Gaming Awards
High 5 Games Heats Things Up In Michigan With FireKeepers iCasino Launch
Titles from High 5 games available at new online casino on launch day
High 5 Games continues to grow in Michigan. The US-based casino content supplier has added FireKeepers Casino’s new iCasino site to the list of operators it serves in the Great Lakes State. More than a dozen titles from High 5 Games are available to play at launch, with more to come.
Tony Singer, CEO of High 5 Games, commented: “Michigan is an important market for us. We’ve been on the floor of Michigan’s land-based casinos for over 20 years. And now, we’re pleased to help bring FireKeepers’ online casino to life with slots that players in Michigan already know and love. It’s an absolute pleasure and privilege to work with the nation of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, and I look forward to doing great things together.”
FireKeepers Casino Hotel, a popular land-based casino located in Battle Creek, Michigan, launched its online casino earlier this week. Games available at launch include Betty The Yetti, Valley of Fortunes, Green Machine Deluxe Racking Up Riches, Eagles’ Flight, Spin-Vention, and more. With the addition of FireKeepers, titles from High 5 Games are now available at three online casinos in Michigan.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide another level of entertainment to the people of Michigan,” stated Kathy George, FireKeepers CEO. “Partnering with High 5 Games to provide even more of our guests’ favorite games means they can now enjoy the full FireKeepers experience from the comfort of their own homes, or wherever they are within the state of Michigan.”
Gaming Awards
Zitro Wins EKG Top Performing Game – Latin America Award with Epic Kingdom
Zitro is proud to announce its recent win of the EKG Top Performing Game – Latin America award for Epic Kingdom. This prestigious recognition reaffirms Zitro’s position as key player in the Latin American gaming scene, further corroborated by the LatAm Game Performance Report 2024 by Eilers & Krejcik – Fantini, which positioned Epic Kingdom as the number-one performing game in the region.
“We are incredibly honored to receive this award and see Epic Kingdom recognized as the number-one performing game in Latin America,” the founder of Zitro, Johnny Viveiros Ortiz, said. “This win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team and it reinforces our commitment to developing innovative and engaging games that resonate with players across the region. I also want to express my gratitude to all our clients in Latin America, who support us not only by purchasing our products but also with their affection, knowing that we stand by them.”
Zitro’s remarkable success in Latin America can be attributed to several key factors including the consistent high quality and appeal of Zitro’s game offerings, which have contributed significantly to its long-standing positive reputation. This, coupled with its dedication to building strong relationships with its clients in Latin America, has positioned Zitro as a trusted leader in the region’s gaming market. This dedication is further underscored by the recent reception of the EKG Top Performing Game award, which solidifies the company’s position as the leading supplier in the market.
Gaming
SBC Summit North America: 5,000 Decision-Makers to Convene for Industry-shaping Talks
SBC Summit North America is gearing up for another edition, set to gather 5,000 senior decision-makers for a dynamic event filled with learning, networking and business opportunities.
The leading iGaming and sports betting event in North America will return to the Meadowlands Exposition Center in New Jersey (May 8-9). Preceding the core event, a pre-day conference (May 7) will unfold in New York City and showcase the well-regarded Player Protection Symposium and Compliance & Leadership conferences as well as the newly-established Earnings+More: Capital Markets Forum, organized in collaboration with +More Media.
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO and Founder of SBC said: “The goal is to leverage the momentum we gained last year when we gathered the key operators, affiliates, suppliers, regulators, and media from the North American region. We anticipate a 66% surge in delegate numbers and are focused on attracting both industry newcomers and those who missed out on the opportunity to attend last year. The early numbers are promising, and the exhibition floor is approaching full capacity, even though we had added 15 extra booths this year to meet the demand.”
The exhibition floor is set to showcase a diverse lineup, with over 75 prominent companies taking the spotlight. Standout exhibitors include leading game providers like White Hat Gaming and Relax Gaming, alongside notable affiliates such as Better Collective, MediaTroopers, Spotlight Sports Group, and KeyAffiliates. Key payment providers like Trustly, PayNearMe, TransUnion, PXP Financial, and PayBrokers, operators like Betsson, risk management platforms like Kinectify, real-time content and data providers such as SportsDataIO and hosting providers like Internet Vikings will further enhance the comprehensive range of offerings, making the exhibition a must-visit for industry enthusiasts seeking the latest innovations.
