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METANOMIC LAUNCHES ‘THUNDERSTRUCK’ – 1st gamer analysis tool powered by AI
Metanomic, the complete game economy and player analytics company, today proudly announces the global launch of its Thunderstruck player analytics platform; which is poised to revolutionise game developers’ use of behavioural data to improve retention and monetisation.
Thunderstruck is the first ever video game analytics platform to leverage AI-powered behavioural analytics. It makes use of Bayesian inference-backed AI to understand data from real in-game events, drawn directly from game servers. Thunderstruck analyses player motivations, play styles, and reward preferences, providing developers with live information on who their game is for, what types of players have the highest retention, and which players spend the most in-game. Until now, game creators have had to rely on outdated player classification models combined with market research, and plug gaps in insight with assumptions and guesswork.
Metanomic was founded in 2021 by veteran game designers, AI experts, and professional economists, and has successfully secured USD $2.9 million pre-seed funding to-date. Thunderstruck is launching with 7 player types – Killers, Achievers, Explorers, Socialisers, Speedsters, Conquerors, and Scientists – which can be tailored to the priorities of individual game titles. Player types will be refined and added to as the platform analyses data from more titles, while its Bayesian AI means Thunderstruck can even identify the series of events that lead to specific player actions.
Announcing the launch of Thunderstruck, Theo Priestley, CEO and Founder of Metanomic, said:
“For too long, game developers have relied on blunt instruments to understand their players. It’s no exaggeration to say that the bulk of the games industry’s framework for player classification dates back to a 1996 essay by Richard Bartle. A generation later, Thunderstruck is the next big leap forward, taking just a few days to generate more insight than a team of analysts could in a month. We understand that players can straddle multiple personas or even change persona based on their motivations, and use custom AI and live data to accurately anticipate how they’ll respond to metagame changes. Thunderstruck is all about empowering game developers with a better way to identify, acquire, and impact the right players for their game.”
Thunderstruck is equally suitable for mobile, console, and PC; existing as well as new games; and web3 as well as traditional web2 games. It works in tandem with Metanomic’s free Economy Engine platform, which was launched earlier this year to help studios to build, simulate and monitor their game economies.
Thunderstruck is launching with 7 player types.
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Killers
These players enjoy killing, creating chaos, and competitive elements most of all. They focus on winning, climbing player rankings, obtaining status, provoking, and imposing drama onto others. |
Achievers
These players are competitive and enjoy overcoming difficult objectives, whether set by the game or themselves, in order to obtain prestige, prizes, and other types of material possessions. |
Explorers
Those that like to learn as much about the game as possible, Explorers seek to understand the finer details of game mechanics. The thrill of discovery and uncovering hidden areas or objectives motivate these players over points or prizes. |
Socialisers
Players that experience fun in interacting with other players through social systems like using chat, managing guilds, or role-playing rather than playing the game itself. They tend to collaborate or join forces with others to achieve objectives than they could on their own. |
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Speedsters
Cheetahs race to objectives in order to be among the first to reach the end-game content or the highest level. They spend most of their time grinding experience and playing for long hours. |
Conquerors Conquerors enjoy the struggle against adversity and beating impossibly difficult odds. They are persistent, forceful, and repetitive in their pursuit to overcome their objectives. |
Scientists
Commonly referred to as ‘Crafters,’ Scientists seek to improve their skills by gathering resources and creating or improving items for themselves and to sell to others. They find enjoyment in more passive forms of game mechanics and objectives. |
The Thunderstruck player personas are also influenced by ‘passion’ – how often and how well they play. They can also be tailored by the game developer or publisher depending on their priorities. For example, in different types of game, ‘Achiever’ could mean the highest skilled, the richest, or the players with the most wins. In future, Metanomic will frequently add additional and more granular player types to further studios’ understanding of their players. |
1/ST
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is excited to announce a transformative partnership with 1/ST, the premier North American Thoroughbred racing, gaming and entertainment company. Known for its iconic venues, including Santa Anita Park (California) and Gulfstream Park (Florida), 1/ST is a leader in modernizing horse racing by blending live racing with innovative gaming, hospitality and lifestyle experiences.
