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Exclusive Evoplay interview on Italy: “We’re creating high-quality games that can really appeal to Italian players.”
Italy is arguably Europe’s second biggest gaming market and the most interesting when it comes to retail vs. online – with 80% or more players still part of the land-based scene.
We caught up with Evoplay CCO Vladimir Malakchi to hear the latest on their plans for capturing the market, as well as how the award-winning studio’s games are proving to be a real asset for their latest Italian partners.
Congratulations on Evoplay’s multiple deals as you expand into Italy! Can you tell us a bit more about your recent partnerships and your plans for further growth in the market?
Thank you! We’re very excited about our recent partnerships and our plans for further expansion. We entered Italy back in 2020, and, over the past three years, we’ve ensured constant growth in players’ interest, trust and openness towards trying out our latest titles.
I truly believe that the key to any commercial success is the partnerships and connections we build with the operators we work alongside. As a result, we are very proud to work with some of the country’s biggest brands. Last year was by far our best yet, securing deals with the likes of Tuko Productions, Scommettendo and Sportbet. Our award-winning slots and instant games have proven to be a real differentiator, and we’re delighted that the feedback has been so positive.
On plans for further growth, we’re strongly focused on building our partner relationships even more, as well as creating high-quality games that can really appeal to Italian players. Our unique gamification tools will no doubt be key to this and are a strong factor in our focus on boosting engagement. So, in short, we’re very excited about Italy’s potential, and we’re confident that our unique approach will continue to resonate with players and partners alike.
What has been the principal driver behind Evoplay selecting Italy as a key market for growth? How would you summarise Italy’s online audience and demographics?
Our main drive here is the increasing adoption of online gaming from land-based. The numbers are clear to see; the online market revenue is projected to grow by 6.69% annually between 2023 and 2027, reaching a total volume of €3.68bn. On audience and demographics, the country is incredibly broad and diverse – which means significant opportunity. There’s a potential market of up to 20 million people for online, with a ratio of approximately 60:40 of male vs. female.
Given that near-parity, we can pursue plenty of creative options. The 25-34 age group is the largest segment, so demand for innovative entertainment is on the rise – which is a gap that Evoplay is serving well! It’s also good to note the level of smartphone penetration – with over 80% of the population using new generation smartphones, game content should be heavily mobile-optimised.
As well as being one of Europe’s biggest gaming markets – Italy also has a unique retail heritage with as much as 90% of gaming still happening offline. What strengths can you offer to operators to provide a platform for conversion into the online world?
Italy’s land-based gaming heritage certainly sets it apart from the rest of Europe. Online gaming holds distinctive benefits such as convenience, a greater variety of games, and of course, bonuses and promotions such as tournaments and quests. I believe that in-game and out-game gamification tools can effectively drive player engagement and improve conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players. And, of course, those in-game and out-game gamification features add to the whole thrill of playing online, creating a community.
At Evoplay, we pride ourselves on our ability to create immersive and engaging games offline with strong visual and audio elements that can create an experience as exciting as a real casino. We believe that this is particularly important in the Italian market, where players are accustomed to the sensory experience of playing offline and improving conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players. As a result, we focus heavily on our unique range of gamification features and incentives for our partners.
In addition, we also work closely with our partners to ensure that our games are integrated seamlessly onto their platforms, making it easy for players to access and play them. We understand that trust is a key factor in Italy, so we emphasise ensuring that our games are secure and reliable.
Onto slot types – what gaming trends are you seeing for Italian players and how are you catering to that demand? Which of Evoplay’s games is performing the best?
It’s common knowledge that football is Italy’s favourite sport, and it’s a huge industry with millions of people betting on it. This has had a significant impact on gaming trends in the country. Instant games have become particularly popular, providing a nice contrast to the wait for live sports fixtures when betting. Players love the instant results they get from these games, and it’s a refreshing change of pace. So of course, football-themed games work perfectly for this. Another trend we are seeing is that Italians love to play chicken-themed titles, so this is certainly an avenue we’re continuing to develop!
We are always looking to stay ahead of the curve and provide our Italian players with the latest and most innovative gaming experiences. Classic slots, video slots, in-game gamification elements, out-game gamification, tournaments, and quests are trending heavily, and we’re actively catering to that demand. Our current top-performing games in the Italian market are Penalty Shoot-out, Fruit Super Nova Game Collection, Elven Princesses, and Hot Triple Sevens. These games are loved by players for their engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and exciting bonus features.
