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The Gamemasters Summit: Stellar Speaker Lineup Announced With 30+ Mobile Games Thought Leaders

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The Gamemasters Summit, a pioneering digital conference powered by Kwalee and supported by media partner PocketGamer.biz and sponsors AppsFlyer and Embrace, has announced its full speaker lineup. The event will bring together developers, publishers, platforms, agencies, suppliers and talent in mobile games alongside students and graduates.

The one-day online event invites delegates to engage with panel discussions and keynote sessions led by some of the sector’s most influential figures. With both an Expert Track and Emerging Track, The Gamemasters Summit offers a range of sessions and networking opportunities for people at all stages of their career in mobile games, from entry level to C-Suite.

The Gamemasters Summit has a ‘no selling, no BS, opinions welcome’ mandate – so the content and discussion will be original, interesting and useful for all attendees.

A Lineup of Over 30 World Class Speakers and Insightful Panels

The Gamemasters Summit is proud to present an impressive roster of speakers, including industry leaders and innovators who will share their knowledge, experiences and visions for the future of mobile gaming. Highlights include:

Javier Castro, Head of EMEA AppDev Gaming at Google and John Wright, VP of Mobile Publishing at Kwalee, who will join forces in the keynote panel to explore the latest trends and challenges facing the mobile games industry in 2024.
Michail Katkoff, Founder of Deconstructor of Fun, and Adam Smart, Director of Product Gaming at AppsFlyer, will also join the keynote to provide their expert analysis on game trends and market strategy, shedding light on the keys to success in the rapidly evolving mobile games market.
Gabriel Stürmer, CEO of Clap Clap Games, will share their journey as a games studio, crafting hit games in collaboration with Kwalee, highlighting the strategies that led to their widespread success.
Allison Bilas, COO at GameAnalytics, will contribute her profound analytics and big data knowledge to the “Play By Numbers: Navigating Data Science and AI in Mobile Gaming” panel. Her experience with major game studios and tech providers underscores the critical role of data in the success of mobile games.
Vera Karpova, Product Manager at dev-to-dev, Chris Lefebvre, Chief Strategy Officer at ByteBrew and Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO of Golden Whale Productions GmbH will also join the “Play By Numbers” panel, adding their insights on product analytics and the integration of enterprise-level analytics to support mobile game development.
Nikita Lord, Graduate Partnership Manager at Grads in Games – Aardvark Swift, will speak in the “Forging Your Career in Gaming” session. Nikita’s experience in bridging gaps between industry and academia is crucial for aspiring industry professionals and game developers looking to enter the games industry successfully.
Ben Hopkins, Creative Director at VCCP, and Justin Nield, Creative Solutions Lead at Kayzen, will explore the “Crafting Impact: Mastering the Ad Creative Lifecycle” session. Their combined expertise provides a comprehensive view of developing and optimising creative strategies for impactful advertising in the games industry and this panel will be chaired by Gavin McNicholl, Creative Director at Kwalee.
Harry Lang, VP of Marketing at Kwalee, brings over two decades of expertise to the Gamemasters Summit. Harry will kick off the event with an introduction to The Summit and its agenda, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussion and networking. Furthermore, his session “Beyond the Code: The A to Z of Marketing a Hit Mobile Game” promises to unravel the complexities of marketing in the mobile games industry.
William Cox, Head of Mobile Publishing at Kwalee, will moderate “Game Publishing Unveiled: Strategies for Emerging Developers.” This panel aims to shed light on the intricacies of game publishing, offering emerging developers insights into how they can make their games stand out. Will’s extensive experience in game publishing at Kwalee, Sega and Ubisoft will guide the conversation, providing actionable advice for attendees.
Simon Platt, VP of Kwalee’s Leamington Studio, has been at the forefront of designing and producing hit mobile games, leading Kwalee’s in-house mobile games to over 1 billion downloads. Simon will chair the “Crafting Hits: The Blueprint Unveiled” session, designed for emerging game developers. This discussion will dive into the creative and strategic processes behind successful game development, from ideation to execution.
Eric Futoran, CEO of Embrace and previously a co-founder of Scopely, will discuss how an obsession with delivering flawless player experiences is crucial to any game’s success, and why he is dedicated to helping teams resolve complex app issues quickly.

These speakers, among many others, will provide a comprehensive exploration of the tools, tactics, and innovations shaping the future of mobile game development and publishing. The Gamemasters Summit is an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights from the leading minds in the industry, offering strategic learning, career development, and exclusive networking opportunities.

Engaging Sessions Designed for Every Level of Expertise

The Gamemasters Summit features two distinct tracks catering to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the industry so there’s something for everyone:

The Expert Track offers advanced insights into topics such as data science, AI in mobile gaming, and monetisation strategies. Sessions include “Play By Numbers: Navigating Data Science and AI in Mobile Gaming,” where panellists like Allison Bilas, COO of GameAnalytics, and Chris Lefebvre, Chief Strategy Officer at ByteBrew, will discuss the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence in game development and marketing.
The Emerging Track focuses on foundational knowledge and career development, with sessions such as “Crafting Hits: The Blueprint Unveiled” by Simon Platt, Head of Studio (Hybrid) at Kwalee. Attendees will gain insights into the creative process behind developing successful mobile games, from concept ideation to execution.

Join the Leading Innovators In Mobile Gaming

The Gamemasters Summit is not only an event for learning and inspiration but also a prime networking opportunity for professionals looking to connect with peers and industry leaders. With discussions on the latest trends, innovations, and strategies, attendees will be better equipped to navigate the future of mobile gaming.

Join the Gamemasters Summit to connect with these and other industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and explore the latest trends and strategies in the mobile games industry – all this and more at zero cost!

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From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

Latest News

Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: