

gaming
Voodoo Surpasses Six Billion Downloads
Voodoo, the world’s number one mobile games publisher in terms of downloads, has announced it has exceeded more than six billion downloads across its range of hyper-casual, hybrid-casual games and apps.
“Reaching 6 billion downloads is a great way to kick start a fantastic year for us here at Voodoo. We’re delighted to be working with hyper-casual’s most talented studios and congratulations to all those who have contributed to hitting this milestone,” Alexander Shea, Head of Publishing at Voodoo, said.
With over 200 games in its growing portfolio, Voodoo surpassed five billion downloads by the end of May 2021, before reaching six billion in February 2022.
Voodoo has released several of the world’s most downloaded mobile games, such as Helix Jump with over 800 million downloads, and both Paper.io 2 and Aquapark.io with over 270 million downloads each. Last November, Voodoo announced that it is doubling down on hyper-casual and hybrid-casual this year with new ideation frameworks, game competitions, and Voodoo events to help its community of studios reach success and drive this year’s trends.
In December last year, Voodoo announced its plans to bring blockchain gaming to the mobile space by investing and supporting talented or promising studios looking to succeed in this segment.
gaming
RedOctane Games Launches: A New Studio Dedicated to Rhythm Gaming Innovation

A fresh beat is about to drop in the world of music rhythm games. Today marks the official launch of RedOctane Games, a small but passionate studio founded by veterans of the rhythm game world, alongside exceptional new-generation developers, creators, and community leaders from the global rhythm gaming scene.
RedOctane Games is focused solely on advancing the rhythm game genre combining the past with the future and being driven forward hand in hand with this well-established and respected community of gamers. The team has been busy in pre-production over recent months and has now officially entered production on its debut rhythm-based title, which is expected to be announced later this year.
Heading up the studio is Simon Ebejer, a seasoned games industry leader who was the Production Director on several Guitar Hero titles during his time at Neversoft, later becoming Studio Head at Vicarious Visions and VP of Operations at Blizzard Entertainment, where he played a pivotal role in the organization and delivery of Diablo IV.
The RedOctane Games team includes creators and developers who helped create and scale Guitar Hero and DJ Hero nearly two decades ago, as well as proven emerging development talent and community leaders from across today’s rhythm gaming space. The studio is being built with the community from the ground up, ensuring that players are part of the creative journey from day one.
In addition, it has been announced that brothers Charles and Kai Huang will join a special advisory board for the company. Charles and Kai were the original founders of the Guitar Hero franchise back in 2005, having partnered with Harmonix Music Systems to launch the groundbreaking title that helped define a generation of rhythm gaming. Their involvement brings deep heritage and insight to the studio’s future direction.
“Rhythm games are about more than just gameplay they’re about feel, flow, and connection to the music and to each other,” said Simon Ebejer, Head of Studio. “RedOctane Games is our way of giving back to a genre that means so much to us, while pushing it forward in new and exciting directions.”
With community-built development at its core and a strong foundation of technical and creative talent, RedOctane Games is ready to deliver the next evolution in rhythm gaming.
The post RedOctane Games Launches: A New Studio Dedicated to Rhythm Gaming Innovation appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
gaming
Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens”

A chaotic jungle journey with big, bad foes and insane riches.
Welcome to the jungle, where Shoot Happens! Face your opponent, take aim, and fire your way to riches.
ELA Games unveils its boldest title to date, a combination of decision-making and narrative progression where every shot counts.
In Shoot Happens, you’re not just a player. You’re the main character who has to fend off waves of increasingly dangerous (and valuable) monsters. Armed with 3 shots per round, you’ll need precision and calm nerves to take down the reward and add it to your Winpot. Hit the target for riches. Miss… and it’s back to the beginning.
The Choice Is Yours
Each round is in the hands of the player. Do you cash out now? Or keep slashing through the jungle for bigger and better rewards? Decision-making, timing, and a whole load of guts go a long way.
Expect the Unexpected
Random projectile bonuses can appear in any round, boosting your rewards massively. And just when you thought your journey through the treacherous jungle was over, the final boss appears. While the other monsters may have been a piece of cake, he doesn’t stay down. Each time you defeat him, he respawns for juicier and recurring payouts. Keep going as long as you can handle it, and you might walk out as the top dog of the jungle.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the game’s release, “With Shoot Happens, the team ventured outside of conventional game formats, and we wanted to give players a super engaging experience where they’re in control. This title is a bold approach to game design in this industry, as we’re empowering players with choice and enriching the gameplay experience with strong visuals, narratives, and plenty of replayability.”
Play how you want. The Winpot is yours
Shoot Happens is the perfect blend of fast-paced action, bold decision-making, and interactive gameplay. Whether you’re a cautious player or a complete daredevil, the game is an enticing experience for all.
