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Game pioneers establish studios in Boden
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This week, Boden Business Park is excited to announce that gaming veterans Peter Zetterberg and Thomas Lindgren are opening a new studio, Wanderword, in Boden, Sweden that will develop interactive audiobooks for mobile devices and smart speakers.
In 1993, Zetterberg founded one of Sweden’s first gaming companies, Unique Development Studios (UDS), best known for their racing title, Ignition. In 2007, Zetterberg began work on Microsoft’s Xbox team and has been there ever since eventually working his way up to Director of Operations & Integrations. Thomas Lindgren brings over 20 years of experience working within the Swedish video game industry to the table and currently serves as the chairman for Fatshark, publisher and developer of the successful video game series, Warhammer: Vermintide, as well as for Glorious Games Group and Wanderword.
Born out of passion for video games and storytelling, in 2012, Zetterberg began working on Wanderword whenever he found free time. Wanderword is a patented mobile platform for interactive audiobooks. A Wanderword story can be played on any mobile device or in-home voice enabled device, such as an Amazon Echo or Google Home. Utilizing speech synthesis, advanced speech recognition, rich sound effects, and branching narratives, Wanderword empowers writers to sell or share their stories with active listeners around the world. This excitingly innovative medium reflects Boden’s vision to become a new hub for the digital entertainment and video gaming industry.
“Wanderword fuses the concept of audio books with the immersion of video games. The studio in Boden will spearhead our efforts in this new business. The team will work closely with international and published authors, design engineers and music composers to create immersive interactive audiobooks,” says Zetterberg.
In addition to Wanderword, the Seattle-based game company, House of How, founded and led by former Microsoft engineer, Russ McMackin, will also establish itself in Boden. House of How has been a partner of Microsoft’s Minecraft Marketplace for quite some time. Among many other products and services, McMackin had a hand in the development of Microsoft’s HoloLens. A total of 15 interns are expected to join the two studios in January next year with plans to expand in the near future.
“I grew up in a small town before there was an established game developer industry in Sweden. I know how much talent there truly is outside our larger cities, be it in music, games, art and film. I want to make sure Team Wanderword taps into that pool of passionate talent and help young and aspiring game developers grow and eventually, build their own companies. Giving back to my country is the least I can do at this stage of my career” says Zetterberg, who has been working for Microsoft since 2007 as Director of Studios Operations.
“These establishments are the proof that we are working in the right direction” says Erik Svensson, CEO of Boden Business Agency.
Boden municipality’s tech trip began in 2011 with a major effort focused on the electricity intensive industry. This was followed in 2015 by the construction of Studio Nord. In the following year, a decision had been made to turn Boden into the next big city for the gaming industry. In the fall of 2017, classes in game design and development were being offered at Boden Business Park, in hopes of turning the business park. into a talent factory where young stars can grow, and companies within the gaming industry can develop and expand.
“We notice that the interest increases to establish game studios in Boden and Northern Sweden and that there is a curiosity in the market about what we are creating here,” says Mattias Bergqvist, business developer game industry at Boden Business Agency.
Thomas Lindgren, a veteran in the gaming industry, is also involved in the game initiative that is taking place in Boden. He has also played a huge part in attracting Zetterberg and McMackin.
“To be able to establish a local industry, it must be possible to arrange internships on site and to get support in starting companies, but also to attract experienced game developers to the area. With this establishment, the opportunity is given to all three, says Thomas Lindgren.
“Thomas and Peter are some of the most senior Swedes that we have in the gaming industry and their names together give enormous credibility to what we are building up here,” Mattias Bergqvist concludes.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
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EGT at ICE Barcelona 2025: Get ready to be stunned
EGT is prepared to make a long-lasting impression on visitors at ICE 2025, which will be held in Barcelona for the first time. The Bulgarian manufacturer of gaming equipment will showcase its compelling selection of bestsellers and high-potential new developments at one of the largest stands at the exhibition 3F30.
Among the novelties that will arouse the greatest interest will be 2 brand-new slot cabinets – 32-32 St and 32-32 Up. These models will certainly not go unnoticed by the event guests.
On display will be the newest addition to the company’s jackpot family – the 4-level Asian-themed Zhao Cai Shuang Yu. It will reveal the astonishing world of its 2 games, Prosperity Strike and Rising Coins.
The attendees will also be able to see and test the latest multigames from the Supreme Selection slot series. The Mega Supreme Fruits, Supreme Red, and Supreme Buy Bonus Prize Selection will present a lot of new slot titles, offering a perfect mix of fascinating themes, attractive bonus features, and great entertainment.
EGT will show its newest ETG developments as well. Among them will be the 32 T terminal, which will make its debut during the show. It will complement the company’s rich portfolio of ETG products, which are the preferred choice in numerous gaming venues around the world.
Expanding its offering, EGT will present the Supreme Series of game mixes, currently including the Supreme Roulette Union and Supreme Green Union multigames. Focusing exclusively on roulette, the Supreme Roulette Union blends the excitement of classic roulette gameplay with innovative jackpot systems and versatile features. Supreme Green Union combines popular games from the company’s portfolio with roulette, Keno, Baccarat, and Blackjack, offering players a unique and engaging experience.
