Latest News
AGHANIM RESEARCH GAUGES DMA AWARENESS AND POTENTIAL IMPACT ON DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER DISTRIBUTION
Aghanim, a mobile gaming fintech company founded by the former CEO and CTO of Xsolla, today reveals fascinating new research among mobile game developers relating to the recently launched Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The research is based on interviews with 300 mobile game developers across the US, UK and Germany in the weeks leading up to the introduction of the Act. The new European Union legislation aims to ensure a higher degree of fairness and competition in European digital markets and designates a number of major tech corporations including Apple and Alphabet (Google) as “gatekeepers”.
The key findings of the study shows:
- 62% of mobile game developers are aware of the Digital Markets Act
- 82% have at least some understanding of how it will impact their business. Almost a fifth (19%) feel they have a complete understanding of the DMA’s impact
- 31% of mobile game developers feel they will have more freedom under the DMA, though just 9% are confident they’ll be able to keep more of their revenue
- Only 13% have ruled out making changes to their payment processes. A third (33%) have begun implementing them
- Awareness of the DMA is highest in Germany (70%), followed by the UK (68%). Less than half (47%) of US developers are aware of the legislation. While the DMA is a European framework, it applies to US developers operating in the EU
Constantin Andry, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Aghanim, commented: “This data shows that there’s an appetite for change among game developers. Yes, the platform holders instigated the $92 billion mobile games industry, but we need to be asking why game developers – the people who make the games – now only see about 10% of this. With direct-to-consumer distribution, there’s an opportunity to ensure a further $18 billion of annualized value remains within the video games industry, with game creators, which will help soften many ongoing issues including layoffs. Otherwise, the business of making mobile games could soon become unviable.”
Konstantin Golubitsky, Co-founder and Co-CEO at Aghanim, added: “The opportunity for game developers is to create a web-based game hub for their titles which provides added value for their most engaged and valuable users, keeping them coming back regularly. Ultimately, players spend where they see the most value, and our goal is to help developers provide them with the greatest value at the lowest cost.”
A key promise of the Digital Markets Act is to provide fairer competition and greater choice to gamers and game studios. However, Apple’s latest business terms introduced a Core Technology Fee which, for many game developers, cancels out the potential benefits of third-party distribution. Despite the game developers being surveyed before the introduction of the Core Technology fee, just 40% said Apple is a positive force for the games industry. 39% were neutral, while 21% felt Apple was having a negative impact. Since the introduction of App Tracking Transparency in 2021, game developers have increasingly explored direct-to-consumer platforms such as browser stores to supplement on-platform monetization with lower-fee options.
An online survey was conducted on behalf of Aghanim by Atomik Research among 305 mobile game developers in the UK (101), Germany (103), and the USA (101). The research fieldwork took place between 18-22 February 2024. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides by MRS code.
Boomerang Partners
Boomerang Partners have been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Boomerang Partners, a global affiliate gambling & betting marketing agency, and its Chief Marketing Officer, Anton Eshtokin, have been nominated in three categories at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026, including Best Affiliate Program in CEE, CEE iGaming Leader of the Year and CEE Innovator of the Year. The GamingTECH CEE Awards, which recognise the most innovative and impactful companies, products, teams and individuals across the Central and Eastern European gaming and tech ecosystem, will take place later this March. The nominations highlight the growing recognition of Boomerang Partners’ initiatives within the affiliate marketing industry.
Best Affiliate Program in CEE
Boomerang Partners is in contention for the Best Affiliate Program in CEE award, reflecting its position as one of the leading sports-focused affiliate programs in the industry. In four years, it has scaled to more than 3,000 affiliate partners (with a 10% increase in 2025 alone), supported by a strong in-house analytics department with deep sports expertise. In 2024 and 2025, the company hosted its global annual affiliate tournament, the Golden Boomerang Awards, and in September and October 2025, Boomerang launched the Golden Boomerang League, its first tournament dedicated solely to sports traffic.
CEE iGaming Leader of the Year
Anton Eshtokin, Chief Marketing Officer at Boomerang Partners, is nominated for the CEE iGaming Leader of the Year award for his strategic leadership and contribution to the company’s development. His multi-layered strategy, powered by in-house analytics and unit economics, has led several key initiatives, including the second season of the global Golden Boomerang Awards tournament and the launch of the Golden Boomerang League. In 2025, his leadership also contributed to a 194% growth in sports traffic.
