Gaming
G.Round Introduces New Private Playtest Service, Ensuring a Secure and Controlled Testing Environment
G.Round, the community-driven playtesting platform for games in development, has announced the launch of its new Private Playtest Service. Now game studios and publishers can privately test their games with a select group of users in an identified, controlled, and watermarked secure environment. And, with invaluable feedback and insight, they can improve their games substantially prior to commercial launch.
The service follows a straightforward process, ensuring they can efficiently and effectively test their games. To guarantee a high level of confidentiality and provide complete control over user access to their games, the process consists of the following steps:
● Private Testing Consultation: At an early stage, G.Round will set up an introductory meeting with the client to gather comprehensive insights into their specific requirements and strategically plan private testing. Through this meeting, G.Round will help to create private tests that are unique to the client’s testing requirements, such as targeting demographics of age, gender, region, genre preference, and hardware environment.
● Studio / Publisher Onboarding: G.Round provides a simple onboarding process for Private Tests. During the onboarding process, clients can further customize their private test experience by creating surveys and research questions for testers that are unique to their game. Clients can also integrate G.Round’s proprietary SDK package to gather in-game data, which will be analyzed together with G.Round’s real user data.
● Creating a secure Game Testing Environment: Each tester for private tests will undergo a vetting process to ensure suitability in a controlled game testing environment. This process includes signing non-disclosure agreements and verifying personal credentials before acceptance into the Private Test program. Such measures minimize the risk of uncontrolled testing. The platform also includes additional security features, such as an authentication tool for access, file encryption for increased security, and a watermark inscribed on all recordings of the games.
● Real-Time Game Testing: Studios and publishers will be given appropriate tools to gather real-time engagement data from testers. This includes dashboard tools for live feedback, dedicated communication channels for the testing group, and live G.Round support members to guide them through the process. This ensures clients have a convenient and seamless experience throughout the testing phase.
● Outcome and Results: Once the game has collected all feedback from testers, a personalized and comprehensive report will be prepared for the client. The report will not only encompass a professional review of the game but also include an analysis of candid feedback from private game testers. This will help the developers and publishers gain subjective insights into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as refine different game mechanics. In addition, the clients will receive copies of video recordings of the testers’ gameplay, including highlighted sections so that they would have an extended perception of how the game was engaged by testers.
G.Round’s founder and CEO, Danny Woo, commented: “By engaging with an exclusive group of testers, developers and publishers can gather invaluable insights that contribute to improved game performance and enhanced user experience. The platform is a critical tool in refining games, helping to identify issues or concerns, and ultimately helping ensure a highly successful and polished commercial release.”
“The platform includes various security features such as build encryption, watermark display, gameplay recording and individual electronic NDA. One of the standout features is the watermark display, which adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized distribution. Additionally, recording and uploading functionality not only ensures a high-security level but also enables our clients to capture and analyze gameplay footage, providing valuable insights into the first-time experience of users and aiding in the optimization process,” concludes Danny Woo.
G.Round aims to contribute to the success of game launches, providing playtesting opportunities to game developers and publishers before commercial launches. G.Round has provided only public testing service so far but now wants to give a private testing environment to manage user access, test duration, and recording settings, ensuring a customized and efficient testing experience.
By providing a secure and controlled environment for private playtesting, G.Round’s new playtesting service will enable developers or publishers to shape their games to captivate players and make a lasting impact without risking leaks by unidentified users.
Software Experts has recognized Nitrado as the leading choice in its 2025 feature on the best game server hosting platforms. Nitrado was ranked highly across major titles such as Minecraft, ARK: Survival Ascended, and DayZ.
Nitrado delivers scalable and reliable server hosting solutions for a wide range of online multiplayer games. The demand for high-quality game server hosting has increased as online multiplayer games have grown in scale and complexity. Expansions, downloadable content (DLC), and frequent updates have placed pressure on server infrastructure, requiring providers to deliver stability, fast updates, and community integration. For players of ARK, Minecraft, or DayZ, server downtime can result in lost progress, interruptions to group play, and diminished gaming experiences.
