Latest News

Yggdrasil and Bulletproof Games light the fires in its new hit Tempered Steel

Published

4 years ago

June 23, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Yggdrasil and Bulletproof Games are hard at work forging fantastic gaming experiences in its latest release, Tempered Steel.

The 5×3, 20 payline slot is set in a fearsome forge, where a blacksmith is busy pounding out wins for players brave enough to handle the heat of his workshop.

During base gameplay, the blacksmith acts as a wild, while at random points his tools may heat up and drop into the barrel, causing steam to rise and a random modifier appear. This triggers either the Lock and Spin, Bonus Frenzy, or Forge Your Weapon features.

Lock and Spin will lock in any stacked wilds lock into place, and a respin occur. If any reel remains unlocked, an extra spin will be awarded.

The Bonus Frenzy feature adds more scatter symbols to the reels, increasing the chances of triggering the free spins. These are set on fire as they pass the reels.

Forge Your Weapon sees players smash through rock three times to reveal a weapon, which will appear stacked on the reels.

If three or more bonus symbols land on the reels it will activate the free spins mode, where five forges are lit upon entering the mode. On each spin, one or more of these forges may be activated, adding a wild to the reel above.

Depending on how many scatters land, a corresponding number of wilds will be added to the reels for the duration of the feature. Wilds will move up one step per spin in the bonus, and once all forges have been extinguished and all wilds have moved out of the reel the round ends. At the end of free spins, there is a chance that the forges will be relit, and the bonus will continue.

In jurisdictions that permit it, players can also buy their way into the bonus at a cost of 100x their stake.

Part of the YG Masters portfolio, Tempered Steel is powered by GATI, Yggdrasil’s state-of-the-art technology enabling partners to employ the preconfigured, regulation-ready, standardised development toolkit to produce consistently cutting-edge content followed by rapid distribution.

Stuart McCarthy, Head of Product & Programs at Yggdrasil, said: “Our collaboration with Bulletproof Games allows us to explore interesting themes and concepts and nowhere is that more evident than in this smithy-inspired Tempered Steel.

“The YG Masters program continues to blaze a trail for boutique studios and innovative concepts, and we’re very pleased to facilitate the latest Bulletproof release.”

Michael Bullock, Product Director at Bulletproof Games, said: “Tempered Steel is a fiery environment filled with stacked wilds, modifiers and more as we look to bring a unique product to the market.

“With the potential for forges to relight in the bonus, huge wins can await in the heat of the forge and we’re excited to see how players enjoy our product.”

Arjun Erigaisi

Chess Set to Make Its Debut at Esports Nations Cup 2026

Published

4 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

chess-set-to-make-its-debut-at-esports-nations-cup-2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has revealed Chess as the newest addition to the 16 games that national teams and players will contest in the first Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026. Chess at ENC 2026 will feature an unmatched number of participants, enabling emerging talents and lesser-represented nations to compete on a prominent platform as the historically important game evolves into a larger esport.

Here’s all you should be aware of regarding Chess at ENC 2026:

SCHEDULE AND FORMAT

● The Chess tournament at ENC will begin on November 2, 2026, and will conclude with the playoff final on November 8, 2026.

● The opening portion of the tournament will consist of 128 players competing in a round-robin group stage, featuring 16 groups of eight players.

● The top four players from each group will advance to the next stage.

● The second stage will consist of 64 players competing in a single-elimination playoff bracket.

● All group stage matches will be best-of-two. All Round of 64 and 32 matches will be best-of-two, while the quarterfinals and beyond will be best-of-four.

● Armageddon games will be used as tie-breakers.

● The event will be played in a Rapid 10+0 time control format.

