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How the Gaming Industry Utilises the Power of Football
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After a glorious FIFA World Cup summer, we once again make the return to domestic matters with all of Europe’s elite leagues now underway. Yes, the football season has resumed in all its relentless glory, and while not all of us can be top players, earning millions and enjoying the Instagram lifestyle, we can, in part, join in. How? Through video games where football isn’t just about pretending to be Mo Salah or Pep Guardiola—it’s about so much more.
Following the success of the World Cup-based, free-to-play competition, the “$100 MILLION Challenge”, The Stars Group rebooted their Spin & Go games into Spin & Goals—and their game Football Star is just the latest example of the gaming industry piggy-backing off of football’s popularity to promote its products. However, when it comes to video games, there are two staples of any new football season, the first of which is Football Manager. This year’s management sim is released on November 2 and will be titled “Football Manager 2019”. Evolving over the last 25 years from the original title “Championship Manager”, this game created—and then defined—the genre, and since its conception, no one else gets remotely close. For those of you looking for the ultimate football management experience, you need Football Manager 2019 in your life.
This game covers everything from on-field tactics to squad management. You must ensure that you keep rested players happy while working with the medical staff to maintain peak squad fitness. The real beauty of the game, though, comes from the transfer market where you get to scout, buy, and, of course, sell players in order to construct your winning team. Makers Sports Interactive have produced a game so definitive that scenarios mirror real-life situations that today’s managers have to deal with. It also comes with an accurate global database so massive that it contains pretty much every player in every league around the world. The only major league that the game didn’t hold the licence rights for was Germany’s Bundesliga, but that, too, will now be added in this year’s edition.
Play the Real Thing
The other staple of a new football season is EA Sport’s FIFA 19 (as it will be titled this year). The makers spare no expense, and it shows. It’s expensive and luxurious and it is unquestionably the “football game of football games”. Popular the world over, and now considered to be an e-sport, FIFA 19’s graphics are so accurate that you feel like you could be watching a live match. And the commentary comes off as real and authentic, too. Thanks to the related mini-game, FIFA Ultimate Team, the game also encourages you to purchase in-game Panini-style stickers to build up your dream team. This feature also works on mobile. Also popular is the “journey mode” that puts you in control of an aspiring pro’s career; it’s your job to turn him in to an international superstar. FIFA 19 is due out on September 28, and, for the first time, it will include the full Champions League licence.
The other sim, very much in FIFA’s shadow but still very much loved, is Pro Evolution Soccer 2019. There was a time when Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) and FIFA were going head-to-head, but this feels like a long time ago now, as FIFA has pulled away in such style. This is largely due to budgets, as Konami never had all the licences that its richer rival had. Whereas FIFA offered all teams, PES offered “North London Reds” and “Man Blue”. They do, however, have Barcelona and Liverpool (whom they sponsor) on their books so it’s not all bad. And, for the record, the gameplay is not bad either—thanks to the silkiness of its passing system and the on-pitch feel— which is why PES still has many fans. PES 2019 is already available for the loyalists among you.
90’s Arcade Classic

Sensible Soccer ruled the nineties. Photo Credit: Gary Denham, CC BY
Speaking of loyalists, back in the 90’s there was a cherished classic, pixel-heavy, no-frills football game that gained an army of fans, thanks to its vastly different offering. Back then, Sensible Soccer was considered to be the king of football games, even when considered among better-looking releases. Now, almost 25 years on, the arcade-style game will soon be making a return under the name Sociable Soccer. And, comfortingly, this will be released using 3D tools from Jon Hare’s Tower Studios, the studio that brought us its beloved predecessor. However, this is very much a “watch this space” matter at the moment, as Sociable Soccer is currently only available via Steam Early Access for PC. One early teaser to look out for is a player-card in-game feature similar to FIFA’s Ultimate Team, and while it looks as though it will initially be a PC game, console versions are also planned. These new releases and rebooted, old favourites just go to prove that there remains a healthy appetite for football games and, quite frankly, long may that continue.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network

Latest News
Disability Initiative Wins Inaugural F1® Allwyn Global Community Award
- First F1® Allwyn Global Community Award sees local Dutch initiative presented with the trophy and €100,000 donation from Allwyn to support its impact on the local community
- Winner has been recognised for its local community contribution through transforming event accessibility for those with disabilities
Zandvoort, Netherlands, 15:00 CET 28 August 2025: Allwyn, the multi-national lottery-led entertainment company, and Formula 1 have announced Stichting HandicapNL as the winner of the inaugural F1® Allwyn Global Community Award and a €100,000 donation from Allwyn. The donation will be used to further the winner’s positive impact – breaking down barriers by improving event accessibility. From extra facilities to offering specialised information, the foundation provides support across the entire event experience – helping the two million people with disabilities in the Netherlands and creating a more inclusive society.
