Latest News
How Esports are Redefining the World of Sports
Esports have quickly grown from a specialised pastime to a worldwide phenomenon that influences everything from professional sports to entertainment. Digital tournaments are challenging conventional ideas of sportsmanship, competition, and athleticism since they draw enormous audiences and provide substantial cash sources.
In addition to captivating millions of fans globally, this developing sector is changing the sports industry’s economic environment and posing new opportunities and difficulties for players, fans, and corporations alike. Let’s explore the ways in which this virtual battlefield is redefining sports culture.
What are the Key Features of E-sports?
Electronic sports, or esports, differentiate themselves from traditional sports with a number of important characteristics. The digital platform, where games are played on PCs or consoles and allow for worldwide participation and viewing, is a major component of its attractiveness. Professional teams and lone players compete in well-known video games of all kinds, including first-person shooters, real-time strategy, and multiplayer online combat arenas. These competitions are extremely well-organized.
The utilisation of live streaming services and niche esports platforms, which enable real-time broadcasting to a global audience, making esports accessible to millions and cultivating a thriving community of watchers and supporters, is another distinctive feature. In addition to increasing audience involvement, this internet connectedness fosters a complex web of broadcast rights, sponsorships, and merchandise.
The Growth of Esports
Esports’ rapid expansion has drawn interest from a wide range of stakeholders, including all BP Group Casinos, who see the opportunity for significant financial gain in this rapidly expanding sector. In an effort to capitalise on the excitement of a younger, tech-savvy audience, casinos are exploring more and more to include esports betting in their services as esports competitions draw greater viewership. The popularity of esports has increased even further as a result of this integration; major event prize pools now match those of regular sports.
Casinos are utilising this trend to broaden their clientele and improve their entertainment offerings, as seen by their smart partnerships with well-known gaming events and esports teams. This mutually beneficial partnership highlights how much esports have impacted the gaming and entertainment industries as a whole and indicates that these industries will continue to expand and innovate in the years to come.
Esports as a Career: Opportunities and Challenges
A career in esports presents both significant hurdles and a wealth of potential. As the sport grows, it generates jobs for coaches, analysts, broadcasters, and marketers in addition to players, demonstrating a diverse ecosystem that caters to a range of interests and ability levels. Similar to conventional athletics, players may become celebrities and perhaps earn large sponsorships and prize money. But there are challenges along the way. The competitive environment is extremely tough, and maintaining a high standard of performance may be psychologically and physically exhausting.
Furthermore, compared to other occupations, players usually have shorter professional lifespans, necessitating ongoing skill improvement and flexibility. Resilience and strategic preparation are necessary in this environment if one is to effectively traverse its complexity and maintain a long-term career in this fast-paced sector.
Esports vs. Traditional Sports
Traditional sports and esports both have the fundamental excitement of competition and spectatorship, but they differ greatly in terms of execution and culture. Traditional sports have a rich history and are fundamental to both community identity and world culture. They are built on physical prowess and involve either outdoor or court-based activities. On the other hand, esports flourishes in virtual surroundings, stressing fast reflexes, strategic thinking, and collaboration. This also applies to the audience: esports supporters mostly view tournaments online, creating a social media community, whereas traditional sports fans often watch games in stadiums or on television.
The availability of esports, which everyone with internet connection and the necessary gear can play or watch, stands in stark contrast to many traditional sports, which are sometimes financially and geographically inaccessible. These distinctions show not just how different one is from the other in terms of appeal, but also how each may improve fan interaction and reach by learning from the other.
Predictions for the Next Decade in the Esports Industry
The esports business is expected to experience revolutionary expansion over the next ten years, driven by new technology and evolving societal attitudes. There are rumours that virtual and augmented reality might completely change the way fans watch esports by providing immersive experiences that combine digital and physical media. There’s also talk of artificial intelligence taking on a bigger role—possibly in strategy, coaching, and even in producing tailored watching experiences. With more money coming in from media companies and traditional sports teams hoping to take advantage of the lucrative esports business, global growth is also imminent.
Furthermore, more organised training and development programmes that resemble those in traditional sports may be implemented as long as academic institutions continue to acknowledge esports as a valid career path and varsity sport. These advancements have the potential to significantly elevate the field’s professionalism and stability of professions within the business.
The post How Esports are Redefining the World of Sports appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
PG Soft has released Three Crazy Piggies slot, a modern twist on the classic fable that sees the tables turned on the cunning grey wolf. Three Crazy Piggies is a 5-reel (3 rows in reel 3, 4 rows in reels 1, 2, 4 and 5) video slot starring symbol transformations and x10 multiplier. A rocking soundtrack builds the atmosphere in Everloom Forest, as the youngest brother’s stone house is challenged to stand against the wolf’s might.
