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Second Chamber, Greg Ciach’s new studio, will specialize in creating AA games of a new genre

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Greg Ciach and Krzysztof Czulec established Second Chamber, a studio dedicated to creating double-A games in the genre of Wanderer Adventure Game (WAG), which allows you to experience adventures in a world that lives independently of the player. WAGs will be constructed modularly, which will allow optimization of the production costs of subsequent titles. Ultimately, the company will be listed on NewConnect instead of Pixel Crow Games.

Second Chamber will be a company operating in the area of ​​AA games. Grzegorz Ciach and Krzysztof Czulec, who run the company, are experienced specialists, previously associated with Techland, Amber Studio, and Platige Image, among others. The project is co-created by triple-A game developers who have worked on world-class hits (The Division, The Division 2, Frostpunk, Frostpunk 2, Pure Farming 2018, Motorstorm, Torment: Tides of Numenera, Mortal Kombat 11, Gamedec, Sniper Contracts 2, Medal of Honor, The Sims and FIFA). Other key players in the project will be revealed after their binding contracts expire.

As the result of the review of strategic options, Movie Games together with the president of Pixel Crow Games Damian Gasiński, and the chairman of the Supervisory Board of Pixel Crow Games Maciej Miąsik, decided, for the benefit of the cooperation, upon the sale of shares in the daughter company to the new managers of Second Chamber.

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The new entity will receive support from Movie Games in the form of opportunities to use Pixel Crow Games for the development of the studio. The creators of Second Chamber will become the owners of Pixel Crow Games. Following the closing of the transaction, Movie Games will hold a 12.5% ​​stake in the new entity.

“As a result of the current review of strategic options, Pixel Crow Games’ debts have been discharged, and thus significant funds will return to the Movie Games capital group. Subsequently, Movie Games will no longer consolidate the losses of Pixel Crow Games resulting from the reverse acquisition, which will have a significant impact on the consolidated result of the capital group,” comments Mateusz Wcześniak, president of the Movie Games capital group. “Most importantly, we will have shares in a large project, which will include world-renowned specialists. Movie Games will not only play an advisory role but will also be a beneficiary of the know-how that will appear in the capital group,” Wcześniak adds.

On behalf of Movie Games, Mateusz Wcześniak (new Chairman), Dr. Kamil Gemra, and Piotr Gnyp will sit on the Supervisory Board of Second Chamber.

Legendary gaming journalist Dariusz Michalski, or “Sir Haszak,” will also join the Supervisory Board. He was associated with cult Polish gaming magazines such as “Bajtek”, “Top Secret” and “Gambler”.

“The involvement of top Movie Games managers in the supervisory body is a reflection of the high faith in the long-term effects of the appearance of such an experienced project in the capital group,” explains Dr. Kamil Gemra, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Movie Games.

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Second Chamber has created a three-stage development plan for approx. 5 years, modeled on such specialized developers as Paradox Development Studio, which became the pioneer and leader of the grand strategy genre. Second Chamber will operate in the area of ​​the genre it has identified.

There is an as-yet-unnamed type of game on the market that attracts millions of players. It is represented, for example, by Mount&Blade 2: Bannerlord or Sid Meier’s Pirates. These titles have more in common than just loyal fans and great reviews. The set of genre features that connect them allows you to experience a great adventure in a vibrant, multi-layered world. However, these games are still described with a set of generalities: RPG, survival, open world, simulation, etc. Second Chamber has its own name for the genre: Wanderer Adventure Game,” says Greg Ciach, CEO of Second Chamber. “Using a strategically planned modular production process, we plan to define its features, iteratively produce larger and larger titles and dominate the genre in less than a decade, so that every new title released in this area will be compared to our games.”

The main features of Wanderer Adventure Game titles are:

  • a committed gaming community, producing many mods and ensuring the long life of games;
  • open world cheaper to produce than competing solutions thanks to the symbolic representation of the journey on a visual map instead of a fully modeled world;
  • emergent gameplay and narrative, i.e. scenarios and situations that naturally result from the actions of the player and the game’s NPCs living their own lives;
  • the sandbox nature of the game, allowing you to play dozens of unique campaigns lasting hundreds of hours;
  • a narrative mode that supports the sandbox, in which the player receives a compact, several-hour story that uses the same systems.

Initially, the studio is going to have 40 employees. Then, within three years, it will develop a second team and increase the staff to approx. 100, in order to lead three teams with a total of about 150 people within five years. The first game will be a test of the modular approach to the production of games in the genre. It will be followed by a game that will serve to develop and polish the tools. The third title is to define the genre and to establish Second Chamber as its dominant force.

Movie Games will provide support through its managers in the field of marketing, production, and quality control. Cooperation will be carried out as early as the concept stage to ensure full synergy and coordination of activities in every area.

“For Movie Games, this is another step on the path of implementing the strategy of moving the company towards the AA area, which was announced some time ago. This, apart from the huge monetization potential of such titles, will ultimately significantly distinguish us on a market rich in companies creating indie games,” says Mateusz Wcześniak, President of the Management Board of Movie Games.

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“You can observe that the current game dev market is saturated with indie companies. Observation of listed companies, on the other hand, shows that AA studios are more frequently noticed and appreciated. Therefore, the cooperation around Second Chamber fits in with our business strategy,” comments Dr. Kamil Gemra.

“I met Greg a few years ago while working for another publishing house. We always wanted to work together, so when I heard that he was going to set up his own studio, I immediately thought of Movie Games as a capital group providing an opportunity to implement such ideas. I am glad that after several weeks of talks, this idea is becoming a reality,” says Piotr Gnyp, CMO Movie Games.

For some time now Second Chamber has been quietly recruiting for its first production.

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Week 39/2024 slot games releases

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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.

PG Soft debuts its Three Crazy Piggies slot

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.

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Relax Gaming fits the bill with the release of Quackin’ Reels

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.

Stakelogic Ups the Ante with the Release of Big Cash Super Wheel™

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.

INSPIRED AND WILLIAM HILL LAUNCH CUSTOM SLOT GAME – WILLIAM HILL VEGAS GOLD CASH FREESPINS

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.

San Quentin 2: Death Row - NOW LIVE! - Nolimit City

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.

Thunderkick pulls the trigger on Wild West-themed slot The Gunman of Goldwood

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.

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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.

Clue Chronicles: Mirror Mansion

 

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.

Descend into the Kingdom Below and Claim a Fiery Fortune!

 

 

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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.

Spinomenal releases Buffalo Rampage Hold & Hit

 

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.

Roman combatants transform into sticky wilds in Evoplay’s latest release Chained Fighters

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.

Booming Games ups the ante in fan favourite Gold Gold Gold 5000

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.

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Playson’s renowned trickster marks stylish return in Pink Joker: Hold and Win

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.

Blueprint Gaming returns to the depths of the jungle in King Kong Cash™: Even Bigger Bananas 2

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.

CryptoSlots Unveils Exciting New Spartan Conquest Slot Featuring Colossal Symbols

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.

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Discover ancient plagues and big wins in Shadow Summoner Egypt

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Leadership transition within the Merkur Group

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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.

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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.”

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GameplAI

Propping up the prediction game for sports betting

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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?

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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.

 

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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.

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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.

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