Latest News
Pocket Gamer Awards 2021


PocketGamer.com – the leading and longest-running site for mobile gamers – revealed the winners of this year’s Pocket Gamer Awards.
The top game of the year prize went to Genshin Impact, whilst Rovio’s seminal Angry Birds picked up the prestigious Hall Of Fame gong.
Other winners across the 16 categories included platform games like Little Orpheus, hypercasual titles like Clusterduck, big-name RPGs like Knighthood and AAA franchises like Pokemon and Call Of Duty. Riot Games, famous for League Of Legends, picked up the best developer category. The full list of winners is below. This year, the Pocket Gamer Awards are sponsored by RedMagic.
The Pocket Gamer Awards are a celebration of the best in mobile games. Organised and hosted by industry experts but voted on by gamers themselves, the Pocket Gamer Awards reward the passion and effort that developers pour into making games. Over 350,000 votes were cast in the last two months, a phenomenal outpouring of love for the best iOS and Android games of the last 12 months.
A new Hall Of Fame category celebrates landmark titles that have had a major impact on the mobile games industry over the years. It’s the only category picked by the editorial experts rather than put to a public vote. Angry Birds, Rovio’s classic franchise first launched in 2009, is the first recipient. Editor of PocketGamer.com, Dann Sullivan, said of Angry Birds: “No IP has done more for mobile games than Angry Birds, and while we might remember it as a lightning-strike for touch controls, over the years Rovio’s flagship franchise forged the way into social gaming and was one of the first mobile games to pioneer major licensing deals in the mobile space. The birds have also had more movies and TV episodes than Mario and Sonic combined.”
Sullivan continued: “While some of these milestones might not have anything to do with the small touchscreen, it’s impossible to deny that Rovio’s Red & Co managed to become a cultural powerhouse, and played a critical role in getting mobile gaming to where it is today.”
The award ceremony itself took place this evening, March 16, on Twitch and PocketGamer.com and broadcast across YouTube and the Enthusiast Gaming network of sites.
Launched by Steel Media, Pocket Gamer has been delivering news, reviews, tips, guides and features that inform and entertain mobile and handheld gamers since 2006.
Enthusiast Gaming, the largest gaming network in North America, has owned Steel Media and Pocket Gamer since 2019. Since 2020, Pocket Gamer has hosted quarterly LaunchPad online events celebrating new and updated mobile games to an audience of three million viewers on Twitch.
For more information, visit https://www.pocketgamer.com/pgawards2021/ now. A recording of the Pocket Gamer Awards ceremony will be available soon on the site and also on the official YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/PocketGamerVideo/videos.
Winners
Best Platform Game: Little Orpheus
Best Simulation Game: Transport City: Truck Tycoon
Best Sports Game: Retro Bowl
Best Game Narrative: There Is No Game: Wrong Dimension
Best ‘Quick Play’ Game: Clusterduck
Best Mobile Conversion: Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Best Apple Arcade Game: Alba: a Wildlife Adventure
Best Educational Game: Dish Life: The Game
Best Strategy Game: Company of Heroes
Best RPG: Knighthood
Most Innovative Game: HoloVista
Best Gaming Accessory: Razer Kishi Controller
Best Gaming Tablet: Apple iPad Pro
Best Battle Royale Game: Garena Free Fire
Best AR Game: LEGO Hidden Side
Best Puzzle Game: Pokemon Cafe Mix
Best Racing Game: Dirt Bike Unchained
Best Google Play Pass Game: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Best Mobile Publisher: Garena
Best Action Game: Pascal’s Wager
Best Digital Board Game: The Game of Life 2
Best Gaming Phone: Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Best Multiplayer Game: EVE Echoes
Best Shooter: Warface: Global Operations
Best Game We’re Still Playing: Call of Duty Mobile
Best Mobile Developer: Riot Games
Hall Of Fame: Angry Birds
Mobile Game of the Year: Genshin Impact
Additional Quotes
Editor of PocketGamer.com, Dann Sullivan, added: “We’re overjoyed with the reaction from the fans in the voting process. Just looking at the sheer variety of games that have been championed by their players and communities really cements how diverse and rapidly-evolving the mobile games sphere is. The development speed and growth of the mobile games industry is truly amazing – every year is a milestone year, as can be seen from the amazing selection of winners.”
