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WeChat is World’s Strongest Tech Brand
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As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the global economy, tech brands have recorded mixed fortunes this year. The top 100 most valuable tech brands in the Brand Finance Tech 100 2021 ranking have grown by 9% on average, faring much better than other sectors globally.
The Brand Finance Tech 100 2021 ranking is split into sub sectors, with electronics, retail, semiconductors, software, media & games, travel sites analysed separately as these brands make up more than 80% of the total brand value in the ranking. All brand values are correct as at 1st January 2021.
Electronics: Apple bites back
Apple has overtaken Amazon and Google to reclaim the title of the world’s most valuable tech brand, according to the latest report by Brand Finance – the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. Apple has the success of its diversification strategy to thank for an impressive 87% brand value increase to US$263.4 billion and its position at the top of the ranking. For the fist time since 2016, Apple has also been crowned the world’s most valuable brand, according to the Brand Finance Global 500 2021 ranking.
Under Tim Cook’s leadership, especially over the past five years, Apple began to focus on developing its growth strategies above and beyond the iPhone – which in 2020 accounted for half of sales versus two-thirds in 2015. The diversification policy has seen the brand expand into digital and subscription services, including the App Store, iCloud, Apple Podcasts, Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Arcade. On New Year’s Day alone, App Store customers spent US$540 million on digital goods and services.
Apple’s transformation and ability to reinvent itself time and time again is setting it apart from other hardware makers and has contributed to the brand becoming the first US company to reach a US$2 trillion market cap in August 2020. With rumours resurfacing that Apple’s hotly anticipated Titan electric vehicle foray is underway again, it seems that there is no limit to what the brand can turn its hand to.
Lorenzo Coruzzi, Associate, Brand Finance commented:
“Apple has successfully reinvented its capabilities, while remaining faithful to its core: enriching people’s life through innovative design. Under Tim Cook’s leadership, it has been successfully diversifying its revenue mix shifting towards more profitable segments – showcasing that it is truly resilient against its competitors.”
Retail: Alibaba.com up 108%
Despite relinquishing its position at the top to Apple, second-ranked Amazon has still managed to record a healthy 15% brand value growth to US$254.2 billion and is the second most valuable tech brand. The retail giant is one of the few brands that benefitted considerably from the pandemic and the resulting unprecedented surge in demand as consumers turned online following store closures. Over Q2 and Q3 of 2020, e-commerce platforms experienced the highest revenue growth since 2016.
Most recently – further leveraging the circumstances of the pandemic – Amazon has acquired 11 passenger planes from struggling North American airlines to expand its air logistics capabilities. A tactical purchase to support its fast-growing customer base, but also a strategic move towards building its own end-to-end supply chain, the fleet can allow the brand to become a serious contender in air transportation in due time.
Another example of Amazon’s relentless innovation in the face of global adversity, the brand has also announced its foray into the health sector with the launch of Amazon Pharmacy and fitness tracker Halo. Before it brought success to Apple, daring diversification had already been the hallmark of Amazon’s growth strategy, which it continues to pursue with impressive results.
Amazon’s Chinese equivalent, Alibaba.com has also benefitted from the unprecedented surge in demand, as consumers in China turned to online shopping during the pandemic. The retail giant’s brand value has been boosted by an eyewatering 108% to US$39.2 billion, making it the fastest growing brand in the ranking. Alibaba subsidiaries, Taobao, up 44% to US$53.3 billion, and Tmall, up 60% to US$49.2 billion, have enjoyed parallel successes, their online business models providing ease of access and convenience for consumers.
Semiconductors: Nvidia acquisition of Arm pays off
As artificial intelligence, data centres, 5G technology, IoT, and autonomous vehicles are rapidly growing, semiconductor brands are perfectly positioned to match this growth as this demand requires a new era of sensors, memory, and chips. On average, semiconductor brands have grown 16%, of these Nvidia is the fastest growing, up 73% to US$8.1 billion.
Nvidia’s announcement of the US$40 billion deal to acquire Arm – British chip designer company – has caused quite a stir across the industry as Nvidia sets its sights on becoming the top player for the next generation of processing and AI.
