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TIGA reveals shortlist for UK Games Education Awards 2023

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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

  1. Abertay University: Daniel Tolland
  2. Birmingham City University: Joseph Gordon
  3. Norwich University of the Arts: George Kee
  4. Norwich University of the Arts: Salene Tarling
  5. Staffordshire University: Megan-Louise Morris
  6. Staffordshire University: Aaron Burnhope
  7. University of Gloucestershire: Sam Carrier
  8. University of Hertfordshire: Maxine Lugg
  9. University of Hertfordshire: Diana Karakushyan
  10. University of Portsmouth: Victoria Primmer

OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: AUDIO

  1. Birmingham City University: Zih-Syuan Yang
  2. Norwich University of the Arts: Rhys Anthony
  3. Staffordshire University: Felype Goncalves Fernandes
  4. University of Portsmouth: Antti Liakka 

OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: COMPUTER GAMES TECHNOLOGY

  1. Abertay University: Rhys Duff
  2. Abertay University: Justin Syfrig
  3. Birmingham City University: Nadia Nadeem
  4. Bournemouth University: Annie Holliday
  5. Staffordshire University: Davide Pelino
  6. Staffordshire University: Conner Pittaway
  7. University of Portsmouth: Siddhesh Swamy
  8. University of Portsmouth: Victoria Primmer
  9. University of the West of England: William Whitehouse
  10. University of the West of England: Zac Collins

OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: DESIGNER

  1. Abertay University: Dominik Gawron
  2. Brunel University: Rui Silva
  3. Bournemouth University: Archie McGrath
  4. Bournemouth University: Ethan Shellard
  5. City, University of London: Ayotunde Norman-Williams
  6. Norwich University of the Arts: Szymon Garczynski
  7. Staffordshire University:  Jade Staines
  8. Staffordshire University: Olivia Cross
  9. Staffordshire University: Tyler Timlin
  10. University of Portsmouth: Liam Peachey

OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: PROGRAMMER

  1. Abertay University: Bridget Casey
  2. Birmingham City University: Ryan Westwood
  3. Bournemouth University: Ethan Shellard
  4. Sheffield Hallam University: Chae Taylor
  5. Sheffield Hallam University: Benjamin Kimberley
  6. Staffordshire University: Arnav Mehta
  7. University of Gloucestershire: Pheobe Pudge
  8. University of the West of England: William Whitehouse
  9. University of Portsmouth: Kian Bennett
  10. University of Portsmouth: Ethan Crooks

OUTSTANDING TIGA GRADUATE OF THE YEAR: PRODUCTION/ENTERPRISE

  1. Abertay University: Lyes Oussaiden
  2. Bournemouth University: Anita Oyebola
  3. Bournemouth University: Dario Splendido
  4. Bournemouth University: Giorgos Karambasis-Rodriguez
  5. University of Hertfordshire: Zuzana Remenarova
  6. University of Hertfordshire: Darina Koycheva
  7. University of Portsmouth: Joshua Hammond
  8. University of Portsmouth: Zane Oliver
  9. University of Portsmouth: Patrick Rotzetter

OUTSTANDING TIGA POST-GRADUATE OF THE YEAR

  1. Sheffield Hallam University: Benjamin Kimberley
  2. Sheffield Hallam University: Chae Taylor
  3. Staffordshire University: Jamie Linnell
  4. University of Hertfordshire: Muthuramalingam Ponnilavan
  5. University of Hertfordshire: Reshu Shrestha
  6. University of Hertfordshire: Safwan Sadik
  7. University of Portsmouth: Adam Jerrett

DIVERSITY AWARD

  1. London College of Communication, University of the Arts, London
  2. University of Greenwich
  3. University of Hertfordshire
  4. University of Portsmouth

EXCELLENCE IN UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE – INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

  1. Abertay University
  2. Birmingham City University
  3. Staffordshire University
  4. University of Hertfordshire
  5. University of Portsmouth 

INNOVATIVE TEACHING

  1. Abertay University
  2. Birmingham City University
  3. University of Hertfordshire
  4. University of Portsmouth

EXCELLENCE IN GAMES RESEARCH

  1. Abertay University
  2. Birmingham City University
  3. Bournemouth University
  4. EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Game Intelligence (IGGI)
  5. Sheffield Hallam
  6. Staffordshire University
  7. University of Greenwich

CREATIVE ASSEMBLY BEST STUDENT GAME

  1. Abertay University: Slipways
  2. Birmingham City University: Checkmate Evolution
  3. Bournemouth University: Rum Runner’s Revenge
  4. City, University of London: WAFFLE
  5. London College of Communication, University of the Arts London: Letter Wars
  6. Norwich University of the Arts: Dog Walking Simulator
  7. Sheffield Hallam University: Death Rebuke
  8. Staffordshire University: Prepare to Dine
  9. University of Gloucestershire: Burger Zombies
  10. University of Greenwich: Void Edge
  11. University of Hertfordshire: My Shadow
  12. University of Portsmouth: Malltopia
  13. 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. 

