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Exclusive Q&A with Paul Sampson, CEO of Lickd
One quick thing that came to mind after conducting the interview was: this man knows the industry. So Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Paul Sampson, CEO of Lickd.
For starterrs, Lickd is a micro-licensing and music solutions company that caters to the creator economy. If that sounds obscure, jump straight to the interview, where Paul Simpson talks in simple terms about Lickd and the present and future of the online music industry.
Q. Let’s start with a brief personal profile. Tell us about your background and career?
A. I’ve been working in music licensing since 2005. I’ve worked specifically with stock music, commercial music, and more recently, exploring ways of strengthening the creator economy.
For around five years, straight out of university, I worked in television at a small production company, climbing through the ranks. Throughout this time, I encountered the difficulties of licensing music several times, and so began to take an interest in understanding the nuances and problems that needed solving.
I’d gotten to know several renowned music licensing companies, and in 2005, one of them, Extreme Music, offered me a job in New York and with that, I followed my passion and began my career jump into the music industry. Within about two and a half years in the role, they relocated me out to Los Angeles as the Head of US.
In 2010, a new role brought me back to Europe and I was a key figure in launching the European arm of another U.S. music licensing company. This time, it was not just stock music, but a focus on more commercial music, and unsigned independent acts.
After this, I knew it was time to start acting on the music opportunities that were becoming more prevalent with the boom of the creator economy, and so following that channel, Lickd was born in 2017.
Q. Now let’s move on to Lickd. What led you to found Lickd?
A. Two words led me to found Lickd: Creator Economy. As social media became more prevalent in everyday life in the late 2000’s, the opportunities for music and creators were plentiful and so Lickd was born. A few years later, as the effects on the media landscape following the pandemic have increased the creator economy twofold, we see even more opportunities to continue to seize the moment, and the market.
Lickd is the first music company to ever develop a major music solution for content creators of all kinds. We licence music from major labels and publishers, including current music that’s in the charts and make it available for licensing, legally. Our unique software protects our users on the platform that they place music on, for example, YouTube and Instagram. Platforms like YouTube have built in music recognition software that identifies popular music being used in content, and presumes that all music uses are some sort of infringement of copyright, therefore, persecuting the creator and attempting to police them out of earning revenue.
Lickd’s software is really the magic solution that the platform sits on top of to ensure that not only can creators licence the music but that they’re taken care of and we’re protecting their revenue all the way through to the end of the content journey.
Q. What is Lickd’s specialty?
A. What sets us apart is that we are unique in our offering. We’re working with 10,000+ labels and publishers that are linked to the Lickd platform, including Universal, Warner, Sony, BMG and Kobalt. To engage labels and publishers like that and to preclear their music for any content vertical is something that was once largely thought impossible, but Lickd has made it happen and is helping to secure new revenue streams for creators globally.
Q. Could you talk about your work with key gaming powerhouses?
A. Gaming is obviously an enormous industry, bigger than music and film combined. Any content vertical with that sort of reach has a huge platform, a huge audience to work with and promote music too.
In terms of how Lickd got together with Fortnite and Epic Games; essentially music became part of their engagement strategy, and they started paying more attention to it. Senior teams were asking key questions like: ‘how can we work with artists’ and ‘what sort of artist does our audience want to hear within a game’?
With this comes complexities around licensing and demographics. Gamers who are also content creators often live stream their content or create highlights videos for YouTube. At Lickd, we already know that in-video music on YouTube is an issue and so we collaborate with Fortnite to bridge that gap so that gamers can enjoy the wonderful events that are put on for them, while also being able to then promote and share that content in the ways that they normally would.
Whether this is for ancillary income or additional income on top of a salary, if content creation is a full-time job, Lickd protects creators on those platforms, to enable a more effective creation and lifecycle process for the content they’re publishing.
