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BAFTA and DCM release star-studded cinema trailer to celebrate the art of video game storytelling

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  • Actress Susan Wokoma stars alongside Baldur’s Gate 3 duo, Samantha Béart and Neil Newbon, Doug Cockle (Witcher 3), Jane Douglas (games presenter), and Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop.  
  • The trailer launches in cinema ahead of the 21st BAFTA Games Awards on Tuesday 8 April. 
  • Research conducted by BAFTA found young adults say video games are important to their wellbeing and a form of social connection (YouGov) 

BAFTA and DCM (Digital Cinema Media) have teamed up with award-winning actress Susan Wokoma to create a national cinema advertising campaign that promotes and celebrates the art of storytelling in video games. It’s the third campaign delivered by the partnership and is releasing in cinemas ahead of the 21st BAFTA Games Awards on Tuesday 8 April 2025.

The 105 second trailer was produced by Common People Films and DCM Studios, with Jennifer Sheridan directing the film. Susan features alongside famous faces from games – such as Samantha Béart and Neil Newbon from Baldur’s Gate 3 – who share their love for video games with cinema audiences nationwide.
Jeremy Kolesar, Creative Director, DCM Studios, “We’ve seen a flourishing intersection between games, film and TV in the UK. Whether it’s a franchise-inspired series or film, a narrative-driven game, or an engaging acting performance, each medium strengthens the other. We’ve tried to capture this in our third cinema campaign with BAFTA, which draws from the diverse UK games industry to inspire the next generation of talent with an adventurous cinematic experience.”

World-renowned for its annual Film Awards, BAFTA has been celebrating the craft, skill and creativity of the games industry for over 20 years, spotlighting the best games and talent in its annual Games Awards ceremony.

The cinema trailer explores the connectivity between film, games and TV, highlighting the depth of video game storytelling and the many varied games that captivate audiences worldwide.

Tony Roberts, Founder/ EP, Common People Films: “This is the second time BATFA and DCM have asked us to bring their brand and message to life and we’re incredibly proud of the work we deliver for both of them. Having a diverse roster of talent, it was exciting to get our directors to write with a focus in games this time round and we think Jennifer has captured something very special. The games industry is a jewel in the crown of British industry and should be celebrated. Another great collaboration.”
BAFTA and YouGov research 

As an arts charity, BAFTA supports the next generation of screen talent through various initiatives, bursaries and scholarships.  Three alumni of BAFTA’s programmes were given paid roles on the production of this trailer – Jade Fabiyi (camera), Reece Grant (Art Department) and Shona Hart (Stagehand).

This ethos is reflected in the UK cinema placement of the campaign, which targets 16-34 year-olds during the preshow for multiple blockbuster releases. This includes the new A Minecraft movie, based on one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.

Recent research conducted by BAFTA with YouGov found that:

  • Adults aged 18-34 consider video games as important to wellbeing, with a third (31%) citing video games as a form of self-care (higher than Film – 28% or TV – 27%) and 39% of 18-34s consider video games as a form of social connection (compared to 30% Film/TV).
  • Over half of UK adults see games as ‘a form of entertainment’ (54%).  However, only 1 in 5 consider games as great storytelling (20%) and there is lower awareness that games contain meaningful messages about today’s world (9%) compared to TV (33%)
  • Over half (53%) of 18-34s would trust the quality of a game that has been nominated or won a BAFTA Games Award.
  • Two thirds (62%) of UK adults were not aware that some of the world’s most celebrated games are made in the UK, and 1 in 5 would be more likely to play a game made in the UK (21%).

Donna Mathews, Executive Director of Engagement, Marketing and Communications at BAFTA said: “BAFTA is known for celebrating excellence in the screen arts and games are no exception. Our members recognise the craft, skill and creativity that goes into making every game and our Awards showcase the incredible variety of games on offer.  Like TV and film, games are a way to explore stories and learn about the world around us and young adults see games as more than a form of entertainment, with many considering games important to their wellbeing and social connection.  The UK games industry is a world-leading creative force, with talented people making games up and down the country, so with thanks to DCM and Common People Films we are putting games on the big screen to share our appreciation of this art form with audiences nationwide too.”  

Susan Wokoma said: “Film, TV and games are connected by the passion of the people who make it. It takes so many people to make these things and seeing people really take ownership of their story and their passion, that’s the thing that threads throughout all of those mediums.” 

