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Bay City Ventures Head Becomes First Japanese To Win Individual G2E Asia Award
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The final winners of the prestigious G2E Asia Awards were announced on May 21st, with the award ceremony and gala dinner held in The Parisian Macao attended by over 370 industry professionals. In what could become a recurring event as the Japan IR industry develops and grows, Tokyo-based Bay City Ventures’ Joji Kokuryo won the G2E Asia “BEST INDUSTRY RISING STARS” award, marking the first time a Japanese individual has received such an honor in one of Asia’s premium gaming award events. The company noted that the award recognized Kokuryo’s volunteerism in the promotion of innovation in the gaming industry, as well as his efforts and leadership in preparing his home country for a successful IR industry.
“This is an amazing honor. I owe everything to the colleagues I have worked with, the customers who demand the best, regulators who kept me on my toes, and everyone who helped me learn and excel in the industry. I must give a special thanks to my friends at Aruze Gaming, who first gave me the opportunity in this industry to take on bigger challenges,” said Kokuryo.
Other recipients of awards on the evening include gaming operators such as Galaxy Entertainment, Melco Resorts, MGM China, Wynn Palace, and Solaire, as well as gaming supplier giants Aristocrat and Scientific Games. Japanese gaming suppliers such as Aruze Gaming, Konami, and Angel Playing Cards have in the past been recognized in Asia for their products.
Kokuryo adds that “it is humbling to see the BC Ventures name on such a prominent list of winners. This recognition further strengthens our sense of responsibility to continue supporting Japanese individuals, entities, local communities, and eventually regulators to be successful in the global gaming industry. “
The Japan gaming industry, while still in it’s early stages, will be up and running by the middle of the 2020’s. While international support will be key, locals will certainly play a large role in shaping the newest major gaming industry. Bay City Ventures aims to be a major player in developing human resources and promoting the smooth development and regulation of Japanese integrated resorts.
About G2E Asia and G2E Asia Awards:
The Global Gaming Expo Asia, known as G2E Asia, is the largest gaming industry event in Asia, and consists of multiple exhibitions, conferences and forums. It is run by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions.
The G2E Asia Awards is an annual event that recognizes the best of various categories in the gaming industry. It is co-organized by G2E Asia and Inside Asian Gaming.
The “Industry Rising Stars Award” is the only individual award and is awarded to a maximum of 5 winners from a list of 16 finalists. 50 industry veterans were judges for the awards. This prestigious prize is awarded to gaming industry performers under the age of 40 who have demonstrated consistent leadership and innovation, with great potential for more to come.
About Bay City Ventures Ltd.:
Bay City Ventures was established in Tokyo, Japan in January of 2019, with the goal of supporting local business endeavors in the international gaming industry and providing relevant information and support to local stakeholders during the development of the Japan IR market .
The company was founded by Joji Kokuryo, formerly a lead executive in charge of the Asian and European market for gaming supplier Aruze Gaming. Joji is one of the few Japanese nationals who have stamped their name in multiple facets of the international gaming industry.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Bay City Ventures Head Becomes First Japanese To Win Individual G2E Asia Award

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SKINBARON SUPPORTS GERMAN ESPORTS AND EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG
SkinBaron remains a loyal partner to BIG and supports German esports across the Academy and women’s segments.
Berlin, September 11, 2025 – Berlin International Gaming (BIG) and SkinBaron have been closely connected since late 2019 and are now extending their partnership, continuing a success story that spans more than six years.
At a time when the Counter-Strike community, and in particular BIG’s CS2 men’s team, has experienced a challenging year, this extension sends an important signal: SkinBaron remains a loyal companion through every high and low. In addition to the pro team, SkinBaron also supports BIG’s Academy and women’s teams, helping to develop young talent and strengthen the scene in Germany.
Beyond the server, SkinBaron is deeply connected with the community. At the BIG Overtime Party during IEM Cologne 2025, SkinBaron once again served as an event partner, showcasing its close ties to the German esports community.
Statement from Daniel Finkler, CEO, Berlin International Gaming
“I am incredibly pleased and grateful that we are extending our long-standing partnership with SkinBaron. SkinBaron has been a vital part of our journey for over six years, both during successful and challenging times. My special thanks go to Tobias Andro as the new CEO, as well as to Florian Eckstein, Tobias Herberhold, Hannes Scholdz, and all other shareholders, employees, and partners at SkinBaron. They have brought this partnership to life over the years and actively shaped it. We are proud to move into the future together with such a loyal and authentic partner.”
Statement from Tobias Andro, CEO, SkinBaron
“Our partnership with BIG has stood for loyalty, trust, and collaboration on equal footing for over six years. Together, we share a vision of sustainably supporting the German esports scene and helping talent reach the top. This extension is therefore not only a commitment to our shared past, but above all a fresh start toward a future we want to shape side by side.”
The post SKINBARON SUPPORTS GERMAN ESPORTS AND EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH BIG appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force”
The studio’s latest game blends nostalgic themes and engaging features
The vast plains are alive with the sound of rampant hooves, the roar of predators, and helpful animals along the way. ELA Games proudly presents its latest release, Buffalo Force, an energetic game that celebrates the sheer power of nature.
The Call of the Wild
In Buffalo Force, players roam alongside fearsome buffalo, fierce bears, cunning wolves, and soaring eagles as they work together to hunt for big rewards. The game features 3 energetic mechanics:
- Free Spins: Land 3 Scatter symbols to enter the game’s primary bonus feature. All Wilds pay 2x here.
- Hold & Win Bonus: Unlock this lucrative feature for a shot at powerful coin prizes and even a chance at one of the mighty jackpots!
- Jackpot: Three jackpots give you the chance for mega wins: Minor (25x), Major (100x), and Grand (1000x).
Each spin holds the spirit of the wilderness, blending high-action gameplay with the studio’s signature visually-rich aesthetics.
Join the Herd
Buffalo Force combines visually stunning animations, high-performance mechanics, and well-crafted environmental design to transport players to the heart of the North American wilderness. The studio’s attention to detail and storytelling prowess immerses players as they become part of the stampede, on the hunt for wild riches.
Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the release, “Buffalo Force represents the studio’s passion for creating visually striking and memorable games that players love. We focused a lot on the game’s visuals and environmental design to immerse players in the North American wild, which helps create an emotional connection and encourages high-performance engagement. We’re excited to see the reception Buffalo Force will receive, and we have many more exciting games in the works!”
Will You Answer the Call?
The raw wilderness is waiting for you. Will you join the herd and hunt for your fortunes and a life of freedom?
The post Answer the Call of the Wild: ELA Games Unveils Its Latest Game “Buffalo Force” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify
With the centre-left retaining a narrow majority, Norway’s gambling framework is set to remain largely unchanged in the near term.
Norsk Tipping’s monopoly will continue, and enforcement tools such as payment and DNS blocking of unregulated operators are likely to remain in focus. While a shift to a licensing model appears unlikely this parliamentary term, the Progress Party’s stronger position as the main opposition keeps the reform debate active.
For industry stakeholders, the sensible course is to concentrate on compliant, sustainable strategies and to track policy signals closely as the debate continues.
The post Kongebonus statement: Norway’s election result signals gambling policy continuity, but licensing debate is set to intensify appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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