Press Releases
Winners from Industry best Mobile Games Awards Announced; Tencent win big
MiHoYo’s Genshin Impact took home the biggest prize as it scooped Game of the Year at Steel Media’s fourth annual and industry-leading Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards, supported by Game Insight, held last week.
The ceremony saw the action role-playing title also awarded Best Audio/Visual Accomplishment, while Tencent and TiMi Studio Group secured Best Publisher and Best Developer, respectively.
Innovation of the Year went to Niantic for its ingenious reworking of augmented reality hit Pokémon Go for the 2020 lockdown, Pollen VC was voted Best Service Provider, and Supercell’s Clash Royale conquered the opposition to the Best Live Ops trophy.
As ever the event, which in this pandemic-affected year took place later than its traditional January slot and adopted a hybrid live/digital format hosted by London’s Ham Yard Hotel, aimed to shine a spotlight on the work of the top mobile games companies over the previous year.
Further highlights from the night included the Rising Star award, shared – an event first – by Jana and Sham Al Bdour of Sakura Games, Unity continuing its Best Game Engine dominance with a fourth win in as many years, and Jam City CEO Chris DeWolfe joining the ranks of Mobile Legend.
The coveted People’s Choice Award, nominated for and voted on by readers of Steel Media’s leading consumer site, PocketGamer.com, went to Tilting Point’s SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off.
“We believe the MGAs have a vital role to play in recognising the efforts and achievements of the entire ecosystem that makes mobile gaming the best industry in the world,” said Steel Media CEO, Chris James.
“This is doubly important considering the forced disconnects of the last 16 months and also the incredible role that the mobile games industry has paid not just in contributing to the economy and keeping people in jobs, but moreover in keeping billions of citizens feeling a little more connected and engaged.”
As the full winner breakdown below demonstrates, the 22 categories (including three new additions this year) represent firms spanning the whole industry, from the games developers and publishers to the tools companies, service providers, support agencies, investors and recruiters that all contribute towards this $90 billion sector being the largest and most pervasive in gaming.
After the lobbying and shortlisting phases – the biggest and most complex to date – which took place from March to May, the finalists were subsequently voted on throughout June by our panel of 100-plus mobile games experts from every corner of the industry.
Steel Media is hugely grateful to everyone who took the time to submit themselves, their colleagues, company, or contemporaries, as well as everyone who attended the ceremony itself during these tricky times – whether in person or digitally.
Additionally, we would like to thank main sponsor Game Insight, together with Admix, Huawei Ads, Jam City, Scopely and Tilting Point for coming on board as category sponsors – their support helped make the event a success in a particularly challenging year.
And last but by no means least, congratulations to all the finalists – it really was a hard-fought affair this year – and, of course, the heartiest of praise to the winners themselves.
More info on all things PG Mobile Games Awards at the official website: www.mobilegamesawards.com
//Full Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards 2021 Winners List
Pocket Gamer People’s Choice – SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off (Tilting Point)
Best Advertising & UA Service – Unity Ads
Best Analytics / Data Tool – AppsFlyer
Best Developer – TiMi Studio Group
Best GAAS Tools & Tech – Azure PlayFab
Best Audio/Visual Accomplishment – Genshin Impact (miHoYo)
Best Game Engine – Unity
Best Storytelling – Alba: A Wildlife Adventure (ustwo games)
Rising Stars – Jana and Sham Al Bdour (Sakura Games)
Best Tools Provider – Game UI Database
Best Games Industry Law Firm – Sheridans
Best Service Provider – Pollen VC
Best Live Ops – Clash Royale (Supercell)
Best QA and Localisation Service Provider – Amber Studio
Best Indie Developer – Innersloth
Best PR / Marketing Team – Scopely
Best Influencer Marketing Agency – Game Influencer
Investor of the Year – Play Ventures
Best Publisher – Tencent
Best Innovation – Niantic (Pokémon GO lockdown reworking)
Game of the Year – Genshin Impact (miHoYo)
Mobile Legend – Chris DeWolfe (Jam City)
//notes for editors//
ABOUT THE POCKET GAMER MOBILE GAMES AWARDS
The Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards are the UK’s leading mobile games awards, established to celebrate the very best businesses and individuals who are driving the $90 billion mobile games industry forward. They shine a light on every part of the ecosystem, from the game developers and publishers through the advertising and monetisation companies, to the tool-makers and support companies that enable the magic to happen. They also pay homage to true industry legends who have made their mark on this industry.
