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NSoft story: Passion and motivation behind Virtual Penalty Shootout

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Virtual Penalty Shootout celebrated its first birthday. Officially, the game was released on September 30, 2020, and instantly captured the attention of both – operators and players.

The expert community has also recognized the uniqueness and the beauty of the game by shortlisting it for the Global Gaming Award 2021 in the category Product Launch of the Year. Recently NSoft received seven nominations for the SBC Awards Latinoamerica 2021. Among others, we are shortlisted in the category Virtual Sports Supplier. The application for this award has leaned heavily on the Virtual Penalty Shootout game.

To celebrate all those milestones, we decided to tell a different story about Virtual Penalty Shootout game. We will not talk about the RNG, betting markets, how-to-play but let people who created the game say a word or two about passion, excitement and dedication.

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By Amela Dedić and Biljana Haljevac, Senior 3D Artists/Animators

The team

Great teams and great ideas are all about people and the working atmosphere. We at NSoft’s former 3D Games Team, now 3D Creative Team were lucky to found each and we just can’t start this story without saying thank-you to former and current team members: Jasmin Ličina – Senior 3D artist/Team lead, Dragan Grbavac – Senior 3D artist, Dejan Boras – Senior Unity dev, Zlatko Vukšić – Senior Unity dev, Adnan Mujkić – Unity Dev, Dragan Rezo – Senior 3D Artist, Stojan Cvitković – Senior 3D Artist, Toni Matej Radoš – Senior 3D Artist. In this story, “we” are Biljana Haljevac –  Senior 3D Animator and Amela Dedić – Senior 3D Animator. We are the one who will take you behind the scene of  Virtual Penalty Shootout. 

Our Team’s job is to develop Virtual betting games such as Virtual greyhound and horse races, Motorcycle Speedway, etc.

New Project – Virtual Penalty Shootout

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The virtual penalty shootout was the most challenging project we’ve worked on. It allowed us to learn and try new things such as Motion capture. Our first job was to figure out the best way for our small team to make such a big virtual game. The biggest challenge was the animation process. We needed a large number of highly realistic animations, and the best solution for that problem was a Motion Capture system. Our choice was a company from Sweden named Rokoko and their WiFi motion capture suit – The Smartsuit Pro.

After we placed our order for the suit, the waiting time was used to go “back to school” and research making of other elements of the game such as character and venue design and creation, MoCap animation recording and cleanup, new software, and game rules. Our best friends were Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning.

The Arrival- Smartsuit Pro is in the town 

The arrival of the Smartsuit Pro was the most joyful occasion. Also, the day when our colleague Toni officially became the resident MoCap test talent.

Since our open office was not suited for a proper MoCap test, our first pick was local park. Awesome place, beautiful weather, but just one problem: electricity was really hard to find. A better-suited place was found for proper test and future motion capture sessions. The Local Futsal field had everything we needed.

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MoCap Time! 

Following initial tests, we felt confident enough to start official motion capture sessions. The first step was planning and creating MoCap sheets for each motion capture session.

Our motion capture crew was small but efficient: Toni Matej Radoš – Test talent & Talent Manager, Biljana Haljevac – Reference Cameras and Amela Dedić – Rokoko Studio, MoCap Sheet. And our Talents, real-life football players,  who without this would not be possible: Fedja Kulenić (goalkeeper) and Ivan Arapović (player).

Since we have only one suit, Goalkeeper and Player animations were recorded separately. Because of that, we had to be very careful during the planning process so the respective animations could match. We were a bit worried about the Goalkeeper’s recording sessions, taking into consideration the nature of football goalkeeping movements. To make everything easier we relocated Goalkeeper’s MoCap sessions to the local Judo club with a soft tatami mat surface.  We had 3 recording sessions and each was 3 hours long. That gave us 137 raw animations. We were aware that not every MoCap take will be successful or 100% accurate, we made sure that every take was also recorded with our reference cameras.

Animation Cleanup

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The entire process of cleanup was done in Maya and Motionbuilder using the HumanIK system. Most of the work was root motion corrections, foot slides, and arms fixes. The final part of the cleanup was merging the animations of Player and Goalkeeper into one take and making sure that the timing fits perfectly for each take.

