Latest News

Q&A: Chris Armes Takes Charge as High 5 Games’ CTO

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2023

Reading Time: 3 minutes

High 5 Games bolsters their executive leadership team with Chief Technology Officer, Chris Armes.

Chris brings to High 5 Games the experience of having managed global engineering teams for several Fortune 100 companies over the past 25 years. Since moving into iGaming in 2017, he’s never looked back and compares the burgeoning industry today to the dotcom business during the boom in the mid to late 90s.

In his position as CTO, Chris works closely with Jerry Wilson, who is in charge of creative strategy for game content and brands at High 5 Games. Another ally Chris counts on to help him meet deliverables is Gino Fratto, who leads the product and project management teams.

We put Chris under the spotlight to answer a few questions about what led him to High 5 Games, his management style and the challenges and opportunities presented by his new role.

Could you please tell us about how you got to where you are now?

Chris: My background is in software development and engineering on large-scale international projects. Throughout my career I’ve been fortunate to have been part of and manage many high-performing global teams across the full spectrum of the delivery experience. In every organization where I’ve led technology, my strong suit is the ability to balance product and customer needs to ensure the success and sustainability of any solution my team delivers.

How do you see your role as the CTO at High 5 Games?

Chris: I’m responsible for leading the development and implementation of the technology strategy for High 5 Games. This involves overseeing everything from building platforms to developing the technology behind H5G’s industry-leading games. Another key process I must carefully manage and oversee in my CTO role, is taking fresh products and features through the rigorous phases of testing and deployment before they are brought to market for our customers.

What is the best way to build and nurture a technical team in the iGaming space?

Chris: As a leader of a tech organization, you and the business are only as good as the team you build, which is why building the best technical team is your key to success. iGaming today reminds me a lot of the dotcom business during the boom when business differentiation was by finding people with the right kind of experience to join their team. Having a globally dispersed business is an opportunity to build a more talent-diverse team but close collaboration must be a focal point to get the most out of every individual.

How do you approach the challenge of aligning your engineers and developers with the broader objectives of the business?

Chris: The best way for teams to see the value of their work and how it contributes to the company’s vision, is to communicate these goals across the entire organization. This communication should be ongoing so that it forms part of the culture and everyone is aligned with these objectives. The biggest challenge often lies in balancing technological innovation with time to market. Engineers and product managers must be adept at delivering solutions through a phased approach. Being agile helps to ensure continuous innovation while at the same time preventing bottlenecks when a final product can’t be delivered all at once.

How do you balance the need for innovation with the stability and reliability required in a tech environment?

Chris: It’s important to have a regular release cadence for products and features which accounts for factors such as quality and time. If a technical solution is not ready for release, it’s often better to hold off and prevent a negative customer experience. The ‘tech debt’ that can accumulate when choosing an easy quick-fix over a better, more time-consuming solution, is another key consideration when project planning. I strive to create a team environment where we are not only solving problems but continually disrupting, so time is built into sprints for not only addressing the unexpected but innovation as well.

“As a leader of a tech organization, you and the business are only as good as the team you build, which is why building the best technical team is the key to success.”

Latest News

SPORTFIVE Study Highlights Women’s Football Value & Growth Potential

Published

1 hour ago

February 26, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

New research from global sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE finds a growing interest in women’s football as more than half (54%) of the population aged 16-64 have an interest in women’s football, but 76% of fans feel they don’t see enough coverage of the sport.

196 million fans of women’s football aged 16-64 across six surveyed markets
76% of fans feel that they don’t see enough coverage of women’s football
‘The national team’ is the most common reason behind fandom

Women’s football is undergoing an unparalleled period of growth, with recent years seeing soaring popularity and marked uplifts across every level of the sport.

With a strategic objective to develop the women’s sport business, SPORTFIVE commissioned the whitepaper ‘Rise of Women’s Football – A Movement, Not A Moment’ to recognise and illustrate the value of the most popular women’s sport and underline the crucial steps needed to maximise its full potential.

Analysing women’s football through the lens of six key markets Australia, France, Germany, Spain, the UK and the U.S, the study examines four key components that are driving development in the game: brands, fans, players and media platforms.

