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Exclusive interview with Steve Rogers – Founder and CEO at Playbook Fusion
We recently sat down with Steve Rogers – Founder and CEO at Playbook Fusion and talk about several important aspects that shape the game studios industry.
What made you want to launch a game studio given the incredibly competitive nature of the market?
Because we have identified a gap in the market in which we can offer something truly unique. There is a large audience of players who enjoy sports-themed video and mobile games, and the ownership and skill required to master titles such as FC Ultimate Team, and who also like to place a bet on their favourite sports, teams and players. Right now, there isn’t a game format that brings these two worlds together, but Playbook Fusion is allowing them to collide to provide an entirely new experience that these consumers will absolutely want to engage with.
The addressable audience for our games will be broad but it is currently one that operators are struggling to engage. This goes beyond those who bet on sports to include those who are simply sports fans, gamers who enjoy management format titles and who are light-touch gamblers, virtual sports players looking for ownership over their teams and fantasy sports players seeking round the clock action.
In all instances, our strongest appeal will likely be among the next generation of players – those who are unlikely to walk into a retail betting shop or have a bet on the Grand National, but who are engaging with mobile and video games, social media and streaming.
How will you leverage your industry experience to lead Playbook Fusion to success?
I have more than 20 years of experience in the industry, and this has enabled me to amass a deep understanding of key factors required in bringing successful betting products to market, such as regulation, compliance, content deployment and ultimately what goes into making a hit game. I have been delivering RNG sports games to operators for various companies for a long time now and have good relationships with the right people within most of the major tier one and tier two brands, opening up a clear path to deploying our games with the biggest operators in the business. My experience has also taught me what a good game looks like and has allowed me to identify the gap in the market that Playbook Fusion has an ambition to fill.
Where I lack experience or in-depth understanding, I have brought in experts including video and mobile games veteran, Santiago Jaramillo. Santiago has more than 13 years of AAA gaming experience and has previously worked as Creative Director for EA Sport’s FIFA Franchise and was Executive Producer of MonopolyGo! He was also Head of Sports at Dapper Labs where he conceived and created NBA Top Shot, an award-winning, first-of-its-kind product anchored in blockchain technology.
Our complementary skillsets will absolutely be key to ensuring the future success of Playbook Fusion.
How will you stand out from your rival studios? How will your content offer something new to operators and players?
The level of ownership, the persistent progression within the games and the ability for skill development that each of our titles will offer will set Playbook Fusion apart from its competitors. We are working on a range of innovative mechanics that will allow players to boost the capabilities of their teams, which in turn will increase the chance of them winning. Gameplay will include acquiring or earning packs that players can open to strengthen their lineup before they decide what kind of contest they want to engage with. There’s really nothing like this in the sports betting space at this point and this strong, clear point of difference is what is already allowing Playbook Fusion to stand out and catch the attention of sportsbook operators.
Bringing together the worlds of gambling and video/mobile gaming is a tough task. How have you approached this?
It comes down to building a team of the brightest minds and creative talents from both industries. From the gambling sector, we have sought to hire dynamic individuals with a passion for sports and who understand what the next generation of sports bettors are looking for. Then, from the gaming sector, we have Santiago and a growing team of designers and developers who have an in-depth understanding of the mechanics behind successful video games. We are bringing the edges of these industries together and creating an environment in which everyone can learn from each other. I truly believe that we have a game-changing concept and with the team we have in place, we can bring it to life and disrupt the industry.
Can you share some insights into your first game? What will it look like? How will it play? Who has it been developed for?
Our first game will be a football title. Football is the biggest sport globally and will allow us to hit the ground running with a game that has mass market appeal. It will take the football manager format, with players able to build a team by acquiring and trading players. They can also do things like buy packs and reveal cards that all help in strengthening their team. They then compete with others across several game types including seasons, player vs player and in contests with friends. Players earn points based on the performance of their team, which are posted to a real-time leaderboard. The more points players accumulate, the more league levels they clear and the more rewards they earn. Betting is a core part of the game loop but, unlike more traditional virtual sports games, the bettor will have a much greater sense of ownership over the team they are betting on, just like in real sports betting. We plan to replicate this format for other sports including basketball and cricket.
Why should sportsbook operators partner with Playbook Fusion?
Our games will enable operators to generate incremental revenues from existing player groups, particularly Virtual Sports and Fantasy players, by offering a more engaging betting experience on a 24/7/365 basis. Also, our games will allow them to tap into a new, lucrative but hard-to-reach audience. These are not traditional sports bettors, but rather the next generation of customers looking for social, fast-paced gameplay where they can improve and display their skills and strategy with the chance of winning money – the YouTube, Fortnite, tech-savvy generation that will become a sportsbook’s core player base in the coming years.
The post Exclusive interview with Steve Rogers – Founder and CEO at Playbook Fusion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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EGT Digital to present its brand-new products designed to perform at iGB Live 2025
This year’s iGB Live is the next destination where EGT Digital will present a selection of impressive new releases, product upgrades and popular bestsellers from its portfolio. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the company’s latest innovations at stand N50.