The conference, spanning five stages and featuring over 300 expert speakers, will showcase a diverse selection of tracks: Leaders, Sports Betting, iGaming, Affiliates & Marketing, Payments & Tech, and Compliance & Regulation.”
In terms of themes, the conference will delve into several crucial topics shaping the multifaceted nature of the industry, highlighting its intersection with technological advancements, regulatory considerations and the critical balance between innovation and responsibility. These include the recent trend of revising existing sports betting bills instead of introducing new ones, the strategic considerations for second movers within the saturated sector, the influential role of social media personalities, and the challenge of interpreting extensive big data to gain insights into customer behavior across diverse channels. Furthermore, discussions will center around the role of artificial intelligence in promoting responsible gaming practices, the ongoing expansion of iGaming in new states, the evolving dynamics of sports integrity, and the ongoing regulatory deliberations in regions such as California and Canada.
Some of the speakers that will grace the stage include Kim Barker Lee (EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Bally’s Corporation), David Denenberg (SVP, Global Media Distribution & Business Affairs, NBA), Matthew Sunderland (SVP of iGaming, Caesars Digital), Dave Rivers (SVP Marketing, PointsBet Canada), Sarah Brennan (Senior Director-Compliance, BetMGM), Justin Barrett (Treasurer, Eastern Shawnee Tribe), Noam Klivitzky (VP US Marketing, 888 Holdings), Jon Steinbrecher (Commissioner, Mid-American Conference), Michael Golub (Deputy Attorney General, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement), Catherine Meade (VP Community, Sustainability & Social Responsibility, OLG), Jacob Coin (Director of Public Affairs, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians) and more.
Alongside other notable event features, the SBC Awards North America* ceremony will be back on the final day, celebrating outstanding industry talent across various categories and verticals. Additionally, the third annual SBC First Pitch competition will be a key highlight, providing a platform for five industry startups to showcase their innovative ideas to a panel of judges specializing in investment and innovation. Another addition to this year’s roster will be the so-called Tribal Symposium—a series of conference panels dedicated to exploring the intricate landscape of tribal gaming. One session will focus on the regulatory roadblocks in California and another one offering advice on identifying and effectively addressing signs of human trafficking in land-based casinos.
In the evenings, attendees can seize the chance to network before the main event by attending the Pre-Registration & Networking Drinks at Slate NYC on May 7. Furthermore, they can shift discussions away from the exhibition floor to a more laid-back setting at the Official Networking Party and Sports Betting Hall of Fame on May 8, followed by the Official Closing Party on May 9.
Gaming Awards
The TIGA Games Industry Award Winners 2023 are Revealed
The great and the good of the games sector were celebrated at the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023 last night at the iconic Troxy London.
The TIGA Games Industry Awards were completely sold out, with over 350 industry VIPs attending to cheer the games, studios, universities and vital service support companies that have excelled over the past year.
Dlala Studios, along with publishing partner Disney Games, picked up the prestigious Game of the Year award for Disney Illusion Island. Dlala was also named Best Small Studio and Disney Illusion Island picked up the trophy for Best Social Game 2023.
ustwo games stepped on stage twice, winning the Diversity award, as well as Creativity in Games for Desta: The Memories Between.
Sumo Digital was named Best Large Studio and the Sumo Group was also the debut winner of the Best Talent Development Initiative category.
Also new for 2023 was the Commitment to Workplace Wellbeing award, which was picked up by Playground Games. The studio’s HR Director, Geraldine Cross, meanwhile, was named Outstanding Individual of the Year.
Another new category, Commitment to ESG, was awarded to Rocksteady Studios while the Outstanding Leadership award was presented to John Tearle, Chief Executive Officer for Flix Interactive and Dovetail Games was named Employer of the Year.