For more information and whitepaper visit sportfive.com/press-media

The post SPORTFIVE Study Highlights Women’s Football Value & Growth Potential appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

TEAM VITALITY RENEWS STAR-STUDDED AMERICAN TEAMFIGHT TACTICS ROSTER

Published

1 hour ago

February 26, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Team Vitality has announced the renewal of its Teamfight Tactics (TFT) dream team, after a successful 2024, securing a top 4 finish at the 2024 Esports World Cup.
The all-American team features renowned pro-players and streamers; Kevin ‘setsuko’ Jiang, Michael ‘k3soju’ Zhang, Jeffrey ‘Milk’ Pan, and Kevin ‘Prestivent’ Zou, who have renewed their contracts with Team Vitality for the full year of 2025.
The renewal highlights Team Vitality’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its international growth in the competitive landscape and engaging with its global fan base through events, streaming, content, and more.

Team Vitality, the leading esports organisation, is proud to announce the renewal of its Teamfight Tactics (TFT) team. The all-American roster of Kevin ‘setsuko’ Jiang, Michael ‘k3soju’ Zhang, Jeffrey ‘Milk’ Pan, and Kevin ‘Prestivent’ Zou will continue to represent Team Vitality on the global stage throughout 2025. The roster signifies Team Vitality’s commitment to building long-term relationships with top-tier talent while reinforcing its continued expansion into the American esports industry.

TEAM VITALITY SET TO CONQUER THE TFT ARENA

The roster is gearing up for an exciting competitive season ahead, with the team set to participate in several high-profile events throughout the year, such as the Riot Games TFT Esports Circuit. Another standout event in the competitive calendar is the TFT Open LAN in December, which will be taking place in Paris, the home turf of Team Vitality. Here the roster plans to showcase their skills and further build their legacy as one of the most elite teams in the TFT competitive scene.

The roster, boasting exceptional talent, is composed of:

Michael ‘k3soju’ Zhang – Michael “k3soju” Zhang, is one of the most prominent streamers in TFT and worldwide. With a long-standing presence in competitive esports, having competed in other esports titles such as League of Legends, k3soju is one of the most popular players in the scene. k3soju has secured multiple notable achievements such as becoming runner-up in the 2022 Dragonlands: North America Regional Finals upon which he made his World Championship debut. A top 4 finish in the 2024 Esports World Cup gained k3soju additional popularity all across the world. Aside from his TFT success, k3soju is often one of the top 10 most watched streamers on Twitch globally. With 224 hours streamed in 2024, he boasts a dedicated following of 624K fans, with over 3.3 million hours watched and 23,000 peak viewers. His impressive track record and huge streaming presence make him a formidable force in the TFT community.

Kevin ‘setsuko’ Jiang – Setsuko is a rising star, known for his fast-paced, aggressive playstyle. His unique talent and strategic thinking have led to several impressive accomplishments, including multiple first places in the 2023 Monsters Attack and Runeterra Reforged Sets of Teamfight Tactics. Most recently, he accomplished a 9th place finish at the TFT Open LAN in Macao, and placed top 4 in the 2024 Esports World Cup alongside his team. Setsuko also boasts a substantial following on Twitch, with 188K followers, where he streams his expert gameplay.

Jeffrey ‘Milk’ Pan – DeliciousMilkGG, Milk Guy, or simply Milk, has earned a reputation for his mastery of high-cost units and powerful synergies. A consistent top 4 finisher, Milk excels at crafting potent endgame compositions, often securing victories with his calculated strategic decisions. His impressive achievements include first places in several meaningful tournaments such as but not limited to the 2022 Gizmos & Gadgets: NA Regional Finals. Milk also finished 2nd in the most recent Americas Final and Top 4 at the 2024 Esports World Cup. Beyond his success as a pro player, Milk connects with his fans on Twitch, with a dedicated following of over 160K.

Kevin ‘Prestivent’ Zou – As the final member of the roster line-up, Prestivent, is a respected professional in the Teamfight Tactics community, ranked among the best for his strategic prowess and consistent performance. Prestivent also streams on Twitch, with a growing audience of 84K followers. Prestivent’s skills, drive, and passion make him a key player on the roster, bringing both top-tier gameplay and support to his team.

With a combined Twitch following of over a million fans, the team members are key influential figures in the TFT community. Through their engaging content, the team connects with fans worldwide, sharing valuable insights into their gameplay, educating aspiring competitive players, and building strong relationships with their audiences. United by a shared ambition to continue captivating fans worldwide, all whilst reaffirming their dominance in Teamfight Tactics, through their exceptional performance and dedication.

