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AppGallery proves its title of “Best alternative app store” by uniting the gaming community at Gamescom 2023
As one of the leading app distribution platforms, AppGallery had an exciting time engaging with game enthusiasts from all over the globe at this year’s Gamescom. Gamescom 2023 attracted 320,000 attendees from over 100 countries, coupled with 180 million tuning in online. It was a spectacular time for everyone as they bonded over their love for games. Together with some of the biggest names in the gaming industry, AppGallery booth showcased different, and beloved fan-favourite games through fun activities and thrilling events.
“Gamescom 2023 was the perfect stage for gaming enthusiasts worldwide to converge together in celebration of their shared passion. With attendees from all around, everyone had an enjoyable time at the different booths. AppGallery was thrilled to feature some of its top games through captivating displays and activities that certainly left an unforgettable impression on all,” said Jamie Gonzalo, VP of Huawei Mobile Services Europe.
Day 1: World of Tanks: Blitz
To kick off Gamescom 2023, AppGallery featured the popular MMO action shooter game, World of Tank: Blitz (WoTB), and its developer, MS-1, the leading mobile studio of Wargaming.
The day started off with a Huawei Lucky Draw that occurred a few more times throughout the day, seeing a big crowd waiting in line to get a chance to win exclusive prizes from Huawei.
Attendees were entertained by on-stage activities hosted by staff from WoTB and guest influencers. They had a chance to attend an exciting tournament that saw some of the best players within the community go up against a few lucky fans as they engaged in exhilarating gameplay. World of Tanks: Blitz also prepared a captivating quiz for all guests to the AppGallery booth, with the possibility to win eye-popping game merch and Huawei devices.
It was a meaningful time down at the game zone as WoTB Developers and invited influencers like WoTB Joe, Xerogaviazzus, Juicy_Tender_Steak and BLITZ Mobilnie spent the day speaking to attendees, answering burning questions about the game and its development. Fans had the unique opportunity to take on their favourite influencers, pitting their skills against these esteemed players they admire in the community.
Day 2: Dragonheir: Silent Gods, Lords Mobile and Viking Rise
The second day saw acclaimed developers Nuverse and IGG take the main stage.
Nuverse introduced an exclusive look into the highly anticipated game, Dragonheir: Silent Gods, set to launch later this year on AppGallery. Attendees got a chance to acquaint themselves with fan-favourite guest influencers Icrimax and Skyasterix. They gained a first look at the different gameplays offered as the influencers engaged in exhilarating 1V1 PVP mode battles and explored the Goblin Dungeon Mode. After that, AppGallery booth guests even had a chance to challenge influencers in a breathtaking battle! For all tournament and quiz winners, Nuverse prepared special game-related merch.
IGG continued the second half of the day featuring 2 of their top titles, Lords Mobile, and Viking Rise. Attendees were treated to an abundance of exclusive Lords Mobile merchandise, gift codes and exclusive Huawei prizes during the game shows conducted by AppGallery. Gaming influencer AppGaming also took to the stage, answering questions from fans and going about taking photos.
Day 3: Summoners War: Sky Arena
On Saturday, Com2uS showcased a beloved fan-favourite, Summoners War: Sky Arena and Summoners War: Chronicles. The entire day was jam-packed with activities starting off with Huawei’s Lucky Draw, witnessing a substantial ready-to-win crowd. The Summoners War quiz also took place, where we saw a lucky few walk away with exclusive Huawei prizes and on-site live drawings from Com2uS HQ Art Team. Stage activities were hosted by a well-known German influencer, Mellissa Lee (Breedingunicorns).
The program continued with the first-ever live-streamed 2vs2 ALLSTARS Tournament which saw attendees enthusiastically rooting for their favourite players to win as they witnessed a showcase of skill and teamwork. Cosplay enthusiasts got a chance to learn how to dress up as their favourite characters from the game through an amazing performance of live cosplay creation by Maxim and Simon.
Day 4: Archosaur Games Event and Land of Empires: Immortal
Archosaur Games put on a show at the AppGallery booth on the final day of Gamescom 2023, featuring popular creations that had every attendee captivated by the diverse range of gaming experiences. The developer presented their latest release, the recently launched Madtale: Idle, alongside one of their more renowned titles, Dragon Raja, through game introductions that offered a glimpse into the different gameplays each title offered. Attendees resonated well with the rich narrative and breathtaking visuals of the games, which gave them a fresh perspective of what Archosaur Games can bring to the table.
Other exciting activities included an interactive makeover session based on another popular title of the developer, Life Makeover. Similar to what players can do within the game, attendees had the opportunity to dress up their bellowed characters during game live-play on a stage. They also had a chance to get special Life Makeover merch by joining AppGallery Discord channel.
