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Winners from Industry best Mobile Games Awards Announced; Tencent win big
MiHoYo’s Genshin Impact took home the biggest prize as it scooped Game of the Year at Steel Media’s fourth annual and industry-leading Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards, supported by Game Insight, held last week.
The ceremony saw the action role-playing title also awarded Best Audio/Visual Accomplishment, while Tencent and TiMi Studio Group secured Best Publisher and Best Developer, respectively.
Innovation of the Year went to Niantic for its ingenious reworking of augmented reality hit Pokémon Go for the 2020 lockdown, Pollen VC was voted Best Service Provider, and Supercell’s Clash Royale conquered the opposition to the Best Live Ops trophy.
As ever the event, which in this pandemic-affected year took place later than its traditional January slot and adopted a hybrid live/digital format hosted by London’s Ham Yard Hotel, aimed to shine a spotlight on the work of the top mobile games companies over the previous year.
Further highlights from the night included the Rising Star award, shared – an event first – by Jana and Sham Al Bdour of Sakura Games, Unity continuing its Best Game Engine dominance with a fourth win in as many years, and Jam City CEO Chris DeWolfe joining the ranks of Mobile Legend.
The coveted People’s Choice Award, nominated for and voted on by readers of Steel Media’s leading consumer site, PocketGamer.com, went to Tilting Point’s SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off.
“We believe the MGAs have a vital role to play in recognising the efforts and achievements of the entire ecosystem that makes mobile gaming the best industry in the world,” said Steel Media CEO, Chris James.
“This is doubly important considering the forced disconnects of the last 16 months and also the incredible role that the mobile games industry has paid not just in contributing to the economy and keeping people in jobs, but moreover in keeping billions of citizens feeling a little more connected and engaged.”
As the full winner breakdown below demonstrates, the 22 categories (including three new additions this year) represent firms spanning the whole industry, from the games developers and publishers to the tools companies, service providers, support agencies, investors and recruiters that all contribute towards this $90 billion sector being the largest and most pervasive in gaming.
After the lobbying and shortlisting phases – the biggest and most complex to date – which took place from March to May, the finalists were subsequently voted on throughout June by our panel of 100-plus mobile games experts from every corner of the industry.
Steel Media is hugely grateful to everyone who took the time to submit themselves, their colleagues, company, or contemporaries, as well as everyone who attended the ceremony itself during these tricky times – whether in person or digitally.
Additionally, we would like to thank main sponsor Game Insight, together with Admix, Huawei Ads, Jam City, Scopely and Tilting Point for coming on board as category sponsors – their support helped make the event a success in a particularly challenging year.
And last but by no means least, congratulations to all the finalists – it really was a hard-fought affair this year – and, of course, the heartiest of praise to the winners themselves.
More info on all things PG Mobile Games Awards at the official website: www.mobilegamesawards.com
//Full Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards 2021 Winners List
Pocket Gamer People’s Choice – SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off (Tilting Point)
Best Advertising & UA Service – Unity Ads
Best Analytics / Data Tool – AppsFlyer
Best Developer – TiMi Studio Group
Best GAAS Tools & Tech – Azure PlayFab
Best Audio/Visual Accomplishment – Genshin Impact (miHoYo)
Best Game Engine – Unity
Best Storytelling – Alba: A Wildlife Adventure (ustwo games)
Rising Stars – Jana and Sham Al Bdour (Sakura Games)
Best Tools Provider – Game UI Database
Best Games Industry Law Firm – Sheridans
Best Service Provider – Pollen VC
Best Live Ops – Clash Royale (Supercell)
Best QA and Localisation Service Provider – Amber Studio
Best Indie Developer – Innersloth
Best PR / Marketing Team – Scopely
Best Influencer Marketing Agency – Game Influencer
Investor of the Year – Play Ventures
Best Publisher – Tencent
Best Innovation – Niantic (Pokémon GO lockdown reworking)
Game of the Year – Genshin Impact (miHoYo)
Mobile Legend – Chris DeWolfe (Jam City)
//notes for editors//
ABOUT THE POCKET GAMER MOBILE GAMES AWARDS
The Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards are the UK’s leading mobile games awards, established to celebrate the very best businesses and individuals who are driving the $90 billion mobile games industry forward. They shine a light on every part of the ecosystem, from the game developers and publishers through the advertising and monetisation companies, to the tool-makers and support companies that enable the magic to happen. They also pay homage to true industry legends who have made their mark on this industry.
The PG Mobile Games Awards have been created by the Steel Media Ltd, a consumer and b2b technology publisher and events company based in the UK which has over 16 years’ experience covering and connecting the mobile games industry with leading media such as PocketGamer.com and PocketGamer.biz. Steel Media Ltd also organises numerous international events, including the world-renowned Pocket Gamer Connects conference series and the developer-focused Big Indie Pitch competitions.
https://www.mobilegamesawards.com
https://twitter.com/MobileGameAward
For enquiries, please contact [email protected].
