regarded as one of the most explosive live performers in EDM.
Known for his trumpet solos and crowd-hyping energy, his headline set will be open to VIP attendees and complimentary operator and affiliate pass holders.
“The Greatest Show in Gaming couldn’t happen without the greatest showman in EDM! Jokes aside, no one brings the fire quite like Timmy Trumpet,” said Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC. “He’s that rare artist who can blend high-energy drops with live instrumentation and still keep the crowd bouncing from start to finish.”
Timmy Trumpet’s musical journey began at just four years old when he picked up the trumpet. By thirteen, he was named Young Musician of the Year and earned a full scholarship to the Conservatorium of Music, studying under the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Anthony Heinrich. Within two years, he became the lead soloist for the Australian All-Star Stage Band, touring Europe and performing at some of the world’s top jazz festivals.
His evolution into the electronic music scene came naturally, blending live trumpet with high-energy EDM—culminating in his breakout hit Freaks in 2014, which has since surpassed a billion streams across all platforms and contributed to a discography that has amassed over 5 billion streams worldwide.
Trumpet’s Tomorrowland debut in 2017 remains the most-streamed set in the festival’s history. In 2024, he reached a new career high, ranking 5th on DJ Mag’s Top 100. That same year, he closed the main stage at Tomorrowland in both Belgium and Brazil—his Belgium set becoming the most-viewed performance of the year and further cementing his legacy as one of the festival’s most iconic acts.
The DJ’s genre-blending style and electrifying energy have also led to collaborations with some of the biggest names in electronic music. His discography includes powerhouse tracks with global stars like Steve Aoki, Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hardwell, KSHMR, R3HAB, W&W, and ALOK, among others.
“We already announced Alok last month as part of the INFINITY Lisbon lineup, and now confirming Timmy Trumpet means we’ll have two powerhouse DJs headlining the closing party—an experience I’m sure our attendees will truly appreciate,” said Sojmark.
This won’t be the first time SBC event attendees are treated to electrifying DJ performances. The tradition began last September during the debut edition of SBC’s flagship show in Lisbon, with headline acts including Darude, Miss Monique, and Don Diablo. It continued earlier this year at SBC Summit Rio, where Afrojack and Brazilian duo Dubdogz brought the energy behind the decks. Next, the tradition heads to SBC Summit Americas, where Steve Aoki will headline the INFINITY Florida closing party in Fort Lauderdale.
“It’s becoming a tradition—and one that both we at SBC and our delegates absolutely love,” Sojmark added. “Industry events are fantastic in so many ways. But they’re also demanding. Closing them with world-class acts creates an experience that’s both celebratory and memorable, which is exactly what SBC Summit is all about.
SBC Summit will return to the Feira Internacional de Lisboa and MEO Arena on 16–18 September. Set to welcome 30,000 industry professionals from around the world, the event will offer three days of in-depth educational content, a comprehensive exhibition floor, and networking opportunities.
The post SBC Summit’s INFINITY Lisbon Levels Up with Timmy Trumpet on the Decks appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
iConvert, the conversion platform built specifically for iGaming, is partnering with online casino and sportsbook Wikibet.com operated by Geeker Technology N.V., to ramp up first-time deposits (FTDs) across all its markets and English-speaking territories worldwide.
Wikibet.com is built for players, including VIPs, who value speed, simplicity, and real rewards. But even the best user experience needs to be matched with conversion flows that deliver. That’s where iConvert steps in.
The goal? Maximise player acquisition without maxing out marketing budgets.
By using iConvert’s behavioural overlays which are tailored by traffic source, GEO, and device, Wikibet.com is now optimising every visit in real-time, ensuring more of the right players convert the moment they land.
Wikibet gets it. They’ve built an operator brand with sharp UX, live dealers, and serious player rewards. Our job is to make sure every marketing dollar they spend results in deposits, not dead ends. This partnership is about precision, targeting bounce points, streamlining the journey, and turning intent into revenue
Ashley Wood, CEO, iConvert: “We built Wikibet for players who care about quality and speed, so it made sense to work with a partner who could bring that same mindset to conversion. iConvert gives us real-time insight, clean integration, and tangible FTD uplift. We’re excited to scale this across multiple markets and see what’s possible.”
Idan Levy, CEO of Wikibet.com: “This partnership marks another strategic step in iConvert’s global expansion, now powering over 140+ operators across 50+ markets, with over 3 million FTDs delivered to date.
Because in 2025, traffic alone isn’t enough. Conversion is the edge.”
The post Wikibet.com Partners with iConvert to Power Smarter Conversion Across its Markets appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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