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Pocket Gamer Awards 2021

Published

5 years ago

March 17, 2021

Reading Time: 4 minutes

PocketGamer.com – the leading and longest-running site for mobile gamers – revealed the winners of this year’s Pocket Gamer Awards.

The top game of the year prize went to Genshin Impact, whilst Rovio’s seminal Angry Birds picked up the prestigious Hall Of Fame gong.

Other winners across the 16 categories included platform games like Little Orpheus, hypercasual titles like Clusterduck, big-name RPGs like Knighthood and AAA franchises like Pokemon and Call Of Duty. Riot Games, famous for League Of Legends, picked up the best developer category. The full list of winners is below. This year, the Pocket Gamer Awards are sponsored by RedMagic.

The Pocket Gamer Awards are a celebration of the best in mobile games. Organised and hosted by industry experts but voted on by gamers themselves, the Pocket Gamer Awards reward the passion and effort that developers pour into making games. Over 350,000 votes were cast in the last two months, a phenomenal outpouring of love for the best iOS and Android games of the last 12 months.

A new Hall Of Fame category celebrates landmark titles that have had a major impact on the mobile games industry over the years. It’s the only category picked by the editorial experts rather than put to a public vote. Angry Birds, Rovio’s classic franchise first launched in 2009, is the first recipient. Editor of PocketGamer.com, Dann Sullivan, said of Angry Birds: “No IP has done more for mobile games than Angry Birds, and while we might remember it as a lightning-strike for touch controls, over the years Rovio’s flagship franchise forged the way into social gaming and was one of the first mobile games to pioneer major licensing deals in the mobile space. The birds have also had more movies and TV episodes than Mario and Sonic combined.”

Sullivan continued: “While some of these milestones might not have anything to do with the small touchscreen, it’s impossible to deny that Rovio’s Red & Co managed to become a cultural powerhouse, and played a critical role in getting mobile gaming to where it is today.”

The award ceremony itself took place this evening, March 16, on Twitch and PocketGamer.com and broadcast across YouTube and the Enthusiast Gaming network of sites.

Launched by Steel Media, Pocket Gamer has been delivering news, reviews, tips, guides and features that inform and entertain mobile and handheld gamers since 2006.

Enthusiast Gaming, the largest gaming network in North America, has owned Steel Media and Pocket Gamer since 2019. Since 2020, Pocket Gamer has hosted quarterly LaunchPad online events celebrating new and updated mobile games to an audience of three million viewers on Twitch.

For more information, visit https://www.pocketgamer.com/pgawards2021/ now. A recording of the Pocket Gamer Awards ceremony will be available soon on the site and also on the official YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/PocketGamerVideo/videos.

Winners

Best Platform Game: Little Orpheus

Best Simulation Game: Transport City: Truck Tycoon

Best Sports Game: Retro Bowl

Best Game Narrative: There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension

Best ‘Quick Play’ Game: Clusterduck

Best Mobile Conversion: Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Best Apple Arcade Game: Alba: a Wildlife Adventure

Best Educational Game: Dish Life: The Game

Best Strategy Game: Company of Heroes

Best RPG: Knighthood

Most Innovative Game: HoloVista

Best Gaming Accessory: Razer Kishi Controller

Best Gaming Tablet: Apple iPad Pro

Best Battle Royale Game: Garena Free Fire

Best AR Game: LEGO Hidden Side

Best Puzzle Game: Pokemon Cafe Mix

Best Racing Game: Dirt Bike Unchained

Best Google Play Pass Game: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Best Mobile Publisher: Garena

Best Action Game: Pascal’s Wager

Best Digital Board Game: The Game of Life 2

Best Gaming Phone: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

Best Multiplayer Game: EVE Echoes

Best Shooter: Warface: Global Operations

Best Game We’re Still Playing: Call of Duty Mobile

Best Mobile Developer: Riot Games

Hall Of Fame: Angry Birds

Mobile Game of the Year: Genshin Impact

Additional Quotes

Editor of PocketGamer.com, Dann Sullivan, added: “We’re overjoyed with the reaction from the fans in the voting process. Just looking at the sheer variety of games that have been championed by their players and communities really cements how diverse and rapidly-evolving the mobile games sphere is. The development speed and growth of the mobile games industry is truly amazing – every year is a milestone year, as can be seen from the amazing selection of winners.”

