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How remakes and remasters are driving the UK gaming economy

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  • With 37.3 million gamers, the UK gaming industry is the biggest in Europe

  • New report finds remastered games to be a driving force behind industry growth 

  • Gaming is more accessible than ever thanks to the rise of mobile gaming

Nineties teens are 69%1 more likely than the national average to spend between 21 and 28 hours gaming every week. And with this age group 47% more likely to have access to a Nintendo Switch, PS4 (42%) and Xbox One (44%), a new report reveals how developers are tapping into this market to drive the UK gaming economy.

From the impact of remakes and remasters, to how digital downloads are changing the industry, online smartphone retailer, Mobiles.co.uk, has taken an in-depth look at how the UK’s gaming industry is evolving.

The study reveals that the UK gaming industry has experienced huge growth in the past 10 years, with retail sales revenue between 2009 and 2019 increasing by a huge 72.6%2. Further insight also reveals that in 2019, the entire UK video game industry generated a huge £5.35 billion1 in revenue, with £3.77 billion3 of that total generated from video game software sales. But with an impressive 37.3 million4 gamers in the UK alone, what exactly is contributing to this growth?

According to Mobiles.co.uk’s report, the trend for remastered games including Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy, Resident Evil 2 and The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening, all play significant roles in the growth of the gaming industry here in the UK.

The new UKIE UK Top Selling Games List for 2019 revealed the below remakes/remastered games were amongst the top 100 best selling boxed games sold in 2019, while the more recent Final Fantasy VII remake quickly became one of the PS4’s best selling game to date:

 

Rank

Title

Monthly Search Volume

16

Crash Bandicoot N.SaneTrilogy

6,6005

21

Resident Evil 2

27,1005

32

The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening

8,1005

 

Still remaining in the top 20 for the UK’s best-selling games of 2019 two years after its release, Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy receives around 6,600 unique searches every month4, its continuing popularity indicates that British gamers are becoming increasingly nostalgic when it comes to their gaming choices.

Crash Bandicoot also features at number 21 in the 2019 list. The remaster spiked the interest of gamers in the UK with a huge 49% increase in search volume over the past 12 months alone5. With an average of 27,100 monthly searches5, the franchise’s decision to reboot this classic was certainly welcomed by the industry, indicating there is a huge appetite for nostalgic gameplay here in the UK.

The final remaster included in the list of the top-selling games is The Legend of Zelda Link’s Awakening. Originally launched on the Game Boy in 1993, the remake was designed for the Nintendo Switch. As of March 2020, the new Link’s Awakening had sold more than four million copies globally6, and it’s one of the best-selling games of all time for the Nintendo Switch.

Lee Chambers, Psychologist and gaming expert, commented on the research: “Gaming and nostalgia are heavily interconnected, to the point where it fuels trends and shapes the industry direction. Video games are incredible triggers for nostalgia, anchoring us back to an often carefree time, when we had fewer responsibilities and gaming became a social construct as groups of children all sat around in a bedroom socialising while playing.

“The reality of the industry is that nostalgic gamers are now the ones with purchasing power to relive past glories fighting dragons of their youth, while being decision-makers for buying games as presents for their children. And that is gradually shaping the industry, risk aversion for the new, settling for the old. Your average early millennial is approaching 40. They don’t have the time they did as a child to form an emotional bond to a game’s story with life’s distractions, but a remake removes that barrier, making it all the more attractive.”

The new study also reveals the impact digital downloads are having on the industry, with over two thirds (70%)6 of the UK’s total video game sales revenue, generating a total of £2.63 billion6, coming from digital downloads. Even more remarkably, 42%6 of this revenue came directly from mobile games, indicating a shift in the industry towards smartphone gaming.

The report indicates that UK gamers are not only changing the way they purchase games but thanks to recent advancements in smartphone technology – including cinematic displays, advanced GPUs and even the introduction of high-speed 5G – they’re also expanding the devices they play on.

With a projected 2%7 compound annual growth rate, the huge surge in the mobile gaming sector is predicted to maintain its momentum in 2020 and beyond. An estimated 21 million people in the UK played a mobile game in 20197, with 19% of users aged 18 to 24, 37% falling in the 25-34 age bracket and 23% aged 35-447.

