Latest News
84% OF MOBILE GAME DEVELOPERS DEMAND END TO MOBILE GAMING’S DISTRIBUTION DUOPOLY
Reading Time: 2 minutes
The walls are closing in on the mobile app store duopoly, according to a major new survey of senior game developers. Aptoide, the original independent app store on Android and iOS, today published a landmark study, CTRL. ALT. DEL. Reclaiming The Game Distribution Landscape, spotlighting a major appetite among mobile game developers to break away from the dominance of Google and Apple.
Surveying over 300 senior-level professionals across mobile game studios in the US and UK, the research is an urgent call for change towards a more diverse distribution ecosystem – revealing that 84% of developers believe the industry can no longer survive under the stranglehold of just two storefronts.
The data paints a picture of an ecosystem at breaking point, with 67% fearing their reliance and dependence on Apple and Google. Growing dissatisfaction continues to become the norm as 51% cite exorbitant app store fees and marketing costs as their biggest pain point. Looking forward to the next five years, 74% of developers expect alternative app stores to play an essential role in their distribution mix.
This move toward a multi-channel approach is driven by a significant opportunity for growth. 73% anticipate double-digit revenue growth from embracing them, citing access to fresh user bases (42.8%) and greater freedom from restrictive policies (42.4%).
Paulo Trezentos, CEO and Co-Founder of Aptoide, said:
“The mobile game ecosystem is overdue for a reset. For too long, an entrenched duopoly has stifled commercial and creative potential, setting too many rules and taking too much revenue. Our findings confirm that developers are ready to reclaim control. A new wave of opportunity is emerging through alternative app stores – platforms that offer game makers greater control, better economics, and access to untapped audiences.”
According to JoyNet Games:
“The shift towards alternative distribution is no longer theoretical. Alternative distribution channels help us reach a broader audience, reduce dependency on a single platform, and provide more flexible marketing strategies. They also allow for cost optimization and improved profitability.”
Key Findings from CTRL. ALT. DEL.
-
The Duopoly: 87% of senior developers say the vast majority of their revenue still comes from Google and Apple stores.
-
Industry Dissatisfaction: This means 67% fear the risks of their reliance on Google and Apple, and 84% demand a more diverse ecosystem;
-
Developer Pain Points: 51% cite punishing fees as their top frustration, followed by spiraling acquisition and marketing costs (46%), inflexible policies (44%) and persistent discoverability struggles (43%).
-
Walled Gardens: 50% are concerned Apple and Google prioritize their own services.
-
The Alt-Store Opportunity: 73% expect double-digit revenue growth from publishing to alternative stores.
-
Perceived Benefits: Access to new users (43%) and greater freedom from restrictive policies (42.4%) are seen as the top advantages.
-
Future Outlook: 74% believe alternative app stores will be a core part of their distribution mix within five years, rising to 86% in the US.
The post 84% OF MOBILE GAME DEVELOPERS DEMAND END TO MOBILE GAMING’S DISTRIBUTION DUOPOLY appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Jackpot Digital Inc. has announced that it has been granted a Manufacturer and Distributor License by the Mississippi Gaming Commission. This approval authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply gaming equipment to licensed casino operators throughout Mississippi. This marks the Company’s second state-level manufacturer’s license in the US. Additional licensing applications are currently pending in other jurisdictions as part of the Company’s ongoing growth strategy. Mississippi is one of the nation’s premier destination gaming markets, generating over $2.4 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2023. The state’s Gulf Coast and Biloxi regions are particularly well known for their vibrant casino tourism and established gaming brands.
iDEA (iDevelopment and Economic Association), the leading trade association representing the U.S. online gaming industry, launched the definitive online destination for all things online gambling: ideagrowth.org. The new website provides the media, and U.S. legislators and regulators, a comprehensive resource for data-driven research, policy insights, and responsible gaming resources. The new website provides the industry’s most vital statistics and research — from consumer protections to economic development — in an engaging, accessible format designed for maximum impact.
CT Interactive has further strengthened its international presence by expanding its certified game portfolio on the regulated Peruvian market with 20 new titles. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, engaging gaming content tailored specifically to regional markets. The newly certified portfolio features titles from CT Interactive’s popular Buy Bonus product line, including fan favorites such as Duck of Luck, Fruits & Sweets, Doctor Winstein, and Nanook the White Ghost. These enhanced editions deliver dynamic gameplay with one- or three-level Buy Bonus options, giving players new tools for diverse strategies and greater control over the game’s pace and excitement. A highlight of the newly certified titles is the launch of Lucky Clover 10, the latest addition to the acclaimed Clover-themed series.
