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TIGA reveals shortlist for UK Games Education Awards 2023
TIGA, the trade association representing the UK’s video games industry, has revealed the shortlist for the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2023.
These awards recognise outstanding students, education providers and best practice.
The winners of the 12 categories will be announced in a virtual ceremony on Friday September 29th 2023, together with the winner of a special award that will be revealed during the programme.
Creative Assembly, the studio behind the Total War series and new FPS title Hyenas, is the headline sponsor of the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2023. As a multi-award winner for their education work, Creative Assembly utilises the skills and passions of 850 employees to provide industry outreach to students across the globe.
The Awards are further supported by: Gold sponsor Sumo Group, the award winning international family of game development studios; and Bronze sponsor, Lockwood Publishing.
Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said: “The TIGA Education Awards shortlist highlights leaders in games education: outstanding students, excellent providers and good practice in education. Thank you to Creative Assembly, our headline sponsor, Sumo Group, our Gold Sponsor and Lockwood Publishing, our Bronze Sponsor, for supporting excellence in skills and learning, and for making the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2023 possible. We look forward to revealing the crème de la crème when we announce the winners of the Awards on September 29th.”
Sophie Bryan, Head of HR, Creative Assembly, said: “We are pleased to sponsor yet another year of the TIGA UK Games Education Awards and to present the Creative Assembly Best Student Game Award. It is an opportunity to support and promote excellence in games education which is a priority for our Legacy Project education outreach work. Each year, through the awards, we see an incredible calibre of students and educational practice and this year is no different; congratulations to all shortlisted.”
Christina Haralambous, Group Director of Communications & Marketing, Sumo Group, said: “Sumo Group is delighted to be sponsoring the TIGA UK Games Education Awards for 2023. Nurturing, supporting and celebrating future talent, and those that help educate that talent, is important to continue to move our industry forward. Congratulations to all those on the shortlist for these prestigious awards.”
Halli Bjornsson, CEO of Lockwood Publishing, said: “The TIGA Games Education Awards recognise achievements and spur further progress in education and skills. Congratulations to all of our finalists and I look forward to seeing the winners.”
TIGA’s charity partner for the Games Education Awards 2023 is The Passage. The Passage’s vision is of a society where street homelessness no longer exists and where everyone has a place to call home. Founded in 1980, The Passage provides practical support and a wide range of services to help transform the lives of people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Guided by their Vincentian values, The Passage offers their clients resources and solutions to prevent or end their homelessness for good. The charity runs a modern Resource Centre in London, helping people to find routes to employment, benefits and stable accommodation; four residential projects, outreach and health services and homelessness prevention schemes.
TIGA GAMES EDUCATION AWARDS 2023 SHORTLIST
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: ARTIST
- Abertay University: Daniel Tolland
- Birmingham City University: Joseph Gordon
- Norwich University of the Arts: George Kee
- Norwich University of the Arts: Salene Tarling
- Staffordshire University: Megan-Louise Morris
- Staffordshire University: Aaron Burnhope
- University of Gloucestershire: Sam Carrier
- University of Hertfordshire: Maxine Lugg
- University of Hertfordshire: Diana Karakushyan
- University of Portsmouth: Victoria Primmer
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: AUDIO
- Birmingham City University: Zih-Syuan Yang
- Norwich University of the Arts: Rhys Anthony
- Staffordshire University: Felype Goncalves Fernandes
- University of Portsmouth: Antti Liakka
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: COMPUTER GAMES TECHNOLOGY
- Abertay University: Rhys Duff
- Abertay University: Justin Syfrig
- Birmingham City University: Nadia Nadeem
- Bournemouth University: Annie Holliday
- Staffordshire University: Davide Pelino
- Staffordshire University: Conner Pittaway
- University of Portsmouth: Siddhesh Swamy
- University of Portsmouth: Victoria Primmer
- University of the West of England: William Whitehouse
- University of the West of England: Zac Collins
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: DESIGNER
- Abertay University: Dominik Gawron
- Brunel University: Rui Silva
- Bournemouth University: Archie McGrath
- Bournemouth University: Ethan Shellard
- City, University of London: Ayotunde Norman-Williams
- Norwich University of the Arts: Szymon Garczynski
- Staffordshire University: Jade Staines
- Staffordshire University: Olivia Cross
- Staffordshire University: Tyler Timlin
- University of Portsmouth: Liam Peachey
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: PROGRAMMER
- Abertay University: Bridget Casey
- Birmingham City University: Ryan Westwood
- Bournemouth University: Ethan Shellard
- Sheffield Hallam University: Chae Taylor
- Sheffield Hallam University: Benjamin Kimberley
- Staffordshire University: Arnav Mehta
- University of Gloucestershire: Pheobe Pudge
- University of the West of England: William Whitehouse
- University of Portsmouth: Kian Bennett