As a truly innovative studio, how can you help online operators improve their conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players? What can you offer that’s different?
Sports, and indeed sports betting, is an essential part of the Italian fabric. We understand that importance, and we’re proud to offer RNG-based games that provide a unique sports betting experience.
Our games are also designed to be integrated seamlessly with sports betting platforms, which means that players can quickly switch between gaming and sports betting, with the same action enjoyed across both. Evoplay’s RNG-based Football Pack is a vital component of this commitment as it offers a unique and exciting experience that adds to the overall thrill of the betting experience.
Testament to this is the success of our Penalty Shoot-out. This instant game is unique because it features an innovative betting method that keeps players engaged and excited. As players navigate through the game, they experience a realistic penalty shoot-out where they get to choose the nation they want to represent and aim for goal.
Last but not least, what’s Evoplay’s vision for Italy 2023 and 2024? What are your plans for growing even further in the market and entertaining players?
Our vision for Italy in 2023 and 2024 is focused on growth and continued innovation. The market is a core part of our European strategy, and we’re committed to providing the best gaming experiences possible for players here.
To achieve this, we’re launching new games of different types that are tailored to local audiences. Especially exciting is that players can expect another game in the Penalty Shoot-out series. Additionally, we’re also preparing our next flagship game, which is truly fresh and unique, and we’re confident it will be a real hit with players here.
We’re also providing our partners with different game packages that include marketing activities and engagement opportunities. We also see plenty more opportunity in transitioning land-based players to online, which gamification will be a key driver towards achieving. We make calculated data-driven moves, so we will be gathering all the data and feedback from our operators and based on the collected information, we will prepare our next steps and make predictions for 2024.
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Red Bull WOLOLO 2026 Takes Over London As Tickets Go On Sale For Eighth Edition: ‘Londinium’
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- Red Bull Wololo returns for its eighth edition, Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, taking place from April 1st – 6th, 2026.
- The tournament brings together elite Age of Empires strategists from around the globe to battle across Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV.
- London itself has been transformed into a living Age of Empires spectacle today, with a citywide takeover that lets fans experience the spirit of Age of Empires firsthand.
- Tickets for the Playoffs are available on eventbrite.co.uk/e/red-bull-wololo-playoffs-tickets-1974965913211?aff=oddtdtcreator,
- Tickets for the Grand Final are available on royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/red-bull-wololo-londinium, giving fans the chance to witness the world’s top Age of Empires players compete in iconic London venues.
The call of “Wololo” rings across the capital of the UK today as tickets officially go on sale for Red Bull Wololo: Londinium, the grandest chapter in Age of Empires competitive history. Taking place from April 1st – 6th, 2026, the renowned esports tournament will not only bring elite RTS competitors to London but transform the city itself in a landmark takeover celebrating the return of Red Bull Wololo for its eighth edition.
To mark the launch of ticket sales, Red Bull Wololo has staged a special takeover across London today, bringing Age of Empires to life in three iconic locations. From Leicester Square and Tower Bridge, to Hyde Park with the Royal Albert Hall rising in the distance, the streets have come alive with performers dressed as iconic characters from the game. Wielding medieval-style flags emblazoned with the Red Bull Wololo emblem, they offered passersby and fans a glimpse into the tournament and the chance to join the action as London beheld the spirit of Age of Empires.
In 2026, across six days of competition, Red Bull Wololo: Londinium will see the world’s best Age of Empires strategists battle for supremacy in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and Age of Empires IV, culminating in a historic Grand Final at the Royal Albert Hall – the first-ever Age of Empires orchestrated esports final, with a 40-piece orchestra performing the game’s legendary soundtrack live for over 2,500 fans.
Red Bull Wololo: Londinium Key Dates
- Group Stages: April 1st – 3rd, 2026 – Red Bull Gaming Sphere, Shoreditch
- Playoffs: April 4th – 5th, 2026 – The Odeon Luxe Cinema, Leicester Square
- Grand Final: April 6th, 2026 – Royal Albert Hall
The action kicks off at the Red Bull Gaming Sphere with the Group Stages before moving to the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square for the Playoffs, where top competitors from the Age of Empires II and Age of Empires IV qualifiers battle under the spotlight in one of London’s most iconic entertainment venues. The tournament will then reach its crescendo within the historic walls of the Royal Albert Hall, where players who have proven themselves worthy will face off for ultimate glory and a place in Age of Empires competitive history.
