Press Releases
FANDOM EXPLORES THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF GAMING & SELF-EXPRESSION IN 2024 INSIDE GAMING REPORT
Study Provides New Insights Into How Brands Can Authentically Engage With Gamers to Help Them Express Their Best Selves Off-Screen.
KEY FINDINGS
Gaming has exploded over the past decade, becoming one of the most dynamic and expansive industries across the globe. Fandom, the world’s largest fan platform, dives into the heart of the gaming community to uncover the evolving motivations behind why people game in its 4th annual Inside Gaming report. The 2024 Inside Gaming report – a proprietary study coupled with Fandom’s first-party data from its 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content and 250k fan-powered wikis – captures a notable shift: gaming is increasingly seen as a means for personal expression, exploring one’s identity and providing empowerment and confidence in one’s real life.
Dominant Gaming Motivations
- While stress relief remains the top reason people turn to games, a striking 46% of gamers list creation, imagination, and self-expression as their main motivations for gaming, up 10% from last year.
Influence on Gaming Habits
- People who are gaming for self-expression, creation & imagination are 30% more likely to increase their gaming time, feeling more drawn to the gaming world than ever before.
Games Driving Self-Expression
- 60% of gamers claim that self-expression through gameplay is more important to them than ever before. Titles like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox lead in enabling personal expression through extensive customization options, open-world exploration, and other game updates
Exploring Gamer Identity
- The report also highlights a significant gap between players’ in-game identities versus their real-life personas, with 80% of respondents feeling their gaming identity differs from their real-life identity.
- However, half of respondents claim they’d prefer to be more like their in-game personality IRL and 72% would feel more favorably towards brands that help them achieve this.
- This is especially true of 18-34 year olds, multicultural (specifically African American & Hispanic) audiences as well as women and non-binary audiences.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MARKETERS
Emphasize Self-Expression:
- Self-expression is a key driver for gaming engagement. In fact, 32% of gamers want their physical appearance to be more like their in-game appearance.
- Brands that align with this motivation can enhance their connection with gamers. For example, this represents an opportunity for fashion & beauty brands to explore dedicated product extensions for gamers looking to explore this self-expression.
Create Brand Safe Spaces:
- 64% believe that gaming communities are vital safe spaces where they can truly be themselves, presenting opportunities for brands to foster and cater to these communities.
Align with Gamers’ IRL Aspirations
- Many gamers wish to integrate their gaming and real-life personas. Brands that help facilitate this integration can achieve deeper consumer relationships.
- The study found that 48% of gamers want their IRL skills to be as strong as their gaming skills, opening up an opportunity for brands to explore how they can create ways to provide gamers with products that enhance IRL skills and provide a sense of accomplishment & achievement they get while playing.
“From character customization to cosplay and content creation, video games have empowered gamers to explore, express and enhance their identity – nearly two thirds of gamers claim it’s easier to be themselves with a controller in their hands,” said Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom. “With the growing significance of gaming as a means for self-expression and personal evolution, it’s crucial for brands to connect to these motivators to help players bring their gaming personas to life in the real world.”
For an interview with a Fandom executive to discuss the study in more detail, please contact Rachelle Savoia at [email protected].
Methodology:
Fandom surveyed 5,000 entertainment and gaming fans globally to understand the ever changing entertainment landscape. The insights from the study were joined with proprietary insights from Fandom’s first-party platform data of over 350MM users, 45MM content pages across 250K wikis.
Awards
Esportes Gaming Brasil lands three brand nominations at Reclame Aqui Awards 2026
Esportes Gaming Brasil (EGB) says all three of its brands—Esportes da Sorte, Onabet and Lottu—have been shortlisted for the Reclame Aqui Awards 2026, a Brazilian awards programme focused on corporate reputation and customer relationships. The group announced the nominations on Thursday 16th July.
EGB said it is the first time the three brands have been nominated simultaneously. Esportes da Sorte is shortlisted in the Ultra Sports Betting Operators (Mega Operations) category, while Onabet and Lottu are in the Sports Betting Operators (Mega Operations) category.
“Receiving nominations for all three Group brands at the Reclame Aqui Awards for the first time is incredibly meaningful recognition of the work we carry out every day. More than simply an achievement, it reflects our consistent strategy of putting the customer at the centre of every decision by investing in technology, operational efficiency and personalised customer service to build long-term relationships based on trust,” said Maria Neves, Director of Customer Experience, Customer Support and Reputation Channels at Esportes Gaming Brasil.
The company attributed the nominations to ongoing investment in customer service processes, technology integration, employee training and changes to the user journey across its brands. EGB also said it reduced average response time for human customer support from 30 minutes to two minutes.