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Vegangster Launches а Native PvP Mechanic as a New GGR Driver

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Vegangster has introduced a native PvP mechanic, a platform-level feature designed to create competitive player interactions while generating additional revenue for operators.

Fully embedded into the platform, the mechanic can be customised to match any operator’s theme, visual identity, and positioning, making it easy to integrate into existing casino experiences

Unlike third-party game integrations, the PvP mechanic is built directly into the Vegangster platform. Operators can place it in prominent areas such as the casino homepage or other high-visibility lobby sections, ensuring players can easily discover and join active rounds. The feature is available for a fixed fee, allowing operators to generate additional GGR without relying on revenue-share models or external providers.

How the PvP Mechanic Works

  • A player starts a round by placing the first bet, creating an open battle visible to others
  • Other players join by adding their bets to the pool, with a minimum of two participants required
  • If no one joins, the initiating player automatically receives their bet back
  • Once players join, a short countdown begins before the round resolves
  • A random roll determines the winner, with probability weighted by bet size

With each round requiring multiple participants, the mechanic introduces a visible, social layer inside the casino lobby. Players are encouraged to join ongoing rounds, react in real time, and compete for shared prize pools.

The structure is designed for short, repeatable sessions, increasing player activity and creating continuous engagement loops across the platform.

Casino lobbies rarely show players interacting with each other,” said Michael Oziransky, Chief Product Officer at Vegangster. “This mechanic introduces real-time competition directly into the lobby. Players can see activity, react to it, and challenge each other instantly. Combined with chat, it turns the lobby into a more social, responsive space while creating an additional, low-cost revenue stream for operators.”

The feature is already live on JoyCasino, one of Vegangster’s operator partners, where players can experience it directly within the lobby. For this deployment, the PvP mechanic was fully adapted to JoyCasino’s visual identity and brand guidelines, demonstrating how easily the feature can be tailored to different themes, styles, and player environments without requiring structural changes to the platform.

The launch continues Vegangster’s strategy of developing platform-native engagement mechanics that complement traditional casino content. Following the introduction of native lootboxes earlier this year, the company plans to further expand its catalogue of session-based and social features.

Press contact:

Romans Kozlovskis

[email protected]

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Institute for Gambling Regulation Curates Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026

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HIPTHER is proud to announce the Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day of HIPTHER Prague Summit, curated by  the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH). This special section is scheduled for Day 2 (25 March) of the Main Focus Stage at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026.

The thematic day will focus on current issues related to safer gambling, player protection, regulatory trends, compliance, and illegal gambling and its emerging forms. It will bring together legal experts, regulators, safer gambling specialists, and representatives of the gaming industry to discuss how approaches to safer gambling, consumer protection, and the sustainable development of the legal market are evolving across Europe. Attention will also be given to the way new trends in illegal gambling weaken player protection and why tackling the illegal market is an essential part of the debate on a safer gambling environment.

IPRH has long been regarded as a respected voice in the field of gambling regulation, with its representatives regularly contributing to expert discussions on legislation, public policy, and practical player protection tools in the Czech Republic and across the wider Central European region. Its cooperation with HIPTHER builds on a shared ambition to connect innovation in the sector with responsible governance, regulatory dialogue, and a strong public-interest perspective.

Three Key Topics to Watch

Alongside the broader discussion on developments across Europe, the programme will also highlight several concrete topics that are currently shaping both the market and the regulatory debate.

IRIS: one player, one view, across operators

One of the main highlights of the programme will be the presentation of IRIS, a project that introduces a new perspective on player protection. What makes it unique is that it does not look at risky behaviour solely within a single operator’s environment, but through the lens of one player across multiple operators. This approach has the potential to significantly improve early risk detection and strengthen player protection in practice. The current stage of the project will be presented by Petr Rybák, Project Manager of IRIS.

How much does illegal gambling cost the Czech Republic?

Another key session will feature a new economic study by the Centre for Economic and Market Analyses (CETA) focused on illegal gambling in the Czech Republic. The study will provide data on the scale of the illegal market, the volume of money lost outside the legal sector, and the related losses in tax revenues. Its findings will be presented by Jakub Žofčák, one of the study’s authors.

Can the IPRH model expand beyond the Czech Republic?

An important part of the programme will also be a panel discussion featuring representatives of the Czech, Slovak, and newly emerging Polish institutes. The debate will focus on cross-border cooperation in addressing shared issues in regulation and player protection. It will also explore whether the IPRH model can be transferred to other countries. IPRH is not a traditional industry association, but a unique platform bringing together business, regulators, public authorities, experts, and addiction specialists into one functional ecosystem and one shared discussion.

