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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.
Atlaslive
Operational Friction at Scale: Infrastructure Risks in Online Casinos
This article is part of Atlaslive’s series examining vulnerabilities in online casino operations and how established operators can address them proactively.
The series highlights critical exposure areas, including cybersecurity threats, KPI red flags, financial leakage, platform and infrastructure weaknesses, and compliance challenges. The final article will present mitigation principles recommended by Atlaslive specialists.
Focusing on Infrastructure and Platform-Level Risks
As online casinos scale, structural vulnerabilities often emerge, revealing weaknesses in technical architecture. These issues typically remain hidden during early development and only appear under stress—such as peak traffic, new market launches, major campaigns, or rapid product expansion.
Common Structural Risks Include:
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System latency during high-load periods
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Gaps in integration between payments, CRM, and other platforms
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Delays in reporting pipelines
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Limited real-time data visibility
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Fragmented architecture requiring manual intervention in risk, bonus, or payment processes
Beyond Uptime: Performance Quality Matters
Infrastructure issues affect more than system stability. Latency disrupts in-play sessions, reporting delays slow decision-making, and poor integrations increase manual workloads while reducing responsiveness to fraud or behavioral anomalies.
For mature operators, resilience is measured not just by uptime but by seamless communication across verticals—sportsbook, casino, payments, CRM, and risk management—without friction. True scalability maintains performance quality even as operational complexity grows.
Reducing Operational Friction
As scale outpaces architecture readiness, operational friction rises: manual interventions increase, visibility decreases, and response times to emerging risks slow. Atlaslive experts emphasize the importance of structured system communication, real-time data access, and integrated workflows to sustain stability under growth.
Infrastructure vulnerabilities rarely appear overnight; they evolve gradually as operations expand.
To explore Atlaslive’s insights on cybersecurity threats, KPI red flags, financial leakage, regulatory exposure, and recommended mitigation strategies, visit the full article on the Atlaslive blog.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive is a B2B software developer delivering a multifunctional, automated platform for sports betting and casino operators. Core components include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management & Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and a Retail Module. Follow Atlaslive on LinkedIn for the latest iGaming technology updates.
The post Operational Friction at Scale: Infrastructure Risks in Online Casinos appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Fanatics Casino
RLX Gaming expands US reach through Fanatics Casino launch
RLX Gaming, the innovative iGaming aggregator and content supplier, has officially launched its full portfolio with Fanatics Casino in the United States.
Players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania can now access RLX Gaming’s extensive library of in-house and third-party titles, following a soft launch in Pennsylvania. Leading slot hits like Temple Tumble, Bonsai Dragon Blitz, and The Great Pigsby are now live, alongside a broad selection of releases from some of the most creative studios in the industry.
Fanatics Casino, available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia on iOS and Android, offers a wide variety of classic and modern casino experiences, including slots, blackjack, roulette, progressive jackpots, and video poker. Each game is designed to deliver authentic casino action, ensuring endless entertainment for players.
This partnership marks a significant step in RLX Gaming’s mission to deliver dynamic, globally-ready content that drives innovation and engagement in the online casino space.
Matthew Hockenjos, Commercial Account Manager for North America at RLX Gaming, said:
“Our collaboration with Fanatics Casino represents a major milestone for RLX Gaming as we strategically broaden our footprint across North America. Fanatics Casino’s commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re thrilled to bring our engaging slot experiences to players in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
Kieron Shaw from Fanatics Casino added:
“We are delighted to integrate RLX Gaming’s captivating portfolio into our platform. This partnership reinforces our dedication to offering a premier online casino experience, giving players access to high-quality titles with proven appeal across New Jersey and Pennsylvania.”
The post RLX Gaming expands US reach through Fanatics Casino launch appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Gen Z
Traffic and Gen Z: What actually works?
O brave new world… Greetings to everyone who keeps running traffic in these turbulent times, where the rules of the game change faster than we can update our creatives. Regulations are tightening, social platforms constantly rewrite their policies, and search engines keep updating their algorithms, that’s already the new normal. But there is another factor influencing the market just as much. A new generation has grown up, reached adulthood, and is entering categories that were dominated by millennials just yesterday. We’re talking about Gen Z and those coming right after them, generation Alpha.