Chris James, CEO of Steel Media, said: “We’re genuinely thrilled by how many people voted in this year’s awards, and how many tuned in to watch the ceremony streamed live. When we launched Pocket Gamer 15 years ago, mobile gaming was still niche. But now – thanks to the success of games like Hall Of Fame inductee Angry Birds – mobile is THE dominant force in the games industry. Over the last 12 months, iOS and Android titles saw further huge surges in popularity as people hunted for experiences to keep them occupied during lockdown. And the quality has never been higher. Games like Genshin Impact prove that the device in your pocket can match the addictiveness and playability of the best consoles have to offer.”

James added: “As well as celebrating the best of the current crop of games, we’re always on the lookout for the next generation of blockbuster mobile titles. That’s why we’ve invented activities like the Big Indie Pitch and Pocket Gamer LaunchPad to champion new arrivals. So if you want to get an inside track on the next hidden gaming gem in 2021, there’s really nowhere else to go!”

Continent 8 Technologies

Continent 8 and CEO Michael Tobin claim number one spot in GamblingIQ’s global ‘Security 10’ rankings

Published

3 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

continent-8-and-ceo-michael-tobin-claim-number-one-spot-in-gamblingiq’s-global-‘security-10’-rankings

Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of cutting-edge managed IT solutions designed for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, has been named number one in GamblingIQ’s prestigious ‘Security 10’ global rankings. CEO Michael Tobin is recognised as the top industry leader in security, trust and data integrity.

This accolade reinforces Continent 8’s position as the trusted provider of data centre services, cloud hosting, private connectivity, and cybersecurity solutions, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding operators, suppliers, and players in an increasingly complex and regulated digital landscape.

Continent 8 is the partner of choice for hundreds of leading operators, suppliers, and platform providers worldwide. From tier-one brands to emerging innovators, these companies depend on Continent 8’s secure, compliant, and resilient infrastructure to power their businesses and protect their players. Customers include FanDuel, Kambi, Sportingtech, Playtech, DraftKings, Alea, BetMGM, and more.

GamblingIQ stated: ‘Michael Tobin is one of gambling’s rare figures who combines respect with genuine popularity: a feat almost impossible in an industry as volatile and scrutinised as ours. His reputation isn’t built on flash or hype, but on steady, practical leadership, curiosity about technology, and an ability to make complex challenges seem manageable. Operators, regulators, suppliers and colleagues value his clarity, his evidence-backed thinking, and his long-term approach to partnerships. After nearly 30 years, his standing signals more than success: it reflects consistency of character, reliability and a human touch in a sector that often forgets both.’

Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8 Technologies, commented: “Security and trust are the cornerstones of iGaming – they are the principles on which I founded Continent 8. This recognition from GamblingIQ is a testament to our team’s relentless focus on safeguarding the industry and enabling our customers to innovate with confidence. Congratulations to all the other companies listed in the Security 10.”

The post Continent 8 and CEO Michael Tobin claim number one spot in GamblingIQ’s global ‘Security 10’ rankings appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Barcelona

PRAGMATIC PLAY TO SHOWCASE STAR-STUDDED 2026 LINEUP AT ICE BARCELONA

Published

3 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

pragmatic-play-to showcase star-studded-2026-lineup-at-ice-barcelona

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is set to unveil its 2026 multi-vertical product roadmap at ICE Barcelona, spotlighting major new slot releases and live casino launches alongside the latest season of its industry-leading Drops & Wins promotional tool.

The exhibition will mark the start of what promises to be another standout year for Pragmatic Play, following a record-breaking 2025 in which the provider launched more than 100 network slots, expanded its dynamic game show portfolio, and entered a new vertical with its arcade collection.

A show-stopping stand designed to deliver a fully integrated experience, spanning more than 1,750m² and featuring 100 screens powered by over 150 million pixels, including two giant displays, will bring Pragmatic Play’s characters to life. The centrepiece will be a striking candy cascade featuring more than one tonne of sweet treats, alongside a dedicated Pragmatic Play Sports zone, housing famous football memorabilia.

Over the past 12 months, Pragmatic Play has reinforced its localisation strategy by rolling out more than 150 new live dealer tables, 55 of which are localised for specific markets, supported by the opening of new studios in Serbia and Colombia. This has been complemented by the first-class Smart Studio technology, which has delivered over 800 bespoke tables for prominent operators.

Live Casino remains a major focus for the business, and following recent studio openings in Serbia and Colombia, there are plans to open additional Live Casino studios in 2026, including one in Brazil.