The most valuable semiconductor brand by a significant margin, Intel, has increased its brand value by 16% this year to US$31.8 billion. From its next-generation chips being set back due to delays in sales of its current-generation chips, to Apple making the move to make its own computer chips, Intel has negotiated a turbulent year. Perhaps in a move to remain relevant, Intel has undergone a rebranding, introduced as part of the brand’s effort to be more aspirational and reflect the goals ahead.
Lorenzo Coruzzi, Associate, Brand Finance commented:
“Intel has been the largest chipmaker for most of the past 30 years, combining the best designs with cutting-edge factories. While the decision to outsource chip manufacturing has not yet officially been taken, long delays in production and design have been hindering the brand in recent years, placing it in a tricky position against competitor TMSC and other players. Outsourcing would mean giving up Intel’s historical competitive advantage and might have deep geopolitical consequences in the years ahead. With the arrival of the new CEO, Pat Gelsinger, in February it will soon be clearer the direction the company begins to take.”
Software: WFH boosts brands
Video conferencing and business communication software has taken centre stage as the working from home revolution takes hold globally. Salesforce’s (brand value up 29% to US$ 13.2 billion) acquisition of Slack is a clear signal that the brand wants to become more competitive in the space, especially against leader Microsoft (up 20% to US$140.4 billion). It will remain to be seen whether this platform integration will be effective and deliver the expected value.
Google is the most valuable software brand and sits in the third in the complete tech ranking, following a marginal 1% uplift in brand value to US$191.2 billion. Slightly behind its peers in terms of diversification, Google recorded its first ever revenue decline as a result of the pandemic. The vast majority of the brand’s revenue comes from advertising, which took a hit over the last year as marketing budgets tightened.
Media & Games: WeChat is sector’s & world’s strongest
Brand Finance determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. According to these criteria, WeChat is the strongest tech brand – and the world’s strongest brand – with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 95.4 out of 100 and a corresponding elite AAA+ brand strength rating.
Alongside revenue forecasts, brand strength is a crucial driver of brand value. As WeChat’s brand strength grew, its brand value also enjoyed a rapid boost, increasing by 25% to US$67.9 billion.
As one of China’s home-grown tech successes with very strong equity, WeChat enjoyed high scores in reputation and consideration among Chinese consumers. WeChat has successfully implemented a broad and all-encompassing proposition, that offers services from messaging and banking, to taxi services and online shopping – the all-in-one app has become essential to many users’ daily lives.
During the pandemic, WeChat ran several government-mandated health code apps to keep track of those travelling or in quarantine, providing access to real-time data on COVID-19, online consultations, and self-diagnoses services powered by artificial intelligence to over 300 million users.
The media landscape continues to evolve with traditional media outlets falling victim to their modern counterparts. In line with positive trends in brand value in the new media sector, Spotify has climbed 15 spots in the ranking from 80th to 65th, enjoying an impressive 39% boost in brand value to US$5.6 billion. The last year has seen a significant increase in new users as the music streaming platform expanded its operations into 13 new markets. Spotify is primed for further success as it continues to develop its capabilities, signing exclusive podcast contracts with Archie Comics and Joe Rogan, and acquiring Megaphone from Graham Holdings to improve its own podcast technology.
In contrast, Twitter has recorded a 18% brand value drop to US$3.1 billion. The social media platform’s actions have come under intense scrutiny as the handling of former President Trump’s account has sparked raucous debate, surrounding freedom of speech versus Trump’s use of the platform to incite violence, and spread false claims.
Lorenzo Coruzzi, Associate, Brand Finance commented:
“Podcasts are one of the key reasons why consumers move to premium subscription on music streaming services. The global podcast market size was expected to reach US$11.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow by nearly 30% by 2027. With these predictions, and competitors already demonstrating their intent in the market, it won’t be easy for Spotify to retain the crown of music streaming brand”.