Jennifer Sheridan, director, said: “What makes gaming so captivating is its ability to fully immerse you in the story. It invites you to engage with the narrative interactively. The beauty of storytelling in games lies in how your experience can be completely unique, even if you’re playing the same game as someone else. This film celebrates that diversity and the incredible journeys that games can take you on.” 

The post BAFTA and DCM release star-studded cinema trailer to celebrate the art of video game storytelling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Champions League

Flashscore reveals data behind thrilling night of Champions League action

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New data from Flashscore, the world’s leading platform for live scores and sports content, reveals that almost 34,000,000 users tuned in yesterday for one of the most dramatic nights in UEFA Champions League history.

The intensity of the matches generated a massive wave of digital engagement, with 18 matches all taking place at the same time on the final day of the league format.

From the football-mad streets of Brazil to the frozen research stations of Antarctica, fans across 239 countries and territories checked their phones as Benfica’s goalkeeper scored a 98th-minute header and Real Madrid crashed into the playoffs.

Martin Matejka, Marketing Director of Flashscore, said: “Yesterday wasn’t just a matchday; it was a global event and we were well prepared. When game-changing moments decide matches – from a goalkeeper’s stoppage-time header against Real Madrid to last-minute winners across Europe – the world doesn’t just watch, it reacts. Flashscore sent out over 700 million push notifications to our users as drama unfolded across the continent.

“Our data shows unprecedented engagement from all over the world, and I am glad we could bring these extraordinary moments to fans from Brazil to Antarctica.”

TOP MATCHES ranked by number of users

The drama at the Estádio da Luz dominated the global conversation, with nearly 10 million users following the Benfica-Madrid clash alone.

1 Benfica vs. Real Madrid (9,7M users): The undisputed main event. Fans flocked to the match detail as Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a historic 98th-minute header to seal a 4-2 win, sending Real Madrid to the playoffs.

2 Barcelona vs. FC Copenhagen (8,3M users): Massive interest as Barcelona thrashed the Danes 4-1 to secure direct qualification to the Round of 16.

3 Napoli vs. Chelsea (5,9M users): A rollercoaster in Naples. Chelsea fought back to win 3-2, eliminating Napoli despite a stunning “Maradona-esque” pirouette goal from Antonio Vergara.

TOP PLAYERS ranked by number of users

1. Jorginho (995K users): The Kairat Almaty midfielder trended globally after scoring a penalty against his former club, Arsenal, at the Emirates Stadium—a major talking point that drove nearly 1 million profile views.

2. Anatoliy Trubin (725K users): The unlikeliest hero. The Benfica goalkeeper’s stoppage-time header against Real Madrid sent his profile traffic into the stratosphere.

3. Andreas Schjelderup (368K users): The 21-year-old Norwegian announced himself to the world with a brace against Real Madrid.

4. Kylian Mbappé (317K users): Even in defeat, the superstar commanded attention and ranked 4th. He scored twice for Madrid, but his team’s collapse was the bigger story.

TOP TEAMS ranking by users:

1. Real Madrid (1,6M users): The “Kings of Europe” falling into the playoff round after a chaotic 4-2 loss drove massive traffic.

2. Benfica (1,1M users): The victors of the night. Their miraculous comeback and “goalkeeper goal” made them the second most-clicked team worldwide.

3. Barcelona (930K users): Solid interest as they cruised to victory and the next round.

Flashscore Global Reach

While Brazil was the single most active nation, the traffic was evenly split across continents: In Europe the huge engagement was driven by fans in Italy, France, Poland, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, and Germany.
Africa’s continent showed massive interest, led by Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. Football fever also swept across Asia, with significant user numbers from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Uzbekistan.
The obsession reached the most remote corners of the Earth. Flashscore recorded active users from Antarctica and Christmas Island, proving that even in the most isolated locations, fans refused to miss the drama.

The post Flashscore reveals data behind thrilling night of Champions League action appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Claire Osborne Managing Director of Interactive at Inspired Entertainment

Two new slots from Inspired — Coin Inferno Step ‘N’ Stack™ and Mummy It Up™

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Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is thrilled to unveil the release of two entertaining online and mobile slots: Coin Inferno Step ‘N’ Stack™ and Mummy It Up™, in the UK and Maltese iGaming markets.

Inspired is excited to unveil the release of their new two slot games, broadening the popular Cash Bank series.