Andrew Cartledge, mobile expert at Mobiles.co.uk, says “In the UK, and all across the world, there’s no doubt that the gaming industry is growing at a rapid speed. The excitement for the next remake or remaster makes sure there’s still a place for the old, while the huge shift towards digital assures the industry and its consumers can keep up with the new.

“Mobile gaming is already huge in 2020 and will only get bigger in the years to come. If you’re interested in trying out some of the very best mobile games like PUBG and Fortnite for yourself, make sure you have a powerful handset to play on.”

For the full report on the UK gaming industry, mobile gaming, remasters and more, please visit: https://www.mobiles.co.uk/blog/understanding-the-uk-gaming-industry-mobiles-remasters-and-more/#fn1

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Luka Pataky Joins Bragg Gaming Group as EVP of AI and Innovation to Spearhead Growth and Usage of New Technologies Across Business

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Bragg Gaming Group, a global leader in next-generation iGaming content and content delivery, engagement and player management technology, today proudly announces the appointment of Luka Pataky as Executive Vice President (EVP) of AI and Innovation.

In his new role, Pataky will work closely with Bragg’s technology teams to develop a 360॰ AI strategy, integrating AI into product development and design, user experience, external communications, safer gambling initiatives and internal processes to drive growth and efficiency.

This strategic leadership addition comes as part of Bragg’s commitment to the leveraging of data, advanced analytics and powerful AI to enhance user experience, player engagement, maximize revenue potential, and drive smarter, more efficient iGaming operations.

Luka Pataky boasts a strong pedigree in AI and technology, with over a decade of experience at Sportradar, a company at the forefront of sports data and content. His tenure at Sportradar culminated in his role as Senior Vice President for Automated Content, where he spearheaded an initiative from its inception to a production-ready, scalable system that ended up powering over 300,000 sports events per year with a team of over 70.

In this leadership position, he was instrumental in revolutionizing sports content creation through AI, Computer Vision, and Deep Learning, successfully bringing real-time data collection solutions to production, being the driving force behind integrating acquired tech businesses, thereby turning advanced technology into significant business value through the optimization of operating costs and business efficiencies.

Prior to his SVP role, Pataky played a key role in establishing Sportradar’s innovation unit, a hub for pioneering new ideas, implementing processes that enabled faster experimentation and fostering a culture of rapid prototyping and testing.

As part of this, he also led the team responsible for scaling Sportradar’s startup program and forging strategic innovation partnerships with universities and innovation labs. In his multiple innovation-based roles, he demonstrated a consistent focus on leveraging AI and data analysis to identify and develop new product opportunities and strategic initiatives.

His extensive experience across these leadership roles highlights his proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, manage complex technological advancements, and strategically integrate new ventures, underscoring his expertise in driving growth and innovation within the technology sector.

Known globally for its award-winning iGaming content and technology solutions, Bragg has consistently championed the integration of artificial intelligence technology across its business model, as typified by the introduction of an AI-powered Games Recommendation System into its Fuze ™ marketing and promotional toolset.

The Company has also utilised AI extensively across its responsible gambling work, using these new technologies and extensive data collection to more effectively identify at-risk gamblers.

“Luka Pataky is the ideal hire for Bragg, as we look to supercharge our AI and innovation ambitions,” said Matevž Mazij, Chief Executive Officer at Bragg“His extensive experience of being at the forefront of this gamechanging technology and innovation will help springboard Bragg into the next iteration of our growth. With the increased adoption of AI across the iGaming industry, Bragg has once again shown its commitment to staying ahead of the competition.”

“Bragg has always struck me as a company where technology and innovation are key drivers,” said Luka Pataky. “This is a company which is always pushing the boundaries, using its extensive knowledge and the skills of its teams to create and set new trends. It sits on vast amounts of user data and insight, which we can turn into intelligence that will power next generation player engagement. Introducing AI at all levels of product and operations will make it perfectly positioned for future growth.”

“I am looking forward to playing a role in accelerating Bragg’s journey to becoming an AI-first company. I have no doubt we’ll be able to compliment and elevate Bragg’s already amazing next generation player experiences for its operator partners and drive value for the business.”