The Award recognises the outstanding contributions to society that F1-linked initiatives are making in their country. Taking the international spotlight ahead of the Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, the local Dutch community initiative won over the panel of judges with the impressive impact that it has made not just in the world of F1, but in the wider community in the Netherlands. Over the next 12 months, the donation will enable Stichting HandicapNL to increase the number of events it supports, so that more people can access and inclusively attend from start to finish, regardless of their disability.
The F1® Allwyn Global Community Award, created as part of the multi-year partnership between Formula 1 and Allwyn, reflects a shared commitment to driving positive change and giving back to the communities in which they operate. During the 2025 season, a total of four local initiatives making a positive impact in their countries – which could include advancements in education, culture, wellbeing and sustainability – will be chosen by judges to each win a €100,000 donation from Allwyn and the chance to visit a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Three further winners will be announced this season, with local initiatives to be recognised at the home of Formula 1 races in the US (Austin and Las Vegas) and Mexico.
Jan Karas, CEO of OPAP, part of Allwyn, and F1® Allwyn Global Community Award judge said: “Stichting HandicapNL’s impact here in the Netherlands is truly inspiring. At Allwyn, we want to bring fun and entertainment to as many people as possible – no one should have to face a physical barrier in doing so. Stichting HandicapNL’s work is not just improving accessibility for F1 fans, but is providing learnings that can be applied to different types and scales of events outside of the F1 environment.”
Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1 said: “The F1 Allwyn Global Community Award is a perfect example of how Formula 1 can use partnerships to enact real change in the communities where it races. This unique collaboration has created a global platform to celebrate the fantastic local initiatives that go above and beyond to make a real difference. Stichting HandicapNL has helped transform experiences for many people living in the Netherlands, and the F1 Allwyn Global Community Award will help them to continue to expand their vital works and help people across the country.”
F1® Allwyn Global Community Award winner Jan Willem Koopman from Stichting HandicapNL, said: “Our ultimate goal is that it becomes commonplace for people with disabilities to access and inclusively attend a whole festival or event, from start to finish. It has been fantastic working with Formula 1 at Zandvoort to make this track as accessible as possible and, thanks to this Award, we can expand our operations. The donation from Allwyn will mean we can make four additional events more accessible, support a further six events with advice and assistance and develop new partnerships with like-minded organisations. It will also have a lasting impact in the long term, empowering even more people to attend events, challenging negative perceptions and creating a more inclusive society.”
The F1® Allwyn Global Community Award is being presented at the following Grands Prix in 2025:
- Formula 1® Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2025 – 29 – 31 August 2025
- Formula 1® MSC Cruises USA Grand Prix 2025 – 17- 19 October 2025
- Formula 1® Gran Premio De La Cuidad De Mexico 2025 – 24 – 26 October 2025
- Formula 1® Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix 2025 – 20 – 22 November 2025
The post Disability Initiative Wins Inaugural F1® Allwyn Global Community Award appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Gaming Platform, Overwolf, Sees 385% Revenue Surge in EU, Hires Activision Blizzard Vet For Expansion
Overwolf Expands European Presence with Former Activision Blizzard Executive to Accelerate Brand Partnership Growth Business has grown by 385% since entering the EU market one year ago.
Overwolf Ads, a world-leading platform empowering brands and advertisers to reach over 100 million monthly gamers, today announced the expansion of its European operations with the appointment of Adam Davis as Director of Brand Partnerships. This strategic hire supports Overwolf’s continued growth in the region and its mission to help brands engage with hard-to-reach gamers directly during gameplay.
Overwolf’s ad platform enables brands to reach gamers across premium titles like Minecraft and Fortnite, using a proprietary ad tech solution that provides advertisers with immersive yet non-intrusive placements. The company is currently ranked as the #2 biggest US Gaming Property by Comscore in terms of reach, with its influence across EMEA regions gaining momentum in 2025, now listed #3 in Germany, #5 in France, and #7 in the UK. In the last year, the company has partnered with global brands and media agencies such as Armani, Lancôme, Verizon, Pepsico, Amazon, P&G, Skoda, PHD, Publicis, Havas, dentsu, Wavemaker and Mediacom.