- University of Portsmouth: Ethan Crooks
OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: PRODUCTION/ENTERPRISE
- Abertay University: Lyes Oussaiden
- Bournemouth University: Anita Oyebola
- Bournemouth University: Dario Splendido
- Bournemouth University: Giorgos Karambasis-Rodriguez
- University of Hertfordshire: Zuzana Remenarova
- University of Hertfordshire: Darina Koycheva
- University of Portsmouth: Joshua Hammond
- University of Portsmouth: Zane Oliver
- University of Portsmouth: Patrick Rotzetter
OUTSTANDING TIGA POST-GRADUATE OF THE YEAR
- Sheffield Hallam University: Benjamin Kimberley
- Sheffield Hallam University: Chae Taylor
- Staffordshire University: Jamie Linnell
- University of Hertfordshire: Muthuramalingam Ponnilavan
- University of Hertfordshire: Reshu Shrestha
- University of Hertfordshire: Safwan Sadik
- University of Portsmouth: Adam Jerrett
DIVERSITY AWARD
- London College of Communication, University of the Arts, London
- University of Greenwich
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
EXCELLENCE IN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE – INDUSTRY COLLABORATION
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- Staffordshire University
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
INNOVATIVE TEACHING
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of Portsmouth
EXCELLENCE IN GAMES RESEARCH
- Abertay University
- Birmingham City University
- Bournemouth University
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Game Intelligence (IGGI)
- Sheffield Hallam
- Staffordshire University
- University of Greenwich
CREATIVE ASSEMBLY BEST STUDENT GAME
- Abertay University: Slipways
- Birmingham City University: Checkmate Evolution
- Bournemouth University: Rum Runner’s Revenge
- City, University of London: WAFFLE
- London College of Communication, University of the Arts London: Letter Wars
- Norwich University of the Arts: Dog Walking Simulator
- Sheffield Hallam University: Death Rebuke
- Staffordshire University: Prepare to Dine
- University of Gloucestershire: Burger Zombies
- University of Greenwich: Void Edge
- University of Hertfordshire: My Shadow
- University of Portsmouth: Malltopia
- University of the West of Scotland: Project Retro Museum
TIGA has also today unveiled its Graduates of the Year, listing 89 outstanding graduates and post-graduates in games.
CRM
Seen.io and Xtremepush link up to add personalised video to iGaming CRM flows
Seen.io and Xtremepush have partnered to let iGaming operators trigger AI-powered personalised videos directly inside Xtremepush CRM and player engagement journeys. The companies said the integration is designed to add one-to-one video personalisation at scale without additional technical overhead for teams already using Xtremepush.
Under the agreement, Xtremepush customers can activate Seen.io videos across lifecycle campaigns including onboarding, first-time deposit (FTD) conversion, reactivation, VIP recognition and loyalty. Xtremepush sends player data to Seen.io via webhook in real time; Seen.io then renders a personalised video and thumbnail for delivery through the operator’s chosen channel.
The partners pointed to a shared customer, Superbet, as validation. Superbet ran a two-month A/B test using a Day 1 post-registration personalised welcome video sent via email versus a standard email onboarding sequence. The companies reported a +2.2 percentage point uplift in FTD conversions, 86% higher Net Promoter Score (NPS) among recipients, and engagement lifts including a 37% email open rate versus 29% average and a 7% video click rate versus 2.3% average. They also said 61% of video viewers felt “very motivated” to place a first bet, compared with 48% in the control group.
“The uplift in positive sentiment and motivation is fueling longer player lifecycles and higher retention rates. Seen.io has redefined our engagement strategy, and personalized video is now a cornerstone of how we build loyalty. With personalized videos, we’re seeing players explore and engage more,” said Andrei Popa, VP Online, Superbet.
Xtremepush said the partnership sits within its XP Partners Programme.
“iGaming operators have invested heavily in their CRM infrastructure, but the content they’re sending through it too often looks the same as everyone else’s. Personalised video changes that. When Seen.io joined the XP Partners Programme, it was a natural fit – a proven, high-impact capability that slots straight into how our customers already work. The Superbet results speak for themselves, and we’re excited to bring this to operators across our network,” said Robbie Sexton, Director of Partnerships & iGaming, Xtremepush.
Seen.io’s Marius Tungesvik, Director of Global Partnerships, added: “Xtremepush has built one of the most sophisticated CRM platforms in iGaming. What excites me is what happens when you layer personalised video on top of that foundation at exactly the right moment. Superbet is the proof: a 2.2 percentage point FTD uplift and an NPS nearly double that of standard email. Those aren’t marginal gains. It’s a testament to what can happen when great CRM infrastructure and personalised video work together.”
The post Seen.io and Xtremepush link up to add personalised video to iGaming CRM flows appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Baltics
HIPTHER Baltics: Riga 2026 Agenda – Where Compliance Meets Reality and Growth Gets Tested
HIPTHER has officially released the full agenda for HIPTHER Baltics: Riga 2026, taking place on 11 May 2026 at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga, setting the stage for one of the region’s most focused and practically relevant gatherings at the intersection of compliance, fintech, AI, and player protection.