How deep into the jungle are you willing to go?
The post Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Evo
Evo Looks Forward to France and the Return of Evo Awards

The Evolution Championship Series (known as Evo) concluded its flagship event in Las Vegas presented by Chipotle tonight, crowning 16 champions while celebrating the Fighting Game Community and its culture with the biggest and most immersive three-day festival of the year. Representing the largest and longest-running fighting game tournaments on Earth, Evo welcomed tens of thousands over the weekend with millions of fans who tuned in globally.
Next up, Evo will make its European debut at the Palais des Expos in Nice, France, on October 10-12, 2025, which will become the largest fighting game festival in EU history. Registration is still open at https://evo.gg/events/2025-france. Evo also announced it will return to Japan on May 1-3, 2026 and Las Vegas on June 26-28, 2026 along with the second annual Evo Awards in 2026 with more details to be unveiled later this year. Evo Singapore is now scheduled for early 2027.
“We feel strongly about the future of Evo after Japan became the largest in-person tournament in the history of the country earlier this year and now Las Vegas as our most immersive event ever,” said Stuart Saw, CEO for RTS, who co-owns and manages Evo along with Sony Interactive Entertainment. “Our team is focused on delivering unforgettable experiences for our diverse and passionate fighting game community, and we can’t wait to reveal our evolution in France.”
Evo Las Vegas packed a punch for everyone over the weekend, anchored by competitors from 60+ countries across the eight Arena Finals and eight Extended Lineup Finals. The Evo Arena on Sunday sold out, hosting 10,000 fans who enjoyed the newly redesigned space with larger screens to not miss a punch. On Saturday, SonicFox won their eighth Evo championship, only second all-time to fighting game legend Justin Wong’s nine Evo victories. Arslan Ash won his sixth Evo championship tonight in dramatic fashion along with his third consecutive Evo Las Vegas title and second-straight TEKKEN 8 championship. MenaRD became the first Street Fighter 6 champion to win Evo Japan and Evo Las Vegas in the same year and now owns three Evo titles.
Fans were also treated to the opportunity to play unreleased major gaming titles for the first time, including Quarter Up’s (Skybound Entertainment) Invincible VS and Arc System Works’ Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls along with new characters in Street Fighter 6, 2XKO and Fatal Fury: City of Wolves.
“Las Vegas is Evo’s flagship event, so we worked meticulously to refine and improve it this year with curated experiences that celebrate competitive fighting games,” said Rick Thiher, General Manager of Evo. “Every year what I love most about Evo is seeing the first timers explore, while at the same time, welcoming back generations of fans who grew up with the community.”
Major publishers surprised fans tonight during the Arena Finals with new announcements for Invincible VS, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, Virtua Fighter, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, TEKKEN 8, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes, and Street Fighter 6.
ARENA FINALS CHAMPIONS
Street Fighter 6 – Capcom
Dominican Saul Leonardo “MenaRD” Mena II stormed through the bracket for his third Evo title after sweeping “Kakeru” from Japan in the Winners Final and the Grand Final in a rematch of Evo Japan from last year.
TEKKEN 8 – Bandai Namco Entertainment
In a 2024 rematch, Pakistan’s Arslan “Arslan Ash” Ash became a six-time Evo champion after defeating fellow countryman Atif “ATIF” Butt in a thrilling 3-1 Grand Final Reset battle. ATIF swept Arslan Ash in the Grand Final 3-0 before falling in the reset. This marked the third-straight year Arslan Ash has won in Evo Las Vegas.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – SNK’s
Japanese competitor from Osaka, Goichi “GO1” Kishida faced off against Lin “ET” Chiahung of Taiwan three times in a thrilling competition as Kishida scored a victory, 3-2, in the Grand Final Reset. GO1 became the first Evo champion of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.
Guilty Gear -Strive- – Arc System Works
American Kyle “Kshuewhatdamoo” Shumate from Dublin, Ohio., took home the title in his first-ever Evo by knocking off fellow American Nathan “RedDitto” Chen of Monterey Park, Calif., 3-0. “Kshuewhatdamoo” dropped his match in the Grand Final, 3-0, before sweeping his opponent in the Grand Final Reset.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – Cygames
American Matthieu “Kojicoco” Fardet who currently lives in Japan, defeated Matthew “Zane” Wanders from Trabuco Canyon, Calif., in a Grand Final Reset victory, 3-1, showcasing an incredible run from the Losers bracket. In 2024, Kojicoco finished in third place, marking the second consecutive year with a top three finish at Evo in Las Vegas.