Q. Could you briefly narrate the content deals you have with music companies and bands?
A. Over the past five years we’ve built a platform that is made up of popular music from 10,000 labels and publishers, including Universal, Warner, Sony BMG and Kobalt. We also work with lots of independent distributors. There’s around 1.4 million songs on Lickd, and another 6 million delivered and waiting to go live. The vast majority of them would be emerging acts and we certainly do our best to help and encourage discovery on the platform.
Q. In what ways does Lickd help creators to monetise their content?
A. I think it’s important to outline that wherever there is opportunity for the music industry online, it will require some sort of micro licensing commercial model, and some sort of proprietary tech, either to enable the licensing or to protect the end user.
That’s where Lickd is perfectly positioned. Our mission is to democratise music for the world’s creators. Our first product looked at creators as video content creators, but as the world changes and the digital landscape evolves, creators will also include builders in the metaverse and big brands on social platforms.
Q. How do you see the possibility of an AI text-to-background-music generator?
A. There’s various ways that AI will impact music. It’s something we’re following closely and it would be foolish for anyone to suggest that any part of the music industry isn’t already seeing some element of business being affected directly by AI. So far we’ve seen AI generated songs, well known songs of one artist being sung in the AI voice of another, and the fact that chords and melodies can be created by simply inputting into an AI, and we’re always expecting more.
The uptake of AI in music creation won’t be instant, but at some point, creators will become of faith with smart tools that allow them to generate music through these new means for use in videos. Although, once created, that music will still need to be licensed, and there will be commercial models that give users access to the tools and/or licensing opportunities for the music created by said tool.
In the metaverse, there will be music collaboration spaces and music production event areas or venues. Generative AI is useful for creating ‘music stems’, and building a sort of catalogue of music elements that can then be used by people collaboratively to start making an entire song – something that was not happening in the past.
An AI can continuously keep churning out new beats and new melodies and new riffs and new instrumental sounds, and people will get together to create music on the fly, and that will require AI generative tools at some scale. I think you’ll see things like musical skins, where Avatars might want their own soundtrack or music identifier. How do I know someone entered the room? Well, I just heard their music handle to signify they’re here. Like boxers have ring walks, there’ll be a version of that somewhere in the metaverse.
We know that there are music metaverses and venues, and metaverse platforms based around music creation already, and there are others on the way. A good example of this is Pixelynx, Deadmau5’s music based metaverse platform. He founded the platform, one that was completely based around the music, but then was acquired by Animoca Brands, a brand with a broad portfolio of web3, blockchain and traditional games, which is a huge web3 holding company, so from launch to exit, Deadmau5 did very well out of the partnership.
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StarLadder is proud to welcome Blacklyte as the Official Furniture Partner of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, bringing premium-grade desks and chairs to support the world’s best Counter-Strike players during one of the biggest esports events of the year.
All player setups at the Major – including on-stage booths and backstage practice areas – will be equipped with Blacklyte’s high-performance gaming furniture, including the Blacklyte Athena Pro Gaming Chair and the Blacklyte Atlas Lite Standing Desk, designed specifically for professional esports environments.
“Comfort and stability are crucial in high-pressure matches,” said Alex Liu, Founder and CEO of Blacklyte. “We’re excited to support the players at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 with gear that’s built for champions.
The partnership ensures that every pro player competing from December 11 to 14 will have the ergonomic support and functionality required to perform at their highest level — whether in practice or under the spotlight on stage.
“Blacklyte’s dedication to quality, design, and player comfort makes them the ideal partner for the Major,” said Viacheslav Shcherbakov, Head of Sales & Partnerships at StarLadder. “We’re proud to showcase their products on the biggest stage of the CS2 season.”
Fans attending the event will also be able to visit the Blacklyte PlayZone, where they can experience the same chairs and desks used by the pros, participate in giveaways, and take home exclusive merch.
For more information about Blacklyte and their activation at the event, follow us on social media or visit major.starladder.com
The post Blacklyte Joins StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as its Official Furniture Partner appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has expanded its Demi Gods Series with the launch of its epic new title, Majestic Atlas. Set high above the clouds, Majestic Atlas is a 5×3 game that’s framed within a grand celestial temple inspired by the beauty of ancient Greece. A powerful, atmospheric musical score evokes the might of Atlas and lifts the entertainment to new heights.
