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TIGA reveals shortlist for UK Games Education Awards 2023

Published

2 years ago

September 7, 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 29^th 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 29^th.”

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.

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Cash Eruption The Western

Spin Genie unveils exclusive new western slot adventure from IGT

Published

4 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

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Spin Genie has revealed the exclusive debut of Cash Eruption The Western, the newest slot game from worldwide gaming supplier IGT.

The western-themed slot is now accessible to Spin Genie players, offering expanding wild features and an exciting respin bonus.

Located in a setting of frontier towns, safes, and money bags, Cash Eruption The Western operates on a 5-reel, 20-payline structure and features expanding Wild symbols.

The main attraction of the release is the Triple Cash Eruption Bonus, a hold-and-respin element activated by colored Cash Bag Scatter symbols. The bonus gives players an opportunity to earn Coin prizes, jackpot rewards, and strong modifiers, such as multipliers, collection features, and a Double Reels mode that operates on two reel sets at the same time.

Spin Genie, a prominent slots casino in the UK, is part of Kinetic Digital and with this release enhances its online slots collection from IGT that already features popular games like Magic of the Nile, Enchanted Lamp, and Pharaoh’s Fortune.

Kinetic Digital Head of Brand Marketing Dom Aldworth said: “Cash Eruption The Western is a fantastic addition to the Spin Genie portfolio, combining a hugely popular mechanic with a strong, immersive theme. IGT has elevated the Cash Eruption series with exciting new modifiers and features, and we’re delighted to bring this latest release to our players as part of our continued commitment to delivering the very best slot experiences.”

The post Spin Genie unveils exclusive new western slot adventure from IGT appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

boutique studios

Movers and Shakers: The blueprint for boutique studios looking to crack America

Published

6 hours ago

February 25, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

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“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.

Charles Mott, Founder and CEO of S Gaming, says finding success in the US is a tough task, but that studios who can replicate the magic of the casino floor have what it takes to make it stateside

There are plenty of European studios that have set their sights on finding success in the US, but very few have actually managed to achieve it. This is because they are making a common mistake, and that’s failing to translate the preferences of US slot players into their games.

For more than a decade now, the UK and European markets have been defined by “the chase” – high volatility slots with massive, infrequent max wins and jackpots that deliver anticipation and thrills, but that also exhaust the player’s balance in minutes.

But if you walk on to the floor of any Las Vegas casino, the atmosphere is different. It’s about “time at machine”. It’s the neon, the regular dopamine hits of smaller wins and the ability to make $100 provide an entire evening’s worth of entertainment.

As the US market increasingly moves to online, with more states embracing regulated iGaming, it’s no longer finding its feet with players now actively looking for a digital version of the land-based soul they have loved for many years.

Moving away from the “big win” to the “long session”

US players have been culturally conditioned by the physical casino experience. Unlike the high-stakes digital environment of Europe, the American player often views slots as a leisure activity rather than a jackpot hunt.

This is why S Gaming has focused on fun, entertainment and sustainability, with our games matching the “steady tortoise” cadence of land-based slot machines. They still deliver lots of big win potential, but across longer and more engaging sessions.

For operators like BetMGM and Fanatics, both of which we’ve recently partnered with, it’s not just about fun, it’s about retention.

A player who loses their balance in three minutes is a churn risk, but a player who wins small, frequent prizes stays in the ecosystem for longer and ultimately generates a much higher lifetime value.

Efficiency over ego

But it’s not just about having the right games, distribution is also key to cracking America. This is a notoriously difficult market because it’s not one jurisdiction, it’s five (and counting) regulatory islands and in each, you need to secure regulatory approvals.

This is actually a moat that keeps many smaller studios out. It’s an issue we had to overcome, and ultimately looked for a partner that could help us bridge the gap. Our agreement with Gaming Realms allows us to use its remote game server and licences to launch into US states.

This “Infrastructure-as-a-Service” model allows a studio to focus on “game grammar” (math and art) while the partner handles the “plumbing” (compliance and connectivity). It’s the leanest way to hit the ground running with a tier-one operator across multiple states simultaneously.

Why tier ones are buying in

You might be wondering why a tier one giant like BetMGM has joined forces with a boutique UK studio and facilitated its launch into the US.

But the reality is that operators are fighting soaring acquisition costs right now and this means they no longer want more games, they want differentiated games that reduce churn and keep players coming back for more.

Our focus on sustainable entertainment aligns with current US regulatory requirements and the focus on responsible gaming. Games designed for longer, lower stakes sessions are inherently “safer” and more palatable to regulators and risk-averse operators alike.