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM 2 – Capcom
American Ken “Khaos” Villalobos from Los Angeles, Calif., knocked off fellow American Andy “Vigga” Nguyen from Seattle, Wash., for his first Evo championship in another thrilling contest, 3-2.
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes – Arc System Works
American Jaden “Defiant” E., from Jacksonville, Fla., who finished fourth in Evo 2024, took home the title after defeating fellow Florida native from Palm Bay, Izayah “BigBlack” Davis, 3-2. Defiant came from the Losers bracket and knocked off “BigBlack” in the Grand Final and then again in the Grand Final Reset to become a first time Evo champion.
Mortal Kombat 1 – Warner Bros. Games
American Dominique “SonicFox” McLean from Seattle, Wash., made Evo history winning their eighth overall Evo title, moving second overall to Justin Wong. They pulled out a thriller 3-2 over Nicolás “NicoLas” Martínez from Chile in a rematch from 2024.
EXTENDED LINEUP CHAMPIONS
The King of Fighters XV – SNK
Taiwan’s Lin “ET” Chiahung found redemption tonight after losing the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Grand Final earlier in the day to capture his third Evo championship after beating Kofero “Layec” Honesto of Mexico, 3-1. ET is considered to be one of the best The King of Fighters players of all time.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction – Arc System Works
American Ryane “XCaliburBladez” Jimenez from New York defeated “J-Anson” from Japan in the Grand Final, 3-2, to take the BlazBlue: Central Fiction title back to the Big Apple.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O – SEGA
Fellow Japanese competitors faced off as the top seed “Akani Shiwapo” defeated “Itabashi Zangief” 3-1 in the Grand Final.
Killer Instinct – Xbox Game Studios
Roman “Roman22s” Gilbert from Phoenix, Ariz., made an astonishing comeback from the Losers bracket by winning six-straight games over the defending champion Anthony “DaaChronicle” Garcia from Kerman, Calif. This was Gilbert’s first-career Evo title in his fourth Evo appearance.
Rivals of Aether II – offbrand games & Aether Studios
American Justin “Plup” McGrath from Orlando, Fla., knocked off countrymate Nick “Stango” Stanton of Philadelphia, Pa., 3-1. It was a dominating performance throughout the tournament from McGrath, who only dropped a single game earning his first Evo championship.
Samurai Shodown – SNK
Brad “Scrub Saibot” Hanasyk, from Edmonton, Canada, defeated “Watanabe Shachou” from Japan in a Grand Final Reset in a winner-take-all game five. This is Scrub Saibot’s first Evo championship and solidified his position as the top Samurai Shodown player in the world.
Capcom vs. SNK 2 – Capcom
Ryo “BAS” Yoshida from Japan won his third Evo championship winning 2-0 over American John “ChoiBoi” Choi from San Jose, Calif., a 2025 Evo Hall of Fame inductee during the Evo Awards in February and who has competed in every Evo.
Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 – Arc System Works
American TJ “Vogue” Huckabee from Lake Forest, Calif., won his first Evo championship 3-2 defeating American Bennett “KTP” Gerlach from Nashville, Tenn., who competed in his first Evo.
Evo produced its most immersive festival yet to unite the fighting game community. Major brands connected with fans at Evo including Chipotle (headlined with the foiled-wrapped Burrito Bus welcoming fans all weekend with free rides to a nearby Chipotle location to satisfy their cravings), AT&T, PlayStation, Qiddiya Gaming, Nacon, Zenni, Red Bull, White Claw Zero Proof, Under Armour, Voodoo Ranger IPA, and Grand Archive TCG.
The Evo Arcade Controller Museum truly came into its own this year with a history of fighting game controllers by PlayStation that channeled the life and soul of the arcade era. The museum also featured an exhibit recreating Evo Moment #37, and its Icons Art Exhibition with guest artists including Shinkiro and jbstyle honoring characters that transcend the experiences found within the games themselves.
At the center of the festival, the Evo Arcade offered fans the opportunity to play for free 300+ classic cabinet games spanning nearly the half of a football field and anchored by the Voodoo Ranger IPA Pop-Up Bar.
The expanded Evo Showcase featured new announcements, collaborations with publishers, and legends including six-time Evo champion Arslan Ash and Japanese influencer Betty facing off against nine-time Evo champion Justin Wong.
Other notable interactive experiences during Evo included the Artist Alley to purchase curated fighting game art at Evo, the Cosplay Contest with Steff Von Schweetz from Las Vegas, Nev., capturing the crown as Cagliostro from the Granblue Fantasy universe and winning an all-expense trip to a future Evo event globally, the BYOC (Bring Your Own Console) community-led area for fighting games, and the new Indie Dev Gallery featuring 14 up-and-coming fighting game publishers for fans to explore.
The post Evo Looks Forward to France and the Return of Evo Awards appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
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