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Fast Company ranks Fnatic in the most innovative gaming firms
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Every generation of video-game consoles ushers in faster, more realistic titles. This year’s releases by Sony and Microsoft continue that trend. The PS5 and the Xbox Series X deliver unprecedented levels of realism, with graphics processors that simulate shimmering reflections on puddles, controller vibrations that evoke the feeling of running through sand, and game worlds that are as large and detailed as actual cities. But games didn’t simply become more lifelike in 2020. They also became more intertwined with our everyday lives. In the year where everyone sheltered at home, escapism was accessible to more kinds of people than ever, whether you dreamt of the fashion runways in Paris, a quiet pastoral island life, or literal escape (from Zombies, aliens, enemy soldiers, the list goes on). And gaming companies further worked their way into pop culture, from sports to fashion to movies.
1. MICROSOFT
For subscribing to an anywhere, anytime gaming lifestyle
Microsoft is increasingly becoming the everyman’s gaming system. The company aims to empower Xbox fans to play any game, on any device, anywhere, anytime. In the past year, the software giant didn’t just launch its next-generation console, the Xbox Series X, it upgraded infrastructure, introduced new services, and made a sizable acquisition to bring its vision of gaming ubiquity closer to reality. Games on the Xbox Series X load faster than ever thanks to a screaming-fast solid state drive. Subscribers to Game Pass, Microsoft’s “Netflix for Games,” can now play over 100 Xbox games from any Android-powered mobile phone or tablet by tapping into the company’s xCloud streaming service. A feature called Smart Delivery upgrades games automatically and installs them on the owner’s new console—ready to resume play at the moment a player left off. In September, the company announced they paid $7.5 billion to acquire Zenimax Media, bringing games franchises like Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Doom in house. For more on why Microsoft is a 2021 Most Innovative Company, click here.
2. SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
For leveling up yet again
Long the gaming industry’s paragon of polish and ingenuity, Sony’s gaming division burnished its reputation with new hardware and software in 2020 that built on what games can do—and who can play them. Its next generation console, the PlayStation 5, employs top-notch graphics processors that enhance how the game looks, its new controller employs haptic technology that changes how the game feels—making it possible for players to distinguish between the touch of a sandy surface versus a shiny metallic one. Games like Last of Us Part II, developed by Sony subsidiary Naughty Dog, added accessibility options to make the game playable and fun for players of any ability level, including those who are partially or fully blind (sonar-like pings relay the approach of menacing zombies). Meanwhile, Dreams, a game developed by Media Molecule (another Sony entity) makes it possible for players to crate anything from games to gadgets to puzzles and paintings with the title’s game-making toolbox and social network. For more on why Sony Interactive Entertainment is a 2021 Most Innovative Company, click here.
3. NVIDIA
For enabling auteurs with cinematic graphics
Graphics in video games have always lagged behind Hollywood CGI for a simple reason: time. Movie studios can spend weeks rendering each shadow and reflection in a given frame with intense attention to realism and detail; games have to render graphics on the fly, some 60 times every second, as the player moves through virtual space. NVIDIA’s RTX 30 series graphics chips close the quality gap between games and movies using a supremely clever chip design that combines traditional graphics processing with ray-tracing, a computationally intense process that can simulate how light beams reflect and refract off smoke, shimmering water, or high-sheen chrome. Meanwhile an AI-dedicated processing core finds shortcuts and workarounds to speed the process up to game-appropriate speeds.
4. NINTENDO
For crossing into everyday companionship
If quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic had an official pastime, it would be Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The easy-going, wholesome and social game, in which players plant a garden and decorate a home while making friends with a collection of friendly anthropomorphic animals, was exactly the kind of virtual escape many millennials and kids alike were looking for as they sheltered in place. The game’s social elements—users can visit one another’s island and pass the time with meditative, outdoorsy activities like chopping wood and fishing—provided a way for real-life friends to hang out with one another and feel a little close without violating social distancing rules.