GAMOMAT has continued the sweet life of the beloved La Dolce Vita with the highly-anticipated La Dolce Vita 2. This new title picks up the love affair of the original with fresh gameplay, engaging features, and a beautiful new Italian location. Charming Giovanni returns to take centre stage within the bustling Italian village marketplace, where a heartfelt soundtrack creates a joyful atmosphere.
Amusnet has released its latest video slot, Ancient Coins. This captivating release transports players deep into the heart of the jungle, where adventure and ancient treasures meet across 5 reels and 25 fixed paylines. Rich with colour, atmosphere and detail, Ancient Coins is designed for those who seek excitement in every moment of their gameplay.
Promatic has released Apollo’s Garden of Riches – a new 5×3 slot game that combines elegant design, rewarding gameplay and a heartfelt connection to the company’s roots in the Karkonosze Mountains. The Karkonosze region – where Promatic was founded and continues to draw inspiration – is a place of amazing landscapes, legends and rare species.
PG Soft has released its uplifting game, Skylight Wonders. This game welcomes players aboard a hot air balloon traversing across a dreamlike world high above the clouds. There are increasing multipliers and three reel frames that transform winning symbols into Wild symbols.
Amusnet has released its new video slot game, 40 Mystic Gem. This gem-inspired title is set to light up the reels with brilliance, blending vibrant fruit symbols and radiant jewels in a game that captures both style and excitement. Featuring 5 reels and 40 fixed paylines, 40 Mystic Gem brings together a sparkling mix of modern design and timeless gameplay.
Evoplay has released Piggy Bank 3 Pots Bonanza, a vibrant and joyful slot where players can crack the safe for generous wins. With the inclusion of the popular 3 Pots mechanic and several thrilling features, the 5×3, 20-line game offers a colourful world of gold bars, diamonds, and the three titular Piggy Banks for an action-packed adventure.
Tom Horn Gaming invites players to step into a world of emerald fields, leprechauns, and hidden treasures with its latest release, 3 Ribbon Pots. Launched on 11 November, this fast-paced slot delivers a new take on the popular Hold&Win mechanic, adding depth, variety, and smoother gameplay.
SlotMatrix is bringing the fire with the launch of Hula Moolah, an explosive new slot from Powderkeg Studios. Set in a tropical paradise where Tiki gods rule and volcanoes erupt, Hula Moolah turns every spin into a molten-hot chance to win. The game’s centrepiece is the Hold & Spin Feature, ignited when the vibrant Tiki Wilds leap into the volcano.
Reflex Gaming is turning up the heat once again with the launch of 8 Balls of Fire Blazing Bounty, a thrilling sequel to one of the company’s most popular titles. The original 8 Balls of Fire became a breakout hit across multiple channels, and this follow-up brings even more action, jackpots and explosive potential to the reels.
BGaming summons a mystical cat-genie to help players’ wishes come true in the brand-new Golden Paw Hold & Win slot. Golden Paw Hold & Win provides a fresh perspective on the classic Hold and Win gameplay mechanic. The game boasts 1,024 ways to win on every spin, with a variety of five exciting progressive bonus rounds, expanding reels, and a mesmerising leading character.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas developed by Inspired’s Bell-Fruit game studio. Set on a 3×5 reel set with 10-win lines, Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money Christmas is packed with thrilling features.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., has launched Gold Cash Free Spins Super Wheel, a supercharged evolution of Inspired’s classic hit slot, Gold Cash Free Spins. Available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets.
Thunderkick has launched Pink Elephants Trinity, the third instalment of its mystical franchise, where six bonus game levels unveil a journey towards deep synesthetic immersion. The Swedish supplier has traded the desert landscape and starry sky for an ethereal jungle backdrop, where a tribe of monkeys gather around the Pink Flame for a ritual honouring the Pink Elephants.
