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Robin Hunicke to deliver keynote at first OKRE Development Rooms event of 2022

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3 years ago

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World-leading games designer Robin Hunicke, CEO of indie game studio Funomena, is to give the keynote at the first OKRE Development Rooms event of 2022.

Hunicke co-founded the San Francisco-based studio in 2012. Funomena creates experimental games across a variety of platforms, including PC and VR, and has a mission to help people experience their innate playfulness, curiosity and creativity.

The many award-winning titles Hunicke has worked on include Journey, Wattam, and Boom Blox.

Robin is also Professor of Games and Playable Media at UC Santa Cruz where she explores games as a medium of critical, social and expressive artistic practice.

She will give the keynote at OKRE Development Rooms: Preservation Era on Wednesday, January 26th.

OKRE Development Rooms are monthly events taking place on the final Wednesday of every month, bringing entertainment industry creatives together with leading researchers and experts by experience from around the world.

They are produced by the charity OKRE, a global hub for collaboration across the entertainment industry, research and social impact sectors. OKRE’s aim is to expand people’s understanding of the world through opening knowledge across research and entertainment.

The only event series of its kind, OKRE Development Rooms are open to creators working across games, film, audio, social media and television. Each event provides a rich mix of perspectives and cutting-edge research to inspire future projects.

Titles of other OKRE Development Rooms in the 2022 season include Constructing Catastrophe, The Quest for Eternal Life and How to Rewrite Reality.

Booking for each event is free, although places are limited.

The Editorial Committee for the 2022 OKRE Development Rooms has also been announced, including Ambreena Budaly (Adidas Originals), Lizzie Francke (BFI), Des Gayle (Fellow Traveller), Akua Gyamfi (The British Blacklist), Manda Levin (BBC), Fiona McDermott (Channel 4), Jason Phipps (Chalk & Blade) and Chella Ramanan (3-Fold).

Iain Dodgeon, Director of OKRE, said: “Following the success of OKRE Development Rooms in 2021, including our event at Cannes Film Festival, I’m delighted we’ll be staging the OKRE Development Rooms monthly from 2022. Anyone with a passion for creating compelling content knows the value of fresh and unexpected perspectives. Guided by such a talented and passionate Editorial Committee, these are events not to be missed. We have already seen the results of past events come to fruition and I can’t wait to see what this next season of the OKRE Development Rooms inspires.”

Lisa Jamieson, Executive Producer for OKRE Development Rooms said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have the chance to lead this unique event series. OKRE Development Rooms offer an opportunity to bring researchers together with the entertainment industry that can be found nowhere else and I can’t wait to see what stories are shared and collaborations created.”

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South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries

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6 hours ago

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May 12, 2025

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South Africa is once again positioning itself as a leader in ethical gambling practices, with the upcoming Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 set to take place on 13–14 November 2025 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This landmark event will gather international experts, regulators, and industry professionals to address the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling across Africa.

Hosted by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) in collaboration with major regulatory bodies such as the National Gambling Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, and Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, the summit aims to drive forward an evidence-based, solutions-focused agenda that ensures gambling growth does not come at the cost of public well-being.

As South Africa continues to see rising participation in both land-based and gambling online, the summit is timely. It will tackle issues ranging from technological safeguards and public health integration, to policy harmonisation and vulnerable population protection.

Advocating for Safer Online Gambling

As South Africa strengthens its role in setting responsible gambling standards, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za remains at the forefront of this effort in the online casino space. Our portal is more than a online casino listing site — it is a trusted source of expert advice, consumer guidance, and responsible gambling advocacy.

Since our inception, we have maintained a clear policy: we only recommend licensed, regulated casinos in south africa that adhere to strict player protection measures. These include transparent terms, fair bonus practices, and built-in tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.

“The online gambling landscape in South Africa is growing rapidly,” says a spokesperson for SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za. “But with growth comes responsibility. Our mission is to ensure players have access to safe, ethical gambling environments. We support the goals of the Responsible Gambling Summit and encourage every operator to prioritise the welfare of their players.”

Practical Frameworks for Change

The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will focus on seven key thematic areas:

  • Understanding gambling behaviour and disorders through science-led approaches.
  • Overcoming barriers to effective policy implementation, including gaps in education and enforcement.
  • Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven risk detection and real-time player monitoring.
  • Adopting global regulatory best practices tailored to South African realities.
  • Protecting at-risk individuals and communities, especially youth and those in lower-income brackets.
  • Educating the public on the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
  • Building international networks to ensure future readiness and consistency across borders.

Each session is designed to lead to real-world outcomes, with progress monitored and reported biennially. This commitment to transparency aligns with broader calls for industry-wide accountability.