With more than 15 years of experience in the digital and gaming industry, Davis previously served as Group Director of Agency Partnerships at Activision Blizzard and has held leadership roles at AOL, Unruly/News Corp, and Reach plc. He played a key role in helping bring the new Xbox Ads offering to market at Activision and comes with extensive knowledge of video advertising across both gaming and traditional publisher environments. At Overwolf, he will focus on growing strategic brand relationships and developing innovative ad solutions that balance the player experience with high-impact brand engagement.
Davis joins a growing European team that has driven 385% growth in revenue in the region since Overwolf expanded into the EU market in 2024. The team has launched successful major partnerships with brands such as Müller FRijj, whose “Just Feel The URjj Challenge” activation rewarded players for embracing fun and chaos over simply winning. The unique campaign ran across major titles like Fortnite and Rocket League, using Overwolf Ads’ innovative ad technology to deliver contextual real-time messaging and rewards during humorous missions that resonated with Gen Z gamers.
“Gaming is reshaping modern entertainment. More brands than ever are looking to gaming to accelerate their marketing efforts, but one consistent challenge is accessing top-tier titles at scale,” said Adam Davis, Director of Brand Partnerships at Overwolf. “At Overwolf, advertisers can reach gamers across popular titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite, all accessible under one roof, and I’m looking forward to changing what’s possible for advertisers in the space.”
“As our European growth gains momentum, Adam’s leadership and prior experience at Activision will be instrumental in scaling Overwolf’s presence and bringing more brands into the worlds where gamers play,” commented Uri Marchand, CEO of Overwolf.
This announcement comes on the heels of Overwolf Ads’ milestone revenue achievement of doubling ad revenue from $50 million in 2023 to $100 million in 2024, continuing its trajectory as a category leader in in-game advertising.
For more information about advertising with Overwolf, please visit overwolf.com/ads
The post Gaming Platform, Overwolf, Sees 385% Revenue Surge in EU, Hires Activision Blizzard Vet For Expansion appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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SOFTSWISS Wins Best Game Aggregator Award in Latin America
SOFTSWISS wins the CGS Recife Awards 2025 for its flagship Game Aggregator, confirming its industry leadership as the largest content hub in iGaming, operating with 99.999% uptime across 24 regulated jurisdictions. Recognition in Latin America, where SOFTSWISS has achieved full product certification, further proves the product’s global dominance and commitment to delivering trusted solutions across key regulated markets.
The award recognises the best game aggregation platform in the Latin American iGaming market, celebrating leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. This recognition is especially important as it comes from Brazil, where all SOFTSWISS products have recently been certified, led by the Game Aggregator. It is the 7th international award for the Game Aggregator, highlighting the product’s dedication to delivering unmatched scale and stability.
The Game Aggregator is recognised as the industry leader because of measurable advantages that no other platform can match. Operating in 24 jurisdictions, the solution provides direct access to 35,000+ active playing games from 300+ providers with new releases appearing immediately in operators’ portfolios enabled by streamlined integrations.
Engagement features deliver proven growth. Its Tournament Tool increases average daily bets by 22% across the player base. Players who join tournaments place twice as many bets and wager 3 times more than others. Jackpot Aggregator campaigns on the Game Aggregator drive a 50% increase in turnover per user, making engagement mechanics a direct source of revenue.
The platform’s infrastructure is designed for continuous, fail-safe operation. Uptime reaches 99.999–100%, guaranteed by strict SLAs and backed with proactive system notifications. The system processes 7,000 requests and up to 100,000 database queries per second, with 99% of responses returned in under 100 milliseconds. This ensures operators never lose a session, a bet, or their players’ trust.
Beyond scale and engagement, the platform offers features that raise industry standards: AI-driven localisation for any market, deep analytics through the Ultimate Report Builder, and customisable game metadata for client-facing flexibility.
“We are honoured to receive the Best Game Aggregator Platform award at CGS Recife. This recognition shows the value of our commitment: a constantly growing game portfolio, wide market coverage, and unwavering platform reliability. For almost ten years, our team has been building a platform that not only delivers scale and stability but also drives measurable results,” added Tatyana Kaminskaya, Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator.
The SOFTSWISS team will be available at SBC Lisbon 2025, Stand B160, to discuss the possibilities of the Game Aggregator.
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 35,000 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, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Wins Best Game Aggregator Award in Latin America appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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