As leaders of world-class racing, hospitality and entertainment events, 1/ST is also committed to advancing racing’s global profile through cutting-edge technology and international collaboration. This partnership brings a unique opportunity to connect three prestigious racedays: Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s Champions Day (March 8 – featuring The G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes, named after legendary 1987 Australian Horse of The Year Champion and NZ Hall of Famer, Bonecrusher) alongside 1/ST’s Pegasus World Cup (January 25) and California Crown (September 27).
This collaboration will introduce “Golden Ticket” pathways, offering the winning horses direct entry into marquee races including:
From the Pegasus World Cup (25 January 2025) to Champions Day (8 March 2025):
- The US$500,000 Group 2 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1600m) winner earns entry to the NZ$600,000 Group 1 World Pool New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
- The US$1,000,000 Group 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf (1800m) winner gains entry to the NZ$1,000,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m).
From Champions Day (8 March 2025) to California Crown (27 September 2025):
- The NZ$500,000 Rich Hill Stud Champion Middle Distance Series winner secures a Golden Ticket to the US$750,000 Group 1 California Crown John Henry Turf (2000m).
- The NZ$500,000 Sport Nation Champion Sprint Series winner earns entry to the US$750,000 Group 2 California Crown US$750,000 Eddie D Turf Sprint (1300m).
To further enhance the partnership, NZTR and 1/ST will cover travel and freight costs for Golden Ticket-winning horses travelling internationally to compete in the respective countries.
“This partnership marks an exciting milestone in showcasing New Zealand racing on the world stage,” commented Chief Operating Officer of NZTR, Darin Balcombe. “The Golden Ticket concept creates a unique pathway for international competition, enriching the experience for racing participants and fans alike.”
Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, added: “This partnership with NZTR exemplifies our commitment to elevating Thoroughbred racing globally. By linking these iconic racedays and supporting international competition, we’re looking to drive innovation, collaboration and global excitement in the sport.”
Lachlan Fitt, Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, operators of the NZ TAB, also welcomed the announcement:
“Congratulations to NZTR and 1/ST on reaching this exciting outcome. The partnership will continue the opportunity for NZ racing to be showcased to racing fans globally and is another new pathway for NZ racing participants to consider. And through our Trackside and Sport Nation media brands, we look forward to bringing the best of US racing to our wagering customers in NZ.”
This partnership paves the way for significant growth in Thoroughbred racing across both regions, with both NZTR and 1/ST excited to build on this promising foundation moving forward.
For more information about the partnership and Golden Ticket races, contact NZTR’s Head Handicapper Bruce Sherwin by emailing [email protected].
The post New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
SOFTSWISS has successfully obtained compliance certification for the Peruvian market for its Game Aggregator, the largest content hub in the iGaming sector. This milestone solidifies the company’s position as one of the first technology providers ready to work under the country’s new regulatory framework.
As part of Peru’s revised Regulatory Framework, initiated in February 2024, all operators, platforms, game providers, and technical suppliers are required to obtain certification by 1 January 2025 to legally operate in the market. SOFTSWISS achieved this certification through GLI, an accredited testing laboratory, ensuring that its product meets all technical and legal requirements set by Peruvian authorities.
The Peruvian gambling market is among the fastest-growing and most promising in Latin America, with projections estimating a CAGR of 5.97% and a market volume of USD 420.60 million by 2029. Furthermore, smartphone penetration is expected to hit 77.78% by the same year, providing significant opportunities for the iGaming industry.
“The newly regulated framework is set to attract international gaming companies and investors, paving the way for further expansion in the iGaming sector,” said Max Trafimovich, CCO at SOFTSWISS. “We’re proud to be among the first companies to complete the necessary procedures and be fully prepared for this promising market.”