Get set for a party in the USA as Relax Gaming, the iGaming aggregator and supplier of unique content unveils its latest release, Quackin’ Reels. This 3×3 slot is populated by birds who are enjoying life at a backyard party in true American style! Quackin’ Reels’ cast ofcolourful characters enhances the feature-filled gameplay which can potentially see players win a maximum of 8,850x their stake.
Stakelogic invites players to enjoy the thrill of the Super Wheel™ once again with the launch of the Big Cash Super Wheel™ slot. From the moment Big Cash Super Wheel™ loads up, it is clear this isn’t your typical online slot. The title puts a unique spin on the standard game grid, using a 2x3x4x5x6 reel shape with a connected ways win system to captivate audiences, while also offering wins of up to 5,000x their stake.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. in partnership with William Hill announces the launch of William Hill Vegas Gold Cash Freespins™. This bespoke game combines renowned William Hill Vegas imagery with the engaging mechanics of Inspired’s popular Gold Cash Freespins theme.
Nolimit City is back behind bars with San Quentin 2: Death Row. It’s been nearly 4 years since the OG San Quentin xWays® escaped into the world, and the fans have been hungry for more ever since. Well, the wait is over. It’s time to do hard time… again.
Thunderkick has launched The Gunman of Goldwood, the latest addition to its distinctive product portfolio that places players at the heart of a duel on the American frontier. The titular Gunman is the game’s highest-paying symbol, surrounded by revolvers, knives, and whiskey bottles.
Players can expect ghosts, ghouls and big wins in Boo, the frightening new slot from Big Time Gaming set to hit operator game lobbies in time for Halloween. Only the bravest of players will dare to gather around as the reels spin amidst the haunting air, conjuring excitement with every ghostly apparition. Spines will tingle as each winning symbol triggers a hair-raising reaction that promises to put players on the edge of their seats.
Everygame Casino‘s new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion is a high-stakes whodunit with a Reel Copy feature and a choice of up to four modes for its Free Games bonus round. In the new Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion, players enter the world of candlesticks, daggers, and clues to solve the mystery of Mirror Mansion and spin their way to stacks of cash.
Play’n GO dares players to brave the inferno and uncover untold treasures in the newest slot adventure, Kingdom Below. Set in the blistering heart of Hell, Kingdom Below challenges players to join Ignis, the fearsome ruler of the underworld, in a quest for mystery prizes and hidden treasures. In this treacherous 5×4 grid slot, the line between danger and reward blurs, offering thrill-seekers a chance to face the flames and emerge victorious with the spoils of the inferno.
Spinomenal has enhanced its Wildlife Slot Series with the release of Buffalo Rampage Hold & Hit. This latest title from Spinomenal is set across a vast landscape that stretches along a rugged tapestry of towering mountains and sweeping plains. The medium symbols include an Eagle, Black Bear, Wolf, and Big Cat. A powerful Buffalo represents the Wild and three or more pay when followed by a free spin or a bonus symbol. The Wild substitutes for any symbol except free spins and bonus symbols.
Evoplay is taking players to the Colosseum in its new slot Chained Fighters, where wilds unlock the key to big wins. With a backdrop of Ancient Rome, the 5×4 slot sees wilds land in stacks of up to four per reel to boost reward potential in the base game whilst multi-coloured gladiators make up the high-paying symbols.
Booming Games’ latest slot title sets the gold standard with its gilded gameplay and shimmering big win potential. Gold Gold Gold 5000 is the follow-up to the hugely popular Gold Gold Gold, but with an even bigger max win potential. Gold Gold Gold 5000 is set across five reels and three rows with 20 paylines active in the base game.
Playson marks the eagerly anticipated return of its iconic jester in Pink Joker: Hold and Win, offering a host of in-game jackpots, a special Pile of Gold feature and a lavish Bonus Game offering Stacked Multipliers. Donning a deep pink outfit in Playson’s refreshing take on its player-favourite Hold and Win series, the joker unleashes a thrilling adventure on the 3×3 matrix, accompanied by a feast of classic fruit, electric and jackpot-style coin symbols.
Blueprint Gaming’s player-favourite gorilla marks his comeback in style through the company’s latest release King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas 2, offering slot enthusiasts a host of new features to explore. The 4,096 ways to win slot sees the notorious Kong take centre stage on the 6×4 grid, accompanied by fellow jungle inhabitants and a series of specially themed-bonus icons.