The ball movement was a mix of keyframed animation and Unity physics.

Visuals & Final Render

Cleanup done. Next: Dressing up. The entire time of animation cleanup our player and goalkeeper rigs were dressed in nothing but their birthday suit. That caused a lot of funny looks from our other coworkers. But fear not! Our 3D artist Dragan Rezo was on the task of dressing them up for their final render.

Visuals & Final Render

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Cleanup done. Next: Dressing up. The entire time of animation cleanup our player and goalkeeper rigs were dressed in nothing but their birthday suit. That caused a lot of funny looks from our other coworkers. But fear not! Our 3D artist Dragan Rezo was on the task of dressing them up for their final render.

Every visual element of the game can be easily changed. Character appearance, jerseys, crowd, banners. All this can be altered according to the client’s requirements. We had a test client request just to see how much time would be needed for all the changes and rendering.

  • Lions on background video banners
  • Goalkeeper jersey with leopard pattern and panther head as front logo
  • Penalty taker with a red jersey and white sun on blue background (Taiwanese flag) as a front logo. Number 88 on the back and name “Tigers” above it
  • Additional but not requested, all resolve screens translated to mandarin

Final words

Almost nobody was injured during the making of the game. Our Goalkeeper had some bruises from the suit’s sensors, and we almost had a heart attack when our suit had a minor malfunction.

All jokes aside, our small team is very proud to have managed to complete such a large project, learn a bunch of new things in the process, and use Motion capture technology. It was an awesome experience from start to finish.

In the end, we would like you to take a look at our little video presentation of the Motion capture animation process.

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Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector

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Atlas-IAC, a Next-Generation iGaming platform, has been recognized as the Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year and Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology  at the Prague Gaming & Tech Awards 2024. The GamingTECH Awards annually  determine industry excellence in Central and Eastern Europe. Maxim Slobodyanyuk, CEO of Atlas-IAC, tells about insights into Atlas-IAC’s innovative solutions that are reshaping the iGaming landscape and the core principles of partnership driving mutual evolution for both Atlas-IAC and its esteemed operators.

 

Congratulations on winning “Best Sports Betting Provider Of The Year” and “Rising Star In Sports Betting Technology” at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2024! How does Atlas-IAC feel about receiving such prestigious recognition?

We take pride in being acknowledged as the best sports betting provider and the rising star in sports betting technology across Central and Eastern Europe. At the heart of our success lies a team of exceptional visionaries, developers, and business analytics  striving to elevate the industry to new heights of technological innovation and responsible gaming practices.

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I’d like to thank our great partners for choosing Atlas-IAC as their technology provider, and for subscribing to our core business principle — to evolve and grow together. Our win is our partners’ win as well.

To be the best sports betting provider entails a weighty responsibility, one we approach with unwavering dedication. These awards serve as a validation of our unwavering commitment to excellence and as a catalyst for renewed determination to shape the future of sports betting technology. We are grateful for recognition and remain resolutely committed to charting new horizons of success alongside our valued partners.

 

Could you provide insights into the strategies that drove Atlas-IAC’s success in the iGaming industry?

At Atlas-IAC, our success strategy revolves around building strong partnerships and establishing a notable presence in the competitive global entertainment technology market. We prioritize automation, which gives us an edge in emerging markets and allows us to onboard partners quickly and streamline operations.

Continuously improving our platform to offer a seamless Sportsbook API experience is a priority. Our aim is to deliver fast performance, smooth betting experiences, real-time risk management, advanced anti-fraud measures, and scalable solutions for partners worldwide.

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Staying up-to-date, enhancing our product, analyzing market and partner needs, and proactively responding to them are essential. Being the top technological partner is a strategy that consistently works for us.

 

How does Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook differentiate itself from competitors?

Atlas-IAC’s in-house developed Sportsbook sets us apart because we have full control over its features and can make rapid improvements. Features like Personal Odds Boost and Clever Margin allow for customized experiences tailored to our partners’ needs. We focus on personalization, ensuring the product aligns perfectly with each operator’s requirements. With a skilled team dedicated to our partners’ needs, we can promptly address requests and deliver effective solutions.