Latest News
Rivalry Reports Strong Q1 2025 KPI Growth, Validating Strategic Pivot Amid Temporary Margin Variance
Rivalry Corp. (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQB: RVLCF) (“Rivalry” or the “Company”), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, today shared preliminary key performance indicators (“KPIs”) and revenue figures for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (“Q1 2025”), underscoring the success of its strategic transformation and path toward sustainable, profitable growth. All dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars.
Q1 2025 marks the first full quarter under Rivalry’s revamped operating model, following significant changes to product offerings, organizational structure, cost management, and user acquisition strategies. Underlying KPIs show improved unit economics, deeper engagement, and structural momentum toward long-term sustainability.
Revenue in the quarter was lower than prior periods – a result of Rivalry’s deliberate shift to a leaner, more efficient model – creating a stronger foundation that the Company is now building on. The shortfall also reflected temporary variance in sportsbook hold, amplified by a strategic focus on high-value and VIP players. The Company believes that these segments drive significantly greater long-term value but can introduce short-term volatility as they scale.
“Our Q1 KPIs are delivering tangible results that validate our strategic shift,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “The structural changes we implemented over the past six months – from streamlining operations and refocusing the product, to modernizing our platform and concentrating on high-value players – are now clearly reflected in our KPIs. We’re operating more efficiently than ever, generating significantly more revenue per user, and moving closer to achieving sustainable profitability.”
Q1 2025 Highlights1:
- Operational Efficiency Up 400%: In Q1 2025, Rivalry generated over 400% more net revenue per user per dollar of operating expense as compared to its average before the strategic overhaul. This marks a significant leap in cost efficiency and operating leverage, validating the impact of recent changes.
- Shift to High-Value Players Driving 175% Increase in Player Monthly Deposits: Total deposits rose 36% month over month in February 2025 and another 12% in March 2025, despite a smaller active user base than past peaks. In Q1 2025, average monthly deposits per player were just over 175% higher than the periods prior to Rivalry’s October 2024 strategic overhaul – a clear result of the Company’s focus on acquiring and retaining high-value players, while improving unit economics and lowering variable costs.
- 115% Increase in Monthly Deposit Frequency: In Q1 2025, average monthly deposit frequency per player increased by 115% compared to the average prior to Rivalry’s October 2024 rebuild – signaling strong user re-engagement and validating the Company’s refined product experience and more targeted player strategy.
- All-Time High in Monthly Betting Handle per User: Monthly betting handle per active user hit a new all-time high in March 2025, marking the fifth consecutive month of record-breaking engagement and deeper player value.
- Record Revenue per User: In March 2025, monthly Gross and Net Revenue per active user reached all-time highs (normalized for margin variance), extending a four-month streak of consistent revenue per active user growth and player monetization strength.
- Month over Month Active User Growth: Monthly active players grew by 9% in March 2025, following a similar increase in February 2025, despite a significantly reduced global marketing budget compared to the same period last year.
- Ontario Regulated Market Showing Strong, Improving Unit Economics: Since the Company’s operational shift, Rivalry’s Average Revenue Per Playing Account (“ARPPA”) in Ontario – a monthly metric defined by and publicly reported by gaming regulator iGO – has generally trended in line with the market average, and in some months exceeded it by as much as 50%. ARPPA has also nearly doubled compared to pre-overhaul levels at Rivalry, reflecting strengthening unit economics supported by efficient customer acquisition, with customer acquisition cost paybacks consistently within single-digit weeks.
Operational Momentum and Efficiency Gains Reflect Structural Progress
The Company’s Q1 2025 performance reflects the first full quarter operating under a significantly leaner structure, with total monthly run rate operating expenses reduced by approximately 65% as compared to prior peak periods.
Betting handle in Q1 2025 was $58.2 million, and net revenue $1.3 million1, for a net revenue margin of 2.3%. This compares to Rivalry’s full-year 2024 net revenue margin of 4.4%1, with the Q1 2025 margin variance largely attributable to short-term fluctuations in sportsbook hold. This was amplified by the Company’s strategic pivot toward high-value and VIP players – segments that offer significantly greater long-term value but naturally introduce more short-term variability in margin performance as they scale.
On a normalized margin basis, Rivalry’s Q1 2025 net revenue would have covered approximately 75% of current run rate operating expenses, inclusive of additional cost reductions completed in early April that lowered monthly operating expenses by approximately $140,000. Growing user value, rising engagement, and stronger unit economics reflect encouraging momentum toward long-term financial sustainability.
“The KPIs are telling the real story – user value is up, efficiency is up, and player engagement is the strongest we’ve seen in the Company’s history,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “Even with soft margin outcomes in Q1 2025, the model is showing strong underlying signals. As sportsbook hold normalizes and our cost base becomes leaner, we believe we’re moving in the right direction.”
Over the past six months, Rivalry has reduced monthly run rate operating expenses by approximately $1.7 million per month, inclusive of the recently completed April 2025 reductions. These reductions have been enabled by a fully modernized core product with improved site performance and ongoing development velocity across key revenue-driving features. The Company has also realized efficiencies through vendor rationalization and the rollout of AI-driven tools across departments.