This trend underscores why a strong hosting partner is essential. Servers are not only responsible for keeping games online but also for supporting the evolving needs of large player communities. Nitrado has consistently aligned its platform with these expectations, offering infrastructure that adapts to both technical requirements and user demand.
Recognition Across Key Games
Software Experts noted that Nitrado has demonstrated consistent support for popular titles through timely hosting updates and tools designed for specific gameplay environments.
Minecraft hosting: With the release of the Minecraft 1.21 Tricky Trials update, Nitrado provided immediate server support, allowing players to explore new dungeons and mechanics without interruption.
ARK hosting: Nitrado servers were prepared for the Ragnarok Map in ARK: Survival Ascended and are optimized for the upcoming Aquatica DLC, ensuring survival experiences remain stable even with expansive maps and mods.
DayZ hosting: Survival titles demand persistence and uptime. Expansions such as Frostline and the upcoming Badlands were supported rapidly on Nitrado servers, enabling players to adapt to environmental changes without server disruption.
Expansion to Broader Multiplayer Titles
The recognition also emphasized Nitrado’s versatility beyond the most popular titles. In 7 Days to Die, the recent Storms Brewing update was supported on Nitrado servers at launch, giving players stable access to new weather and survival mechanics. For Conan Exiles, the platform has offered guidance on server setups such as best base locations, combined with reliable performance during intensive multiplayer sessions. In Enshrouded, Nitrado integrated the Melodies of the Mire update directly into its hosting framework, ensuring smooth adoption of new classes and gameplay features.
By covering a range of genres, Nitrado provides infrastructure that extends beyond traditional survival titles, positioning itself as a multi-game hosting solution.
Tools and Community Integrations
Software Experts also highlighted Nitrado’s focus on server management tools and community features. The platform’s web interface and mobile applications allow administrators to adjust settings with minimal technical complexity, from rolling back Minecraft worlds to tuning difficulty levels in ARK.
Support for mods and plugins further enhances gameplay. Communities can integrate texture packs, maps, and total conversions without complicated manual setups. This has proven especially useful in titles with active modding cultures, including ARK and Minecraft.
Nitrado also integrates with platforms such as Discord, creating a unified environment where players can coordinate matches, share updates, and stay connected. These integrations have become increasingly important as multiplayer gaming extends beyond gameplay into community interaction.
Performance and Reliability
Reliability remains a core measure of success in server hosting. Software Experts reported that Nitrado’s global infrastructure of data centers reduces latency for players across regions. Built-in protections such as DDoS mitigation ensure that servers remain stable against external threats.
Performance is measured in player experiences rather than technical specifications. Large Minecraft builds, ARK raids with high player counts, or DayZ survival sessions all require servers capable of managing demand without lag or interruption. Nitrado has consistently met these requirements, providing stability for both small private groups and larger multiplayer communities.
The recognition comes at a time when server hosting has become critical to the success of modern games. The rise of live-service models, frequent DLC releases, and growing player bases has made infrastructure a competitive differentiator. Hosting platforms that can update quickly, manage new expansions, and support community tools are essential for maintaining engagement.
For players, this translates into uninterrupted sessions and reliable access to content. For developers, it ensures that game updates are supported with minimal disruption. Software Experts’ analysis noted that Nitrado’s approach positions it well within this broader industry context.
Nitrado’s recognition by Software Experts as the leader in best game server hosting reflects its consistent performance across multiple titles, timely integration of expansions and updates, and investment in tools that support both administrators and communities.
As online communities expand and games evolve, the importance of reliability, performance, and community integration will only increase. Nitrado’s ability to address these needs underscores why it was recognized as a top choice for 2025.
The former Founder and CEO of Grover Gaming has officially launched a new brand in land-based gaming. Named by combining the names of his daughters, Valicy Gaming was unveiled during a recent company launch party held in Greenville, North Carolina.
Evolving from Grover Gaming—which was recently sold to Light & Wonder for a total consideration of $1.05 billion —Valicy will now focus on becoming a major manufacturer in land-based gaming across North America. Retaining a majority of the employees from the acquisition, Valicy will continue forward with a veteran team that will have a sharper focus on game development and hardware design.