CryptoSlots proudly announces the launch of its latest title, Spartan Conquest, inspired by the heroic Spartan warriors of Ancient Greece. This cutting-edge Mega Matrix 5×4 video slot with 28 paylines is the first on CryptoSlots to introduce Colossal Symbols. Players can take advantage of enticing deposit bonuses until October 4. In Spartan Conquest, players can embark on a journey through ancient battlefields, where epic symbols such as war elephants, Spartan helmets, shields and crossed swords populate the reels.
The new release from MGA Games will take players to the top of Mount Olympus to accompany the mighty Zeus, king of the gods. This new 5×3 game with 25 prize lines also features an epic soundtrack that will immerse the player in a divine atmosphere as the reels spin and fortune is unleashed. The themed symbols on the reels are inspired by the myths of classical Greece.
TaDa Gaming is dishing out the treats with new release Lucky Doggy. Wilds, Scatters, Multipliers and generous Free Spins are further enhanced with a superb bonus game in this six rows, five reels, 50 fixed paylines slot. There are two Scatters in Lucky Doggy. The Bonus Scatter can only appear on reels two and three and the Gamble Scatter on reel four.
Would you dare to summon the most terrifying of Egyptian plagues? That is exactly what’s being asked of players in Fantasma Games’ latest blockbuster slot, Shadow Summoner Egypt, already showing outstanding player engagement KPIs from its initial limited market release. Shadow Summoner Egypt is scheduled for general market release in the very near future.
The post Week 39/2024 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Paul Gauselmann steps down from the group’s executive management / Michael Gauselmann assumes the roles of Chairman of the Supervisory Board and the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation / Lars Felderhoff is appointed new Chairman of the Management Board
A new chapter is dawning for the Merkur Group as company founder Paul Gauselmann is set to retire as Management Board Chairman on 1 October, stepping back from the company’s executive leadership. For 67 years, he has shaped the destiny of the group, transforming a part-time one-man business into an internationally acclaimed group of companies with total sales revenues of around 4 billion euros and external sales revenues of over 2.7 billion euros. “I have consistently devoted my energy to the company’s welfare, and at the same time to the benefit of our approximately 15,000 employees,” he stated. “Now the time has come to entrust my life’s work to the younger generation,” explains Paul Gauselmann. Lars Felderhoff, 48, CFO of the Merkur Group, will assume the role of Chairman. He will be supported by Jürgen Stühmeyer (64), Management Board member with responsibility for sales, and Manfred Stoffers (70), Management Board member with responsibility for marketing, communications and political affairs, as vice-chairs. “I am delighted that this trio is taking over the helm. They are outstanding leaders with a deep understanding of the company,” adds Paul Gauselmann, who will continue his association with the company as a member of the Gauselmann Family Foundation.
A generational shift is also taking place on another level: Michael Gauselmann (68) is set to assume the role of Chairman of the Supervisory Board from Manfred Grünewald (89) on 1 October. He will also succeed Paul Gauselmann as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Gauselmann Family Foundation. As the sole shareholder of the group, the Foundation is the hub for all fundamental strategic decisions. “I am thrilled that my son Michael is embracing this important responsibility and will contribute his international experience to our company,” states Paul Gauselmann. Michael Gauselmann, a business administration graduate, joined the group in 1982 and worked across all business segments. He advanced internationalisation by establishing the subsidiary Atronic in 1993, overseeing all foreign operations. For a decade, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Management Board before becoming Co-Chairman of the Group Management Board, sharing responsibilities with Paul Gauselmann from 2004 to 2012. From 2013, he was involved in the then Gauselmann Family Council and, from 2016, in the Gauselmann Family Foundation.
Lars Felderhoff will assume responsibility for executive management as the new Group Chairman. He has overseen the finances and organisation of the Merkur Group since 2018. He started his career in 2000 at the subsidiary Atronic. From 2007 to 2011, he expanded his expertise at the gaming group GTech (now IGT) and at Metro Cash & Carry International, a wholesale group. Felderhoff rejoined Merkur in 2011 as the Commercial Director of the adp Merkur subsidiary. In that capacity, he was in charge of commercial operations for the Merkur business segment, encompassing over 40 companies both in Germany and internationally. As a native of Rahden, he has close ties to the region and understands the roots of the corporate group. “The challenge is immense, and naturally, we will not be able to fill the shoes of an entrepreneur like Paul Gauselmann one-to-one. However, the company is robust and agile enough to continue setting new benchmarks in the future.”
He is assisted by the Management Board’s Vice-Chairs, Jürgen Stühmeyer and Manfred Stoffers. Stühmeyer, who hails from Minden, has dedicated 37 years to the Eastern-Westphalian company, starting as a trainee in 1987 and progressively advancing through the ranks. In his function as the Management Board member responsible for sales, he has directed the strategic orientation and commercial success of the entire Merkur pillar since 2007. Manfred Stoffers joined the company in 2011 as a consultant to the Chairman of Gauselmann AG, and was appointed Management Board member responsible for Marketing, Communications and Political Affairs in 2015.