As the second stop in the HIPTHER Baltics 2026 series, the Riga edition builds on the momentum of Vilnius and sharpens the conversation around what comes next: operating, scaling, and staying compliant in an increasingly complex and tightly regulated environment.
Latvia 2026: Regulation, Risk & Innovation in Motion
The Riga agenda is designed around a simple reality: in today’s market, compliance is no longer a checkbox — it’s the foundation of sustainable growth.
Bringing together regulators, legal experts, fintech leaders, operators, and technology innovators, the one-day conference delivers a high-impact program across two parallel stages:
- Compliance & Operations Lab
- TechXperience Stage
Together, they explore how businesses can remain competitive while navigating regulatory pressure, technological disruption, and shifting market expectations.
From Theory to Practice: What the Agenda Delivers
Across a tightly curated schedule, HIPTHER Baltics: Riga 2026 dives into the real operational challenges shaping the Baltic and wider European ecosystem.
Key sessions include:
- Baltic Gaming Law & Regulatory Outlook – A grounded look at regional frameworks and enforcement realities
- FinTech Supervision in Practice: AI, Risk & Regulation – Moving beyond buzzwords into actual implementation
- Player Protection in Practice – What responsible gaming looks like in real-world operations
- AML Directives & Data Protection – Practical compliance strategies that actually work
- Cross-Border Licensing & Regulatory Harmonization – Navigating multi-jurisdictional complexity
- Fraud Prevention & Emerging Technologies – Staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats
- Marketing, Affiliates & Growth in Regulated Markets – How to grow when visibility is restricted
- Payments, Digital Assets & Fintech Innovation – Building resilient financial infrastructure
The agenda also addresses one of the most pressing shifts in digital strategy:
- From SEO to AIEO – The transition from ranking websites to becoming the direct answer in AI-driven search environments
Four Core Pillars Defining Riga 2026
The conference is structured around four key pillars shaping the future of regulated industries:
- Gaming Law & Player Protection – The leading theme: Enforcement, licensing, fraud prevention, and responsible gaming
- FinTech & Payments – Supervision, digital assets, and financial infrastructure
- AI & Compliance – Automation, risk, taxation, and operational workflows
- Growth & Visibility – Market intelligence, affiliates, SEO, and AI-era discoverability
A Boutique Conference Built for Real Conversations
HIPTHER Baltics: Riga continues the series’ commitment to focused, high-level dialogue in a boutique environment, prioritizing meaningful interaction over mass-expo noise.
Attendees can expect:
- Senior-level panels with regulators and industry leaders
- Practical, implementation-driven discussions
- Curated networking with decision-makers across gaming, fintech, and compliance
- A full-day experience culminating in a Golden Hour Mixer and evening social gathering at the Skyline Bar
Part of a Larger Baltic Vision
HIPTHER Baltics 2026 spans three key cities — Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn — each designed to address locally relevant challenges while contributing to a broader regional dialogue on regulation, innovation, and growth.
“This agenda was built for companies that understand growth today depends on getting compliance, technology, and player protection right at the same time. We’re bringing together decision-makers who want honest conversations, practical insights, and partnerships that actually move business forward“ said Zoltán Tűndik, Co-Founder & Head of Business at HIPTHER.
Event Details
HIPTHER Baltics: Riga 2026 – Cross-Border Compliance & Player Protection
Date: 11 May 2026
Location: Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga
More information & tickets: https://hipther.com/events/riga/
The post HIPTHER Baltics: Riga 2026 Agenda – Where Compliance Meets Reality and Growth Gets Tested appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
BETBY links sportsbook to QTech Games distribution network in Asia
Deal plugs BETBY’s sportsbook API into QTech’s operator network across emerging markets, including Asia.
BETBY has signed a distribution partnership with aggregator QTech Games to supply its sportsbook solution to QTech’s network of operators, with the companies highlighting Asia and other emerging markets as the focus.
Under the agreement, QTech partners will be able to integrate BETBY’s full sportsbook via a single API, giving access to what BETBY says is a catalogue of more than 500,000 monthly events, AI-driven tools, and its esports feed, Betby.Its.
Stefanos Karakidis, Business Development Director at BETBY, said: “Partnering with QTech Games is a natural step for BETBY. They have established themselves as one of the most influential aggregators in Asia, with strong distribution channels and deep local expertise, while continuing to expand across other high-growth markets. QTech has a clear understanding of local player behaviour and operator needs, and together we’ll be able to deliver a Tier-1, mobile-first sportsbook experience, well suited to the demands of the markets they serve.”
Philip Doftvik, CEO at QTech Games, added: “We are delighted to add BETBY’s award-winning sportsbook to our platform. Their product is modern, flexible, and designed for fast-growing markets, aligning with what our operator partners are looking for. It’s perfect timing for us at QTech to expand our sportsbook offering with BETBY given the World Cup is around the corner. So, to every casino that wants to add a sportsbook before the FIFA World Cup – give us a call!”
The post BETBY links sportsbook to QTech Games distribution network in Asia appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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