The PG Mobile Games Awards have been created by the Steel Media Ltd, a consumer and b2b technology publisher and events company based in the UK which has over 16 years’ experience covering and connecting the mobile games industry with leading media such as PocketGamer.com and PocketGamer.biz. Steel Media Ltd also organises numerous international events, including the world-renowned Pocket Gamer Connects conference series and the developer-focused Big Indie Pitch competitions.
https://www.mobilegamesawards.com
https://twitter.com/MobileGameAward
For enquiries, please contact [email protected].
Uncategorized
Mighty Wild™: Gorilla Unleashed – Wazdan Scales New Heights in Jungle Series
Wazdan, the “gain-focused” developer, has officially announced the launch of Mighty Wild
: Gorilla, the latest high-octane installment in its award-winning jungle series. Released on January 7, 2026, this title brings a new level of mechanical complexity to the franchise, featuring a 16-reel grid and dual bonus paths designed for maximum player retention.
To celebrate the launch, Wazdan has also demonstrated its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by sponsoring three gorillas at Opole Zoo in Poland, providing real-world support for conservation efforts alongside the game’s digital debut.
Engineering the Jungle: 16 Reels and Dual Bonuses
Mighty Wild
: Gorilla moves away from traditional slot layouts, utilizing a 16-reel independent grid where every position spins as its own reel. This structure is optimized for the game’s core collection and jackpot mechanics.
1. The Collector System
The game’s standout feature is the Collector symbol, which appears on the top row and fundamentally alters the base game’s reward structure.
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Sticky Persistence: Collector symbols can remain active for up to 10 spins, continuously gathering all Cash and Jackpot values that land on the reels below.
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Multiplier Boost: All accumulated values are subject to a random multiplier of up to 10x.
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Collect to Infinity
: During the Free Spins round, the countdown limitation is removed, allowing Collectors to stay active for the entire duration of the bonus.
2. Two Paths to the Grand Jackpot
Players can trigger two distinct bonus environments, both offering a path to the 2,500x Grand Jackpot:
-
Hold the Jackpot
: The signature Wazdan bonus played on the full 16-position grid. It features three respins that reset with every new symbol, including Cash, Cash Infinity
, and various Jackpot symbols. -
Free Spins: In this mode, the focus shifts to the persistent Collector symbols, which accumulate prizes throughout the round without resetting, creating massive win momentum.
| Feature | Technical Specification |
| Grid Layout | 16 Independent Reels |
| RTP | 96.20% |
| Max Win | 2,500x |
| Volatility | Customisable (Volatility Levels ) |
| Release Date | January 7, 2026 |
Wazdan’s Customisable Edge
As with all flagship Wazdan titles, Mighty Wild
: Gorilla includes the developer’s suite of Customisable Features, allowing players to tailor the math model to their personal preference:
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Volatility Levels
: Choose between Low, Standard, or High volatility on the fly. -
Cash Out Feature: Offers a way to secure instant rewards during the base game before the bonus rounds are triggered.
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Chance Level
: Allows players to increase their stake for a higher probability of entering the bonus rounds.
“Mighty Wild
: Gorilla showcases our commitment to refining feature-driven gameplay that rewards both precision and persistence,” said Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan. “This release is a testament to the depth and quality we continue to bring to the series as it soars to new heights.”
The post Mighty Wild™: Gorilla Unleashed – Wazdan Scales New Heights in Jungle Series appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
BGaming
Welcome to the BGaming Universe at ICE Barcelona 2026
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is bringing its innovative “BGaming Universe” to the industry’s premier event, ICE Barcelona 2026. Taking place from January 19–21 at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, BGaming will be stationed at Booth 2M30, inviting operators and players to experience a streamlined ecosystem built for the next generation of gaming.
Three Game Worlds, One Publisher
The BGaming Universe is a strategic classification system designed to help partners navigate the provider’s massive portfolio. By categorizing titles into three distinct “worlds,” BGaming ensures that operators can easily match content to their specific player retention and acquisition goals.
