

Latest News
Opera buys owner of GameMaker and starts a Gaming division
Opera, the browser developer and consumer internet brand, announced its acquisition of YoYo Games, creator of the world’s leading 2D game engine, GameMaker Studio 2, for approximately $10 million. The tuck-in acquisition represents the second building block in the foundation of Opera Gaming, a new division within Opera with global ambitions and follows the creation and rapid growth of Opera’s innovative Opera GX browser, the world’s first browser built specifically for gamers.
Krystian Kolondra, EVP Browsers at Opera, said: “With Opera GX, Opera had adapted its proven, innovative browser tech platform to dramatically expand its footprint in gaming. We’re at the brink of a shift, when more and more people start not only playing, but also creating and publishing games. GameMaker Studio2 is best-in-class game development software, and lowers the barrier to entry for anyone to start making their games and offer them across a wide range of web-supported platforms, from PCs, to, mobile iOS/Android devices, to consoles.
Annette De Freitas, Head of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Opera Gaming, added: “Gaming is a growth area for Opera and the acquisition of YoYo Games reflects significant, sustained momentum across both of our businesses over the past year. Our new Opera GX browser hit 7 million MAUs in December, 2020, up 350% year over year, while YoYo Games’ GameMaker engine achieved 400K new registered creators in 2020. We’re tremendously excited by the opportunities the combination creates not only for our combined users, but also for the expansion of Opera’s gaming community.”
Stuart Poole, GM at YoYo Games who will remain with the business alongside technical lead Russell Kay stated, “For over twenty years, the vision behind the GameMaker engine was to not just create more games, but expand development within and beyond the game studio. We think the transaction with Opera – whose products are known, trusted and used worldwide by millions of people every month- represents a massive opportunity to accelerate fulfilment of that founding vision, during a period of exceptional growth for both companies.”
“We are very excited to start working with the team at YoYo Games,” said Krystian Kolondra, EVP Browsers at Opera. “We see the Game Maker Studio platform as being an ideal acquisition to complement our global ambitions in gaming, and to help drive awareness and traffic to our Opera GX gaming browser.”
Opera GX, YoYo Games and GameMaker will unite under Opera Gaming, focusing on innovating across the gaming, game development, and browser experience. “We look forward to further growing Opera GX and driving the growth of GameMaker as part of a broader ecosystem, making it more accessible to novice users and developing it into the world’s leading 2D game engine used by commercial studios,” continued Krystian Kolondra. “Opera Gaming will be focusing on accelerating the growth of this emerging ecosystem, combining the 7+ million highly engaged gamers using Opera GX with millions of GameMaker creators. We are also thrilled to continue realizing synergies between YoYo Games’ products and Opera GX.”
GameMakerStudio is an integrated game development software, performance-tuned 2/2.5D engine that fuels many games, including multi-million hits like Risk of Rain, Undertale, or Hyper Light Drifter on an extensive range of mainstream platforms. Starting to build games with Game Maker Studio requires little to zero coding skills. Due to its extensive functionalities and ease of use Game Maker Studio lowers the barriers to entry and empowers a variety of creative people to make their games come alive and share them with the world.
Kolondra explained further: “Performance is essential to even 2D gaming, and sustaining that performance across mobile devices and laptops as well as variable bandwidth and connectivity requires thinking outside of traditional application silos. The line between building good games and good browsers has been eroding for years – with gaming interactivity across internet connections ramping up and browsers growing more multi-function and sophisticated. Traditionally the two types of technology compete for hardware and bandwidth resources. But as Opera GX proved, there was a better way to address that competition and improve the experience across both functionalities. YoYo Games’ team, development expertise and studio relationships lay the groundwork for turning the Opera GX vertical into a new kind of horizontal. This horizontal opportunity is why we’re building Opera Gaming and its infrastructure – so that we can further integrate gaming and browsing in ways beneficial to both in terms of not only monetization, but also experience.”
Ivan Montik Founder of SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello Extend Strategic Collaboration in Latin America