Nurverse wrapped up Gamescom 2023 putting a spotlight on their popular creation, Land of Empires: Immortal. The finale included an engaging quiz session that took place on stage, which was complemented by yet another Huawei Lucky Draw.
All days: Fun online on the AppGallery Discord channel!
Huawei Lucky Draw was probably one of the most anticipated moments during those four days. Every day there was a huge crowd waiting in line to chat with a moderator on the stage, and, of course, spin the wheel and win exciting Huawei prizes!
Fortunately, for those who didn’t have enough luck to win during the event, we prepared a special Discord channel dedicated to Gamescom attendees. After joining, they had a chance to spin the wheel again and get devices from Huawei or AppGallery coupons. That was just one of Discord’s advantages, as from then they joined the united community of gamers, with an opportunity to gain new friends and discuss and play their favourite games together.
AppGallery Discord campaign was a huge success, with 1000+ users joining the channel during the four days of Gamescom.
Huge success during the AppGallery Game Fest campaign
The end of August also marked the end of AppGallery’s ongoing Game Fest 2023 campaign. The over-month-long spectacle offered enticing coupons worth up to 100% off up for grasp. Fans who couldn’t make it down to Gamescom 2023 could still take part in the fun of it all by indulging in the discounts on some of their favourite games. Popular titles such as Viking Rising, Land of Empires, Doomsday and more offered further discounts of up to 30% off on in-game purchases.
AppGallery saw a great response with a remarkable tally of over 16,000 redemptions. Furthermore, the campaign extended beyond Huawei users as the platform saw a surge in signups from Android users. Due to the inclusive nature of AppGallery, Android users simply had to follow 3 simple steps to successfully create their accounts. Game Fest 2023, reminds the gaming community of what more AppGallery offers apart from the top gaming titles.
AppGallery at Gamescom – the best experience for gamers!
With 4 days of exciting activities, endless Lucky Draws and fruitful engagement, attendees were left with hearts full of excitement and new core memories unlocked. Apart from showcasing popular games, Gamescom 2023 was the perfect space for the gathering of kindred spirits as they celebrated their common love for the world of gaming.
Living up to the title of being the “Best Alternative App Store”, AppGallery continues to feature a wide variety of games spanning different genres that include role-playing, sports, strategy games and many more. The platform goes beyond to enhance a user’s overall gaming experience through its exclusive deals. However, the deals aren’t merely about affordability but about offering premium in-game content that brings gamers that elevated feeling of fun and competitiveness. The success of the platform thus far is truly a testament to AppGallery’s commitment to bridging the gap between player and creator, further growing the sense of community that is at the core of gaming culture.
Brazil’s regulated betting market continues to gain structure and momentum, as the country balances regulatory consolidation, integrity safeguards, and commercial growth.
Over the past week, key developments, from federal policy implementation to strategic partnerships and product innovation, highlight how the ecosystem is maturing ahead of major global sporting events.
Government launches national policy to combat match-fixing
A major regulatory milestone was reached with the creation of the National Policy for the Prevention and Combating of Sports Manipulation (PNPEMR). Established through a joint ordinance by the Ministries of Sports, Finance, and Justice, the policy introduces a comprehensive national framework designed to address integrity risks in sports.
The initiative is structured around four central pillars: regulation, prevention, monitoring and enforcement, aiming to protect the credibility and unpredictability of sporting competitions in Brazil.
The policy emphasizes interinstitutional cooperation, bringing together public authorities, sports organizations, betting operators and international bodies.
Among its key measures are:
- Standardization of reporting flows for suspicious betting activity
- Continuous education programs for athletes, referees and sports officials
- Protection mechanisms for whistleblowers
- Strengthening of criminal investigations targeting organized match-fixing networks
Under the framework, the Ministry of Sports will coordinate implementation, while the Ministry of Finance will oversee betting regulation and operator compliance. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security, alongside the Federal Police, will lead intelligence-sharing and enforcement efforts, particularly in cases with interstate or international scope. See DOU
A multi-stakeholder governance committee will be responsible for monitoring progress and proposing adjustments, ensuring that the policy evolves alongside the market.
This move reinforces Brazil’s intention to align regulatory oversight with global integrity standards, particularly relevant as the country prepares for high-volume betting scenarios during major international competitions.
Sportradar expands iGaming strategy with Playradar launch
On the corporate front, Sportradar announced the launch of Playradar, a new brand dedicated to its iGaming vertical, signaling a strategic shift toward more integrated and immersive betting experiences.
The new offering is built around hybrid gaming concepts, combining real-time and historical sports data with live streaming and casino content.