Partnerships
CT Interactive has entered a new phase of its Latin American growth by launching its complete portfolio of games on Rushbet in Mexico and Peru. This collaboration with Rush Street Interactive—one of the region’s leading online casino and sportsbook operators—marks a significant step in the company’s international expansion. Players on Rushbet now have access to proven favorites like Lucky Clover, 40 Treasures, Win Storm and Big Chilli, along with the engaging Hot Luck three-level jackpot, designed to enhance player excitement and retention. This partnership underscores CT Interactive’s commitment to long-term collaboration and delivering tailored gaming solutions across diverse Latin American markets.
Hard Rock International has announced its 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign in partnership with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit ahead of this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a global entertainment and hospitality brand guided by the principle “All is One,” Hard Rock is leveraging every touchpoint to support the cause throughout October, from a limited-edition retail collection to special menu items and events. A portion of proceeds from PINKTOBER sales each year are donated to the Hard Rock Heals Foundation, the charitable arm of Hard Rock, to support breast cancer awareness and research worldwide. The program has raised over $13 million for breast cancer research since its inception.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – September 29-October 5 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider of iGaming software solutions, reports strong results from its Responsible Gambling team for 2025, helping operators strengthen compliance, protect players, and adapt to evolving regulatory demands.
In the first half of 2025, the SOFTSWISS Responsible Gambling team reviewed around 16,000 cases, including self-exclusion requests, proactive interventions, and behavioural checks. Beyond measurable cases, the team continued to support ongoing monitoring and compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
Key initiatives of the team’s 2025 work included:
- The launch of a Responsible Gambling Video Digest, a monthly animated series explaining RG policies and updates for operators and internal teams
- Bilingual training modules for First Line Support and CRM teams, improving collaboration and consistency
- Active cooperation with AML, Legal, and Complaints teams to ensure a unified approach to player protection
- Participation in external training programmes, with certified learning for employees across departments
The Responsible Gambling team continues to enhance its Risk Scoring Tool in collaboration with the Research and Development unit. The tool applies machine learning algorithms to detect risky behaviour more effectively, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Emilia Kurzynska, Team Lead of Responsible Gambling, comments: “Our mission is to ensure that player well-being is always a priority embedded in every process. The growing number of Responsible Gambling cases shows that awareness is rising, and we meet this demand with reliable tools and timely interventions to effectively support every operator.”
SOFTSWISS places responsible gambling at the heart of its approach, enabling operators to enhance compliance, protect players, and adapt to regulatory changes. With rising awareness and increasing Responsible Gambling cases, the company provides reliable tools and timely interventions to ensure player well-being remains a top priority.
Partners and visitors are welcome to the SOFTSWISS Stand 4016 G at the SiGMA Central Europe Summit 2025 on 3–6 November to explore collaboration opportunities and share industry best practices, as well as take part in the live car assembly experience, explore innovative solutions, and discuss the key findings of the 2026 iGaming Trends Report.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 35,000 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Platform and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Handles 16,000 Responsible Gambling Cases in 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Reading Time: < 1 minute
The post Yolo Group secures UAE Gaming Vendor Licences from GCGRA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Latest News2 months ago
Light & Wonder to Participate in the 2025 Australasian Gaming Expo
-
Latest News2 months ago
ReferOn Shortlisted for Acquisition & Retention Partner of the Year at SBC Lisbon 2025
-
Latest News2 months ago
Gavin Hamilton Joins Sports & Wellbeing Analytics as Chairman to Accelerate Global Expansion
-
Latest News3 months ago2025 PUBG MOBILE WORLD CUP KICKS OFF WITH GROUP DRAW AHEAD OF ESPORTS WORLD CUP
-
Latest News3 months agoHIPTHER Community Voices: Interview with CEO of Media 24 Martins Lasmanis
-
Latest News3 months agoCEO of MEDIA24 Interviewed: Industry Scams, Business Insights and SEO
-
Latest News3 months agoDigiPlus Backs Stricter Online Gambling Regulation
-
Latest News1 month ago
Duels for Friends in Trophy Hunter. Invite your friends and create a shared space for fun and competition.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login