Chris James, CEO of Steel Media, said: “We’re genuinely thrilled by how many people voted in this year’s awards, and how many tuned in to watch the ceremony streamed live. When we launched Pocket Gamer 15 years ago, mobile gaming was still niche. But now – thanks to the success of games like Hall Of Fame inductee Angry Birds – mobile is THE dominant force in the games industry. Over the last 12 months, iOS and Android titles saw further huge surges in popularity as people hunted for experiences to keep them occupied during lockdown. And the quality has never been higher. Games like Genshin Impact prove that the device in your pocket can match the addictiveness and playability of the best consoles have to offer.”
James added: “As well as celebrating the best of the current crop of games, we’re always on the lookout for the next generation of blockbuster mobile titles. That’s why we’ve invented activities like the Big Indie Pitch and Pocket Gamer LaunchPad to champion new arrivals. So if you want to get an inside track on the next hidden gaming gem in 2021, there’s really nowhere else to go!”

Latest News
Coolbet switches to an automated player onboarding flow with iDenfy’s ID verification software
The implementation will help Coolbet reduce multi-accounting, bonus abuse, and other illicit practices that challenge the iGaming platform’s security
iDenfy, a leading identity verification and fraud prevention company, has announced a new partnership with Coolbet, the award-winning B2C company, known for its innovative online gaming platform. This collaboration enables Coolbet to integrate iDenfy’s automated identity and address verification services, enhance its compliance operations, and reduce fraud risks in the clients’ onboarding process across its global markets.
Coolbet, established in 2016 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, offers a personalized entertainment experience across various areas, such as online casino games, sports betting, and online poker. The company operates under Estonian, Swedish, and Maltese gaming licenses and serves over 1.3 million users across ten markets, including Canada, Sweden, and Chile. With a strong focus on transparency and fair play, Coolbet has built its reputation on delivering exceptional customer care and utilizing in-house technology. However, managing the manual aspects of identity and address verification was proving increasingly complex and time-consuming experience as the platform grew.
According to recent industry data, identity fraud accounted for over 50% of all online fraud cases globally in 2024, highlighting the need for robust and automated verification solutions. In response to this growing threat, Coolbet’s team decided to integrate iDenfy’s identity and proof-of-address verification solution, which are both AI-powered and designed to convert more users. iDenfy’s CEO, Domantas Ciulde, explains that such a switch will immediately benefit Coolbet since its team will have more time and resources to focus on other business development tasks.
As a result, Coolbet can now automate the main KYC process while maintaining strict compliance and delivering a smooth player experience. Teams can easily set rules for acceptable documents such as utility bills, bank or credit card statements, tax documents, and other compliance-related operations, guaranteeing the platform ensures that the user’s address proof is valid and not older than three months. It is worth mentioning that iDenfy’s Know Your Customer (KYC) software also uses advanced biometric and 3D liveness detection technology, including AI-powered document scanning, which allows the ID verification solution to recognize over 3,000 document types from 200+ countries. This ensures fast, secure, and global identity verification in one seamless process.
A key differentiator in iDenfy’s offering is its results-based pricing model, where clients are only charged for successful verifications. This approach helps companies to significantly reduce verification costs without sacrificing reliability or compliance rules. Additionally, iDenfy’s intuitive KYC management dashboard interface allows Coolbet’s team to navigate and manage the verification process with ease and speed which are essential components in fast-paced gaming environments.
It’s worth mentioning that the need for robust identity verification has never been greater. According to a recent study by Juniper Research, global losses due to online fraud are projected to exceed $107 billion by 2029, with identity fraud as one of the primary drivers. In regulated industries like iGaming, where fraud and regulatory scrutiny are growing, having a reliable KYC partner is essential.
“With iDenfy, we found a partner who not only delivers a high-quality product but also supports it with fast, transparent communication from day one. Their user-friendly dashboard, high acceptance rates in our target markets, and efficient support made the integration process seamless. We were able to automate identity and address verification, improving our operational efficiency,” said Endre Nesset, the President of Coolbet.
“We’re thrilled to work with Coolbet, a company that puts transparency and player trust at the heart of its platform. Our mission is to empower businesses to grow securely, and this partnership reflects that. By combining automation with accuracy, we’re helping Coolbet to create a more efficient, fraud-resistant onboarding experience for its global audience,” said Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy.
