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.
AGS Interactive
AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments
Brett Jackson, Vice President of Product Management, Interactive (L) and Angelo Daino, Country Manager for Europe, Interactive (R)
AGS Interactive (AGSi), a leading supplier of high-performing slots, table games, and interactive gaming products, has announced the appointment of two senior executives to bolster its global growth strategy.
Brett Jackson has been named Vice President of Product Management, Interactive, while Angelo Daino joins as Country Manager for Europe, Interactive. These appointments reinforce AGSi’s commitment to expanding its presence in regulated markets and enhancing product innovation worldwide.
Strategic Leadership for Global Expansion
Mark DeDeaux, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Slots at AGS, stated: “Brett and Angelo bring unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of the gaming industry that will support AGS’ global expansion. Brett’s leadership in product development and Angelo’s regional acumen and commercial capabilities position them as integral to AGS’ growth strategy.”
Brett Jackson – Driving Product Innovation
Jackson brings extensive experience in game development and product leadership, having held roles at Aristocrat, IGT, Light & Wonder, Apple, and Atlassian.
In his new role, he will oversee AGSi’s product management initiatives, ensuring the development of innovative, user-focused gaming solutions across online and interactive platforms. Jackson combines customer insight with forward-thinking product vision to enhance AGSi’s portfolio and meet evolving market demands.
Angelo Daino – Leading European Market Growth
Daino brings over a decade of international commercial experience and four years in the iGaming industry. As Country Manager for Europe, he will lead strategic partnerships, market expansion, and operator engagement across regulated European territories.
His role focuses on commercializing AGSi’s online real-money gaming content and forging collaborations to expand the company’s footprint in key global markets.
Engagement Across Global Industry Events
AGSi plans to actively showcase its offerings and engage with partners at major upcoming events, including:
- Enada Primavera – Rimini, Italy
- IGA – San Diego, California
- SBC Summit – Canada and Lisbon
- IGB Live – London, UK
These events provide opportunities for AGSi to strengthen industry relationships, demonstrate its latest interactive products, and drive global growth initiatives.
Commitment to Innovation and Growth
The leadership appointments signal AGSi’s dedication to combining innovative gaming solutions with strategic international expansion. By leveraging Jackson’s product expertise and Daino’s regional experience, AGSi aims to solidify its position as a global leader in interactive gaming content.
The company continues to focus on delivering cutting-edge slot games, table games, and interactive platforms designed for regulated markets, ensuring partners and operators worldwide can access premium, scalable gaming solutions.
The post AGS Interactive Strengthens Global Team with Key Appointments appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Casino Carrasco
WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers
The prestigious World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP Circuit) is making a highly anticipated return to Latin America in 2026, with GGPoker offering exclusive online satellite tournaments for players aiming to secure a seat at the upcoming Montevideo stop.
Set to take place from May 18 to 25, 2026, the event will be hosted at the iconic Casino Carrasco in Montevideo, bringing together top poker talent from across the region and beyond.
A Major Poker Event Returns to Latin America
The WSOP Circuit Montevideo stop marks a significant moment for the Latin American poker scene, placing the region back in the global spotlight. The tournament series will feature 12 official gold ring events, alongside a full schedule of side tournaments, VIP experiences, and international media coverage.
With its scenic riverside setting and world-class facilities, Casino Carrasco provides an ideal backdrop for what is expected to be one of the most exciting poker festivals of the year.
According to Juan Carreño, Head of Spanish LatAm at GGPoker, the event represents a unique opportunity for players across Latin America to participate in a world-class poker experience in a premier destination.
GGPoker Launches Online Satellite Tournaments
To make the event accessible to a wider audience, GGPoker has introduced a comprehensive schedule of online satellite tournaments, running from March 30 to May 10, 2026.
These qualifiers allow players to secure entry into the live event at a fraction of the cost, with buy-ins and formats designed to suit players of all levels.
Key Satellite Highlights
- $5 Daily Satellites (Mon–Fri): Multiple evening opportunities to qualify affordably
- Freeroll Tournaments (Saturday): Chance to win satellite tickets without entry fees
- $33 Package Qualifiers (Mon–Sat): Pathway to full event packages
- $22 Last Chance Satellites (Sunday): Final opportunities to qualify
- $215 Weekly Final (Sunday): High-stakes qualifier for premium entries
This structured approach ensures consistent opportunities for players worldwide to compete for a seat at the Montevideo event.
|
Day |
Time (UTC +0) |
Tournament Name |
|---|---|---|
|
Mon–Fri |
7-8-9-10-11 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $5 Daily Satellite |
|
Saturday |
8:30 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – Freeroll (5 x $215 satellite tickets) |
|
Mon–Sat |
12 AM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $33 Package Qualifier |
|
Sunday |
8 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $22 Last Chance Satellite |
|
Sunday |
11 PM |
WSOP-C Uruguay – $215 Weekly Final |
High Stakes and Exclusive Rewards
Beyond the prestige of competing in a WSOP Circuit event, players will have the chance to win official WSOP gold rings, one of the most coveted prizes in tournament poker.
Additionally, each event winner will receive a $5,000 package to the WSOP Circuit Championship at the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, adding further incentive for competitors.