CEE Innovator of the Year
In the CEE Innovator of the Year category, Anton Eshtokin is nominated for introducing innovative marketing formats and engagement mechanics in the affiliate industry. In 2025, this included further development of Boomerang’s affiliate tournaments, the launch of new sports-focused competition formats and creative brand activations at industry events. One notable example was the Boomerang Effect performances at SBC Summit Lisbon. The company also recorded an 81% increase in audience interest in sports, while two Boomerang YouTube channels received the Silver Play Button, reflecting the results of Anton Eshtokin’s strategy.
Anton Eshtokin commented: “These nominations at the GamingTECH CEE Awards are a meaningful recognition for Boomerang Partners and the work our team has been doing to push the boundaries of affiliate marketing. Over the past years, we have focused on strengthening our partnerships and continuously improving what we offer our affiliates, with the ambition to become the world’s number one sports-focused affiliate brand. Even the individual nominations attributed to me are truly a reflection of the effort, ideas, and dedication of the entire Boomerang team. I’m proud that together we continue to develop initiatives that resonate with the industry and our partners.”
The winners’ award ceremony will take place on March 24, 2026, as part of the Hipther Prague Summit. It will be held at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha (formerly Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Prague). Stay tuned.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
The post Boomerang Partners have been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Boomerang Partners
Boomerang Partners have been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Boomerang Partners, a global affiliate gambling & betting marketing agency, and its Chief Marketing Officer, Anton Eshtokin, have been nominated in three categories at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026, including Best Affiliate Program in CEE, CEE iGaming Leader of the Year and CEE Innovator of the Year. The GamingTECH CEE Awards, which recognise the most innovative and impactful companies, products, teams and individuals across the Central and Eastern European gaming and tech ecosystem, will take place later this March. The nominations highlight the growing recognition of Boomerang Partners’ initiatives within the affiliate marketing industry.
Best Affiliate Program in CEE
Boomerang Partners is in contention for the Best Affiliate Program in CEE award, reflecting its position as one of the leading sports-focused affiliate programs in the industry. In four years, it has scaled to more than 3,000 affiliate partners (with a 10% increase in 2025 alone), supported by a strong in-house analytics department with deep sports expertise. In 2024 and 2025, the company hosted its global annual affiliate tournament, the Golden Boomerang Awards, and in September and October 2025, Boomerang launched the Golden Boomerang League, its first tournament dedicated solely to sports traffic.
CEE iGaming Leader of the Year
Anton Eshtokin, Chief Marketing Officer at Boomerang Partners, is nominated for the CEE iGaming Leader of the Year award for his strategic leadership and contribution to the company’s development. His multi-layered strategy, powered by in-house analytics and unit economics, has led several key initiatives, including the second season of the global Golden Boomerang Awards tournament and the launch of the Golden Boomerang League. In 2025, his leadership also contributed to a 194% growth in sports traffic.
CEE Innovator of the Year
In the CEE Innovator of the Year category, Anton Eshtokin is nominated for introducing innovative marketing formats and engagement mechanics in the affiliate industry. In 2025, this included further development of Boomerang’s affiliate tournaments, the launch of new sports-focused competition formats and creative brand activations at industry events. One notable example was the Boomerang Effect performances at SBC Summit Lisbon. The company also recorded an 81% increase in audience interest in sports, while two Boomerang YouTube channels received the Silver Play Button, reflecting the results of Anton Eshtokin’s strategy.
Anton Eshtokin commented: “These nominations at the GamingTECH CEE Awards are a meaningful recognition for Boomerang Partners and the work our team has been doing to push the boundaries of affiliate marketing. Over the past years, we have focused on strengthening our partnerships and continuously improving what we offer our affiliates, with the ambition to become the world’s number one sports-focused affiliate brand. Even the individual nominations attributed to me are truly a reflection of the effort, ideas, and dedication of the entire Boomerang team. I’m proud that together we continue to develop initiatives that resonate with the industry and our partners.”