5. DAPPER LABS
For putting collectibles on the blockchain
The blockchain-based game developer behind CryptoKitties launched NBA Top Shot, a blockchain-based collectible game, in 2020. The game offers a blockchain twist on sports cards collectibles, by allowing users to buy, collect, and trade video-clip “packets” of top NBA players and moments—pointing toward a new future for sports memorabilia. This year one such blockchain-encrypted video, also known as a “moment”, of the Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo charging to the basket, sold from one collector to another for $1,999.
6. FNATIC
For upgrading esports teams into elite status
The esports organization is building a lifestyle brand that is synonymous with gaming excellence while selling every aspect of it: Its stable of professional esports players win championships in massively popular games ranging from League of Legends to CS:Go, while using Fnatic’s line of performance gaming equipment (keyboards, mice, chairs) and wearing the company’s co-branded apparel and accessories, which it makes in partnership with fashion houses like Gucci. The company’s CEO, Sam Matthews, sees Formula One as an inspiration; in fact he made Nick Fry, the former CEO of the Mercedes AMG Formula One team, the company’s head of commercial strategy.
7. FAZE CLAN
For elevating video games into pop culture
Rivals may deride the sprawling collective of content-makers and gamers as a Gen Z mashup, but the company’s massive reach is undeniable: FaZe Clan members play video games professionally in tournaments, stream their lives on platforms like Twitch, and make short-form videos for sites like YouTube. The company, led by Lee Trink, a music executive who was once president of Capitol Records, is expanding into novel and traditional forms of content alike, from podcasts on Spotify and clips on TikTok to film and television projects, such as Crimson, which was released in October. The collective is also making its talent for Zoomer whispering available to mass-market brands from Verizon to Nissan to Venmo.
8. HERMAN MILLER
For fashioning the gamers’ throne
9. HOLLOW PONDS
For killing us softly with its quirky creations
10. DREST
For dressing up high fashion into a video game
Latest News
S8UL creating history as the first Indian organization to secure four nominations at Esports Awards 2025.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
In a landmark moment for Indian esports, S8UL, a global powerhouse in gaming and esports content, has made history by becoming the first Indian organization to secure four nominations at the prestigious Esports Awards 2025, set to take place in Las Vegas on November 19, 2025.
Equivalent to the Oscars of gaming, the Esports Awards are the most esteemed global recognition platform for excellence in the esports and gaming ecosystem. Each year, they celebrate the players, creators, organizations, and innovations shaping the future of gaming worldwide.
This year, S8UL has earned nominations across four major categories, marking another milestone for India on the world esports map:
Esports Content Group of the Year – S8UL Esports
Having won this award three years in a row (2022, 2023, and 2024), S8UL returns as a frontrunner in the category that has established it among the most decorated organizations in Esports Awards history. The nomination further reinforces its dominance as a content powerhouse and community leader.
Esports Personality of the Year – Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug)
As the driving force behind S8UL, Animesh Agarwal has been recognised for his immense contributions to India’s gaming ecosystem and his leadership in bridging the worlds of esports, entertainment, and brand partnerships. Under his guidance, S8UL has become one of the most influential organizations in global esports.
Esports Content Creator of the Year – Raj Varma (Snax)
Raj Varma, one of India’s most beloved creators, has been nominated for his engaging storytelling, skill-based content, and influence in shaping the next generation of gamers. A former esports athlete, he is now among the country’s biggest gaming creators, with over 2.15 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.1 million followers on Instagram.
Streamer of the Year – Payal Dhare (PayalGaming)
One of India’s most prominent gaming personalities, Payal Dhare has been recognized for her trailblazing journey that continues to inspire millions of women gamers. Known for curating diverse gaming content, she remains the only female gamer from India to win an international award, paving the way for more women to pursue gaming professionally.