Belatra has proudly released Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves, a slots saga that puts the fate of the world in players’ hands. Inspired by an ancient rivalry between the radiant Elven kingdoms and the fearsome Orc hordes, Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves unfolds on a 5×5 reels battlefield.
Play’n GO presents Rings of Prosperity, a slot rooted in ancient mysticism and the power of celestial guidance. Play’n GO’s Rings of Prosperity draws on the influence of Eastern mythology, placing players under the protection of the Dragon God – a symbol of strength and abundance.
Just Slots, has announced the release of its latest slot title, Book of Abyss. In this dark fantasy adventure, players descend into the realm of Abyss, a fallen queen demoness bound to a cursed diary. Every spin of the reels echoes Abyss’s torment, and when the mystical Book feature opens, players peer into forbidden chapters of her soul.
Playson ups the ante in its electric new release, More Energy Coins: Hold and Win, with an enlarged 5×4 reelset, special Collect Feature and 10,000x Royal Jackpot supercharging the excitement on offer. Inspired by Playson’s data-proven mechanics, the game’s starring Energy Bonus symbol unlocks the Collect Feature if it combines with any Bonus Symbol.
Blueprint Gaming has turned up the heat in its latest release, Lava Lock Jackpot King, with the sweltering title leading with a new Volcano feature and a host of refreshed modifiers for an enriched gameplay experience. Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, takes centre stage in the 5×3, 30 payline slot.
Gallop into Big Wins with Mustang Hold and Win from Booming Games! Step into the wild and untamed world of Mustang Hold and Win, where the free-spirited mustangs rule the reels. With a 5×3 grid and 25 paylines, this slot delivers an exhilarating experience with stunning visuals of the American wilderness.
BGaming boldly goes where no slot studio has gone before with the release of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The slot honours the legacy of the show, beaming players into a new dimension with an entertainment-first approach that will please Star Trek fans and newcomers alike.
The post Week 46/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Best in Sports named as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” by 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards
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FIRST – Best in Sports, the Tier-1 sportsbook technology provider redefining global performance standards, has been honoured as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” at the 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards 2025, recognising the company’s innovation, expansion, and leadership across regulated markets.
The award marks another milestone in a transformative year for FIRST, as the company continues to lead the sportsbook vertical with measurable results, a performance-driven product vision, and a growing footprint across LATAM, Europe, and Africa.
Built from the ground up for speed, scale, and absolute reliability, FIRST’s sportsbook engine has become the driving force behind more than 35 of Brazil’s leading operators, expanding rapidly through Mexico, Peru, and Argentina – markets that reward real technological power, not promises.
In regions where regulation is tightening and competition intensifying, FIRST has set a new benchmark for what performance means: instant automation, real-time data orchestration, AI-driven personalisation, and a seamless architecture that adapts faster than the market itself.
2025 was the year FIRST stopped chasing momentum and started defining it. With new strategic partnerships alongside Light & Wonder, Pixbet, and others already in motion, the company is not just participating in the race for innovation – it’s setting the pace. These collaborations are not about validation but about leadership: where others adapt, FIRST dictates direction.
Beyond commercial growth, FIRST has also advanced its regulatory roadmap, securing approvals and pursuing licences in multiple regulated markets, ensuring full compliance and future-ready scalability for its operator base.
Tom Light, Founder & CEO of FIRST – Best in Sports, commented:
“This recognition reflects our commitment to building the most advanced sportsbook technology in the market – one that’s fast, scalable, and truly local. But more than that, it celebrates the mindset of our entire team: we don’t follow trends, we create them. We set the standard for what a sportsbook partner should be.”
As the industry continues to evolve, FIRST remains focused on innovation that drives measurable impact – delivering the performance, reliability, and intelligence that define the future of sports betting.
The post Best in Sports named as “Sports Betting Supplier of the Year” by 5 Star iGaming Media Starlet Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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