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Xsolla Launches State of Play and Xsolla Conversations to Spark New Industry Dialogue through Podcast Storytelling

Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, announced the launch of a new podcast content ecosystem designed to inform, inspire, and connect the global games industry. Anchored by the flagship series State of Play and supported by the fast-paced companion show Xsolla Conversations, the company’s new audio strategy seeks to surface meaningful stories, emerging trends, and practical insights from the people building the future of games.
At a time when platform policies are shifting, monetization models are evolving, and developers are facing increasingly complex challenges, these podcasts provide a timely and much-needed forum for dialogue. Each show plays a distinct role in Xsolla’s mission to foster transparency, education, and thought leadership within the industry.
State of Play is the centerpiece of this strategy. It’s a narrative podcast created for decision-makers in the games business, combining long-form interviews, editorial storytelling, and immersive sound design. Hosted and narrated by Chris Hewish, Xsolla’s Chief Strategy Officer, along with co-host Lia Ballentine and Joe Pierpont, the show offers a documentary-style look at what’s impacting the business of games, from high-profile platform battles and regulatory shifts to breakthrough trends in direct-to-consumer strategies. Episodes are carefully structured to walk listeners through a multi-perspective journey, weaving in the voices of founders, economists, product leads, and policy experts. With rich production and a journalist’s curiosity, State of Play delivers context and clarity in a world where change is constant.
In contrast, Xsolla Conversations provides a more nimble, informal listening experience. These short-form episodes, typically under 20 minutes, are designed to surface key insights in real time. They feature candid interviews with Xsolla partners, internal experts, and developers worldwide who are experimenting, adapting, and finding success in today’s market.
The first slate of episodes from Xsolla Conversations highlights the diversity of voices shaping the industry. In “Rethinking Mobile Game Finance,” Niantic CFO Jeff Shouger joins Chris Hewish for an honest conversation about Niantic’s move into web shops. Shouger details what it took to shift from platform-restricted monetization to a more direct, data-rich model. Shouger shares hard-won lessons about the importance of agility, the internal decision-making process behind going DTC, and what other developers can learn from Niantic’s experience.
In another episode, “Where Mobile Monetization Is Headed,” Xsolla’s own Artem Liubutov sits down with Hewish to unpack what makes a webshop succeed. The conversation explores both the technical considerations and the behavioral factors at play, offering grounded advice for developers who want to take more control over their revenue streams in an era of platform uncertainty.
“The Power of Player Communities” brings another critical perspective, as AJ Sath of Xsolla speaks with Stephen Lee of Deca Games. Their conversation focuses on long-term player retention and the cultural architecture behind thriving game communities. Lee discusses how Deca Games approaches live ops and community-driven design not just to extend the life of a title, but to create environments that players want to invest in over time.
According to Hewish, these conversations reflect Xsolla’s core philosophy: that the best ideas come from practitioners. “We created State of Play and Xsolla Conversations to elevate real stories from the people doing the work,” said Hewish. “Whether you’re a developer launching your first game or an executive navigating global business decisions, you deserve content that doesn’t just inform, but connects. These shows are about substance, not soundbites. And they’re part of our broader effort to make the business of games more transparent, collaborative, and resilient.”
Both podcasts are part of a strategic content engine that feeds Xsolla’s broader communications platform. Episodes are shared via major podcast platforms and repurposed into blog posts, LinkedIn articles, conference narratives, and social media content, ensuring that the insights don’t stop at audio but travel across the formats and channels where developers already live and learn.
The post Xsolla Launches State of Play and Xsolla Conversations to Spark New Industry Dialogue through Podcast Storytelling appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn

After two exciting years of iGaming & TECH Run-Off Challenges uniting the industry in fitness, wellness, and camaraderie, HIPTHER is proud to announce the official launch of HIPTHER Movement – where Community meets endurance.
HIPTHER, leading media hub and events organiser for Gaming and Technology across Europe and beyond, has incorporated fitness and wellness networking initiatives across its events since 2023.
The “Morning Networking Run” and “Morning Yoga” sessions have been a part of their summits since 2023, with the participants warmly embracing these opportunities to nurture relationships, body, and soul, ahead of a busy conference day.
iGaming & TECH Run-Off Challenges: Community Relationships & Healthy Competition
In 2024, HIPTHER launched the iGaming and TECH Run Club on Strava, and kicked-off the iGaming & TECH Run-Offs, with the Summer and Winter editions spanning 2024 and 2025.
Many brilliant minds and athletic spirits from gaming and tech joined the Club, and spurred with this momentum of excitement, HIPTHER raised the game – offering exciting prizes at the end of each Challenge to the Top 3 runners in the Female and Male Categories, with the support of GameOn as a Sponsor.
