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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.
Caesars Digital
RubyPlay partners with Caesars Entertainment in Ontario to advance North American expansion
RubyPlay, a studio-based content ecosystem, is further strengthening its presence in Ontario as part of its broader North American growth strategy with a new partnership with Caesars Entertainment.
The partnership will see a curated selection of RubyPlay’s fan-favourite titles, including JMania® Lucky Pyggs, Mad Hit® Mr Coin and Diamond Explosion® 7s SE, made available on Caesars Entertainment’s online casino platforms including Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino.
This partnership is also set to expand in the near future with the addition of content from Koala Games, one of RubyPlay’s most popular titles. The launch with Caesars represents a significant milestone for RubyPlay in Ontario, building on its momentum following its initial entry into the province early last year, where its portfolio of high-performance games has already gained traction with top-tier operators.
Partnering with Caesars Digital underscores RubyPlay’s growing influence and reputation within a key global territory, as well as the strength of its multi-studio platform, which is designed to bring tailored content to regulated markets worldwide. The partnership also forms part of a broader collaboration, with potential to expand into additional North American markets.
Dima Reiderman, CCO at RubyPlay, said: “By launching with one of the most trusted names in gaming, we’re not only expanding our footprint in Ontario but also demonstrating the value of our multi-studio model.”
“Launching with Caesars in Ontario allows us to further scale our content offering within a highly competitive regulated market. Our approach is to deliver high-performing titles that align with each operator’s needs, combining the flexibility required for local markets with the consistency needed to scale, while ensuring efficient rollout and strong market relevance.”
Ricardo Cornejo Rivas, Vice President of Online Gaming at Caesars Digital, added: “We’re committed to partnering with brands that bring high-quality, differentiated content to our players.
“RubyPlay provides exactly that with its steady pipeline of tailored, high‑performance titles and we’re looking forward to introducing their games to our online casino customers in Ontario and enhancing our content offering in the province.”
The post RubyPlay partners with Caesars Entertainment in Ontario to advance North American expansion appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Evoplay
Evoplay spins back time with vibrant new release Jackmaster Fruits
Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, is reinventing a classic with the launch of Jackmaster Fruits, a high-energy title that blends vintage design with modern rewards.
Inspired by traditional fruit machines, Jackmaster Fruits delivers a nostalgic experience, featuring bright fruit symbols, iconic BARs, lucky horseshoes, ringing bells, Jokers and the legendary red 7.
While rooted in tradition, the title introduces a suite of new engaging features to elevate gameplay. Wild symbols substitute for all other icons, helping to complete winning combinations, while Scatter symbols can land anywhere on the reels to trigger further rewarding opportunities.
Landing three or more Scatters in the main game activates the Free Spins bonus, and any additional scatters that land during the feature can subsequently trigger the Extra Free Spins.
For those looking to jump straight into the round, a Bonus Buy option offers the chance to instantly trigger Free Spins, with players in selected markets able to choose between 10, 20 or 30 spins.
With a top Epic prize of up to 100x the bet, Jackmaster Fruits delivers strong retention and exciting win potential in every session.
Using bold visuals and mechanics throughout, Evoplay’s latest standout release delivers a fresh take on a beloved classic, appealing to both traditional slot enthusiasts and modern players.
Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “When designing Jackmaster Fruits, we wanted to capture the timeless appeal of traditional slot machines while enhancing the experience with modern features and mechanics.
“The result is a game that feels instantly familiar but still just as exciting at every turn, combining simple gameplay with strong win potential. It’s a perfect example of how we continue to evolve classic concepts for today’s players.”
The post Evoplay spins back time with vibrant new release Jackmaster Fruits appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
David Reynolds
Games Global and PearFiction Studios serve up bold flavours in Noodle Riches™ Loot Collect™
Games Global, together with exclusive studio partner PearFiction Studios, has launched Noodle Riches
Loot Collect
, a character-driven slot combining refined visuals with high-performing mechanics and maximum win potential of 25,000x.
Set in a lively noodle bar, the 5×4, 25-payline slot follows the world of ramen-loving pandas and a playful master-chef cat, with gameplay shaped around evolving features and varied rewards designed to sustain engagement.
At the core is the Loot Collect
feature, where collect symbols landing on reels one and five gather values and modifiers from across the reels, including cash prizes, multipliers, boosters and additional Free Spins, bringing multiple elements together on each spin.
The NoodleTastic Zone adds further depth, activated when specific symbols are collected during Free Spins. Once activated, the zone applies multipliers to cash values that land within, increasing the value of collected rewards.
Additional engagement comes via the Catchinko Bonus, which can award instant cash and jackpot prizes, or combinations of Free Spins modes. Fixed jackpots include Mini, Minor, Major, Grand, and Epic.
Four distinct Free Spins modes expand the experience, activated by collecting pot symbols linked to each respective mode. No Low Free spins removes lower-value symbols, Cascade introduces consecutive win opportunities, Jumbo enhances symbol coverage across reels, and Expand increases the layout to 5×8 with 50 paylines. These modes can appear individually or in combination, delivering further variety to gameplay.
Combining a distinctive theme with a strong mix of proven mechanics, Noodle Riches
Loot Collect
delivers a feature-rich addition to Games Global’s growing portfolio.
Jeremy Coleman, Commercial Director at PearFiction Studios, said: “Noodle Riches
Loot Collect
focuses on combining multiple feature types into one cohesive experience. From collect mechanics to varied Free Spins modes, the goal was to build a game with a clear identity that carries through every part of the experience, from the characters to the pacing.”
David Reynolds, Director of Games Strategy and Partner Management at Games Global, said: “PearFiction Studios’ Noodle Riches
Loot Collect
combines a distinctive theme with a rich, well-executed feature set, creating a highly engaging and immersive player experience — and a strong addition to our portfolio.”
The post Games Global and PearFiction Studios serve up bold flavours in Noodle Riches™ Loot Collect™ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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