Travel sites: victims of COVID-19
As holidays are cancelled and people are instructed to work from home, the hospitality sector has reached an almost complete standstill both from tourism, as well as corporate travel. Online booking platforms are crashing too. Booking.com has recorded a 19% brand value loss to US$8.3 billion, simultaneously dropping 10 positions in the ranking from 32nd to 42nd. The story is similar for Airbnb as 30% of its brand value eroded to US$3.4 billion.
Expedia has dropped out of the ranking this year, following a 25% brand value decrease.
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: WeChat is World’s Strongest Tech Brand
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Duels for Friends in Trophy Hunter. Invite your friends and create a shared space for fun and competition.
Starting September 5, Trophy Hunter players can invite friends to join the game and enjoy it together. But that’s not all – the new update introduces hot-seat duels, one-on-one asynchronous challenges that let players prove who is the best marksman and earn extra rewards. All this is made possible by the new Duels for Friends feature, which expands the social dimension of Trophy Hunter and gives players complete freedom to choose their opponents – both among existing fans of the game and those who haven’t yet tried it. This is another step in delivering the game’s dynamic, content-rich roadmap, with Trophy Hunter already recording very promising KPIs and steadily growing its player base since its July 3 global launch.
Duels for Friends – compete with your friends
– From the very beginning, the social aspect and players’ engagement in league competition have been extremely important for the development of Trophy Hunter. This clearly sets the game apart from the competition and strongly engages our users. Now we are taking the next step by giving players a tool that lets them create their own space in the game – inviting friends, competing, and simply having fun together. This is an important milestone in the game’s development and the foundation for the next features we are already working on.” – says Jakub Noganowicz, Product Owner of Trophy Hunter and Hunting Clash.
With the Duels for Friends feature, every Trophy Hunter player can invite anyone to join the game by sending them a special link via SMS or messenger. Members of the club can also be invited. In this way, players not only expand the Trophy Hunter community but also actively shape its composition. Invited friends can join the competition, become members of any club, or set up a new club together with the player who invited them and compete in the club league. It enhances the competitive spirit and motivates players to improve their skills.
The update also adds a new form of competition alongside the league system – asynchronous one-on-one duels with friends (hot-seat duels). Each duel consists of three rounds and must be completed within a set time. The challenger selects an opponent from their friends list, chooses an arena unlocked by both players, and plays the first round. The match then continues step by step, with each participant taking their turn when convenient, but within the required time limit. In-game notifications remind players when it’s their turn, and before starting the next round they can watch a replay of their opponent’s shots. After three rounds, the duel is concluded, the winner receives a reward, and the loser can instantly challenge them to a rematch. An additional reward is granted only for the first duel of the day with a specific friend, but players can play as many duels as they like to prove who is the best marksman. To maximize rewards, players need to challenge as many friends as possible and win those encounters. All active duels are visible in the friends panel introduced with this update, while the notification system keeps players informed about ongoing challenges and results.
New arenas – dynamic game growth
At its global launch on July 3, 2025, Trophy Hunter offered players nine arenas where they could compete in their first duels. Just a month later, on August 13, the game was expanded with a tenth arena – Northern Lights. Set against the breathtaking spectacle of the aurora borealis, it challenges players to make precise long-range shots in low-visibility conditions. In the last week of August, the eleventh arena – Scottish Highlands – was introduced, bringing another unique environment and new challenges. The update also includes technical improvements that enhance the overall player experience. The fast pace of these additions is only the beginning of more exciting content that the Trophy Hunter team is actively working on to ensure the game continues to evolve dynamically.
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Seasoned iGaming executive brings decade of commercial expertise to drive B2B growth
VeliTech, the B2B technology division of Veli Group, today announced the appointment of Mats Lundin as Chief Sales Officer (CSO). Lundin brings over 10 years of commercial leadership experience across the iGaming sector to accelerate VeliTech expansion as operators worldwide seek battle-tested platform solutions.
In his new role, Lundin will spearhead VeliTech global sales strategy, focusing on delivering the company’s comprehensive suite of iGaming solutions to operators seeking proven technology backed by real-world performance. His appointment reinforces VeliTech commitment to partnering with operators who demand more than promises – they want technology that is already winning in the market.
