Latest News

It’s a KnockOut: Live Tech Games launches new game as the World Cup Kicks Off

Published

3 years ago

November 21, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Following the huge success of last month’s WordSurge, which reached Number One in the App Store Free Charts and App Store Trivia Charts, Live Tech Games has launched KnockOut, a brand new interactive game in partnership with ITV.

The innovative new app will host live trivia games alongside the World Cup, giving KnockOut players the chance to become champions themselves. KnockOut is available to download in App Stores now, with the first game on ITV (Senegal v Netherlands) taking place today, [Monday 21st November] and the first KnockOut tournament set to start at 21:00 this evening.

KnockOut brings together the proven Live Tech Games framework of live trivia tournaments with the monumental thrill of ITV’s coverage of the World Cup. The ongoing partnership between ITV and Live Tech Games continues to astound, introducing new entertainment to UK audiences, encouraging viewers to become part of the World Cup action. With a direct screen-to-screen experience, ITV viewers can test their knowledge of football themed trivia using their mobile phones. As with other Live Tech Games offerings, KnockOut is completely free to enter and play, with champions winning cash prizes.

With World Cup live games and highlights set to be broadcast on ITV with comprehensive coverage and content across its website and social media, fans can tune into multiple platforms to engage with the action. ITV’s stellar line up of presenters and pundits will offer expert insight and analysis and with the launch of KnockOut, the opportunities for viewers to engage in the adrenaline rush of the tournament are better than ever. ITV viewers can now transform into players, putting their World Cup knowledge and passion to the test with KnockOut’s trivia based around the teams and match (or two) of that very day.

Samuel Worsley, co-founder and co-CEO of Live Tech Games, said: “The FIFA World Cup is a huge TV event and we are so thrilled to continue our partnership with ITV on such a momentous occasion. The ITV team is fantastic and has incredible plans to roll out coverage across TV, socials and with the help of KnockOut, interactive mobile platforms too. We can’t wait to see football fans come together to engage in a fun and competitive game themselves.”

Following a multi-million pound investment and a collaboration deal, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster, ITV, and innovative customer engagement strategist, Live Tech Games, have developed a series of exciting live, multiplayer mobile games. Engaging ITV’s audience from This Morning with word trivia game WordSurge proved extremely popular, with over 1.6million minutes played in the app.

Enita Kang, Chief of Staff and Director of Studio 55 Ventures at ITV said:

“We’re very excited to be extending our coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2022 into the gaming realm with this brand new interactive product.

“We love to enhance our reach to new audiences and this exciting new form of interactive entertainment does exactly that.”

The trivia in each KnockOut game is relevant to the matches and teams of the day, with tournaments set to be hosted after the last match of the day is played. Players will go head to head in the live tournament, matched up at random, and compete to answer correctly as fast as they can. KnockOut has a number of different gameplay mechanics from multiple choice to locator, sorter and pass master and iconic sponsors that are yet to be revealed! The success of WordSurge, and now the launch of KnockOut, further Live Tech Games’ aim to create captivating, competitive mobile experiences which constantly engage customers.

Central Europe

game’s 2026 industry barometer – the mood in the German games industry is beginning to brighten

Published

47 minutes ago

December 3, 2025

George Miller

game’s-2026-industry-barometer-–-the-mood-in-the-german-games-industry-is-beginning-to-brighten

Reading Time: 2 minutes

• Nearly one third of games companies in Germany foresee an industry upswing in the coming year

• More than half expect a positive business development for their own company in the next twelve months

• Around one in three games companies anticipate new hires

After three challenging years, games companies in Germany are looking ahead with increased optimism. Nearly one in three companies (29 per cent) anticipate a positive development in the games industry in the coming twelve months, as compared with just 17 per cent one year ago. 31 per cent of games companies expect a negative development in the industry – a considerable drop from last year’s level of 45 per cent. These are the results of game’s annual industry barometer, which was published by game – The German Games Industry Association. Games companies in Germany look towards their own business development in the coming year significantly more positively, with over half (53 per cent) expecting business to be good in 2026, similar to last year’s number of 52 per cent. Only 12 per cent anticipate a downturn in business, compared to 15 per cent last year. In their personnel planning, the companies nonetheless remain initially cautious: around one third of games companies in Germany (32 per cent) anticipate hiring new employees in 2026, the same percentage as last year.

‘Confidence is returning to Germany’s games industry,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game. ‘Following a difficult phase both here and abroad, positive signals, such as the strong gamescom 2025, and important policy initiatives, like the increased federal games funding and the announced federal tax incentives, are bringing improved prospects and greater optimism compared to a year ago.’

About game’s 2026 industry barometer

The data is based on an online survey conducted by game – The German Games Industry Association between 12 and 21 November 2025, involving a total of 202 German games industry association members, including in particular developers and publishers.

The post game’s 2026 industry barometer – the mood in the German games industry is beginning to brighten appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Asia

IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur

Published

47 minutes ago

December 3, 2025

George Miller

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

The World Esports Championship 2025 (WEC25) is officially open in Kuala Lumpur, welcoming athletes, fans, and delegations from around the globe. With 19 nations taking part in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), this year’s event stands as the most internationally diverse MLBB competition in IESF history.

After a year filled with national and regional qualifiers and preparations from teams around the world, the world’s top esports athletes have arrived in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. The opening ceremony set the tone for the days ahead, offering fans a first glimpse of the excitement and atmosphere surrounding this year’s championship.

“WEC25 reflects the continued growth of esports as a space for connection, competition, and shared passion,” said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski. “Bringing together 19 nations for MLBB is a milestone not just for the title, but for the entire esports ecosystem. We are proud to bring this edition of the championship to Kuala Lumpur.”

As the competition officially kicks off, the schedule is fully packed with exciting match-ups among Nations, competing for their flag and country. The best from all over the world will have the unique opportunity to become the MLBB World Champion.

IESF extends its gratitude to the Malaysian government and the Ministry for Youth and Sports, partners, athletes, and global supporters who continue to elevate the championship’s reach and impact.

The post IESF Officially Opens the World Esports Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Aquisitions/Mergers

Merkur Group Strengthens its Market Presence in Spain

Published

48 minutes ago

December 3, 2025

Niji Narayan

merkur-group-strengthens-its-market-presence-in-spain

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Merkur Slots Spain has completed the acquisition of a total of eleven arcades operated by arcade operator Operjoku S.L.U. in the Basque Country. In addition, the subsidiary of Merkur Group, headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, will take over the operation of gaming machines in 108 bars previously serviced by Operkale S.L.U., a specialist in the placement of gaming machines in gastronomy in the autonomous region of northern Spain. Implemented in cooperation with the Spanish distributor Merkur Dosniha, the acquisition marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the company’s brand presence, representing its first entry into Spain’s highly profitable hospitality installation segment.

With this step, the East Westphalian corporate group continues its international growth trajectory. Meik Sellenriek, Management Board Member, Merkur Operations at Merkur.com AG, welcomed the development: “Spain is a market of great importance and long-term potential for the Merkur Group. This acquisition clearly underlines that. We are proud to welcome around 50 new employees to the company and look forward with confidence to strengthening our market position.”

Dominik Raasch, Management Board Member, Merkur Games at Merkur.com AG, said: “There are strong synergies between the Merkur Group’s business divisions. The successful acquisition of Operjoku and Operkale demonstrates how effectively we leverage these synergies to support our sustainable growth. We are particularly pleased to now offer our innovative gaming machines and games in our own arcades and bars in the Basque Country – one of Spain’s most economically powerful regions.”

The post Merkur Group Strengthens its Market Presence in Spain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.