How Players Can Gamble Responsibly

Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, here are some essential responsible gambling tips:

  • Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • Set a time limit before you start and stick to it.
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
  • Avoid playing when you are upset, stressed, or intoxicated.
  • Use built-in responsible gaming tools provided by licensed operators.
  • Keep track of your play history and regularly review your habits.
  • Seek help if gambling is no longer fun, or if it begins to impact your personal life.

At SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, we make these practices easier by highlighting casinos that offer responsible gambling features as part of our review process. Each recommended site undergoes a thorough evaluation based on licensing, fairness, transparency, and player protection standards.

Our Commitment to the South African Gambling Community

With a growing base of South African users, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za plays an important educational role in the online gambling space. Our platform offers in-depth guides, news updates, free bonus casinos, free spins casinos  and strategy articles designed to help players make informed decisions.

We actively follow developments in gambling regulation and work to ensure our listings are in line with the latest responsible gambling initiatives. As the conversation around ethical gambling evolves, so does our content — reflecting the high standards that South African players deserve.

South Africa’s leadership in responsible gambling sets a high standard not just for the continent, but for the global industry. By playing at casinos that are transparent, regulated, and committed to safety — such as those featured on SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za — players can enjoy the entertainment of gambling while staying in control.

The post South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Latest News

South Africa is Leading the Call for Responsible Gambling in African Countries

Published

7 hours ago

on

May 12, 2025

By

South Africa is once again positioning itself as a leader in ethical gambling practices, with the upcoming Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 set to take place on 13–14 November 2025 at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, Gauteng. This landmark event will gather international experts, regulators, and industry professionals to address the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling across Africa.

Hosted by the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) in collaboration with major regulatory bodies such as the National Gambling Board, Eastern Cape Gambling Board, and Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, the summit aims to drive forward an evidence-based, solutions-focused agenda that ensures gambling growth does not come at the cost of public well-being.

As South Africa continues to see rising participation in both land-based and gambling online, the summit is timely. It will tackle issues ranging from technological safeguards and public health integration, to policy harmonisation and vulnerable population protection.

Advocating for Safer Online Gambling

As South Africa strengthens its role in setting responsible gambling standards, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za remains at the forefront of this effort in the online casino space. Our portal is more than a online casino listing site — it is a trusted source of expert advice, consumer guidance, and responsible gambling advocacy.

Since our inception, we have maintained a clear policy: we only recommend licensed, regulated casinos in south africa that adhere to strict player protection measures. These include transparent terms, fair bonus practices, and built-in tools such as deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion options.

“The online gambling landscape in South Africa is growing rapidly,” says a spokesperson for SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za. “But with growth comes responsibility. Our mission is to ensure players have access to safe, ethical gambling environments. We support the goals of the Responsible Gambling Summit and encourage every operator to prioritise the welfare of their players.”

Practical Frameworks for Change

The Responsible Gambling Summit 2025 will focus on seven key thematic areas:

  • Understanding gambling behaviour and disorders through science-led approaches.
  • Overcoming barriers to effective policy implementation, including gaps in education and enforcement.
  • Leveraging technology, such as AI-driven risk detection and real-time player monitoring.
  • Adopting global regulatory best practices tailored to South African realities.
  • Protecting at-risk individuals and communities, especially youth and those in lower-income brackets.
  • Educating the public on the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
  • Building international networks to ensure future readiness and consistency across borders.

Each session is designed to lead to real-world outcomes, with progress monitored and reported biennially. This commitment to transparency aligns with broader calls for industry-wide accountability.

How Players Can Gamble Responsibly

Whether you’re new to online casinos or an experienced player, here are some essential responsible gambling tips:

  • Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
  • Set a time limit before you start and stick to it.
  • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
  • Avoid playing when you are upset, stressed, or intoxicated.
  • Use built-in responsible gaming tools provided by licensed operators.
  • Keep track of your play history and regularly review your habits.
  • Seek help if gambling is no longer fun, or if it begins to impact your personal life.

At SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, we make these practices easier by highlighting casinos that offer responsible gambling features as part of our review process. Each recommended site undergoes a thorough evaluation based on licensing, fairness, transparency, and player protection standards.

Our Commitment to the South African Gambling Community

With a growing base of South African users, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za plays an important educational role in the online gambling space. Our platform offers in-depth guides, news updates, free bonus casinos, free spins casinos  and strategy articles designed to help players make informed decisions.

We actively follow developments in gambling regulation and work to ensure our listings are in line with the latest responsible gambling initiatives. As the conversation around ethical gambling evolves, so does our content — reflecting the high standards that South African players deserve.

South Africa’s leadership in responsible gambling sets a high standard not just for the continent, but for the global industry. By playing at casinos that are transparent, regulated, and committed to safety — such as those featured on SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za — players can enjoy the entertainment of gambling while staying in control.