“We’ve built a stronger, leaner, and more focused Rivalry,” Salz added. “Our improved KPIs and disciplined cost management have created a healthier foundation. With continued operational momentum and a re-energized product, we believe we’re on a promising path forward.”
The post Rivalry Reports Strong Q1 2025 KPI Growth, Validating Strategic Pivot Amid Temporary Margin Variance appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
BMM
THE VISUALIZE GROUP TO ACQUIRE BMM TESTLABS, PARTNERING WITH CEO MARTIN STORM TO ACCELERATE GROWTH IN REGULATED GAMING
Strategic acquisition positions BMM for rapid global expansion and increased operational scale in the fast-growing regulated gaming sector
The Visualize Group (“Visualize”), a private investment firm focused on concentrated investing in mission-critical, services-based companies, announced that it has agreed to acquire BMM Testlabs (“BMM”), a leading provider of testing, inspection, compliance, and certification (“TICC”) services for the global regulated gaming industry. BMM Testlabs’ President and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm will retain a significant stake as part of the transaction and continue leading the business. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and founded in 1981, BMM provides TICC services to gaming product suppliers in regulated gaming markets across six continents. With a 44-year track record of commitment to integrity, innovation, and technical excellence, BMM ensures that gaming products meet regulatory standards and deliver secure, fair, and reliable experiences. Visualize will seek to uphold BMM’s reputation of service excellence and invest in supporting its customer base as regulated gaming markets continue to expand and grow globally.
As part of the transaction, Visualize will implement a broad-based employee ownership program to allow BMM’s employees the opportunity to participate in Visualize’s value creation plan for BMM, which includes several pre-identified organic and inorganic growth initiatives.
BMM Testlabs President and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “For 44 years, BMM has dedicated itself to becoming the premier service provider and partner to gaming regulators, suppliers, and operators, ensuring that regulated gaming is conducted safely, transparently, and compliantly. It’s a privilege to contribute to this journey and witness the achievement of our ambitious goals. Partnering with Visualize marks an exciting new chapter, as together we will drive growth for BMM and seize the immense opportunities within the evolving gaming market.”
C.C. Melvin Ike, Managing Partner of Visualize, said, “As thematic investors, we strive to invest in exceptional businesses and management teams providing mission-critical services in growing markets. BMM exemplifies this. Our team has closely studied the rapid global expansion of regulated gaming markets, and we believe this trajectory will continue. As new jurisdictions open around the world, the need for safe and compliant gaming continues to rise. With its global footprint, track record of technical leadership, and trusted reputation in the market, we believe BMM is the best-positioned regulatory technology platform to capitalize on the market opportunity. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Storm and the entire team at BMM.”
Advisors
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP acted as legal counsel to Visualize. Gadens acted as legal counsel to BMM Testlabs.
The post THE VISUALIZE GROUP TO ACQUIRE BMM TESTLABS, PARTNERING WITH CEO MARTIN STORM TO ACCELERATE GROWTH IN REGULATED GAMING appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Delta Bingo & Gaming
Experienced provider, Strive to provide its award winning player account management system and apps to Delta Bingo & Gaming Online
Strive Gaming (“Strive”), the modern, multi-state and province, multi-tenanted platform provider focused solely on the North American market, has partnered with Delta Bingo & Gaming Online (“Delta”) as it plans for an exciting growth phase of its digital business.
Delta is a pioneer in providing exciting land-based experiences from Bingo to Vegas-style machines at their 20 locations predominantly in Ontario, Canada and Maryland, USA, with ethics and charitable focus front of mind. Delta launched its digital gaming business in 2023 and is now making a significant move to expand and deepen that offering by partnering with Strive Gaming.
Under the relationship, Strive will provide its market-leading player account management services to Delta, running on the Strive Infinity Engine, which drives higher lifetime values by bringing operators closer to their players through operational automation and contextual real-time engagement.
Strive will also handle the development of front-end experiences for Delta.
Strive’s platform has been built purely for the post-PASPA North American market, designed to meet the individual needs of operators while also being compliant with differing state and provincial regulations.
Strive’s systems are already live in a multitude of states and provinces (including Ontario) with other customers such as Four Winds Casinos, PointsBet, and Golden Nugget (a DraftKings company).
Max Meltzer, CEO of Strive Gaming said: “I am delighted to add such a highly regarded and smart operator such as Delta Bingo & Gaming to our growing list of partners in North America. Once set up on our platform, we truly believe they have a team capable of achieving enormous growth for their digital business.
They have loyal land-based and digital customers that expect a best-of-industry, high quality experience in any activity, product or service that falls under the Delta brand, and we intend to ensure that this continues to be the case here”.
Leo Perri, CEO of Delta Bingo & Gaming, said: “Strive Gaming is an experienced provider in the markets we operate in and has made a great effort to understand our needs. Their specialized focus and dedication aligns with our customer experience goals, and we believe that they can help us bring our customers a world class digital casino experience.
“We’ve been impressed by not just their technology, but their team depth as well. We expect that this is going to be a true collaboration, and we look forward to working with them for a long time”
The post Experienced provider, Strive to provide its award winning player account management system and apps to Delta Bingo & Gaming Online appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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