“Mats embodies the kind of proven expertise that our operator partners expect,” said Giorgi Aleksidze, CEO at VeliTech.
“His track record of building meaningful relationships and driving revenue growth aligns perfectly with our approach of backing our technology with real results. When we say we bet on our tech, we need leaders who understand what that means in practice.”
Lundin joins VeliTech from Vegangster, where he served as Sales Manager. His career spans key roles including Director of Sales and Chief Commercial Officer at Gaming Corps, Head of Sales at iSoftBet, and various commercial positions where he consistently delivered revenue growth and market expansion
“What drew me to VeliTech is their unique position in the market,” said Lundin.
“This is not just another platform provider making bold claims – this is a team that operates their own gaming brands and proves their technology works where it matters most. That combination of technical excellence and real-world validation creates compelling value for operators.”
Throughout his career, Lundin has specialised in provider and operator relationship management, regulatory navigation, and market analysis. His expertise spans both B2B and B2C sectors, with a proven ability to identify growth opportunities and translate them into sustainable commercial success.
The VeliTech platforms cover all critical aspects of iGaming, including player account management, no-code CRM, payment gateway, content aggregation, and game development. The appointment of Lundin as CSO comes as the company continues expanding its presence across regulated markets, from European casinos to emerging African markets.
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Relax Gaming is taking players on a divine adventure above the clouds in its latest release, Aura God. This celestial 6×6 tumble slot offers 46,656 ways to win and a top prize of 10,000x the player’s stake. In this celestial quest, players will encounter the thrilling Mystery Reveal feature, where Mystery Frames and Mystery Symbols combine to unveil paying symbols or coins worth up to 100x.
Thunderkick has launched Carnival Queen 2, a sequel to its vibrant Mardi Gras-inspired street party, where a new reel structure combines with an infinite multiplier to unveil 25,000x win potential. Building on the original with a new grid layout, the height of each reel can change at random from two to seven symbols, providing from 5,040 up to a maximum of 117,649 ways to win.
Evoplay has launched Fogo Do Brasil 777, a classic-style slot bursting with carnival spirit and inspired by the vibrant energy of Brazil. Set against a backdrop of Rio’s glowing lights and samba beats, the 3-reels slot combines traditional machine action with colourful, festive flair. Glittering sevens and fireworks across the reels create an atmosphere that captures the excitement of a Brazilian celebration.
Blueprint Gaming has blended one of its most popular trending mechanics with the power of an established classic IP in Reel King® Riches, an eagerly awaited title that breathes new life into one of the industry’s most iconic brands. Promising an experience that will resonate with a generation of slot players, the new game capitalises on a revered franchise. The Reel King® brand is a household name in both land-based and online gaming, with its cheerful, chubby king and distinctive regal style being instantly recognisable.
Evoplay has launched Ignis Rex, a fiery slot where classic fruit icons meet regal treasures. Played on a 5×3 grid, the title blends the familiarity of traditional slot play with dynamic bonus features. Players will encounter gleaming Coins and the commanding King, who appears as a Sticky Wild symbol and oversees every spin.
SLOT MART, a brand under Massive Gaming, a rapidly growing B2B iGaming software provider, is taking players on a magical and enchanted journey with endless rewards in its latest release, Cinderella. Set on a 3×3 grid with five paylines, Cinderella brings the classic fairytale to life with over 13 themed symbols.
Play’n GO returns to its molten jungle realm in Fire Toad 2 – the long-awaited sequel to the 2021 fan-favourite slot. With evolved mechanics, transformative features, and a fresh layer of visual polish, Fire Toad 2 builds on its predecessor’s charm while igniting new paths to amphibious fortune. The volcanic pools have reignited, and the fire-backed toads are ready to evolve once more.
PG Soft, a world-class digital mobile games company, has launched its fairytale-inspired slots title, Grimms’ Bounty: Hansel & Gretel. It’s a 3-reel, 5-row video slot that features increasing multipliers and extra respins to keep the action engaging. The Wild is represented by a bubbling cauldron that substitutes for all symbols to create more winning combinations, while the mystical potion Scatter unlocks the Free Spins feature.