Paul Gauselmann expressed great satisfaction with the top-level personnel changes, stating, “Reorganising the company by the time I turn 90 has been my wish for some time. We have accomplished this very well and are ideally positioned for the future, particularly as my son Michael, both a member of the Gauselmann family and an experienced entrepreneur, will continue to be involved in the most critical decisions.”
The post Leadership transition within the Merkur Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
GameplAI is harnessing the gains in automation seen in other tech sectors and bringing them to the sports betting industry, with more accurate pricing and automation which reduces the manual overhead of risk-management for trading teams. Its growing group of partners are benefiting from a series of never-before-seen, player-focused markets that engage fans both pre-game and in-play.
Gaming Americas caught up with their Co-Founder, Graham Savage, the man at the helm of a company on the road to becoming the premium supplier of automated and quantitative-driven sports solutions for the sector.
After GameplAI’s defining Q1 raise earlier this year, how have you been deploying the funds?
There are two core priorities for the deployment of our capital. The first is the expansion of our team. We have already doubled the size of the team since January and we are still looking to hire additional technology and sports-modelling expertise. The second strand is a focus on licensing. Given the global footprint of our expanding customer base, we are actively pursuing licences in multiple U.S. states in addition to emerging LatAm regions such as Peru and Argentina.
What does adding Marco Blume as an investor do for the company?
Marco provides fantastic insight and context in terms of what is most important to operators when assessing third-party products. Under his tenure, Pinnacle became a global leader in terms of sports product and pricing and this is the equivalent position that we are keen to assume within the suppliers’ sphere.
How do you see the supply market changing in the year ahead?
We see a strong emphasis being placed by operators on both in-play and props products. We feel this will be a dual responsibility to solve, with the onus being on companies like ourselves to create innovative products bolstered by compelling and accurate pricing, whilst our B2C partners will prioritise delivering intuitive and engaging front end UI to further embellish the product experience.
How were the Euros/Copa America for you and your recent operator deals?
We used both tournaments as a test bed. Betano, the premium online sports betting and gaming brand, launched a segment of the football player props product that we have developed in conjunction with Opta data. These markets proved to be hugely popular and we will roll out our extensive football props solution with Betano over the coming weeks.
In parallel, we launched a proof of concept of our football narrator product with a leading UK operator, which generates contextual markets in-play, relative to the most recent game state. These markets were really well-received by UK-based customers and we will look to broaden the scope of that collaboration, now that the domestic season has resumed.
What are the opportunities for GameplAI right now in the medium to long-term?
We have been very fortunate with the stature of partners with whom we are working. Their respective product and trading teams have been a fantastic support and resource for us – and working with people of that calibre will only serve to further enhance the quality of our product offering.
Broadening our international footprint is also hugely exciting and by the end of year we will be live with market-leading partners across three separate continents, which represents incredible progress in 12 months. We are hugely enthused at the prospects ahead and firmly believe GameplAI will be at the forefront of driving new product innovation in sports in 2025 and beyond.
Week 39/2024 slot games releases
Leadership transition within the Merkur Group
Play’n GO announces US release of Midnight Princess
Propping up the prediction game for sports betting
The Star: New Debt Facility Arrangement
BOS/The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling commissions Advisense to strengthen efforts against money laundering
Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort and Quick Custom Intelligence Forge a 3-Year Strategic Alliance
Great Canadian Entertainment and Petroglyph Development Group Announce Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Elements Casino Victoria
Coloured coins provide bonus boosters in Evoplay’s latest release Cat’s Blessing
Gaming Corps Announces the Launch of Expanding Joker
-
gaming2 years agoODIN by 4Players: Immersive, state-of-the-art in-game audio launches into the next generation of gaming
-
EEG iGaming Directory8 years ago
iSoftBet continues to grow with new release Forest Mania
-
News7 years ago
Softbroke collaborates with Asia Live Tech for the expansion of the service line in the igaming market
-
News6 years ago
Super Bowl LIII: NFL Fans Can Bet on the #1 Sportsbook Review Site Betting-Super-Bowl.com, Providing Free Unbiased and Trusted News, Picks and Predictions
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
Rick Meitzler appointed to the Indian Gaming Magazine Advisory Board for 2018
-
News6 years ago
REVEALED: Top eSports players set to earn $3.2 million in 2019
-
iGaming Industry7 years ago
French Senator raises Loot Boxes to France’s Gambling Regulator
-
News6 years ago
Exclusive Interview with Miklos Handa (Founder of the email marketing solutions, “MailMike.net”), speaker at Vienna International Gaming Expo 2018