Among the key features is a 24/7 live experience hub, where users can engage simultaneously with sports events and interactive gaming formats.
The initiative will be led by Edo Haitin, a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in live gaming and product development.
The company plans to roll out Playradar starting in 2026, initially targeting regulated markets in the UK, North America and Latin America.
According to CEO Carsten Koerl, the move represents a natural evolution of the company’s capabilities, leveraging its existing infrastructure in data, streaming and user behavior analytics to enhance engagement and monetization across the player lifecycle.
Haitin also emphasized the strategic vision behind the launch, highlighting the ability to combine technology and content in line with evolving market demands, particularly as operators look for differentiated and immersive user experiences.
Importantly, Playradar will operate exclusively in regulated environments, maintaining a strong focus on responsible gaming and integrity, aligning with broader industry and regulatory trends.
Playson strengthens Brazilian footprint through Betnacional partnership
Further reinforcing Brazil’s position as a high-growth market, Playson expanded its regional presence through a new partnership with Betnacional, a leading local operator owned by Flutter Entertainment.
The agreement will see a portfolio of Playson’s top-performing titles integrated into Betnacional’s platform, including 4 Pots Riches, Diamonds Power, and Sugar Teddy x1000, all recognized for their strong performance in regulated markets and engaging gameplay mechanics such as Hold and Win.
The partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward localization and mobile-first strategies, as operators seek to better align content with regional player preferences.
Cristhian Zito, Head of LatAm at Playson, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal:
“Partnering with Betnacional is an important milestone for us in Brazil. It is a highly respected local brand with a deep understanding of its audience, and we are confident our content will resonate strongly with its players.
This launch further strengthens our position in the market and reflects our commitment to delivering engaging, high-performing games to operators across Latin America.”
From the operator’s perspective, Frederico Cunha, Head of Commercial at Betnacional, also emphasized the value of the collaboration:
“We are delighted to welcome Playson’s portfolio to Betnacional. Their games are recognised for their quality, strong mechanics, and consistent performance, making them a valuable addition to our offering.
We look forward to working closely together and bringing an enhanced entertainment experience to our players.”
A market balancing integrity and growth
Taken together, this week’s developments illustrate a clear dual trajectory in Brazil’s betting sector: strengthening institutional and integrity frameworks while simultaneously attracting investment, innovation and international partnerships.
As regulatory structures become more sophisticated and collaboration between stakeholders deepens, Brazil is positioning itself not only as a compliant and secure market, but also as a central hub for growth in Latin America’s gaming industry.
SportyBet appoints DJ Khaled as global ambassador to expand connection between sports, culture and entertainment
SportyBet has announced DJ Khaled as its new global ambassador, strengthening its positioning at the intersection of sports, music, and contemporary culture.
He joins a global roster that includes José Mourinho and Éder Militão, reinforcing the company’s strategy of connecting with audiences through entertainment. The partnership will roll out across key markets such as Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and parts of Africa, supporting SportyBet’s expansion as an experience-driven platform.
According to Elias Gallego, Vice President of Sporty Group, the collaboration reflects the company’s focus on partnering with culturally relevant figures to engage diverse audiences, particularly in markets like Brazil where sports and lifestyle are closely linked.
Deeper push into music and entertainment
The move also signals a broader effort by Sporty Group to integrate music into its entertainment ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Burna Boy on the “For Everybody” project, blending music, football, and global culture.
In this context, DJ Khaled’s appointment further strengthens a strategy centered on storytelling and fan engagement, especially in regions where sports and music are deeply connected.
Global mindset and brand evolution
DJ Khaled highlighted the shared vision behind the partnership, emphasizing mindset, authenticity, and global connection with fans.
The agreement reinforces SportyBet’s evolution beyond sports betting, positioning the brand within a broader entertainment ecosystem. In Brazil, it aligns with the company’s ongoing growth and its focus on delivering integrated experiences that combine content, culture, and user engagement.
The post Brazil advances integrity agenda amid strong market growth appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
affiliate automation
ReferOn Shortlisted for “Best Affiliate Software 2026” at SiGMA Awards South America
ReferOn, the next-generation affiliate management platform, has been shortlisted for the “Best Affiliate Software 2026” category at the upcoming SiGMA Awards South America.
The nomination recognises ReferOn’s continued growth and the platform’s ability to support operators with scalable, transparent, and efficient affiliate management solutions in increasingly complex markets.
ReferOn has become a trusted foundation for businesses worldwide looking to scale their operations. With rapid adoption across the globe, the platform is now the go-to choice for companies that need to scale quickly and reliably. Because the platform handles large volumes of data with ease, it is a vital tool for teams that need speed and precision. In such a competitive market, we provide the accuracy and simplicity required to stay ahead, allowing our users to focus on their goals without the technical stress.