SOFTSWISS, a global technology company and leader in iGaming software solutions, announces the extension of its strategic collaboration with legendary Formula One driver Rubens Barrichello, who will continue in his role as Non-Executive Director in Latin America.
This renewed agreement builds on a successful first year of collaboration, which has become a cornerstone of SOFTSWISS’ positioning across Latin America and beyond based on shared values of partnership and cultural connection.
Since April 2024, Barrichello has served as an authentic voice for SOFTSWISS at key industry and business events, both across Latin America and internationally. His role has gone far beyond traditional brand endorsement, encompassing leadership visibility, market engagement, and relationship-building with clients and communities.
Over the past year, Barrichello has played a pivotal role in reinforcing SOFTSWISS’ growth, hosting high-level partner engagements that combine cultural relevance with exclusive experiences. His voice was also central to the company’s response to the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Through the Help Brazil initiative, Barrichello assisted in amplifying calls for support and raising awareness around the urgent need for action. What began as an emergency relief effort evolved into a commitment to clean water access – a deeply personal initiative for him and SOFTSWISS, grounded in empathy and solidarity with affected communities.
In addition, Barrichello participated as a speaker at the SOFTSWISS Excellence Talks series, where he shared his unique expertise with the company’s global team.
“Rubens brings an unmatched level of authenticity, integrity, and passion to everything he does,” says Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS. “Over time, he has become a true friend. His presence within our team has helped us connect with Latin American partners, clients, and audiences on a deeper level – not only as a brand but as a long-term, responsible partner in the region.”
“I’m proud to continue this journey with SOFTSWISS,” says Rubens Barrichello. “Our first year together has shown how shared values can translate into meaningful impact – for business, regional markets and local communities. I look forward to helping take this partnership even further.”
As part of the renewed collaboration, Barrichello will continue supporting SOFTSWISS in strategic market growth, high-level representation, and cultural localization. His most recent appearance was a keynote speech during the opening day of SiGMA Americas 2025 in São Paulo – one of the most important iGaming events in the region.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS and Rubens Barrichello Extend Strategic Collaboration in Latin America appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Cinco de Mayo party
Plaza Hotel & Casino to host downtown’s largest Cinco de Mayo party

The Plaza Hotel & Casino will again host downtown Las Vegas’ biggest party to celebrate Cinco de Mayo starting at 4 p.m. on Monday, May 5, in and around its iconic Carousel Bar.
The Plaza’s Cinco de Mayo party is free to attend and will feature a variety of entertainment, including a Mariachi band, Folklorico dancers, and a DJ spinning top radio hits with a mix of Latin music, all under the bright lights of the property’s iconic Main Street dome. The high-energy fiesta will also feature downtown’s largest piñata.
Guests will be able to commemorate their fun by taking selfies inside the Plaza’s photo house that will include various festive props.
Fresh churros will be available for purchase from Churros 101 as well as street tacos and Mexican street corn salad (Esquites) from Fresh Mexican Grill.
Carousel Bar will offer drink specials all night long: Dos Equis on draft (a pint for $11 or 32 oz. for $14), the Kickin’ Caballo (Teremana Tequila, lime, chili agave, and ginger beer for $16), and a beer and shot feature with Dos Equis and Teremana Blanco Tequilla for $16.
Next to Carousel Bar, Pinkbox Doughnuts will feature fun and delicious Cinco de Mayo-themed doughnuts.
The post Plaza Hotel & Casino to host downtown’s largest Cinco de Mayo party appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Latest News
SCCG Becomes Sponsor of SFT Combat

SCCG Management has become the sponsor of SFT Combat, one of Brazil’s premier MMA promotions. As a long-time client partner, SFT Combat continues to push boundaries in the world of professional fighting, delivering high-quality events that captivate both local and global audiences. The sponsorship reflects a strategic investment in Brazil’s sports and gaming ecosystem, where MMA plays a central role in both cultural identity and entertainment value.
“At SCCG, we recognize the cultural and commercial significance of MMA in Brazil—a country with a deep-rooted history in combat sports and a passionate community of fans, athletes, and operators. Our support of events like this goes beyond sponsorship; it reflects our commitment to fueling the growth of sports and gaming ecosystems across LATAM. By helping bridge new sports concepts with established combat platforms, we continue to create strategic opportunities for innovation,” the Company said.
The post SCCG Becomes Sponsor of SFT Combat appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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