Reclame Aqui Awards winners are decided by consumer voting, according to the company. Public voting for the 2026 edition is scheduled to run from 2 September to 5 November.
The post Esportes Gaming Brasil lands three brand nominations at Reclame Aqui Awards 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Alberta
Gaming Corps goes live with bet365 in Alberta on regulated market day one
Deal expands bet365 casino rollout in Spain and Ontario, with 50+ Gaming Corps titles certified for Alberta from 13 July 2026.
Gaming Corps has launched with bet365 in Alberta on the first day of the province’s regulated iGaming market opening (13 July 2026), while also expanding its content footprint with the operator in Spain and Ontario.
The Sweden-based, publicly listed game developer said it is among the first wave of studios certified for Alberta, supporting bet365’s entry with more than 50 games available at launch. The day-one portfolio spans Slots, Table, Plinko, Mine Games and Instant Blitz.
Gaming Corps said the expanded partnership includes its football-themed titles, including Penalty Champion: Goals to Glory, plus the 3 Pigs series (3 Pigs of Olympus, 3 Pigs of Olympus 2: Rise of the DemiHog and 3 Pigs of the Caribbean).
The rollout also brings Gaming Corps’ new Low RTP Blackjack titles to bet365, which the supplier said are designed around 93.57% RTP and approximately 6% operator hold, with side-bet mechanics and flexible branding options.
Graham Greensmith, Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, said: “Extending our partnership with bet365 across Spain, Ontario and Alberta is a major moment for Gaming Corps, but Alberta is the real statement here. Going live with bet365 from day one reflects the work our teams have put into certification, onboarding and ensuring we can move quickly and confidently with major operator partners.
“As one of the earliest studios ready for Alberta, we’ll be bringing more than 50 titles to the province. That breadth matters, because it gives operators like bet365 a single partner across multiple verticals, with content designed to support acquisition, engagement and retention across different player segments. Spain and Ontario are also important regulated markets for us and expanding with a global operator of this scale highlights how far Gaming Corps has come in a short period of time.”
Richard Graham, Associate VP of Gaming at bet365 at said: “Gaming Corps has become a valuable content partner, combining recognisable game identities with formats that add variety across our casino offering. We are pleased to extend the partnership into Spain, Ontario and Alberta, with the Alberta launch particularly important as part of our day-one commitment to the market.
“Expanding the relationship across multiple territories in a relatively short period reflects the strength of the collaboration, as well as the Gaming Corps team’s clear product direction, commitment and continued development as a game vendor. We look forward to giving players access to a wide-ranging portfolio from the moment the market opens.”
The post Gaming Corps goes live with bet365 in Alberta on regulated market day one appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
data-monetization
NODWIN Gaming names Teemu Koski CEO of its MENA unit
NODWIN Gaming has appointed Teemu Koski as Chief Executive Officer of NODWIN Gaming MENA, effective 1 July 2026. The company said Koski will lead strategy, operations, business development and market expansion across the Middle East and North Africa.
Koski reports to Merlin Wiedeking, CEO of NODWIN Gaming International. NODWIN said Koski will also continue to oversee its global data monetization business alongside running the MENA operation.
Koski joined NODWIN Gaming in August 2025 as Chief Business Officer, MENA. In that role, the company said he helped expand its commercial footprint in the region through strategic partnerships, commercial growth initiatives and the development of NODWIN’s data business, working with publishers, media rights holders and technology partners.
Prior to NODWIN, Koski spent more than 15 years at Elisa Corporation, where he founded and led Elisa Esports, according to the company.
Teemu Koski, CEO, NODWIN Gaming MENA, said: “The MENA region is entering a defining period for gaming, esports and youth entertainment, and the opportunity ahead is enormous. Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to work with an incredible team and partners across the region, and that has only strengthened my belief in what we can build together.
As we look ahead, my focus is on growing a business that’s deeply rooted in the region while bringing together publishers, brands, creators, governments and technology partners to unlock new opportunities. Alongside leading our MENA business, I’m also looking forward to continuing our work around global data monetization and helping create even greater value across NODWIN’s international ecosystem.”
Merlin Wiedeking, CEO, NODWIN Gaming International, said: “One of the things that stands out about Teemu is his ability to build businesses through strong relationships and a deep understanding of the market. As NODWIN continues to grow across international markets, we’re focused on empowering local leadership that understands the people, the culture and the opportunities within each region. MENA is one of our most important growth markets, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Teemu as we deepen our presence, build new partnerships and create long-term value across the region.”
The post NODWIN Gaming names Teemu Koski CEO of its MENA unit appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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