1. #Casual World
Designed for the “snackable” gaming audience, this world focuses on fast-paced, intuitive mechanics that are perfect for mobile-first players.
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Key Titles: Aviamasters (and the recent Aviamasters X-mas remix), Plinko XY Extreme, and Mines.
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Objective: High acquisition and quick-play sessions.
2. #Classic World
For players who appreciate the timeless allure of traditional slots, the Classic World offers polished, familiar gameplay with a modern technical edge.
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Key Titles: Burning Chilli X, Hot Chilli Bells 100, and the Vegas-inspired Wild Million.
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Objective: Reliability and a familiar experience for veteran slot enthusiasts.
3. #Entertainment World
This is the home of BGaming’s flagship narrative experiences. These titles feature high volatility, complex bonus structures, and recognizable characters.
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Key Titles: Elvis Frog TRUEWAYS, Snoop Dogg Dollars, and the cinematic Star Trek
: The Next Generation. -
Objective: Long-term player retention through immersive storytelling and “big win” potential.
Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Play
Beyond product innovation, BGaming is reinforcing its role as a responsible industry leader by sponsoring the Sustainable Gambling Zone (SGZ) at ICE 2026.
This commitment is a core pillar of the BGaming Universe. As the studio grows, it continues to integrate Provably Fair technology—allowing players to verify game outcomes using cryptography—and supports initiatives aimed at player care and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“The concept of three gaming worlds is fresh for the industry and something we are proud to be pioneering,” said Kate Puteiko, CMO at BGaming. “It reflects how we help our partners derive real, strategic value from the BGaming portfolio while keeping player well-being as an essential part of how we grow.”
Visit BGaming at ICE Barcelona 2026
-
Location: Fira Barcelona Gran Via
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Booth: 2M30
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Dates: 19–21 January 2026
The post Welcome to the BGaming Universe at ICE Barcelona 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
cybersecurity
Firesand and RiskCherry Unite for End-to-End iGaming Compliance and Security
Firesand, a powerhouse in iGaming security, and RiskCherry, a specialist in automated iGaming certification, have announced a strategic partnership to deliver a unified, “one-stop-shop” service for the global gambling industry.
The collaboration bridges the gap between regulatory certification and cybersecurity resilience, providing operators and suppliers with a seamless pathway to enter regulated markets while safeguarding their infrastructure against sophisticated threats.
Filling the Security Gap in Certification
While RiskCherry is an accredited laboratory for RNG (Random Number Generator) and game certification, traditional certification processes often overlook the underlying technical security. Firesand’s integration adds a critical layer of “Offensive Security” to the compliance journey.
The Combined Service Offering:
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RiskCherry (Certification): Handles end-to-end game and RNG certification, leveraging AI-driven tools to deliver reports in as little as five days.
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Firesand (Security): Provides advanced Penetration Testing and Red Team operations—simulating real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities that standard audits might miss.
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ISO 27001 Collaboration: RiskCherry supports the implementation of the Information Security Management System (ISMS), while Firesand provides the independent auditing required for accreditation.
Efficiency in a Regulated Landscape
In 2026, as jurisdictions like Brazil, Peru, and the UK tighten their technical standards, speed-to-market is a competitive necessity. This partnership reduces the complexity of dealing with multiple vendors, ensuring that security audits and game certifications move in parallel.
“Security and compliance go hand in hand,” said Matthew Holloway, Director at Firesand. “By combining our security expertise with their certification capabilities, we’re helping businesses stay ahead of both regulatory requirements and evolving cyber threats.”
Rob Fell, CEO at RiskCherry, echoed this sentiment: “Our mission has always been to simplify certification. By joining forces with Firesand, we can now offer a seamless experience… making compliance faster, more efficient, and more robust.”
The Technical Advantage for Operators
By adopting this end-to-end framework, iGaming entities can achieve:
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Reduced Friction: Single point of contact for both technical security and math-based game audits.
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Regulatory Assurance: Documentation that satisfies the stringent ISO and penetration testing requirements of major global regulators.
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Future-Proofing: Proactive resilience against account fraud, data breaches, and RNG manipulation.
The post Firesand and RiskCherry Unite for End-to-End iGaming Compliance and Security appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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