This achievement comes shortly after the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator’s certification in Brazil, showcasing the company’s ambitious plans to expand and strengthen its leadership across the Latin American region.
Currently, the SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator boasts the largest game portfolio in the market, offering over 27,000 titles, alongside consistent 99.999% uptime and top-tier services. According to a recent Kantar survey conducted in November 2024, the product received an overall satisfaction score of 8.1 out of 10 from its clients, underscoring its reputation as a reliable and industry-leading solution.
By obtaining certification in Peru, SOFTSWISS continues to demonstrate its commitment to compliance, innovation, and delivering premium services in rapidly evolving markets.
The SOFTSWISS team will be available to discuss partnerships in Brazil and other markets at the first major iGaming event of 2025 – ICE Barcelona, taking place on 20–22 January, at stand 2G42.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Certified for Peru Market appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Tom Horn Gaming and AKNEYE, the innovative art initiative by AKN, have joined forces to launch a unique project, Akne Fruits. More than just a slot game, Akne Fruits fuses online casino gaming, traditional sculpture, and NFT technology to redefine the iGaming ecosystem and the future of iGaming.
A Visionary Blend of Art, Technology, and iGaming
Akne Fruits is groundbreaking in its exploration of the intersection between the physical and digital worlds in an entirely new way. Inspired by AKN’s signature AKN EYE motif, the game is accompanied by nine exclusive artefacts meticulously hand-painted by Rafayel Nersesyan, a famous Armenian artist, who also played a role in shaping the game’s visuality. Each object mirrors the fruit symbols from the game and serves as a tangible representation of AKN EYE’s iconic aesthetic.
Own and Share in the Success of Akne Fruits
Available globally, Akne Fruits invites players to connect with the game on multiple levels – enjoy it in their favourite casino, invest in its digital assets, or own their own piece of its physical representation.
Through NFTs offered via the Ortak marketplace, players can acquire game-inspired NFTs and become stakeholders in the game’s ongoing success. This experience is further expanded by the introduction of nine exclusive sculptures and their NFTs. These one-of-a-kind pieces allow players and art collectors to own a physical piece of the game and gain a significant share in its financial achievements.
Official Launch and Sell-Out at Harmony VI
The exclusive physical NFT collection of Akne Fruits made its debut at BetConstruct’s prestigious Harmony VI Meetup in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. In addition to the game’s digital collection available on ortak.me, art lovers and gaming enthusiasts had the chance to purchase one of nine exclusive physical representations of the Akne Fruits game on the spot. The response was overwhelming, with all physical NFTs selling out within just one hour of the official announcement – a historic milestone for Tom Horn Gaming and Ortak.
Pushing the Boundaries of iGaming
The partnership between Tom Horn Gaming and Ortak is redefining how the supplier perceives the future of iGaming. Akne Fruits goes beyond being just a slot game. It delivers an immersive experience that connects players and art enthusiasts with the game and its artistic assets on different levels.
“This collaboration is a perfect synergy of two innovative companies, combining our strengths to introduce new products, redefine iGaming, and multiply the success of our innovative approach to entertainment. With Akne Fruits, we’re not just delivering a game. We’re shaping the future of how players experience iGaming,” said Ondrej Lapides, CEO of Tom Horn Gaming.
Explore the Future with Akne Fruits
Players and art lovers are invited to discover the Akne Fruits experience by visiting the Ortak NFT marketplace and becoming part of this exciting journey. Whether through owning a digital NFT or acquiring a stunning physical sculpture, the possibilities are as limitless as the creativity behind the project.
By transcending the concept of a traditional slot game and embracing new technologies, Tom Horn Gaming continues to lead the iGaming industry into new frontiers, offering unique opportunities for players to engage with games and their creators.
The post Akne Fruits: Redefining the Future of iGaming appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and 1/ST Unveil Partnership to Elevate Global Thoroughbred Racing
SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Certified for Peru Market
Akne Fruits: Redefining the Future of iGaming
SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator Certified for Peru Market
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