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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.
Baltics
HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 Agenda Sets the Stage for the Region’s Next Era of iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration
The agenda for HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 has officially been revealed, marking a defining moment for the Baltic region’s iGaming, fintech, and regulatory landscape.
Taking place on 21 April 2026 at the Hilton Garden Inn Vilnius City Centre, the conference launches HIPTHER’s new Baltics-focused series, a bold evolution designed to bring deeper, jurisdiction-specific insight and high-level dialogue to one of Europe’s fastest-transforming digital markets.
At its core, the Vilnius edition is built around a powerful theme:
“iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration” — a convergence shaping the future of compliance, payments, and digital innovation across the region.
A Defining Moment: Lithuania’s Regulatory Reset
Lithuania is entering a new phase — one where rapid fintech growth meets tightening regulatory expectations.
The agenda reflects this shift directly, capturing a market transitioning from accessibility to accountability, structure, and long-term sustainability. From post-MiCA realities and stricter AML frameworks to evolving iGaming controls, Vilnius becomes the place where these changes are not just discussed — but decoded.
The Agenda: One Day, Two Stages, Zero Filler
The newly released agenda delivers a high-density, decision-maker-focused experience, designed for professionals who need clarity.
Across two parallel tracks — Compliance & Operations Lab and TechXperience Stage — the program cuts straight to the pressure points shaping the industry:
On the Compliance & Operations side:
- Gambling Regulation in the Baltics: Enforcement, Gaps, and Political Pressure
- Post-MiCA Survival: Maintaining Your License Under the 2026 Strictures
- The Bank Pivot: SME Lending, EMI Stability & Financial Resilience
- AML 2.0 & MiCA in Practice: Building Compliance That Actually Works
- The iGaming Ad Ban: Survival Strategies in a “No Marketing” Era
On the TechXperience Stage:
- Next-gen Payments: A2A, Open Banking & Cross-border Infrastructure
- AI in Product & Workforce Transformation
- Blockchain Beyond the Hype: Infrastructure, Tokenization & Settlement
- Esports, Gaming & Digital Communities: Building Next-Gen Ecosystems
- AI in Product, Risk & Compliance: From Buzzwords to Deployment + Agentic AI & Data-Driven Organizations
Going beyond theoretical insight, this Agenda is a working blueprint for navigating what’s already unfolding.
Curated Networking & Meaningful Connections
The refreshing morning break and delicious complimentary lunch, will be followed by an evening social gathering at Jazz Cellar 11 –– offering rum, jazz, conversations, and the kind of networking that somehow becomes more productive after the formal agenda ends.
Spotlight on Speakers: The People Driving the Change
The Vilnius stage brings together a carefully selected lineup of regulators, compliance and fintech leaders, legal experts, and technology innovators — the very people operating at the frontlines of transformation.
These are just some of the speakers to take the stage:
- Rainer Osanik – Head of Fiscal Information and Intelligence Department in the Estonian Ministry of Finance
- Ineta Mačinskienė – CEO of Walletto
- Edgaras Abromavičius – President of the Lithuanian Esports Federation and Head of Esports and Gaming at the Lithuanian Football Federation
- Marija Nudga – Senior Lawyer at Tonybet and Legal Expert in iGaming & Fintech Compliance
- Kristina Vabinskaitė – Financial Markets Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance of Lithuania
- Saulius Racevicius – CEO of Pace App and Board Member of the Fintech Hub LT
From professionals securing MiCA licenses and building risk frameworks, to experts advising on international licensing, AML systems, and cross-border fintech operations, the speaker lineup reflects real, hands-on expertise.
These are the leaders and experts shaping how regulation and innovation coexist in real time.
Zoltan Tündik, Co-Founder and Head of Business at HIPTHER, stated about the Vilnius 2026 Agenda:
“Our dedicated Baltics series this year kickstarts in Vilnius and marks a strategic pivot in how we approach regional excellence. Having spent nearly two decades in the media and news sphere, we’ve learned that general insights are no longer enough; the market now demands jurisdiction-specific precision. Lithuania stands at a fascinating crossroads where fintech maturity meets a rigorous regulatory reset. Our 2026 agenda is designed to decode this convergence, helping leaders navigate the post-MiCA landscape and tighten iGaming frameworks. As we celebrate 10 years of HIPTHER impact, Vilnius represents our commitment to staying ahead of the curve, providing the high-level, boutique environment necessary for the industry’s most critical conversations.”
Boutique by Design — Powerful by Nature
HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 is intentionally built as a boutique, high-value experience:
- A senior-level audience of decision-makers
- Focused, high-quality networking opportunities
- A premium central Vilnius setting designed for meaningful interaction
The format ensures that conversations don’t get lost in scale — they gain depth, relevance, and momentum.
Join the Conversation in Vilnius
The agenda is now live — and with it, the opportunity to be part of a room where regulation, technology, and strategy converge.