A Programme Connecting Law, Regulation, Research, and Practice

The Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day will offer a series of expert discussions on regulatory developments, modern player protection tools, responsible marketing, and cross-border cooperation between regulators, experts, and operators.

The programme brings together a broad range of respected professionals from the legal, regulatory, research, and operational sides of the industry. Confirmed speakers include, among others:

  • Petr Kozák, Lawyer and Secretary General at IPRH
  • Petr Rybák, Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH)
  • Jan Řehola, Director at IPRH and Partner at PS Legal
  • Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling at Casino Guru
  • Bill Pascrell III, Partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group
  • Martin Lycka, Vice President Institutional Affairs at Oddin.gg
  • Nika Gigashvili, CEO and Partner at SMH Global
  • Václav Ulrich, Co-founder of the Institute for Gambling Regulation
  • Jakub Žofčák, Centre for Economic and Market Analyses (CETA)
  • Alina Tace, Partner at WH Simion & Partners
  • Olesea Naidion, Brand Manager at Nightrush
  • Dan Illovici, Vice President at ROMBET
  • Dávid Lenčéš, Executive Director Institute for Gambling Regulation of the Slovak Republic
  • Justyna Grusza-Głębicka, Attorney-at-law and Founder at Kancelaria Adwokacka dr Justyna Grusza-Głębicka

Participants can expect practical insights from different jurisdictions as well as discussion on how regulatory requirements, innovation, and the long-term sustainable development of the legal market can be effectively aligned.

A Shared Commitment to a Safer Market

The cooperation between HIPTHER and the Institute for Gambling Regulation reflects a shared commitment to promoting safer gambling and encouraging informed dialogue between regulators, experts, and market representatives.

“As the gaming environment continues to evolve, so must our approach to player protection. This dedicated day gives us an opportunity to show how technology, data, research, and responsibility can work together in the field of safer gambling. We look forward to discussing how modern regulatory frameworks and practical tools can contribute to a safer and more sustainable environment for all stakeholders,” said Petr Kozák, Lawyer and Secretary General at IPRH.

The Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day will form a central part of the 10-year anniversary edition of HIPTHER Prague Summit, bringing together leaders from gaming, fintech, AI, blockchain, and regulatory sectors for two days of discussions shaping the future of the industry.

🎟 Secure your place at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026

The post Institute for Gambling Regulation Curates Responsible Gaming & Player Safety Day at HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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White Hat Studios launches all-in-one engagement ecosystem Amplify Suite

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White Hat Studios, a specialist provider for the regulated US iGaming market, has introduced Amplify Suite, a fully integrated engagement ecosystem built to give operators greater flexibility, creative control, and measurable commercial results.

Amplify brings together the company’s promotional tools and proprietary content into a single, scalable framework, offering a broad set of performance-driven solutions designed to accelerate growth across US markets.

Built on an API-first architecture, the suite incorporates White Hat Studios’ Engage promotional engine, featuring tools such as Win Spins, Super Mode, and Triggers, alongside its established Progressive Jackpot networks. The combined offering addresses rising demand for advanced gamification, enabling operators to boost player activity and sustain long-term engagement.

These capabilities are supported by the studio’s premium content portfolio. Known for delivering tailored products for tier-one operators, the new Amplify Bespoke arm expands this approach, offering custom slot development that allows for deeper brand integration and exclusive IP ownership.

Meanwhile, Amplify Franchises is designed to turn successful standalone titles into long-term game families. A key example is the popular 7s Fire Blitz™ series, which demonstrates how familiar branding and player loyalty can drive strong launch performance and ongoing engagement across a franchise.

The ecosystem is further enhanced by Amplify Omni, powered through a landmark distribution agreement with Gaming Arts. This partnership enables the distribution of White Hat Studios’ content across US land-based casinos, while also facilitating the transition of land-based titles into regulated online environments for the first time.

By enabling this two-way content flow, Amplify strengthens connections between retail and digital channels, helping operators engage players seamlessly across both spaces.

The launch marks a major step in White Hat Studios’ strategic development, unifying its entire product portfolio within a single ecosystem tailored specifically for the US market.

Daniel Lechner, SVP of Sales and Marketing at White Hat Studios, said: “Amplify will serve as the promotional and engagement backbone of White Hat Studios. Bringing our diverse offering under one cohesive ecosystem, the suite is optimised to deliver tangible impact across the entire player journey.

“By combining configurable engagement tools with premium, high-performing content, Amplify empowers US operators to differentiate and scale within competitive environments.”

The post White Hat Studios launches all-in-one engagement ecosystem Amplify Suite appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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