Numerous new AWP and VLT products, created specifically for different markets, will also be at the visitors’ disposal, as well as the casino management system Spider, which will show its latest modules.
EGT Digital will also present its vast array of iGaming solutions, including instant and casino games, jackpots, and its in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform X-Nave.
Nadia Popova, Chief Revenue Officer and VP Sales & Marketing at EGT, commented: “ICE is a very important event for us, which gives us the opportunity to meet with industry professionals from all over the world. We will welcome our current and potential new customers and partners at our stand to present them all new products from our portfolio, divided into zones, covering all gaming verticals. I believe in the positive potential of changes. That is why I think that the relocation of the show to Barcelona will open new business horizons and bring many opportunities for building fruitful partnerships, for which we as a company are ready. “
The post EGT at ICE Barcelona 2025: Get ready to be stunned appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Vibra Group Completes the Acquisition of TSA
Go-to LatAm content and platform developer purchases longstanding Brazil-based tech development partner to accelerate growth plans
Vibra Group, the ‘go-to’ content and platform developer for the LatAm region, has acquired TSA, a Brazil-based technology company and one of its longest standing development partners.
The acquisition will further strengthen the award-winning company and accelerate its growth plans with 55 specialist platform development experts based in Northern Brazil.
TSA and Vibra Group have been long-term partners with TSA contributing significantly to Vibra’s technological growth. TSA, which operates under the ServiceNet brand name, also has existing contracts with several Brazilian lotteries including Loteria do Tocantins, Loteria do Maranhao, Loteria de Sergipe and Loteria da Paraíba.
The integration of TSA’s expert teams will immediately enhance Vibra’s platform development roadmap with additional resources dedicated to the Vibra Solutions business unit and will consolidate the Vibra Group’s structure across the LatAm region. The LatAm based team is focused on game studios, Remote Gaming Server (RGS), and Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM). The Brazil-based team specialising in Player Account Management (PAM) and sportsbook solutions.
Vibra’s product strategy is to service every client need delivering a complete solution on three core areas: sportsbook and casino platform with multiple levels of customization and flexibility; content aggregation platform including proprietary titles and third party games from the main brands in the industry; and a state-of-the-art EGM platform allowing operators to distribute products and content through VLT / retail terminals. The group’s 3 business divisions: Vibra Gaming, Vibra Solutions and Vibra VLT / Retail.
Ramiro Atucha, CEO, Vibra Group, said: “We’re delighted to close the acquisition of TSA and welcome the team to the Vibra family. TSA are one of our closest and most trusted partners with whom we’ve closely collaborated across several significant projects as well as ongoing development work, therefore joining forces makes perfect strategic sense.
“Our expansion and first M&A deal follows significant customer demand and growth across the LatAm region in the last 12 to 18 months so the timing is ideal. We’re very excited to have the TSA team join us as we continue our journey.”
Werter Luna, CEO, TSA, said: “We’re thrilled with the outcome of joining Ramiro and the Vibra team after having worked together for so long. The synergies were very clear and both companies know we are stronger together. The future is very bright and we’re ready to go on the ambitious plans we have to significantly grow our business.”
Founded five years ago by a management team of highly experienced industry experts with decades of land-based and online experience, Vibra has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative content studios and software developers in the industry and rapidly grown to become the LatAm market’s ‘go-to’ partner for local and international operators.
The post Vibra Group Completes the Acquisition of TSA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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GIANTX begins its 2025 LEC journey with fresh faces
The global esports organization GIANTX is ready to kick off its journey in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), Europe’s premier esports competition. With a revamped roster and a clear goal of qualifying for the 2025 Worlds in China, the team begins its campaign this Saturday with a challenging schedule.
Led by renowned coach André Guilhoto, the roster features Lot (toplaner), Closer (jungler), Jackies (midlaner), Noah (AD carry), and Jun (support). Jackies, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, returns as the only player from last year’s roster. Lot, a standout in the LFL, joins as a promising top laner. Closer, a three-time Worlds participant and North American champion, brings leadership and experience. Meanwhile, Noah and Jun, from Fnatic, aim to establish themselves as one of the best bot lanes in the LEC.
GIANTX continues to rely on advanced data analytics and statistics in building its roster. “We believe in this roster. It’s a mix of hungry, talented players and experienced individuals. This team has the potential to be a strong contender in the LEC,” said David Alonso, GIANTX’s head of esports.
The journey begins on January 18 against SK Gaming (7:30 PM), followed by Rogue (Sunday, 6:45 PM) and Karmine Corp (Monday, 9:00 PM). In the second week, GIANTX will face Movistar KOI, Team Heretics, and G2 Esports, closing the regular phase against Fnatic, BDS, and Vitality. With a demanding schedule ahead, GIANTX is set to prove it is ready to compete at the highest level.
The post GIANTX begins its 2025 LEC journey with fresh faces appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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