GAMOMAT has cranked up the craziness with the release of Book of Madness 2. This chilling 5×3 slot is set within a derelict, blood-smeared asylum that oozes with tension, underscored by an eerie soundscape. Following the massive success of the original, Book of Madness is back with a thrilling sequel that turns up the chaos.
Relax Gaming is bringing back its favourite double act in Bill & Coin 2: Mummy Mischief, an Ancient Egyptian adventure packed with new features, huge win potential, and a dash of mischievous charm. Players will join Bill & Coin as they search for the treasures of the pharaohs, with the chance to win up to 15,000x their bet.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems, and solutions, has announced the release of two new online slot titles across UK and Malta iGaming jurisdictions: King Kong Crash Climber™ and Wolf It Up! Again™. Each title is designed to provide distinctive gameplay experiences while delivering strong performance for operators.
In its latest release, Tao Tree Coins, Tom Horn Gaming is inviting players to step into the glow of silken lanterns and embrace the promise of fortune in a game showered in golden coins. Tao Tree Coins blends the timeless charm of Asian-themed slots with a modern, on-trend Hold & Win mechanic, offering dynamic gameplay designed to engage both traditional slot fans and thrill-seekers alike.
SlotMatrix, the world’s largest casino content aggregation platform, has launched Fortune Llama Hyper Heist, a rebellious adventure where a gang of fearless llamas set off on the ultimate coin-packed heist. Developed by Fantasma Games, part of the EveryMatrix Group, Fortune Llama Hyper Heist sees players embark on a bank job like no other, collecting as many coins, prizes and jackpots as they can.
The stars are set to align for stellar rewards once again in Star Clusters II from Big Time Gaming. This is a Megaclusters slot where players need to strap in and hold tight as they blast off towards the big-win galaxy. Players venture into the unknown as Megaclusters unleash powerful chain reactions among the stars.
Million Games proudly announces the launch of Riches of Zeus, a high-volatility video slot set on top of Mount Olympus. This 5×3 slot blends escalating Free Spins, symbol upgrades, and cinematic gameplay for a mighty experience that grows more powerful with every spin. Players enter the game at the base of Olympus and ascend through divine trials—unlocking expanding Wilds, bonus upgrades, and an evolving win structure that reflects their progress.
Play’n GO deepens its mythological portfolio with Rise of Olympus Extreme, a supercharged follow-up to one of its most enduring grid slot titles. Following the popularity of the original Rise of Olympus, this new release expands the celestial stakes with enhanced mechanics and visual polish. Returning players will reunite with the mighty trio – Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus – who now command more formidable powers in a refined 5×5 cascading grid.
Just Slots, has announced the network release of its latest slot title, Rain and Ruin. The new slot pits the Queen of Rain against the King of Ruin in a dramatic clash of the elements, offering players a fresh narrative twist and building on the studio’s recent run of standout releases. Just Slots, known for putting striking art and storytelling at the center of its games, has made no exceptions with Rain and Ruin.
Playson, the accomplished digital entertainment supplier, has enhanced its Royal Coins series with the release of 3 Royal Coins: Hold and Win, featuring its popular 3 Pots mechanic and a rewarding new Twin Feature. In the latest instalment of the popular series, Special Coins elevate gameplay by triggering the Hold and Win Bonus Game with Special Coin Features.
This month, popular software providers Swintt are inviting players to join them on a classic safecracking caper in Victorian Vaults – a new action-packed Premium release where lining up the perfect combination of symbols could open the door to unforgettable riches. A five-reel title that can be played with either five or ten paylines, Victorian Vaults boasts a striking combination of ornate reels and steampunk-inspired symbols.
Revolver Gaming is proud to announce the launch of Pyramid of Ra, an industry-first slot title that brings a revolutionary triangular reel configuration to the iGaming world. Set against the mystical backdrop of ancient Egypt, this highly innovative release is packed with cutting-edge features and designed to deliver a fresh, engaging, and unforgettable experience for players.
The post Week 36/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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