 

Atlas-IAC offers one of the most automated Sportsbook available in the market. How does automation enhance the experience for both operators and users?

Our fully automated Sportsbook API is efficient and user-friendly, enhancing engagement and retention. It’s equipped to handle high demand periods effectively and offers tools for precise betting management and reliable results. We can swiftly develop and integrate custom modules for partners, giving us a competitive edge. We prioritize meeting partners’ needs while delivering enjoyable experiences for players, fostering mutual benefit for all involved.

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What specific features or tools have been well-received by operators in the iGaming industry?

In the realm of iGaming, Atlas-IAC has garnered recognition for its remarkable adaptability and keen responsiveness to the requirements of our partners. Understanding the distinctive needs of each operator, we have crafted a tailored approach to ensure effective solutions.

One specific example of our successful tools is our Cashback feature, which serves as a versatile tool for promoting sporting events and enhancing player entertainment. This feature offers customizable settings based on specific sports, events, odds criteria, and frequency. With such flexibility, operators can effectively incentivize participation and elevate excitement levels among players.

In essence, the suite of features and tools offered by Atlas-IAC not only addresses the diverse needs of operators but also fuels engagement and growth within the iGaming industry.

 

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What are Atlas-IAC’s goals for continued innovation and growth in the iGaming sector?

Looking ahead, our primary aim is to continually push the boundaries of innovation while delivering outstanding value to our partners. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leading the charge in the iGaming sector, fostering sustainable growth, and championing responsible gaming practices. Our strategy revolves around staying agile, adapting to emerging trends, and catering to the unique needs of operators worldwide.

The evolving sports betting landscape of 2024 underscores the critical importance of adaptability and innovation. Operators must navigate this dynamic environment marked by technological advancements and regulatory shifts, and Atlas-IAC stands ready to assist them in this endeavor.

In terms of market focus, we are meticulously evaluating opportunities in LATAM, Eastern Europe, South-East Asia, and Africa. These regions offer significant growth potential, and our tailored strategy is geared towards effectively meeting the unique demands of these diverse markets.

The post Atlas-IAC’s CEO Maxim Slobodyanyuk Talks Winning Strategies & Vision for Future Growth in the iGaming Sector appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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How to avoid failing at affiliate marketing in 2024?

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The evolving landscape of affiliate marketing within the iGaming ecosystem presents both opportunities and challenges due to regulatory shifts. Adapting to these changes is crucial to navigate the dynamic environment effectively. Slotegrator experts exploring strategies to avoid pitfalls globally and adopting adaptable approaches can optimize affiliate marketing amidst evolving regulations.

The iGaming industry has had to focus on a number of changes in the area of affiliate marketing –  as a result of regulatory and advertising changes.

Beyond that, it’s important to keep in mind another important key initiatives that include key components of a successful affiliate program:

  • The quality of the content the affiliate creates.
  • Regulations the affiliate or affiliate program might be subject to.
  • This is especially important if the affiliate expects a commission for every sign-up. If the affiliate is getting paid for every player they send your way, the players need to stay for a while for it to be worth it.
  • An ongoing analysis of the size and quality of traffic the affiliate is delivering you.

To know more about these points you can read an instruction from the Slotegrator Academy by link.

The changes have not only affected the regulatory environment of the iGaming industry, but also affiliate marketing as a result of the general changes. What is important to look out for?

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Slotegrator shares some regional specifics of affiliate marketing:

  • Asia is a diverse and dynamic region for affiliate marketing in the iGaming industry. Affiliates operating in Asia have to navigate complex regulatory conditions and varying cultural attitudes. Marketing managers have to employ strategies that prioritize mobile channelization, collaboration with opinion leaders, and compliance with local laws — all of which are essential to success.
  • Affiliate marketing in Africa is still in its early stages but is already showing significant potential. With the increasing availability of the internet and the spread of smartphones, the continent is opening up opportunities for affiliates to reach a fast-growing market. However, factors such as regulatory uncertainty, payment processing difficulties, and the cultural diversity of the region need to be taken into account.
  • In Latin America working with local affiliates who have a deep understanding of the regional market helps to better customize marketing campaigns and achieve higher conversion rates. Given the strict regulation of gambling in some Latin American countries, it is important to comply with local laws and advertising restrictions to avoid negative consequences.
  • Affiliate marketing in Europe is a dynamic and competitive landscape where effective strategies and a professional approach can ensure significant business success and growth in the iGaming sector. One of the important parts of affiliate marketing in Europe is the use of a variety of channels to build audiences. It helps to diversify and increase the flow of traffic to the partner’s site, which helps to increase conversion rates. Careful research of each country’s rules and restrictions is needed regarding the advertising and promotion of gambling.