RANKING SYSTEM AND QUALIFIER INFO

● 128 players representing their respective nation will compete in the Chess event at ENC 2026:

○ 64 players from 64 nations will be directly invited based on the official Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings

○ 56 players will qualify through regional qualifiers

○ 8 players will come from Wildcard slots

● The Esports Nations Cup will determine its direct invites via the official CCT rankings, limited to one player per nation. The Titled Tuesday Spring Split will be used as an additional tie-breaker should there not be 64 unique nations featured in the CCT rankings. The cut-off date for determining direct invites to ENC 2026 is May 26, 2026.

● Chess will feature two regional qualifiers in each region, taking place on June 6-7 and June 13-14. Each Qualifier will consist of two stages; a Swiss stage and a double-elimination stage, with four players from each qualifier making it to ENC, giving a total of eight players per region. Qualifiers will be operated by Chess.com, and hosted in each of the following regions:

○ North America (8 slots)

○ South America (8)

○ Africa (8)

○ Western Europe (8)

○ Eastern Europe (8)

○ Middle East + India + Central Asia (8)

○ East Asia + Southeast Asia + Oceania (8)

● Every nation can have up to two representatives at the event. Should a nation have a player directly invited through the rankings, only one more player from that nation can make it through the regional qualifier. Nations without a direct invite can still have two players qualify online.

CHESS AT THE ESPORTS WORLD CUP

Chess captured attention during its Esports World Cup debut in 2025, confirming the emergence of a new digital age for the oldest and most cherished games globally. Enthusiasts of esports and chess had never witnessed an event like this previously and remained enthralled as the thrilling action unfolded. The most successful competitors and top figures faced off in the playoffs, as the sport’s leading star Magnus Carlsen (Norway) secured the first Chess at EWC title for Team Liquid.

A total of 20 countries participated in the Chess main event and Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh during EWC 2025.

“Playing for Gen.G at the Esports World Cup was a great experience for me. The energy there was amazing and unlike any chess tournament I’ve played before. It’s really exciting to see chess becoming part of the esports world and reaching so many new people. I’m looking forward to the Esports Nation Cup and can’t wait to start competing again.” said Arjun Erigaisi, who is currently India’s number 1 ranked chess player.

Sagar Shah, co-founder and CEO at ChessBase India said, “I am very excited that the Esports Nations Cup is happening for the first time this year! In 2024 when the Chess Olympiad happened, it was such an exciting time for Indian chess. I am sure there will be a similar level of excitement in the Indian community for the Esports Nations Cup as well since they will be rooting for the nation and our top Indian players! I am really looking forward to it.”

Grandmaster and prominent chess commentator, Tania Sachdev commented, “After the incredible success of chess at the Esports World Cup, bringing it into a nation based format adds a powerful layer. Playing for your flag brings pride, pressure, and passion and that’s what makes fans invest so deeply. Having been part of the Esports World Cup broadcast and experiencing its impact ring side I’m very excited to see this next chapter as the game cements its place as a perfect fit in the world of esports.”

The post Chess Set to Make Its Debut at Esports Nations Cup 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Volcano Power — Hold & Hit 3×3 from Spinomenal

Published

4 minutes ago

February 9, 2026

Wladimir P.

volcano-power-—-hold-&-hit-3×3-from-spinomenal

Renowned iGaming content creator Spinomenal has launched its newest exciting venture, Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3.

The 3×3 reels of Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3 are enclosed in a glowing golden frame on a surface of lava, shimmering embers, and volcanic stones. From the initial spin, players are captivated by a powerful, exhilarating soundtrack that conjures the explosive energy of a volcanic eruption.

The Wild is symbolized by a Tiki Mask, which substitutes for all other symbols except for Bonus and Bonus Collect. In Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3, there are two Special Bonus symbols in action: the Bonus shows up exclusively on reels one and three, whereas Bonus Collect is found solely on reel two.

The Bonus Game starts when Bonus symbols land on reels one and three with a Bonus Collect symbol on reel two. All the while, the symbols that triggered the feature remain fixed in position. Only Bonus and Bonus Collect icons can show up on the reels during the Bonus Game, commencing with three spins. Along with the potential to activate in-game jackpots, every spin presents an opportunity to earn multipliers of x1, x2, x5, x7, x10, and x15.