The full list of TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023 winners are:
Best Arcade Game
MechHead – Staffordshire University
Best QA and/or Localisation Provider
Testronic
Diversity Award
Desta: The Memories Between – ustwo games
Best Casual Game
PowerWash Simulator – Futurlab
Heritage in Games
878 AD: Winchester Revealed – Sugar Creative
Best Educational, Serious or Simulation Game
Planet Planners – BBC/Mobile Pie
Best Technical Innovation
Speech Graphics
Best Role-Playing Game
Silverpoint: The Game – BBC/Jollywise
Best Audio Design
God of War Ragnarok – Sony Interactive Entertainment/Santa Monica Studio
Best Social Game
Disney Illusion Island – Disney Games/Dlala Studios
Best Action and Adventure Game
The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil In Me – Supermassive Games
Best AR/VR Game
Synapse – nDreams
Creativity in Games
Desta: The Memories Between – ustwo games
Best Small Studio
Dlala Studios
Best Puzzle Game
Love and Pies – Trailmix
Best Audio Services Provider
PitStop Productions
Best Strategy Game
Starship Troopers: Terran Command – Slitherine Software UK
Best Legal Services Provider
Lewis Silkin LLP
Outstanding Leadership Award
John Tearle, Chief Executive Officer, Flix Interactive
Best Recruitment Agency
Amiqus
Best Art/Animation Trailer Supplier
TrailerFarm
Best Publisher
Rebellion
Best Services Provider
Airship Interactive
Best Visual Design
Horizon Call of the Mountain – Sony Interactive Entertainment/Guerrilla
Best Education Initiative
Birmingham City University
Best Talent Development Initiative
Sumo Group
Best Educational Institution
Norwich University of the Arts
Best Large Studio
Sumo Digital
Commitment to ESG
Rocksteady Studios
Commitment to Workplace Wellbeing
Playground Games
Employer of the Year 2023
Dovetail Games
Outstanding Individual of the Year 2023
Geraldine Cross, Human Resources Director, Playground Games
Game of the Year 2023
Disney Illusion Island – Disney Games/Dlala Studios
“Many congratulations to all the winners of the TIGA Games Industry Awards 2023,” the Chief Executive Officer for TIGA, Dr Richard Wilson OBE, said. “As ever, it was wonderful to celebrate the creativity and commitment to excellence of the games studios, universities and associated companies who make the United Kingdom a great place to make games.
“Thank you to our finalists, judges and to all who joined us on the night. Finally, thank you to the TIGA team and to all our generous sponsors for enabling TIGA to promote, recognise and celebrate excellence through our awards.”
SpecialEffect was the Charity Partner for the TIGA Awards. This inspirational organisation transforms the lives of physically disabled people right across the world through the innovative use of technology.
The TIGA Awards were made possible thanks to supporters of TIGA, the not-for-profit organisation. Sponsors included Rothschild & Co (Headline Sponsor), Toikido (After Show Party Sponsor), Sumo Group, Supermassive Games and Ubisoft (Gold Sponsors), Amiqus (Drinks Reception Sponsor), Abertay University, Airship Interactive, Dovetail Games, Hangar 13, Liquid Crimson, Invest Newcastle and Staffordshire University (Silver Sponsors), Birmingham City University, Bournemouth University, Eaton Smith LLP, Game Changers London, Kudos QA, Kwalee, London Games Festival, Outplay Entertainment, PTW, RSM UK, Stevens & Bolton LLP, Tazman Audio and Testronic (Bronze Sponsors).
-
Latest News2 days ago
Xpoint Launches Groundbreaking New Capability to Reduce Geolocation Costs for Operators
-
Latest News6 days ago
Odditt Appoints Elaine Milardo as its New Chief Technology Officer
-
Latest News6 days ago
Broadcast Legend Mike Francesa Renews Exclusive Partnership with BetRivers
-
Latest News3 days ago
FBMDS, Planet Invest and EverPlay Score a Fantastic Goal in a Revolutionary Partnership Involving Ronaldinho Gaucho
-
Latest News6 days ago
Low6 partners with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts to deliver new interactive game
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Elys BMG Group Announces Approval for The Ugly Mug Sportsbook in Washington, DC.
-
Latest News6 days ago
Plaza Hotel & Casino to celebrate summer with Friday night fireworks
-
Latest News6 days ago
Scientific Games Commemorates Official Ribbon-cutting for Advanced Instant Scratch Game Production Technology at Global Headquarters