Tickets are now on sale for the Playoffs and Grand Final of Red Bull Wololo: Londinium. Secure your Playoff tickets (eventbrite.co.uk/e/red-bull-wololo-playoffs-tickets-1974965913211?aff=oddtdtcreator) and Grand Final tickets (royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/red-bull-wololo-londinium) . Don’t miss the chance to see elite esports players from around the world compete across Age of Empires titles in historic venues, as London itself becomes a stage for strategy and conquest.
Fans across the globe will be able to tune into the action for every stage of the tournament via the Red Bull Gaming Twitch and YouTube channels.
The post Red Bull WOLOLO 2026 Takes Over London As Tickets Go On Sale For Eighth Edition: ‘Londinium’ appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Konami Digital Entertainment and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Have Signed a Partnership Agreement
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Konami Digital Entertainment pleased to announce the signing of a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. (Konami) announces a partnership agreement with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been signed. CAF is the continental federation governing football associations in the African region, currently comprising 56 member countries and regions. CAF organises numerous tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, which determines the continent’s top football team, significantly contributing to the sport’s development.
In recent years, football has enjoyed overwhelming popularity in Africa, with interest in national and club teams rapidly increasing. Furthermore, interest and enthusiasm for eFootball are also growing, leading to the signing of this new licensing agreement with CAF.
To commemorate this partnership, a special AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS 25 Campaign will be held within eFootball. Tournament events and African star players will appear in the game, allowing players to experience the excitement of the actual tournament.
Koji Kobayashi, Senior Executive Officer, Konami Digital Entertainment commented: “We are delighted to announce the establishment of a partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This partnership brings new possibilities to the gaming experience, and we are truly excited to deliver the passion of the African region-home to some of the world’s most powerful footballing nations – to fans around the globe through eFootball, and this partnership opens up exciting new possibilities for the gaming experience. Through this initiative, we look forward to adding new African star players and tournament licenses such as TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, further enhancing the realism and excitement of eFootball.”
Véron Mosengo-Omba, General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) adds: “The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be one of the most exciting and widely followed editions of our flagship competition. Our partnership with KONAMI reflects CAF’s commitment to innovation, global fan engagement, and creating new opportunities for African youth in both football and digital spaces.”
Konami Digital Entertainment will continue to expand its licenses and provide authentic soccer experiences to fans worldwide through eFootball.
The post Konami Digital Entertainment and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Have Signed a Partnership Agreement appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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- G2 has named Betpanda, a leading online crypto casino, as its official CS global betting partner
- Starting in 2026, Betpanda will appear on G2’s CS2 team jerseys
- Throughout the year, fans can take part in tournaments, giveaways, sweepstakes, and a variety of video and social content designed to enhance the fan experience
G2, one of the world’s leading entertainment and esports brands, has entered into a partnership with Betpanda, a leading online crypto casino, as the official global betting partner for the organisation’s Counter-Strike team. The collaboration will roll out a series of initiatives worldwide, including giveaways, sweepstakes, content, tournament activations, and more. As part of the collaboration, Betpanda branding will appear as the main logo on G2’s CS team jerseys from 2026.
Throughout 2026, fans will be able to experience the partnership first-hand at multiple esports tournament activations throughout the year, featuring creators and teams, offering exclusive in-person opportunities.
With a shared commitment to innovation and community, G2 and Betpanda aim to provide engaging experiences for fans throughout the year. The partnership will also extend to a range of digital activations, featuring exclusive video and social content, giveaways, and other initiatives.
“Betpanda joins us at an exciting moment for the organisation,” said Alban Dechelotte, CEO of G2. “This alliance allows us to build fresh, meaningful touchpoints for our fans throughout the year. We hope to create moments that will entertain and connect with fans all around the world.”
“G2 has set the standard for excellence in esports, and we’re proud to collaborate with a team that consistently pushes the boundaries of what the industry can be,” says Betpanda. “Their view on innovation and creativity goes perfectly hand-in-hand with our way of breaking boundaries and reaching new fans and audiences. Thank you to EMW Global for helping us to make this partnership possible. We’re excited to see the impact we can create alongside G2 in 2026”
The post G2 Announces Betpanda as Official CS Global Betting Partner Ahead of 2026 Season appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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