Now, with the launch of HIPTHER Movement, this fitness-forward initiative evolves into a dynamic wellness community powered by year-round running and cycling challenges – bringing together professionals who hustle hard, on and off the road.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoy the grind, the HIPTHER Movement is your new home for HIPTHER-powered challenges hosted under the iGaming and TECH Run Club and Cycling Club on Strava.
With over 100 passionate members and counting, participants can track their progress, climb the leaderboard, and revisit the results from past events. From virtual sprints to multi-week challenges of endurance, HIPTHER fuels industry momentum – one stride and one pedal stroke at a time.
Zoltan Tuendik, Co-Founder of HIPTHER, stated about this initiative: “The HIPTHER Movement is about more than logging miles or chasing medals. It’s about showing up for yourself, your peers, and your community. In an industry that never slows down, we believe wellness should move with us. From early morning runs to multi-week endurance challenges, we’re creating a culture where progress, connection, and resilience go hand-in-hand. GameOn has helped us take it to the next level, and we’re just getting started.”
Summer 2025: Run-Off and Spin-Off Challenges Now Live!
The Summer Run-Off Challenge and Summer Spin-Off Challenge, proudly sponsored by GameOn, kicked off on June 9 and will run until September 7, 2025.
🏃♂️ The Summer Run-Off Challenge, hosted by the iGaming and TECH Run Club, invites runners to lace up and power through the summer heat for serious rewards:
– Top 3 finishers will receive exclusive performance gear
– Surprise gifts for the top male and female participants
– 4th and 5th place earn limited edition HIPTHER x GameOn merch
🚴♀️ The Summer Spin-Off Challenge, run via the iGaming and TECH Cycling Club, puts pedal power in the spotlight with equally exciting rewards:
– Top 3 cyclists win exclusive performance gear
– Special gifts for the top male and female riders
– 4th and 5th place receive HIPTHER x GameOn cycling kits
Powered by GameOn: Because Every Effort Counts
HIPTHER is proud to have GameOn as a sponsor of the HIPTHER Movement. Their support helps level up each challenge with better prizes, bigger energy, and even more motivation for the growing community.
With GameOn’s backing – and HIPTHER’s commitment to wellness and engagement – every mile, every ride, and every personal effort truly counts.
Join the Movement
📲 Not in the Strava clubs yet?
Join the iGaming and TECH Run Club and Cycling Club today to get in on the action, track your progress, and connect with fellow professionals.
Because movement is more than motion.
It’s momentum. It’s clarity. It’s how we grow stronger – together.
Let’s move with purpose. Let’s move together!
The post HIPTHER Movement Launched: Fitness Community & Summer Run-Off Challenge Powered by GameOn appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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TSG Store hits record-high share in game bookings as the company gets closer to its long-term target

Ten Square Games S.A. reports continued growth in the performance of its proprietary web-based platform, the TSG Store, which in May 2025 accounted for 30% of combined bookings in Fishing Clash and Hunting Clash – the company’s two flagship products. This result marks a major milestone in the development of the platform and brings the Group closer to its strategic target of 25% share in total bookings across the TSG portfolio.
From launch to record-high share
The TSG Store was introduced in May 2023, initially for Fishing Clash, followed by Hunting Clash in September 2023. Designed as a browser-based direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, it allows players to purchase in-game content outside of traditional app stores. Since its launch, the store has grown steadily in terms of user engagement and transaction volume, supported by ongoing feature enhancements such as dedicated currency, loyalty packs, and exclusive promotions.
In March 2025, the store reached a monthly share of 19.1% in total bookings of the TSG Group. Within that result, Fishing Clash reached 26.1% of its bookings through the TSG Store, while Hunting Clash reached 17.5%. In May 2025, 30% of combined bookings in Fishing Clash and Hunting Clash came through the TSG Store marking the highest levels of bookings through the store to date and bringing it closer to its ultimate goal.
Building value through player communication
The success of the TSG Store has been driven not only by technical enhancements, but also by clear and consistent communication with players about the value and benefits of using the direct-to-consumer platform. A major priority from the outset was ensuring a seamless gameplay experience. This was achieved by introducing dedicated in-game currencies for each title – Fishbucks in Fishing Clash and Deerbucks in Hunting Clash – and by designing a user interface aligned with the look and feel of the games.
The platform’s development was also guided by ongoing discussions with the most engaged user groups, particularly VIP players, who not only provided valuable feedback but also helped promote the store within their clans and player communities. This close relationship with the player base proved essential in building trust and driving store adoption.
– The success of the TSG Store reflects not only product innovation, but also our long-term approach to building a more resilient and profitable business model. What made this possible was close cross-team collaboration – from product and monetization to tech, design, analytics, and community management. Creating your own store that strengthens both the player experience and the company’s financial foundation requires more than infrastructure. It requires shared vision, strategic alignment, and deep understanding of what drives player value. I believe this is just the beginning of what we can achieve.” – commented Grzegorz Gierczyk, Head of Game Services in Ten Square Games S.A.