A New Chapter: The Era of “Refie”
This nomination arrives at a defining moment for the company, after the 2025 launch of Refie, the latest evolution of ReferOn. We have humanized B2B software with Refie, an integrated assistant that acts as a helpful navigation layer for our users. This milestone completely removed the struggle of getting started on the platform by visually guiding people through complex steps, making sure everyone can find their way without any stress or confusion.
Refie transforms repetitive daily tasks into an engaging experience that actively minimizes human error. It was specifically designed to eliminate the manual bottlenecks affiliate managers have traditionally faced, making their daily operations much faster and more efficient.
Alex Bukin, General Manager at ReferOn, commented: “Being shortlisted for the SiGMA Awards South America is a strong recognition of the progress our team has made. We are focused on building technology that simplifies affiliate management and gives operators clearer, faster access to the data they need to grow. With Refie and our upcoming developments, we’re continuing to move in that direction”.
Ambitious Plans for 2026
In 2026, ReferOn will upgrade Refie with sophisticated gamification to boost user engagement and streamline daily tasks for affiliate managers. These updates will introduce personalized, smart features, establishing a new industry benchmark for affiliate technology.
Cast Your Vote
We invite all industry peers and partners to support the work we’re doing. If you are a registered delegate attending SiGMA South America 2026, your voice matters.
- Award Category: Best Affiliate Software 2026
- How to Vote: Voting is open exclusively to delegates who hold valid event tickets. Please visit the official SiGMA Awards portal to cast your vote for ReferOn.
The post ReferOn Shortlisted for “Best Affiliate Software 2026” at SiGMA Awards South America appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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ELA Games Contributes to Discussions on Scalable iGaming Ecosystems and Studio Innovation at HIPTHER Prague Summit
ELA Games recently took the stage at the HIPTHER Prague Summit, joining top industry leaders to discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of the iGaming sector. Represented by Yaroslav Soloshenko, Head of Business Development, the studio participated in a forward-looking panel focused on building a more scalable iGaming ecosystem and advancing game innovation for 2026 and beyond.
Rather than just looking at incremental changes, the panel challenged speakers to envision an ideal, universal platform of the future before tackling everyday industry challenges. From there, the conversation shifted to real-world strategies, exploring how enhanced operator-supplier collaboration, gamification, and advanced platform architecture will shape the next generation of iGaming.
One focus of the session was the ongoing evolution of game development and distribution. The group highlighted the necessity of building bespoke, trust-based relationships with operators to secure the best visibility in increasingly crowded game libraries. Tied to this was the critical importance of early operator feedback and MVP (Minimum Viable Product) testing, with panelists noting that smaller studios often have a distinct advantage in implementing operator-driven changes faster than larger competitors.
The topic of artificial intelligence was also raised, with the point made that some studios already have proof-of-concept for fully AI-generated slots. This led the panelists to tackle the relationship between AI and traditional game design, weighing the balance between mass-produced, AI-generated content and the slower, human-led craftsmanship required to build higher-value games.
Addressing the realities of market distribution, the panel discussed how operators are becoming much stricter about the number of games they release to prevent market oversaturation. They also examined how rigorous testing rules in regulated regions can significantly delay product launches. Weighing in on these challenges, Soloshenko brought ELA Games’ forward-thinking perspective to the table, advocating for the ideal of a single global license to reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate market entry.
During the session, Soloshenko emphasized the necessity of uniting departments to achieve complete, A-to-B game design. He stressed the fundamental alignment required between product and business teams, noting that because the business division operates on the frontline of the market—tracking industry changes and operator demands—they must actively help guide the product’s direction. To achieve this, he advocated for transitioning away from a factory-line style of production in favor of a “boutique” approach, where all teams collaborate intimately from the initial project kick-off all the way to release day.
“Participating in the HIPTHER Prague Summit gave us a great opportunity to explore how development strategies must adapt to current industry realities,” said Yaroslav Soloshenko, Head of Business Development at ELA Games. “The foundation of our approach is continuous collaboration, both internally and externally. By working as closely as possible with operators to share early MVPs, we gather invaluable feedback. When those insights are handed directly to a unified development team, it allows us to consistently develop titles crafted exactly for what the market needs at any given time.”
Being a part of these high-level industry talks is part of ELA Games’ strategy to remain closely aligned with operator needs and player expectations as the market evolves.
Play the demo and other games here: www.elagames.com/our-games
The post ELA Games Contributes to Discussions on Scalable iGaming Ecosystems and Studio Innovation at HIPTHER Prague Summit appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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