Explore the full agenda & secure your spot: https://hipther.com/events/vilnius/
Because in a year defined by regulatory change, the real advantage belongs to those in the room.
The post HIPTHER Baltics: Vilnius 2026 Agenda Sets the Stage for the Region’s Next Era of iGaming Regulation & Fintech Integration appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Affiliate Succes
ReferOn Secures “Best Affiliate Software 2026” Title at SiGMA South America Awards
ReferOn, a top-tier affiliate management platform, has been awarded “Best Affiliate Software 2026” at the prestigious SiGMA South America Awards.
This accolade signifies significant market momentum and product creativity central to ReferOn. Designed as a data-centric platform, it minimizes operational friction and enhances efficiency. This acknowledgment strengthens our path to becoming the top affiliate ecosystem in the industry, as we persist in developing high-performance infrastructure that grows with our partners.
Enhancing Productivity on a Large Scale
ReferOn’s expansion demonstrates that the sector is prepared for a more intelligent method of affiliate management. Successfully managing millions of data points from numerous partners demands a highly agile, data-oriented framework. We consistently enhance our platform to eliminate operational clutter, transforming intricate daily activities into smooth, automated processes that promote genuine efficiency on a large scale.
Alex Bukin, General Manager at ReferOn, commented on the win: “This award is a massive milestone for us, and it belongs entirely to our team. Their genuine passion for building an exceptional platform is what drives our rapid growth every single day. We don’t just want to be another tool in the stack; we want to change how affiliate marketing works for the better; making it simpler, more transparent, and much more powerful. We have ambitious plans on the horizon to further expand our capabilities.”
This acknowledgment at SiGMA South America 2026 further confirms our path as we enter our next growth phase. Our plan for 2026 and the future focuses on growth and innovation. We are proactively broadening our international reach, establishing strategic partnerships, and implementing platform enhancements that cater to the intricate requirements of contemporary affiliate networks.
The post ReferOn Secures “Best Affiliate Software 2026” Title at SiGMA South America Awards appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Crypto
Paysafe launches Pay with Crypto solution to meet US iGaming market demand
Paysafe (NYSE: PSFE), a global payments platform, today announced the launch of Pay with Crypto, a new crypto payment method for iGaming operators and daily fantasy sports brands in the U.S. market. Powered by MoonPay, the leader in global crypto payments and stablecoin infrastructure, Pay with Crypto allows iGaming brands’ customers to use their preferred stablecoin or cryptocurrency to effortlessly fund their player accounts, where permitted.
With a reported ~70.4m American adults owning cryptocurrency and with Paysafe’s own research indicating that 83% of U.S. players have appetite for crypto payments, the company has responded to meet this demand with Pay with Crypto. Whether a player wants to fund their iGaming account using USD Coin (USDC), another stablecoin, or any major cryptocurrency, Paysafe’s new payment option for operators’ cashiers enables their crypto deposit to be rapidly converted to U.S. dollars to allow play.
After selecting Pay with Crypto and their preferred stablecoin or cryptocurrency, players simply connect their crypto or custodial wallet to fund the deposit, with the MoonPay Commerce Checkouts technology also supporting transactions via QR code using users’ phones. Once transactions have been verified, Pay with Crypto instantly converts crypto deposits into U.S. dollars to fund the player account.
The flexibility embedded in the Pay with Crypto solution also extends to operators, which can choose to settle payments almost instantly in stablecoins in their business’s crypto wallet, or settle in U.S. dollars or any major fiat currency through MoonPay’s Virtual Accounts powered by Iron.
Operators can upgrade their cashiers with Pay with Crypto through a single, streamlined integration of the Paysafe Gateway, which has been developed specifically for iGaming and leverages the company’s 30 years’ global experience. With the Gateway already boasting frictionless card payments, the Skrill digital wallet, the PaysafeCash eCash solution, a Pay by Bank product, and 30+ local payment methods, the addition of Pay with Crypto sees Paysafe continue to diversify its offering to meet evolving transactional preferences.
Zak Cutler, President of Global Gaming at Paysafe, said: “Galvanized by the growing popularity of stablecoins, cryptocurrency is evolving in the U.S. from an investment asset into a unit of value for payments, and we’re seeing this shift gather pace in the country’s iGaming market. Against this backdrop, we’re delighted to unveil Pay with Crypto, a forward-thinking solution that strongly positions U.S. operators for their customers’ changing transactional preferences – the future of how they pay when they play.”
Ivan Soto-Wright, Founder and CEO of MoonPay, commented: “Crypto rails are making payments faster and more efficient, and our job is to close the gap between this technology and real-world utility. People shouldn’t have to convert their digital assets just to make a purchase – they want to use what they already have. Paysafe brings that experience to more people through trusted, regulated platforms.”
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