A strategic tool for profitability
The TSG Store was created as a strategic tool to improve game profitability by reducing commission fees paid to third-party platforms. In the current mobile gaming environment – marked by increasing user acquisition costs and growing competition – optimizing margins has become essential. The store enables Ten Square Games to retain a larger share of player spending without altering its user acquisition strategy.
Players benefit from competitive pricing, bonus content, and additional value, while the company gains improved unit economics, more flexibility in shaping monetization strategies, and a direct relationship with its most engaged users.
Changing market dynamics support long-term growth
In a market shaped by evolving privacy regulations, platform policies, and monetization models, owning part of the payment ecosystem becomes a competitive advantage. The TSG Store is now an integral part of Ten Square Games’ long-term strategy to build a more resilient and profitable business model – one where financial performance and player experience go hand in hand. Following recent legal rulings in the United States and ongoing antitrust proceedings in other jurisdictions, the outlook for DTC platforms has significantly improved.
The post TSG Store hits record-high share in game bookings as the company gets closer to its long-term target appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Week 24/2025 slot games releases

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Relax Gaming is heading into the lawless frontier with its newest release, Bounty County. Set in a raucous Wild West town, this 6×6 Scatter Pays slot puts players in the boots of a bounty hunter tasked with tracking down notorious bandits across reels brimming with action. Bounty County offers players the chance to win up to 5,000x their bet via several different paths to riches. Three distinct bonuses are unlocked after defeating all of the bandits, each offering a different level of volatility.
BGaming offers players a charming and relaxing gameplay experience in the stunningly crafted Mystery Garden slot game. Step into a beautifully designed and enchanting garden where you are encouraged to sit back and take in the beauty all around you. This traditional slot game offers a calming alternative to the flashy visuals and high-tempo sounds found in other modern slots.
Get ready to cultivate a golden fortune in Money Tree – the brand-new Premium release from sought-after software provider, Swintt, that takes players on a timeless journey through ancient Chinese traditions where fortunes of up to 3,000x are waiting to be won! A classically designed five-reel, 50-payline slot, Money Tree takes place on an ornate red and gold gameboard where effigies of powerful dragon, tiger, frog and fish spirits guard over three rewarding bonus features that have the power to award huge prizes and one of four local jackpots.
Push Gaming has launched Henry the Ape, a high-energy slot that blends bold personality with signature volatility and punchy, progression-based gameplay. Created for players who enjoy fast-paced action and thrilling twists, the new title brings a fresh perspective to a familiar format by putting the Super High Paying symbol at the heart of the action. The result is a game designed to build excitement not only in the bonus but also throughout the base game.
Play’n GO’s latest release King of Sweets combines playful design with feature-rich gameplay in a vibrant 5×5 cascading slot brimming with sugar-fuelled surprises. Set in the colourful confectionery kingdom of Sweetland, King of Sweets invites players into a sugar-dusted world where flavour has all but vanished. With fondant robes and a lollipop crown, the King of Sweets embarks on a flavour revival using the mythical Bomb of Taste.
Belatra has released its delicious new title, Bear’s Tricks – a vibrant cascading slot bursting with sweet rewards, playful animations, and wild surprises. Set in the imaginative Berry Land overflowing with juicy treats, Bear’s Tricks whisks players away to a world where strawberry fields and raspberry groves hide fun features and big win potential.
Spinomenal has released its latest game within its outstanding Mythology series, 4 Horsemen – Hold & Hit. Set amidst a fiery apocalypse, 4 Horsemen – Hold & Hit transports players into a world wrecked by ruin. The game is presented within a 5×3 framework set with crumbling temples and burning skies, heightened by an immersive cinematic soundscape.
Evoplay has launched Queen of Sirens, a feature-rich slot inspired by the mystery and power of mythological sea creatures. Set in a deep-sea world of crashing waves and hidden treasures, Queen of Sirens introduces a range of dynamic features designed to enhance player engagement and foster long-term retention.
Amusnet has released its latest slot game, 40 Extra Crown 6 reels. The game features a classical yet modern royal theme and offers thrilling gameplay, state-of-the-art graphics and exhilarating sound effects. It is an exciting 6-reel upgrade of the player-favourite Extra Crown game series and will undoubtedly impress all lovers of timeless classics with its glamorous layout.
Get ready to ignite the reels with Liberty & Freedom Hold and Win Extreme 10,000, the latest explosive release from Booming Games! Packed with American pride, this 5×3 slot takes you on a star-spangled thrill ride with 25 paylines and a chance to win up to 12,000x your bet. Feel the rush as Bald Eagles, Liberty Bells and Uncle Sam’s hat line up for patriotic payouts, while the Wild helps you strike it rich.
The post Week 24/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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