Part of the exciting new lineup is the upcoming slot Power & Glory: Athena, which will be launched as part of the popular Clover Chance jackpot series. The game invites players to challenge the Greek goddess in exchange for a rich mix of cascading wins and dynamic bonus features.
Together with it, guests can explore EGT Digital’s extensive portfolio of over 140 in-house developed casino titles, covering a wide variety of themes and mechanics. On display will be also the company’s standout jackpot solutions Bell Link, High Cash, Single Progressive Jackpot, and the latest Gods & Kings Link.
EGT Digital’s iGaming platform X-Nave will demonstrate how its modular architecture helps operators build and grow successful online businesses. Its 4 main modules – Sport Product, Gaming Aggregator, CRM Engine, and Payment Gateway, can be used as part of the complete solution or integrated individually into third-party platforms. Each module has been upgraded with new functionalities, which will be showcased at iGB Live 2025.
New features are coming to the Sport Product module, bringing a more dynamic and personalized betting experience. Among the highlights is the Early Payout option for live events, giving players the chance to lock in a win as soon as their team takes a 2-goal lead. The updated eSports menu introduces a new visually engaging layout that makes browsing and navigation effortless. To further tailor the experience, the new Sports Recommendation Engine delivers real-time, personalized suggestions based on individual betting history and behavior. A predefined multiple bets container now appears in the Sports lobby, displaying both original and boosted odds. With the enhanced Quick Deposit feature, players can top up their accounts instantly while staying within their financial limits.
X-Nave’s Gaming Aggregator will present its expanded game library, which now includes more than 24,000 titles from over 150 providers. Attendees will get acquainted with the Client Hub, which offers easy access to game resources and features, jackpots, documentation, and certificates. In addition, now operators will be able to manage bonuses through the Aggregator, thanks to the module’s built-in bonus support.
The Payment Gateway will introduce several important upgrades designed to improve flexibility and player convenience. One of the latest additions is the Stacking Deposits feature, which allows multiple consecutive deposits to be combined toward activating a bonus. The PIX method now enables players to make deposits straight from the game window, while the Quick Deposit functionality continues to support fast and seamless top-ups. The platform users will also have at their disposal Google Pay as a deposit option and Apple Pay as a withdrawal option. Fully automated deposits and withdrawals via bank transfer will be also available.
Last but not least, the Standalone payment gateway will be presented too. This is a new separate product, which includes all features of the Payment Gateway: transaction monitoring, rule engine, integrations with payment methods, and allows integration with X-Nave and platforms of other providers.
Tsvetomira Drumeva, Head of Sales at EGT Digital, commented: “I always look forward to iGB Live, as this event traditionally provides us with the chance to showcase our innovative solutions to a wide range of professionals from all over the world and to strengthen our existing partnerships, as well as start new high-potential collaborations. This year, my excitement is even greater as the show will be held in a new place – London, which has already established itself over the years as a preferred location for holding large-scale gaming exhibitions. I am confident that our participation in iGB Live 2025 will be a great success, meeting and even exceeding our expectations.”
The post EGT Digital to present its brand-new products designed to perform at iGB Live 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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iGaming Trends 2025: First Half-Year Regulations Recap
SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software solutions, releases a fresh regulatory update as part of its renowned iGaming Trends 2025 report. With regulation remaining one of the industry’s most pressing topics, the company highlights the latest developments from key markets worldwide.
The full recap is divided by countries, covering 24 jurisdictions in total. Below is a condensed selection of insights into the iGaming regulatory landscape by region – the complete breakdown is available for free in the full report.
Europe
- The UK rolled out stake limits for slots, deposit prompts, bonus restrictions, and a new statutory levy. Tighter oversight of suppliers and affordability checks are also underway.
- The Netherlands proposed universal spending limits, stricter ad rules, and gave regulators powers to block unlicensed operators.
- Germany approved a state monopoly model for online table games in Baden-Württemberg, applying a progressive tax.
- Curacao now shifts toward an EU-aligned, reputation-focused framework, operating under a revamped regime with on-site inspections, ad code updates, and mandatory compliance standards.
- Malta faces EU infringement proceedings over a legal shield that protects Malta-licensed online operators from foreign claims, which could be overturned.
Asia-Pacific
- The Philippines exited the offshore gaming model with a POGO ban and introduced domestic reforms, including a GGR tax cut and the launch of a verified list of licensed online operators
- India awaits a Supreme Court ruling on €11.5B in back taxes and is cracking down on illegal gambling ads.
Middle East
- UAE signals future digital expansion with iGaming-related hiring, although online licences are not yet issued.
Africa
- Nigeria restructured gambling taxes and banned Google gambling ads, shifting regulation to states.
- South Africa introduced a Remote Gambling Bill to establish a regulated online gambling framework, which is now pending approval.
South America
- Brazil is raising its gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax to 18%, expanding betting regulations, tightening oversight of advertising and payment systems, and introducing new restrictions on influencer marketing, including a ban on the use of celebrities and athletes in gambling promotions.
- Peru reduced its iGaming tax temporarily and expanded IP-blocking measures.