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HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025

Published

7 hours ago

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May 12, 2025

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

HIPTHER is thrilled to announce the official networking and social venues for the 2025 edition of the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit, taking place on 27–28 May in Vilnius, Lithuania. With three nights of curated gatherings designed to foster connection and celebration, the summit experience is as much about meaningful encounters as it is about cutting-edge insights.

This year’s networking activities will offer attendees a perfect balance of professional engagement and relaxed atmosphere – true to HIPTHER’s signature style of blending business with warmth and hospitality.

Day 0 – 26 May: The Welcome Meet

The networking begins on the evening before the official conference, as attendees gather for a warm and informal kick-off at Piano Man Bar, a cozy local favorite in the heart of Vilnius. From 18:00 to 22:00, guests will be welcomed into a laid-back atmosphere that sets the tone for the days ahead – whether reconnecting with familiar faces or raising a glass with new ones. The Welcome Meet is all about starting the summit in a relaxed style that fosters connection: with stories, laughter, and the kind of conversations that only happen when the pressure’s off.

Day 1 – 27 May: Evening Social Gathering & BSG Awards Ceremony

On the first official conference evening, the networking continues with a celebratory gathering at Jazz Cellar 11, one of Vilnius’ most atmospheric live music venues. Kicking off at 19:45 and continuing late into the night, the event will feature the 2025 BSG Awards Ceremony, honoring excellence across the Baltic and Scandinavian gaming sectors. With HIPTHER’s well-known sense of timing, the ceremony will be brief and to the point, allowing more time for informal exchanges, smooth jazz, and a relaxed yet elegant ambiance perfect for deepening connections.

Day 2 – 28 May: Closing Party

The final evening of the summit concludes in style with the Closing Party at Invino Vilnius, a refined wine bar located in the historic center of the city. Join us for an unforgettable evening, where wine flows, conversations spark, and the energy carries on into the night. Enjoy carefully selected wines, refreshing drinks, and delicious snacks in one of Vilnius’ coziest and most atmospheric venues. Beginning at 19:30, this farewell gathering will be the ideal evening to wrap up the MARE BALTICUM experience, reflect on new insights, and say “until next time” in true HIPTHER fashion.

Gaming & TECH Insights: A Dual-Stage Theme Built for Depth & Discovery

In addition to the social calendar, HIPTHER is proud to present the two official conference stages that will host both the insightful industry panels and the highly anticipated HIPTHER Academy Workshops:

Compliance & Operations Lab – Sponsored by Pace App
Designed for regulatory minds and operational leaders, this stage will spotlight the frameworks shaping fintech, gaming, and compliance today.

TechXperience Stage – Sponsored by NuxGame
A future-forward space dedicated to innovation and tech-fueled discussions across AI, Blockchain, Fintech, virtual reality, and beyond.

Together, the stages will welcome thought leaders and industry pioneers for meaningful discussions across verticals including iGaming, eSports, Fintech, Blockchain, AI, and more –  while also hosting hands-on workshops from the HIPTHER Academy.

Hands-On Learning with HIPTHER Academy Workshops

Complementing the summit’s dual-stage agenda, the HIPTHER Academy Workshops will empower professionals with actionable tools and strategic insight across critical areas of gaming, tech, and law. Topics include:

  • RegTech in Action: A deep dive into AML and compliance-ready frameworks for fintechs, led by ReguLearn Founder Viktorija Poluektova.
  • Creative Rights, Real Risks: A legal and strategic guide to sponsorships, IP, and branding in gaming and entertainment, delivered by Andrius Gabnys and Jovita Morta Gabne of GABNÉ.GABNYS.
  • Crypto Custody Under MiCA: A practical exploration of crypto regulation, transparency, and consumer protection under MiCA, with Anna Agu of Lex Law Office OU.
  • Neuroshift: A neuroscience-powered workshop on rewiring performance and leadership mindset, facilitated by Maria Loumpourdi of Made From Within.

HIPTHER’s Co-Founder, Zoltan Tuendik, stated about this year’s Social Agenda and Conference Stages “MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit has always been more than just another industry conference. It’s a community-powered experience where people connect, collaborate, and challenge ideas in an environment that feels both professional and personal. With this year’s mix of vibrant networking venues and the dual-stage format designed to fuel serious insight and discovery, we are doubling down on what makes this summit special. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Vilnius for what promises to be our most engaging edition yet.”

The MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 promises a high-impact mix of strategic content and social experiences, creating the ideal setting for learning, inspiration, and building real industry relationships.

For more information and to view the full agenda, visit:
👉 hipther.com/events/vilnius

The post HIPTHER Confirms Exciting Networking Venues and Stage Themes for MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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