“I’m proud to represent Team Vitality for another year, “ said k3soju, pro-athlete for Team Vitality. “We’ve grown so much together, as a team and as individuals, and we’re more determined than ever. I’m excited to see what this season will bring and am incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our fans.”

“Our roster renewal signifies Team Vitality’s ongoing strive for excellence and global expansion,” says Fabien “Neo” Devide co-founder and chairman of Team Vitality. “We’re incredibly proud to have such talented players represent us, both on and off stage, as they continue to inspire and elevate the standards of competitive gaming. This year, we’re focused on further expanding our presence on an international level, particularly in North America, while continuing to grow with our existing fanbase.”

ACCELERATING TEAM VITALITY’S INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

By focusing on its star players, investing in their development and providing them with the resources they need to excel, Team Vitality is affirming its commitment to growing world-class talent. This vision is as much about their individual progression as it is about the club’s overall success on the international stage.

With ambitions to expand even further, Team Vitality is looking to reach new heights in esports. This year, the organisation is building on the strength of its Teamfight Tactics (TFT) roster to strengthen its ties with its North American community, while continuing to expand into new global markets.

For all press inquiries: [email protected]

The post TEAM VITALITY RENEWS STAR-STUDDED AMERICAN TEAMFIGHT TACTICS ROSTER appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Latest News

Swifty Sports Seals Game-Changing SPA with SGN to Dominate Sportsbook Ireland

Published

1 hour ago

February 26, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Power move positions Swifty Sports for explosive growth, elevating its online betting and casino offerings in Ireland.

The game has changed. Swifty Sports is the most promising force in online sports betting. It has officially entered into a groundbreaking Stock Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Signing Day Sports (SGN), positioning itself for an unprecedented surge in the sportsbook Ireland industry. This strategic acquisition cements Swifty Sports’ ambition to outpace competitors and redefine online betting. With final approvals imminent, anticipation is soaring—Swifty Sports isn’t just playing the game; it’s rewriting the rulebook.

The agreement marks a turning point for Swifty Sports, a brand that has earned recognition for delivering a next-level online betting experience Ireland trusts. Swifty Sports gains access to global resources by joining forces with SGN, enabling it to refine its platform with AI-driven analytics, faster transactions, and expanded betting options. James Gibbons, CEO of Swifty Global commented, “The Swifty Global team has worked extremely hard, demonstrating exceptional diligence and discipline in building an outstanding business with a solid foundation as one of the biggest sportsbook’s in Ireland.”

Swifty Sports has already distinguished itself from competitors by offering Swifty Sports Betting and Swifty Sports Online Casino, providing bettors with high-speed transactions, robust security, and an extensive selection of games. This deal will allow the company to scale up and compete with some of the biggest names in the sportsbook Ireland industry, positioning itself alongside global gaming powerhouses. Swifty Sports will expand its market reach by leveraging SGN’s industry expertise, making it a serious contender in Ireland’s fast-growing online gambling sector.

This strategic move follows a broader consolidation trend within the gaming industry, with major players acquiring promising betting platforms to solidify their presence. Swifty Sports’ aggressive expansion plan mirrors similar deals across betting sites in Ireland as companies race to meet growing consumer demand for seamless and secure online wagering. The merger is expected to not only boost Swifty Sports’ valuation but also reshape competition in the market.

With final approvals anticipated in the coming weeks, Swifty Sports is already preparing new features and promotions to mark this transformative shift. As excitement builds, the company remains committed to maintaining its reputation for reliability, transparency, and an unmatched user experience. The partnership with SGN is expected to unlock new opportunities, cement Swifty Sports as a leader in Swifty Sportsbook Ireland, and set a new industry standard.

As the deal nears completion, Swifty Sports is focused on delivering an upgraded gaming experience that will solidify its place as the premier online betting site Ireland. With the merger of SGN, the company is well-positioned to outpace competitors and redefine what players can expect from a modern sportsbook and casino platform.

To learn more about this game-changing partnership and discover the future of online betting, visit swifty.global/.

The post Swifty Sports Seals Game-Changing SPA with SGN to Dominate Sportsbook Ireland appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.