There’s a lot of discussion about them. But the team at Moon Partners wants to look at this topic from a more practical angle, not through the lens of generational theory, but through traffic performance.
Who are Gen Z as an audience?
This is the first fully digital-native generation. They don’t just use smartphones, they’ve never known life without them. They grew up inside social media algorithms, and by the age of 18 they’ve seen more advertising than previous generations did in their entire lives. And because of that, they’ve learned to filter it. They almost never click “just because”. If content doesn’t build trust within the first few seconds, for them it simply doesn’t exist.
Another important factor is gamification and convenience. The more dynamic and engaging the experience is, the better. At the same time, everything must be comfortable and fast. Responses to user actions should be immediate, because patience is limited and people expect results right away.
Sounds like a challenge. Let’s look at what kind of strategy can work with this audience.
Creative preparation
At this stage, we recommend not treating Gen Z as a single segment. The 21–26 age range is only a demographic label. In reality, this audience is made up of many different micro-communities. These may include gamers, crypto enthusiasts, sports fans, self-improvement communities, streamer audiences, Discord communities, and many other niche groups with their own interests and communication styles. So the first step is deciding which context you want to enter. Approaching this audience without segmentation often leads to wasted budget. Gen Z responds strongly to personalization. Content should feel aligned with their interests, almost as if you already understand the environment they live in. Of course, this requires some research. But we never said this would be easy.
Platform choice
When working with Gen Z, choosing a platform is not just a technical decision, it’s a strategic one. They perceive each platform as its own culture, with its own language, pace, and level of trust. Our goal is to speak their language and appear naturally in their environment. Not as someone trying to interrupt their world, but as something interesting that appears organically in their feed. Remember those early-2000s movies with model castings where judges would say “Thank you, next” the moment something didn’t fit? Gen Z treats their feeds exactly the same way.
They will scroll past almost everything, but they will choose only a few pieces of content to engage with.That’s why creatives on social platforms must look like a natural part of the feed. The first seconds decide everything. If content feels out of place, it simply gets skipped.
For push and pop traffic, aggressive clickbait usually doesn’t work well. For native and search traffic, users often double-check information about projects, read reviews, and research products before engaging. This is why it’s important to work with clean products that have a solid reputation.
So the strategy is simple: choose the right platform and adapt your content specifically for it.
A small case study
At Moon Partners, we’ve seen how the behavior of younger audiences changes in practice. One of our affiliates tested an iGaming offer targeting users aged 21–26. The initial creatives were standard for the vertical, banner ads with a bonus offer and a direct registration CTA. However, CTR stayed around 0.4%, and most users simply scrolled past the ads.
After analyzing the audience, it became clear that a large portion of the traffic overlapped with gamer and streamer culture. The creatives were redesigned. Instead of banner ads, the affiliate launched short videos styled as clips from a live stream, where the character “tested their luck” and commented on the gameplay in a familiar, entertaining style.
The content looked like a natural part of the feed rather than a typical advertisement. As a result, CTR almost tripled, and landing page conversions improved noticeably.
For us, this once again confirmed a simple insight: Gen Z reacts far better to content that feels like part of their environment rather than direct advertising.
The takeaway
At this point it becomes clear that what works best with this audience is subtlety and context. The era of simple, straightforward creatives is gradually fading. Marketers need to adapt to new realities, create more native experiences, integrate with audience interests, do deeper research, and stay aware of current trends. This doesn’t mean that traditional approaches no longer work at all. But we are clearly in a transition period, and those who fail to adapt may quickly lose relevance.
If you are exploring traffic opportunities with younger audiences, the Moon Partners team is always open to communication. We’re happy to share our experience, insights, and discuss collaboration formats that work for everyone. Because for us, affiliate marketing is about more than numbers, it’s about honest partnerships, real conversations, and win-win collaborations.
The post Traffic and Gen Z: What actually works? appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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