The most significant event for the gaming industry in Eastern Europe – the Balkan Entertainment & Gaming Expo (BEGE) – will bring together leading companies, innovators, and industry representatives on November 27 and 28 for its 15th-anniversary edition. In celebration of this milestone, the organizers have prepared numerous surprises and special awards.

Once again, BEGE will offer a rich program, uniting industry leaders, investors, and successful entrepreneurs to share ideas, technologies, and inspiration. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to explore the latest gaming technologies, try out innovative solutions, and enjoy impressive demonstrations.

Traditionally, the first and second days of the event feature the EEGS conference, where internationally recognized speakers will present analyses and discussions critical to the development of the gaming industry. Special panels will provide a platform for leading gaming experts to discuss the future of the industry, emerging trends, and initiatives promoting responsible gaming practices.

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For the first time, BEGE will welcome startups, offering them the opportunity to participate in Gaming StartUp Challenge 6.0. This challenge provides a unique opportunity to meet with key industry figures. The most promising startups will be recognized and granted invaluable access to the experience and insights of industry leaders.

As always, the exhibition begins with the BEGE Awards ceremony, a symbol of recognition for innovation, outstanding achievements, and success across various sectors of the gaming industry, with awards such as “Online Provider of the Year” and “Online Game of the Year.” The awards will be presented on November 26 at an elegant dinner at Black&White club in Sofia’s Grand Hotel Millennium.

A key highlight of the program is the Proximity Zone, providing companies with additional visibility through live-streamed interviews and product presentations with leading global brands and experts.

BEGE is a must-attend event for anyone with an interest in the gaming industry. This year, more than 80 exhibitors and over 6,000 visitors from 70 countries are expected, making it a place where the passion for gaming and innovation meets business opportunities.

Champions Unite to Walk the Path to Perfection Together

TotoGaming, which entered the Romanian market in January 2024, has announced a partnership with CFR Cluj, the eight-time Romanian football champions. This agreement will span two competitive seasons, starting with the 2024/25 season.

The goal? To create even more spectacular, inspiring football.

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This is not TotoGaming’s first collaboration with football clubs; the brand, with a 20-year history in Armenia, has sponsored five Armenian football clubs. However, this marks its first partnership in Romanian sports.

“This collaboration was anticipated. Supporting the development of sports and promoting a healthy lifestyle have been core principles of TotoGaming from the beginning. CFR Cluj exemplifies these championship values. The club, with its 100-year history, knows what it takes to become a champion,” said Harutyun Vardanyan, CEO of TotoGaming.

CFR Cluj and TotoGaming have the same destination: both in sports and in life, each day begins with a champion’s commitment to embrace challenges and pursue victory.

A new fully EveryMatrix-funded project aimed at helping veterans of the war in Ukraine transition to develop new careers in technology has launched in Lviv.

The NGO, entitled ‘Academy for Heroes’, is spearheaded by EveryMatrix and was inspired by its 300+ employees, based in Lviv in Ukraine, some of whom are fighting in the war.

There are hundreds of thousands of combatants in Ukraine, a number that is rising every day. Following their return from war, sometimes with serious injuries, many need social adaptation and work that can provide a more certain future.

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The Academy will organise courses designed by leading experts in the IT industry, enabling former military personnel to gain the knowledge and skills needed for successful IT careers.

Beyond its primary goal of equipping veterans with IT skills, it also aims to help them successfully integrate into today’s labour market. EveryMatrix and several other local IT companies will be involved in the employment of veterans after they have completed courses.

Ebbe Groes, Group CEO and Co-Founder, EveryMatrix, said: “Our Lviv office is central to our continued success and growth. Ever since the country has experienced conflict we have supported our friends and colleagues, as well as charities, with much needed funds committing more than €2 million to date, and we will continue to help them.

“Now, we’re taking that one step further by setting up our second company NGO to ensure veterans receive the training and skills they need to return to work and develop successful careers in technology.

“The IT industry is one of the strongest parts of the Ukrainian economy, renowned worldwide for technical skills. I hope many will either join us or go on to join other IT companies, giving them hope and a more certain future for themselves and their families.”

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Professor Oleksiy Druhov, CEO, Academy for Heroes, said: “This is the only continuously operating project of its kind in Ukraine for military veterans. Our goal is to teach four groups of veterans every year.

“Each group will have its own specialisation such as Project Management, Quality Assurance and Full stack to name just a few areas. We carefully monitor the Ukrainian IT market and only train the specialisms required.

“All participants will undergo internships at EveryMatrix and other leading Ukrainian IT companies during their studies and they will have the best teachers from the IT Industry. We are also planning to open a specialised, inclusive-friendly training centre at the end of 2024.”

This is the second fully funded NGO that EveryMatrix has initiated. In 2015 the iGaming technology provider established TeachStream supplying much needed funds and resources to disadvantaged children in Romania who might otherwise never have the opportunity to develop IT, computer science, mathematics and English skills.