And they just hit the mark more with players. Sure, winning is a big part of playing online slots, but how you get to the win and the perceived entertainment value is now just as if not more so important – not just in the US but in the UK and Europe, too.

The data-driven evolution

Success does not come from a single launch – it comes from having a feedback loop. We now have a handful of games live in the US market, including our flagship Triple 7 Jackpot title, from which we are gathering real-time data on player behaviour.

This is allowing us to move from “what we think players want” to “what the data tells us they love” and this in turn is allowing us to refine our product roadmap and the games we are producing for the US market, ensuring each title is more culturally resonant than the last.

The new era of transatlantic growth

Cracking America in 2026 isn’t about having the loudest brand of the biggest marketing budget – it’s about understanding the psychology of the casino floor.

The studio’s that succeed will be those that realise the US player isn’t looking for a new way to gamble, they’re looking for a digital version of the “Vegas” feeling they’ve known and loved for decades.

The post Movers and Shakers: The blueprint for boutique studios looking to crack America appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

blask

When Africa gambles: seasonality patterns across five countries revealed by Blask

Published

7 hours ago

February 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

when-africa-gambles:-seasonality-patterns-across-five-countries-revealed-by-blask

When Africa Gambles: Seasonality Patterns Across Five Markets Revealed by Blask , Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Egypt operate under diverse regulatory regimes and follow different domestic sports calendars — Egypt also observes a Friday–Saturday weekend. Yet, across these markets, gambling activity exhibits a shared rhythm: engagement climbs into Q4 and remains elevated through the year-end, with softer periods either mid-year (Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo) or late winter (Egypt). Peaks broadly coincide with the European club season, while in some markets domestic leagues run in parallel.

Blask’s Seasonality feature, drawing on data from January 2016 to February 2026, allows mapping engagement by month, day, and hour, revealing nuanced patterns in each market:

Nigeria: The Long Saturday

Annual curve accelerates into Q4: October is the top month, followed closely by September, November, and December. June marks the low point, with a modest rebound in July before the late-summer climb.

Weekly cycle is weekend-led: Saturday dominates, Sunday and Friday show smaller peaks, weekdays are quieter.
Hourly pattern forms a broad plateau on Saturday, with elevated activity from early morning to late evening (5am–9pm Lagos time). Weekday engagement is lower, concentrating in the late afternoon and evening.

Tanzania: Saturday as a Corridor

Annual rhythm mirrors Nigeria: softening in June–July, rising from August into a Q4 plateau. Top months are November–December, with October close behind.

Weekly cycle hierarchy is clearer: Saturday is strongest, Sunday elevated but lower, Friday leads weekday peaks.
Saturday functions as a corridor rather than a sharp spike: activity stays high from 7am–11pm Dar es Salaam time, peaking mid-afternoon to early evening (3pm–7pm). Weekday activity tilts toward evening post-work.

Kenya: Two Clocks in One Market

Annual curve rises from August into Q4, with December at the peak, October and November following. Low points in June–July.

Weekly peaks favor the weekend: Saturday #1, Sunday #2.
Hourly pattern shows dual peaks: a primary late-afternoon to evening spike (3pm–9pm Nairobi time) and a secondary pre-dawn rise (3am–7am), particularly visible on weekends.

DR Congo: The Morning Market

January remains unusually strong alongside December, which is the top month.

Weekly cycle follows the familiar weekend pattern: Saturday leads, weekend days generally brighter.
Hourly peak occurs in the morning, roughly 5am–9am Kinshasa time, shifting an hour later in eastern regions. Weekdays maintain the morning lift, with Saturday adding extra intensity.

Egypt: Friday Leadership and After-Midnight Play

Annual curve climbs steadily to year-end: December tops, followed by November and October. Softest periods are February and March.

Weekly cycle differs: Friday peaks, Thursday and Saturday slightly behind, reflecting Egypt’s Friday–Saturday weekend.
Nighttime engagement is strongest in the group, concentrating after midnight (2am–5am Cairo time), consistently across all days of the week.

The Bigger Picture

Q4 is peak season across all five markets. Nigeria peaks earliest (October), while Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, and Egypt maintain high engagement through November–December. Four markets soften mid-year, Egypt peaks late winter.
Weekend structures explain weekly splits: Saturday for Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo; Friday for Egypt.
Hourly patterns diverge: Nigeria and Tanzania show broad Saturday blocks, Kenya focuses on prime time with pre-dawn tails, DR Congo peaks in the morning, Egypt peaks after midnight. Cross-market scheduling without these insights risks missing most demand.

The post When Africa gambles: seasonality patterns across five countries revealed by Blask appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.