North America
- The USA (New York) moved to ban sweepstakes casinos and passed legislation targeting social gambling models.
SOFTSWISS continues to monitor the global regulatory environment to guide its partners through compliance shifts and regional opportunities.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience 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 30,000 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 counts over 2,000 employees.
The post iGaming Trends 2025: First Half-Year Regulations Recap appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Esports World Cup 2025 Unveils Official Song of the Year and Full Opening Ceremony Line-up
Til My Fingers Bleed” featuring DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith to debut live alongside Post Malone, Alesso, and Tina Guo at the Opening Ceremony in Riyadh on 10 July
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the release of “Til My Fingers Bleed”, the official Song of the Year for Esports World Cup 2025, alongside the full artist line-up for the tournament’s Opening Ceremony. Taking place on 10 July in Riyadh, the ceremony will feature live performances from DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive, as well as GRAMMY-nominated producer and electronic music sensation Alesso, virtuoso cellist Tina Guo, and global music icon Post Malone, who headlines the event.
“Til My Fingers Bleed” is a high-energy, cross-genre collaboration that fuses K-pop, hip-hop, and rock, capturing the emotion, ambition, and global spirit of the world’s largest esports event. DINO, genre-blending rapper Duckwrth, and metalcore frontman Telle Smith each bring deep ties to gaming culture, from major esports performances to in-game collaborations.
Their live debut of the track will help open a seven-week tournament that is redefining the role of gaming in mainstream culture. The song was written and produced by Alex Karlsson and T.Ma, known for their work with BTS, G.E.M. and ATEEZ, along with Jared Lee (Duckwrth), who wrote the track’s rap verse.
“At its heart, the Esports World Cup is a global celebration of community – where gaming, creativity, and culture converge on the world’s biggest stage,” said Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “EWC Music, our official song, and the Opening Ceremony help define the identity of the tournament. They reflect the spirit of shared passion and the connective power of music and esports, setting the tone for an unforgettable summer and celebrating how music can elevate competition and deepen fans’ emotional connection to the sport.”
Of the exciting new track, Telle Smith of The Word Alive commented ‘Gaming has been a part of my life for as long as music has, so getting to bring a genre bending song to a global stage like this feels surreal. I’m honored to share the moment in Riyadh with Duckwrth and Dino, I think fans all over the world will love “Til My Fingers Bleed”’.
“From day one, the Esports World Cup has been created as a global stage for gaming culture across all genres.”, said Ariel Horn, Executive Producer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Each artist on ‘Til My Fingers Bleed’ brings a unique sound that connects with players, whether they’re into sports, fighting, or action games. We’re excited to see how players and fans pick this track up around the world and hope they will embrace it.”
Viranda Tantula, Executive Creative Director, EWC Music, added: “Music is a universal language, and this is something it shares with gaming. What inspires us at this intersection of music and esports is the opportunity to shape new sounds for a truly global audience. We’ve always been drawn to creative experimentation, and with “Til My Fingers Bleed’, we wanted the collision of genres and international artists to reflect the same global mix of games and players that defines the Esports World Cup. The whole team has poured their hearts into this project, and we hope the community, k-pop, hip-hop, and rock fans feel the energy in both the track and the show.”
Now available across all major streaming platforms, the song is accompanied by a cinematic visualiser on YouTube, and will be featured throughout EWC broadcasts, social content, and live performances throughout the seven-week event.
The release follows “Ascension (Alesso Remix)”, a reimagining of the Esports World Cup’s orchestral theme by Alesso, featuring acclaimed cellist Tina Guo. Both tracks are part of EWC Music, a long-term initiative launched in April 2025 to develop an original music identity for the tournament. The programme began with the recording of a four-track suite at Abbey Road Studios by award-winning composers 2WEI and Hollywood Scoring, and continues with global artist collaborations and live performances.
Through original scores, artist-led tracks, and live performances, EWC Music aims to elevate every moment of the Esports World Cup – from broadcast highlights to trophy lifts and stadium shows.
The Esports World Cup 2025 Opening Ceremony will be headlined by Post Malone. A nine-times diamond-certified artist and lifelong gamer, he has deep ties to the esports world – from streaming Warzone and PUBG to collaborating on in-game events, including his recent Apex Legends crossover. His exclusive performance at EWC 2025 will blend chart-topping sound with a tribute to gaming culture on the world’s biggest esports stage.
The official Song of the Year artists also bring strong music ties to gaming: Duckwrth’s “Start a Riot” featured on the Spider-Verse soundtrack, while The Word Alive’s “RISE” was the 2018 League of Legends Worlds anthem, now streamed over 300 million times.
The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite the global esports community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together over 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from more than 100 countries. Players will compete in 25 tournaments across 24 titles for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool – the largest in esports history.
Tickets, including access to the Opening Ceremony, are now available at esportsworldcup.com.
To learn more about the Esports World Cup, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn. Esports World Cup: Level Up, the five-part documentary directed by Emmy Award-winner R.J. Cutler, is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
The post Esports World Cup 2025 Unveils Official Song of the Year and Full Opening Ceremony Line-up appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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