Pragmatic Play’s expansive portfolio will be on full display across stands 2P30, 2P50, and 2P70, featuring headline slots Jelly Express and Sugar Rush Super Scatter, which further strengthen its sweet-themed collection, Joker’s Jewels Hold & Spin, the latest iteration of its timeless franchise, and Zeus vs Hades – Gods of War 250, a sequel to its hugely successful 2023 title.

The provider will also debut the upcoming Gates of Olympus Roulette, taking the popular Greek mythology IP into a new vertical and building on the momentum of numerous high-profile game show releases in 2025, including Fortune Roulette, Money Time, and Mega Roulette 3000. This will feature amongst a stellar live casino lineup that includes Color Game Bonanza, Crystal Roulette, and the provider’s all new Flow Blackjack tables, which aim to redefine the blackjack experience by reimagining the classic game through contemporary design.

Alongside its core verticals, Pragmatic Play will also spotlight additions to its arcade portfolio, including Plinko+ and Chicken+, a fast-paced, retro-style title built around simple gameplay and risk-reward cash-out mechanics.

Further supplementing its portfolio, Pragmatic Play will spotlight the latest season of Drops & Wins. Offering up to €25,000,000 in Weekly Wheel Drops and Daily Tournaments – the largest provider-funded prize pool in the industry – Drops & Wins underscores the supplier’s ongoing drive to deliver tangible value to its global partners and their players.

Pragmatic Play Sports will also be in attendance, shining a light on its rapidly expanding sportsbook offering. The brand is promising a hive of activity throughout the conference, including an intimate Q&A with football legend Clarence Seedorf on Monday 19^th at 2pm, hosted by Sky Sports presenter Polly James.

Pragmatic Play’s showstopping presence at ICE Barcelona outlines its 2026 ambitions, as it continues to push boundaries in betting and gaming innovation, setting new benchmarks for industry service.

Irina Cornides, Chief Operating Officer at Pragmatic Play, said: “2025 was a landmark year for Pragmatic Play, with our strength across multiple product verticals reflected in record player activity and the receipt of 39 industry awards.

“2026 is shaping up to be another exceptional year, and it all starts at ICE Barcelona. We’re looking forward to showcasing our newest games, including Chicken+, Jelly Express, Color Game, and Fortune of Olympus Roulette, and demonstrating how we plan to deliver bigger, bolder, and more exciting experiences for our partners and their players.”

The post PRAGMATIC PLAY TO SHOWCASE STAR-STUDDED 2026 LINEUP AT ICE BARCELONA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Conferences

Frogo at ICE Barcelona: Driving the Next Wave of Risk Prevention

Published

3 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

frogo-at-ice-barcelona:-driving-the-next-wave-of-risk-prevention

Frogo, an all-encompassing fraud prevention and risk management platform, will take part in ICE Barcelona, signifying an important milestone as the company commemorates its first anniversary in the international market. The firm will showcase how companies can remain proactive against emerging risks.

Visit Frogo at ICE Barcelona 19-21 January, 2026

Participants are encouraged to connect with the Frogo team and discover how real-time automation and personalized tools can improve fraud prevention and foster business growth. Frogo will be located at booth #1G30.

Frogo will showcase its platform at ICE Barcelona, integrating device fingerprinting, a versatile scoring engine, AI-driven analytics, and graph-based investigative tools. The platform allows businesses to identify fraud instantly, adjust to emerging threats, and transform risk management into a strategic benefit. Frogo caters to sectors where speed and reliability are essential, such as iGaming, e-commerce, fintech, and payment solutions.

In its inaugural year, Frogo has swiftly established itself as a reliable ally for businesses aiming to enhance fraud prevention. Created by the global business organization RedCore and introduced as a standalone entity, Frogo consolidates resources for anti-fraud teams within a single, user-friendly platform. Features consist of automated scoring, dynamic rule administration, immediate alerts, and visual analysis tools.

“Fraud is constantly evolving, and businesses need to respond quickly,” said Volodymyr Todurov, CEO at Frogo. “Frogo helps companies move from manual processes to predictive risk management. ICE Barcelona is the ideal place to show how Frogo supports smarter, faster decision-making.”

Frogo’s approach focuses on reducing false positives, automating routine processes and improving the experience for trusted users. This allows businesses to minimize losses, protect revenue and strengthen customer trust.

The post Frogo at ICE Barcelona: Driving the Next Wave of Risk Prevention appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.