All Bonus Collect symbols accumulate the value of every Bonus symbol that appears, incorporating it into their ongoing total. The spin counter resets to three every time a new Bonus or Bonus Collect symbol appears. The round concludes after three consecutive losses or when the total prizes achieve the maximum x5000 multiplier.

While playing, in-game jackpot symbols such as Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini can appear and instantly grant the corresponding jackpot.

To accelerate access to the Bonus Game, the Bonus Blast Feature may occasionally trigger, spreading additional Bonus and Bonus Collect symbols over the reels.

Even when a Bonus Collect symbol doesn’t trigger the Bonus Game by appearing with one or more Bonus symbols, including in-game Jackpot symbols, it still gathers their values and directly adds them to the total win.

Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3 erupts onto the scene with explosive visuals, gripping gameplay, and massive win potential. We’ve designed a game that delivers heat from the first spin and keeps building toward fiery jackpots.”

The post Volcano Power — Hold & Hit 3×3 from Spinomenal appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

HIPTHER

HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026

Published

3 days ago

February 6, 2026

Wladimir P.

hipther-announces-media-partnership-with-nightrush-ahead-of-prague-summit-2026

HIPTHER is proud to announce a new Media Partnership with Nightrush, officially launching alongside the highly anticipated HIPTHER Prague Summit 2026. The event will take place on 24–25 March 2026 at the OREA Hotel Andels Praha, bringing together leading voices from across Gaming and Technology.

Recognised as one of Europe’s premier boutique events for industry decision-makers, the Prague Summit unites professionals from iGaming, fintech, blockchain, AI, compliance, and digital innovation. Across two immersive days, attendees will engage in expert-led discussions, curated networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping regulated digital industries.

This new collaboration marks an important step in expanding industry dialogue and strengthening global connections within the iGaming ecosystem.

Strengthening Industry Connections Through Media Collaboration

Nightrush has rapidly established itself as a trusted media platform dedicated to connecting operators, providers, and players through in-depth content, expert reviews, industry news, and community-driven engagement. What began as a focused review platform has evolved into a dynamic hub that promotes collaboration, delivers practical insights, and supports responsible gambling initiatives across the wider iGaming landscape.

Under the leadership of Brand Manager Olesea Naidion, Nightrush continues to expand its influence within the global iGaming community. Olesea will also take the stage at Prague Summit 2026, sharing expertise on brand strategy, digital marketing, user acquisition, and long-term player loyalty.

Through this Media Partnership, HIPTHER and Nightrush will collaborate to amplify key industry conversations, increase visibility for thought leadership, and support meaningful engagement among stakeholders before, during, and beyond Prague Summit 2026.

Prague Summit 2026: Celebrating a Decade of Impact

Marking 10 years of impact across Gaming and Technology, the 2026 edition of the HIPTHER Prague Summit will feature its most ambitious programme to date. The event will host four dedicated stages, covering compliance, expert panels, strategic industry themes, and practical education through the HIPTHER Academy.

Attendees can expect:

In-depth regulatory and compliance discussions
Responsible Gaming and Player Safety sessions supported by international regulators
High-level networking with operators, suppliers, innovators, and policymakers
The prestigious GamingTECH CEE Awards 2026

Within this context, the partnership with Nightrush will play a key role in advancing knowledge sharing, fostering transparency, and supporting long-term growth across regulated digital industries.

A Shared Vision for the Future

HIPTHER and Nightrush are united by a shared vision: to build stronger connections across the iGaming community and enable collaboration that drives innovation, trust, and sustainable industry development.

The Media Partnership debuting at Prague Summit 2026 represents the start of a broader collaboration focused on year-round content creation, community engagement, and cross-industry dialogue—further strengthening the foundations of the global iGaming ecosystem.

The post HIPTHER Announces Media Partnership with Nightrush Ahead of Prague Summit 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.