Coin Inferno Step ’N’ Stack introduces a fiery twist to traditional slot gameplay with a 3×3 reel setup, five heated win-lines, and casino-themed symbols amidst a background of a raging sea of flames. Central to the base game are Cash Collector symbols that gather visible cash values, generating excitement and forming a pseudo-progressive coin stack that remains on the reels, amplifying the thrill with each spin. The thrill intensifies with the Win & Spin Bonus, where locked collectors, expanding reel rows, and resettable spins merge to form an exhilarating, continually escalating chase for hot cash prizes. For gamers seeking greater control and increased volatility, Fortune Spins, Fortune Bet, Gamble, and Bonus Buy choices offer exciting opportunities to intensify the action and pursue potentially larger payouts.

Mummy It Up with Cash Bank immerses players in a realm of ancient Egyptian magnificence, showcasing glimmering gold and timeless enigma. Nestled within opulent palaces embellished with scarabs, favorable beings, and treasures fit for Pharaohs, each spin ignites a spirit of exploration and the quest for exhilarating Cash Bank victories. The game expands its well-liked Cash Collection features through Cash Bank Free Spins, pseudo-persistence Scarab collections, and a Wheel Bonus Game that can grant free spins, bonus entry, or access to one of four shining Prize Pots: Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand. The game is additionally improved with enjoyable character reel modifiers and customizable gameplay features like Fortune Spins, Fortune Bet, Bonus Buy, and Gamble choices.

Claire Osborne, Managing Director of Interactive at Inspired Entertainment, said: “Inspired is starting 2026 with strong momentum, and these two launches set the tone for the year ahead. Coin Inferno Step ’N’ Stack and Mummy It Up both deliver fun and big win excitement for players, while supporting sustained player engagement and strong performance for operators. With a roadmap packed full of exciting new content, Inspired is well positioned to drive continued growth across the iGaming landscape.”

The post Two new slots from Inspired — Coin Inferno Step ‘N’ Stack™ and Mummy It Up™ appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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ELA Games

Following ICE 2026 Triumph, ELA Games Officially Releases “Wealth of the East”

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ELA Games is excited to announce the official B2B launch of Wealth of the East. The game, now accessible to partners, was initially introduced to the industry as the studio’s highlight during the three-day event in Barcelona, where it attracted the attention of numerous operators and aggregators because of its unique combination of slot mechanics and tabletop gaming.

The unique unveiling at ICE turned out to be a significant triumph, paving the way for the complete rollout. The ELA Games exhibit gathered industry representatives to engage with the game’s distinctive selling proposition: a twenty-sided Dice (D20) element that adds a tactile, physical sensation to digital slot gaming.

A Festivity of Wealth

The reels of Wealth of the East sparkle with the vibrant essence of an Eastern celebration. The gameplay is centered around the charming figure God Fu, a god of wealth serving as the Wild symbol in the game. He may arrive at any moment, and when he shows up, all Dice on the display spring to life, uncovering multipliers that enhance every coin visible or activate instant Jackpots. These empowered coins provide instant payouts, rewarding players as soon as they appear.

Sparking the Hold & Win Safe

The game showcases a visually impressive progression system crafted to uphold the festive theme and decorated with vibrant reds and golds. Every gathered coin also flies upward into the Golden Pot located above the reels, gradually enriching it with festive treasure that players can see and experience.

As the pot overflows, the screen bursts into red and gold as the Hold & Win game starts. Players receive 3 respins and a setup prepared to collect gold. In this intense feature, the elusive Imperial Lotus can appear, boosting multiple rewards simultaneously and elevating the entire round to new levels.

Game Stats:

● Reels: 5×3
● Lines: 10
● Max Win: x5,000
● Max Exposure: €250,000
● Buy Bonus: Yes
● Volatility: Mid
● RTP: 93.97% / 96.06%

Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director of ELA Games, commented: “Wealth of the East was the perfect title for us to showcase at ICE 2026. We took the classic t’Eastern Celebration’ theme and gave it a distinct twist with the God Fu character and his twenty-sided dice. It adds an original, tactile layer of excitement that players really respond to. The ‘Rising Pot’ visualizes the journey toward the bonus, keeping the excitement building spin after spin. We can’t wait for the industry to see the celebration in action.”

The post Following ICE 2026 Triumph, ELA Games Officially Releases “Wealth of the East” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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