Despite the name change, Valicy continues under the same experienced executive leadership team and remains dedicated to providing best-in-class customer service and technical support—qualities customers have come to depend on. The company’s values, represented by its CARE triangle—People, Company, and Work—are deeply rooted in its culture and will remain central to its mission moving forward.
The public debut of the Valicy brand will take place at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, October 6–9, at the Venetian Expo, Booth #1623, where the team will showcase its new identity and game offerings to casino partners and operators from across the industry.
“This is an exciting time for our teams,” said Garrett Blackwelder, Founder and CEO of Valicy. “We have the opportunity to do big things in new markets, which gives us energy and enthusiasm. As we grow Valicy, we will focus on relationships, excellence, and innovation.”
Gaming
Monster Energy and Call of Duty Unite Again with Exclusive In-Game Rewards and Expanded Program Timing
Monster Energy is teaming up once again with Call of Duty to deliver bonus in-game rewards, bonus 2XP and an expanded promotional window that gives fans even more opportunities to fuel up and power their gameplay.
Gamers and Monster fans can start collecting codes to stockpile rewards ahead of the highly anticipated release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on November 14. Following the record-breaking success of the last year’s program – the 2025 campaign has been extended and will run through March 31, 2026, with code redemption available until April 30, 2026.
Players who purchase specially marked Call of Duty cans of Monster Energy, Monster Zero Sugar, or Monster Zero Ultra can find a unique code under the tab and redeem it online at callofduty.monsterenergy.com. Every can unlocks bonus in-game items and double experience points.
2025 in-game rewards include:
• 1 Can = “Energy Flash” Large Decal + 15 min 2XP
• 2 Cans = “Peacekeeper MK1 – Hyper Green” Weapon Blueprint + 15 min 2XP
• 3 Cans = “Green Fury” Operator Skin + 15 min 2XP
• 4 Cans = “VS Recon – Green Thunder” Weapon Blueprint + 15 min 2XP
• 5 Cans = “Daylight Ripper” Operator Skin Recolor + 15 min 2XP
In addition, select retailers will feature specialty bonus in-game content such as Emblems, Charms, Weapon Stickers, and Dual 2XP.
And as an added bonus, fans who create an account on callofduty.monsterenergy.com before October 31 will score a Black Ops 6 in-game skin – no purchase required.
“Monster Energy is built on fueling competitive spirit and our collaboration with Call of Duty continues to push that to new levels. With expanded timing, bonus rewards and the unmatched value of Double XP in every can, this year’s program is our biggest and most exciting yet,” said Dan McHugh, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Monster Energy.
“We’re proud to continue building on the success of our partnership with Monster Energy. Monster is the go-to fuel of gamers and they are going to drink up these exciting in-game rewards,” added Cody Neal, Associate Director of Global Partnerships, Call of Duty.
The limited-edition Monster Energy Call of Duty cans are available in 16oz in Original Monster Energy, Monster Zero Sugar and Monster Zero Ultra. Special 4, 12, and 15 can Monster Energy Call of Duty multipacks are on shelves now.
-
Latest News6 days agoInspired Extends Brazil Presence with EstrelaBet Partnership
-
Compliance Updates6 days agoThrillTech secures regulatory approvals to launch jackpots in Latam
-
Gambling in the USA6 days agoTCSJOHNHUXLEY to Sponsor Inaugural G2E Dealer Championship
-
Compliance Updates7 days agoMGCB Renews Licenses for Detroit’s Three Commercial Casinos, Highlighting Continued Community and Economic Impact
-
Latest News7 days agoNOVOMATIC sets high expectations at GAT Bogotá with launches that redefine multi-games
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Hard Rock Bet Launches New Responsible Gaming Website
-
Latest News6 days agoInfluencer Rafa Campelo Becomes the New Face of MC Games’ Social Media Presence
-
Latest News6 days agoBetMGM Partners with Fremantle to Launch New “The Price is Right” Game