Alyce Fabel from CasinoRIX, Slotegrator’s media partner, summarizes key aspects for affiliate companies to concentrate on.“As each year passes, affiliates must strive to improve and keep pace with the market. Competition is growing, regulations are evolving, and that brings changes to many regions. We can highlight five key points for affiliate companies to focus on:

  • Continuously search for and acquire new traffic channels. It’s crucial not to focus only on one channel; diversification is necessary. This has been particularly evident in the past year, with significant changes and updates in SEO and mobile traffic (iOS/Android applications).
  • Ensure content quality. As AI tools continue to advance, it’s essential not only to learn to apply them in work but also to differentiate content written by humans from AI-generated content (especially crucial for SEO projects).
  • Configure deep analytics. Constantly work on improving traffic quality and understand where to make enhancements. The standards for traffic quality are rising.
  • Provide added value. It’s time to start developing the product aspect as well, thinking not only as an affiliate but also about providing customers with additional value. This will also help in achieving higher-quality marketing.”

Cultivate relationships with partners. Build strong and lasting relationships, stay informed about all industry changes and news, and keep up with technologies and innovations. This is crucial for achieving high results.

And some words about the affiliate marketing trends as a compass to guide development efforts in this area in the right direction. Khoren Ispiryan, sales manager at Slotegrator, and the speaker of the latest Prague Gaming & TECH Summit ‘24, shares some insights:

  • “The best thing is to include real people in the affiliate marketing. To create an environment where bloggers, streamers and influencers will make a bigger impact on the end user behavior.
  • In 2024, gambling companies will continue to partner with influencers and other internet celebrities. These partnerships will be increasingly effective methods of attracting new audiences, promoting products, and increasing brand awareness.
  • Loyalty programs and other ways of enhancing the user experience will also be essential for the promotion of gambling websites.
  • The development of partner relationship management software will be a major priority. It will help improve usability for affiliate partners and enable better communication between companies and affiliates. For instance, Partnergrator from Slotegrator offers a solution for online gambling platform operators who face difficulties in tracking their affiliate program data. This innovative solution provides the ability to manage and analyze affiliate programs in real-time, using analytics to simplify the decision-making process.”

The post How to avoid failing at affiliate marketing in 2024? appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GiG Media Secures 3rd Place in EGR Power Affiliate Ranking for Consecutive Year

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GiG Media, a subsidiary of Gaming Innovation Group (GiG), today proudly announces it has secured 3rd position in the prestigious EGR Power Affiliate Ranking for the second year running.

This achievement underscores the business’ unwavering dedication to strategic innovation, expanding its market reach and delivering unparalleled value to its partners and shareholders.

GiG Media’s portfolio of high-quality traffic websites, including WSN.com, Time2play.com, Askgamblers.com and Casinotopsonline.com, has been instrumental in driving its success. With operations spanning across Malta, Denmark, Serbia, and Spain, GiG Media continues to set the benchmark for lead generation in online sportsbooks and casinos.

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Commenting on the achievement, Jonas Warrer, CEO of GiG Media, stated:

“We are delighted to receive this acknowledgement yet again in the EGR Power Affiliate Ranking and this is nothing short of a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. This superb accomplishment reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence, internal talent, and continuous growth in the iGaming affiliate landscape. As we continue to grow the business in 2024, we remain steadfast in our commitment to players, partners and the industry alike.”

GiG Media’s portfolio expansion and strategic diversification have been pivotal in propelling its growth trajectory. Its ongoing product development and recent acquisition of Time2Play Media emphasise the company’s proactive approach to seizing emerging opportunities and reinforcing its market leadership position.

The post GiG Media Secures 3rd Place in EGR Power Affiliate Ranking for Consecutive Year appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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