The post Coolbet switches to an automated player onboarding flow with iDenfy’s ID verification software appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Amusnet Strengthens European Presence with Dutch Launch on Lucky 7 Casino
With over 100 games now live on Lucky Seven Casino’s platform, Amusnet introduces a selection of its diverse portfolio of online casino games to a wider audience. The partnership marks a strategic move for the provider into the Dutch market, strengthening its presence in the region and providing local players with a premium gaming experience while driving mutual growth for both companies.
“We are excited to partner with Lucky 7 Casino as they enter the Dutch market. As a new operator, they bring fresh energy to the industry, and we are confident that our games will contribute to their success. This launch marks another step in our commitment to delivering top-tier gaming experiences in the Netherlands,” said Dimitri De Temmerman, Managing Director of BNL at Amusnet.
The partnership with Amusnet is a major step forward for Lucky 7 Casino. This partnership offers several benefits, including access to a wide range of innovative games that enrich our platform. Amusnet’s cutting-edge technology will enhance our current offering, allowing us to offer players an even more engaging and immersive experience,” commented Frank Loffeld, COO/CTO of Lucky 7 Casino.
On Lucky 7 Casino’s platform, local players can find some of Amusnet’s top-notch games such as 100 Power Hot, 20 Golden Coins, Shining Crown, 40 Bulky Fruits, Extra Crown, Cavemen and Dinosaurs, Cocktail Rush, Candy Palace, Vegas Roulette 500x, Dynamic Roulette 120x and many more.
The post Amusnet Strengthens European Presence with Dutch Launch on Lucky 7 Casino appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Spinomenal unveils Blazing Rhino Hold & Hit
Leading iGaming content provider Spinomenal has unveiled its hot new slot, Blazing Rhino Hold & Hit.
The 3×5 game is presented on golden savannah grasslands, populated with rock formations and acacia trees. A calm, sun-drenched soundscape sets the scene for wild adventure alongside beautiful beasts.
Landing three baobab tree Scatter Free Spins symbols will launch the Free Spins game. In the base game, Scatter Free Spins symbols can only appear on reels 1, 3, and 5. Three Scatter symbols give players three Free Spins and multiply the total bet by three.
Once free spins are underway, any symbol can transform into a colossus symbol (3×3), spanning the middle of the slot across reels 2 to 4. Scatter symbols (bonus or free spins) will only hit as a colossus symbol and activate the feature. A Free Spins colossus symbol grants three extra free spins and pays triple the total bet.
The Hold & Hit feature builds extra tension on the reels. Six Scatter bonus symbols will initiate the Bonus game, where the symbols that carried the players to the feature remain frozen in place. Players start with three spins and once the empty spots are filled or when the spins expire, the game concludes.
Every spin gives players a chance to populate the vacant spots and earn prizes spanning x1 – x10 multipliers of the total bet. There is also the Mini Jackpot (x25 total bet), Major Jackpot (x50 total bet), and the Mega Jackpot (x250 total bet). The counter ticks up for each win and any player who completes all 15 spots will walk off into the sunset with the Grand Jackpot – x5000 the total bet.
Spinomenal CO-CEO, Omer Henya commented: “Blazing Rhino: Hold & Hit is a wild ride through the savannah, bursting with features, colossal symbols, and bountiful jackpots. We expect this to be a roaring success with players.”
The post Spinomenal unveils Blazing Rhino Hold & Hit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News3 months ago
India’s Biggest Gamers, Including Techno Gamerz, GamerFleet & Mythpat – battle at PlayGalaxy Cup 3.0
-
Latest News3 months ago
Sportradar’s Alpha Odds Receives Dual Honors at European iGaming Awards 2025
-
Latest News3 months ago
Fall in Love with Nature’s Greatest Romantics This Valentine’s Day at Springbok Casino and Claim 25 Free Spins
-
Latest News3 months ago
Swintt secured ISO 27001: 2022 certification
-
Latest News2 weeks ago
Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame
-
Latest News3 days ago
Week 17/2025 slot games releases
-
Latest News4 weeks ago
SARA TENDULKAR JOINS JETSYNTHESYS’ GLOBAL E-CRICKET PREMIER LEAGUE AS MUMBAI FRANCHISE OWNER FOR SEASON 2
-
Latest News3 days ago
Fortuna Partners with 2025 UEFA Under-21 EURO
You must be logged in to post a comment Login