The post Luka Pataky Joins Bragg Gaming Group as EVP of AI and Innovation to Spearhead Growth and Usage of New Technologies Across Business appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Bruce Lowthers

Paysafe launches PagoEfectivo wallet, expanding payment options in Peru

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New digital wallet will offer instant payouts, code payments and P2P transfers; Carlos Alcántara is the new brand ambassador; PagoEfectivo Universe opens in Lima

Paysafe, a leading payments platform, is expanding its presence in Peru by evolving PagoEfectivo, its locally successful eCash brand, into a digital wallet. The PagoEfectivo wallet, the brand’s first in Latin America, enables users to instantly load funds, make online purchases, receive immediate payouts from participating merchants, transfer money to others, and pay using a code (CIP).

PagoEfectivo has been a market leader in Latin America’s eCash payments, enabling millions of consumers to transact online. “Consumers in Peru already trust PagoEfectivo for everything from iGaming and digital goods to travel and eCommerce. With the launch of our new digital wallet, we’re giving them a more convenient way to pay – one that reflects Paysafe’s commitment to powering the experiential economy,” said Bruce Lowthers, CEO of Paysafe.

“Our recent survey with Peruvian consumers found that 81% would use a digital wallet from PagoEfectivo. With that strong sign, we’re launching a solution that meets consumers’ payment needs,” said Esteban Sarubbi, Vice President, Head of Latin America at Paysafe.

PagoEfectivo introduces Carlos Alcántara as its new brand ambassador
PagoEfectivo is proud to introduce beloved Peruvian actor Carlos Alcántara (Cachín) as its new brand ambassador. Carlos will demonstrate just how easy and convenient it is to pay with the new PagoEfectivo wallet. The nationwide campaign will roll out across TV, digital platforms, outdoor, and out-of-home placements, marking it as PagoEfectivo’s most high-profile launch to date.

PagoEfectivo Universe
To celebrate the launch, from July 10 to 26, Lima residents are invited to experience the PagoEfectivo Universe – an immersive, interactive space at Av. Manuel Olguin 249, Santiago de Surco, from Tuesdays through Sundays, from 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm, where they will play games, simulate payments through the app, meet celebrities and influencers during special time slots, win swags, snap photos, and meet the celebrated brand mascot, Leo Pagoncio.

The post Paysafe launches PagoEfectivo wallet, expanding payment options in Peru appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Rise of Orpheus unites myth, love, and thrilling features

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Play’n GO unveils Rise of Orpheus, a mythical slot that takes players deep into the Underworld in pursuit of love, light, and powerful gameplay features.

Following in the footsteps of mythology-inspired favourites like Gates of Troy and Rise of Olympus, Rise of Orpheus brings the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to life through emotionally charged mechanics and immersive storytelling. As Orpheus ventures into the realm of shadows to reclaim his lost love, players are invited to join a cinematic journey shaped by love, risk, and divine intervention. With its richly atmospheric visuals and evolving feature set, Rise of Orpheus stands as a testament to Play’n GO’s commitment to blending narrative depth with standout gameplay.

At the heart of the game is the Reunion feature, triggered when both lovers appear on screen. Orpheus walks across the reels to reach Eurydice, leaving Wilds in his path and forming a powerful combined symbol. In tandem, Eurydice’s Multiplier grows with each of her appearances during Free Spins, heightening the emotional – and gameplay – stakes. Meanwhile, the Wrath of Cerberus Respin and Wild Meter mechanics provide escalating excitement and layered rewards. These features don’t just elevate gameplay – they mirror the desperate determination of Orpheus’ journey.

Players drawn to the rich lore of Divine Showdown or the emotional arcs of Tales of Asgard: Freya’s Wedding will find familiar satisfaction in Rise of Orpheus. As part of Play’n GO’s mythology-inspired portfolio, this title offers a unique take on the legendary love story, marrying poetic tragedy with inventive mechanics. The game’s progression through the Underworld’s levels also echoes the structure of House of Doom II, offering evolving gameplay with dramatic flair.

Magnus Wallentin, Games Ambassador at Play’n GO, commented: “With Rise of Orpheus, we wanted to craft a slot that resonates emotionally as well as mechanically. This is a love story wrapped in myth, with every feature reinforcing the journey of reunion and risk.”

A poignant story. Powerful features. Rise of Orpheus invites players to walk through shadows – and witness love reshape destiny.

The post Rise of Orpheus unites myth, love, and thrilling features appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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