This recognition follows a landmark year for S8UL, which represented India at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh after becoming the first and only Indian organization selected for the prestigious Club Partner Program by the Esports World Cup Foundation. Last year, Naman Mathur (Mortal) brought further pride to India by winning ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year,’ marking a first for an Indian creator on such a global platform.
As the world gears up for the Esports Awards 2025, all eyes are now on S8UL and its creators to once again make India proud on the world’s biggest esports stage.
Voting for the Esports Awards 2025 is now live at www.esportsawards.com/vote, and will remain open until November 12, 2025.
The post S8UL creating history as the first Indian organization to secure four nominations at Esports Awards 2025. appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The gaming world is shifting. Today’s players don’t just chase bonuses — they expect loyalty programs that feel fair, transparent, and worth committing to. And for operators, that means finding smarter ways to keep players engaged for the long run. To meet these needs, RocketPlay has redesigned its VIP Club with a focus on transparency, simplicity, and rewarding ongoing engagement.
Why changing?
Players now expect more than short-term bonuses — they seek a loyalty experience that rewards long-term commitment, feels genuinely fair, and puts the player at the center. At the same time, operators need tools that sustain engagement and build enduring player relationships. This customer-centric vision inspired the redesign of RocketPlay’s VIP Club.
What’s different?
We combined two separate systems — Lifetime Loyalty (XP) and Seasonal VIP Progress (SP) — into one unified program. Progress is now tracked along a single, straightforward path with clear rules for leveling up and confirming VIP status each season. Players can easily see how their deposits, bets, and other actions move them closer to better rewards. Now each new VIP level unlocks a new surprise — up to 10% weekly cashback, 5% Live cashback, up to 25% daily deposit insurance, bonuses for level-ups, and much more! Plus, the base VIP level is now permanent, recognizing players’ ongoing commitment.
How does this help business?
The new VIP Club is designed to keep players engaged longer and more often. Its simple, gamified approach motivates players to stay active, which helps improve retention and overall player activity across all games — slots, live casino, and sports betting alike.
Listening to our players
At RocketPlay, we don’t just listen to our players — we act on what we learn. The VIP Club continuously evolves through player insights, behavioral data, and performance analysis to stay aligned with modern gaming habits. This iterative, customer-centric approach strengthens long-term loyalty while driving measurable retention and LTV growth. The new VIP Club reflects RocketPlay’s strategy of combining innovation with sustainable business impact — creating value for both players and the brand.
Latest News
Blueprint Gaming strengthens European foothold with Finnish state lottery Veikkaus partnership
Reading Time: < 1 minute
Blueprint Gaming has bolstered its presence across Europe after securing a new partnership with Veikkaus, the Finnish state lottery.
Veikkaus’ player base across Finland now benefits from Blueprint’s entire portfolio, featuring branded titles Rick and Morty: Strike Back, The Flintstones and ted Afterparty, as well as its iconic King Kong and Fishin’ Frenzy franchises.
Comprising over 1,200 top iGaming professionals, with responsible gaming firmly at its core, Veikkaus operates all gambling content offered throughout Finland, covering lottery, casino and sports betting.
The state-owned organisation has now elevated its diverse gambling portfolio through a library of feature-rich games known for their vibrant visuals, proven retention-focused mechanics and immersive gameplay.
Blueprint Gaming’s latest agreement underlines its ambitions of continuing to expand its global footprint across the industry’s most progressive markets, bringing its ever-expanding content to a new wave of players.
Samuel Haggblom, Director of Key Accounts at Blueprint Gaming, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Veikkaus, one of Europe’s most respected and responsible state-owned operators, in a move that significantly strengthens our presence across the continent.
“Finland continues to stand as an exciting opportunity for Blueprint, and through this collaboration, we are bringing our market-leading portfolio, from much-loved franchises to our latest innovations, to a whole new audience of players.”
The post Blueprint Gaming strengthens European foothold with Finnish state lottery Veikkaus partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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