PlayAGS, Incorporated (NYSE: AGS) (“AGS” or the “Company”), a global gaming supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products, today announced the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the “HSR Act”), in connection with the previously announced agreement for the Company to be acquired by affiliates of Brightstar Capital Partners (“Brightstar”) for $12.50 per share in cash (the “Proposed Transaction”).

The HSR Act waiting period expired at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 9, 2024, satisfying an important condition necessary for the completion of the Proposed Transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to other conditions and regulatory approvals.

Wamba Technologies, a think tank consisting of leaders in the online gaming industry, is excited to announce the appointment of Aaron Thibault as oversight for its upcoming esports venture, Gamers Oasis. This key addition comes as they move to launch their Gamers Oasis platform which allows gamers to compete for real money directly from their mobile devices.

Thibault began his gaming industry career in 1998, initially working as a sound designer and cinematic director at EA/Origin Systems. Today, he brings over 30 years of experience in game development and education. Thibault spent 16 years at Gearbox Entertainment as Vice President. There, he led major projects, including developing the billion dollar Borderlands franchise. Borderlands 3 was nominated for Best Game Design and Best Art Direction. Currently, Thibault serves as the director of games and esports at Texas A&M University. His industry knowledge will play a significant role in driving the development of Gamers Oasis, which aims to revolutionize online esports competitions.

Meanwhile, a platform like “Gamers Oasis” is only possible due to a patent that gives Wamba Technologies and Gamers Oasis the exclusive capability to offer “real money” capabilities into skill-based video games in the United States where players can actually compete for real money online (Patent 10,424,160). Their patent allows them (and ONLY them) to offer a software feature which will allow gamers to pay an entry fee into tournaments online, compete against each other, and actually win money back (where such capability is integrated into the game in some fashion). This will ultimately give developers previously untapped revenue streams and players the ability to win large amounts of real money while utilizing their skills from the comfort of their very own homes.

“At Wamba Technologies, we are committed to making esports accessible to everyone,” said Denham. “With Aaron’s oversight and experience, we will be able to move into the next phase of development and make Gamers Oasis a reality for dedicated esports players everywhere” 

“What Gary and I are going to do with Wamba Technologies and Gamers Oasis has never been done before in esports,” said Thibault. “There is so much incredible potential in this patent, and we can’t wait to start putting it to use and creating a product that is going to completely revolutionize the esports industry.”

Online, real money competition (online esports) is still in its infancy, but Wamba Technologies is currently engaging with gamers, game designers, coders, programmers, esports influencers and financial consultants to aid in the development of Gamers Oasis.

In the United States alone, 215 million people play mobile video games and globally, more than 700 million people are involved with esports. Among those 700 million people worldwide, only a very small percentage are competing online when real money is involved, while the rest of the players are competing in real life (IRL) at physical locations. Wamba anticipates that when offered and monetized properly, a mere 10% of the global market share could generate $13B-$15B in annual revenue from tournament buy-ins and ad revenues alone.

Aaron is not the first major player recently signed on board by Wamba Technologies. Wamba has also previously signed Andy Ashcraft (God of War 2, God of War 3, Disney’s Cars 2, and more), Brian Upton (Lead game designer for Tom Clancy: Rainbow 6, Tom Clancy: Ghost Recon), Marty Denham (genius mind behind the Pentium wafers for Intel), Joe Bagdon (CSO, formerly Military Intelligence Cyber Security in Afghanistan), Jared Goetz (former Lionsgate VP), and a number of other “rock star” individuals behind, or working with, multi-billion dollar products/companies.