This prize structure not only elevates the stakes but also connects the Montevideo stop to the broader global WSOP ecosystem.
Strengthening Latin America’s Poker Scene
The return of the WSOP Circuit to Latin America reflects the region’s growing importance in the global poker landscape. Countries across the continent have seen increased interest in both online and live poker, driven by expanding platforms and international events.
By hosting the event in Uruguay and offering accessible online qualifiers, GGPoker is helping to bridge the gap between online and live poker, enabling more players to transition from digital tables to major international tournaments.
A Premier Destination for Poker Enthusiasts
Montevideo’s blend of culture, history, and scenic beauty makes it an attractive destination for poker players and fans alike. Combined with the luxurious setting of Casino Carrasco, the event promises not only competitive poker action but also a memorable travel experience.
From professional players chasing titles to recreational participants seeking excitement, WSOP Circuit Montevideo 2026 is set to deliver a complete poker festival experience.
Conclusion
With exclusive qualifiers on GGPoker and a prestigious live event in Montevideo, the WSOP Circuit’s return to Latin America marks a major milestone for the region’s poker community.
The combination of accessible online satellites, high-value rewards, and a world-class venue ensures that this stop will be one of the standout events on the 2026 poker calendar.
Reference Article
A similar article about WSOP events and international poker tournaments can be found on PokerNews:
Related article: https://www.pokernews.com/tours/wsop/
This site provides comprehensive coverage of WSOP Circuit events, qualifiers, and global poker tournaments.
The post WSOP Circuit Returns to Latin America with GGPoker Qualifiers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
eSports
MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth
Mobile, Esports and Gaming Alliance (MEGA), the powerhouse behind the globally recognized Esports Awards, has announced the appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer.
The move signals a new phase of growth for the organization as it looks to elevate its live events, expand its intellectual property portfolio, and strengthen premium partnerships across the esports ecosystem.
Based in London, MEGA continues to position itself at the forefront of esports entertainment, with Tremaine now stepping into a key leadership role to guide its next chapter.
A Strategic Leadership Appointment
Having already served as producer for the Esports Awards since 2023, Morgan Tremaine’s promotion formalizes his role within MEGA’s senior leadership team. In his new position, he will oversee the development and production of MEGA’s full events portfolio, including flagship ceremonies and associated digital content.
His appointment reflects MEGA’s ambition to scale its globally recognized event properties and deliver more immersive, high-quality experiences for esports audiences worldwide.
Extensive Experience in Live Production
Tremaine brings over 13 years of experience in live production, content creation, and large-scale event execution. His career spans major media and esports organizations, including roles at TMZ and Esports Engine.
He is also the Founder and CEO of Cuer, a next-generation platform designed to streamline live broadcasts and event production workflows.
Throughout his career, Tremaine has contributed to some of the most high-profile events in gaming and beyond, including TwitchCon and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games streaming initiatives. His portfolio also includes collaborations on Twitch Rivals and major brand activations such as the Fortnite x Polo Ralph Lauren launch.
Collaborations with Global Brands and Talent
Tremaine’s work extends beyond event production into strategic brand partnerships and talent collaborations. He has worked with globally recognized companies such as Ford, Samsung, and Doritos.
In the gaming and streaming space, he has collaborated with leading creators including Pokimane, Quackity, and Botez Sisters, reinforcing his deep connections within the esports and content creator ecosystems.
Driving MEGA’s Event Evolution
In his new role, Tremaine will work closely with publishers, platforms, and commercial partners to shape both the creative and commercial direction of MEGA’s events. His responsibilities will include:
- Leading executive production for flagship ceremonies
- Supporting strategic partnership development
- Enhancing brand integrations and audience engagement
- Driving innovation across live and digital event formats
He will also contribute to MEGA’s agency operations, providing leadership on high-profile client projects and helping scale the company’s production capabilities.
MEGA’s Growing Influence in Esports
Since its inception, MEGA has established itself as a leading force in esports live events. In addition to the Esports Awards, the organization produces major industry ceremonies such as the Decade Awards and the Mobies, setting benchmarks for production quality and audience engagement.
Beyond events, MEGA is committed to supporting the broader gaming ecosystem by nurturing talent, promoting education, and creating opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals.
Vision for the Future
Morgan Tremaine expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the importance of creativity, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the future of esports events.
Similarly, MEGA co-founder Michael Ashford highlighted Tremaine’s pivotal role in the success of the Esports Awards and expressed confidence in his ability to elevate the company’s event portfolio to new heights.
Conclusion
The appointment of Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer marks a significant milestone for MEGA as it continues to expand its global footprint in esports entertainment.
With a proven track record in live production, deep industry connections, and a forward-looking vision, Tremaine is well-positioned to lead MEGA into its next phase—delivering world-class events that captivate audiences and redefine standards in esports and gaming entertainment.
Reference
A similar article on esports events and industry leadership can be found on Esports Insider:
Related article: https://esportsinsider.com/news/esports-awards-production-updates
This source regularly covers leadership changes, event production, and strategic developments in the esports industry.
The post MEGA Appoints Morgan Tremaine as Executive Producer to Drive Esports Growth appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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