The winners’ award ceremony will take place on March 24, 2026, as part of the Hipther Prague Summit. It will be held at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha (formerly Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Prague). Stay tuned.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
The post Boomerang Partners have been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
Latest News
Boomerang Partners have been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026
Boomerang Partners, a global affiliate gambling & betting marketing agency, and its Chief Marketing Officer, Anton Eshtokin, have been nominated in three categories at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026, including Best Affiliate Program in CEE, CEE iGaming Leader of the Year and CEE Innovator of the Year. The GamingTECH CEE Awards, which recognise the most innovative and impactful companies, products, teams and individuals across the Central and Eastern European gaming and tech ecosystem, will take place later this March. The nominations highlight the growing recognition of Boomerang Partners’ initiatives within the affiliate marketing industry.
Best Affiliate Program in CEE
Boomerang Partners is in contention for the Best Affiliate Program in CEE award, reflecting its position as one of the leading sports-focused affiliate programs in the industry. In four years, it has scaled to more than 3,000 affiliate partners (with a 10% increase in 2025 alone), supported by a strong in-house analytics department with deep sports expertise. In 2024 and 2025, the company hosted its global annual affiliate tournament, the Golden Boomerang Awards, and in September and October 2025, Boomerang launched the Golden Boomerang League, its first tournament dedicated solely to sports traffic.
CEE iGaming Leader of the Year
Anton Eshtokin, Chief Marketing Officer at Boomerang Partners, is nominated for the CEE iGaming Leader of the Year award for his strategic leadership and contribution to the company’s development. His multi-layered strategy, powered by in-house analytics and unit economics, has led several key initiatives, including the second season of the global Golden Boomerang Awards tournament and the launch of the Golden Boomerang League. In 2025, his leadership also contributed to a 194% growth in sports traffic.
CEE Innovator of the Year
In the CEE Innovator of the Year category, Anton Eshtokin is nominated for introducing innovative marketing formats and engagement mechanics in the affiliate industry. In 2025, this included further development of Boomerang’s affiliate tournaments, the launch of new sports-focused competition formats and creative brand activations at industry events. One notable example was the Boomerang Effect performances at SBC Summit Lisbon. The company also recorded an 81% increase in audience interest in sports, while two Boomerang YouTube channels received the Silver Play Button, reflecting the results of Anton Eshtokin’s strategy.
Anton Eshtokin commented: “These nominations at the GamingTECH CEE Awards are a meaningful recognition for Boomerang Partners and the work our team has been doing to push the boundaries of affiliate marketing. Over the past years, we have focused on strengthening our partnerships and continuously improving what we offer our affiliates, with the ambition to become the world’s number one sports-focused affiliate brand. Even the individual nominations attributed to me are truly a reflection of the effort, ideas, and dedication of the entire Boomerang team. I’m proud that together we continue to develop initiatives that resonate with the industry and our partners.”
The winners’ award ceremony will take place on March 24, 2026, as part of the Hipther Prague Summit. It will be held at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha (formerly Vienna House by Wyndham Andel’s Prague). Stay tuned.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is an Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards – a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. Partners of the Agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 10+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
-
Canada7 days agoSoft2Bet Evaluates Alberta Market Entry to Strengthen its Canadian Footprint
-
AiGC7 days ago
Soft2Bet Eyes Alberta iGaming Market Expansion in Canada
-
Games Global6 days ago
Games Global and Stormcraft Studios dive into aquatic adventure with Mermaid’s Millions Cashingo™
-
Edvardas Sadovskis CPO at ICONIC216 days ago
Patrick’s Lucky Fortune by ICONIC21 Rolls Out to Power Operator Growth and Seasonal Offers
-
Alex Fonseca CEO Superbet Brazil6 days ago
Fluminense and Superbet Renew Their Partnership
-
Africa5 days ago
BetConstruct AI to Drive Global Innovation and Strategic Growth AcrossKey Markets in LatAm, Asia, and Africa
-
APOSTAR S.A.7 days ago
GoldenRace Partners with CPT to Launch Virtual Betting in Colombia
-
Bet Builder feature7 days ago
DATA.BET Showcases Advanced Sportsbook Solutions at SiGMA South America 2026
