Gaming
Equativ Levels-up its Gaming Marketplace to Help Advertisers and Publishers Thrive in Fast-growing Gaming Sector
Equativ, the leading independent ad tech platform, is growing its gaming advertising services. Offering access to quality inventory across premium apps, the company will soon release refined category targeting options and auction packages, alongside a greater range of formats.
This expansion of capabilities will better-equip advertisers and publishers to harness the continuing growth of the gaming sector. Generating $396.20 billion in global revenue, overall market value is due to reach $533 billion by 2027, climbing at a 7% annual compound growth rate (CAGR). Mobile gaming is experiencing especially rapid gains; seeing an increase of 17% CAGR over the last year, with revenues rising from $118.43 billion to $138.63 billion.
The thriving sector is also proving a particularly effective environment for driving advertising engagement. Following an extensive two-year study by in-game advertising platform Anzu and attention tech company Lumen Research, it was revealed that intrinsic in-game ads achieve up to 97% prompted recall and viewing times of 3.1 seconds – compared to the 2.9 second digital ad norm. This is in addition to fuelling high purchase intent for six in ten gamers. Gadsme, “the most sophisticated in-game advertising platform”, a company based in Paris and London, is able to measure clicks and has observed rates of 0.4% to 6% depending on the game and the quality of the creative. This click rate, much higher than the average rate of 0.5% observed in a “classic” environment, is thought to be linked to a friendly and safe perception of the gaming ecosystem on the part of players.
Equativ’s existing solutions enable gaming app publishers to create custom auction packages covering display, standard digital video and highly interactive rewarded video formats. Using its efficient curation abilities, sell-side partners — such Anzu, AdInMo and Gadsme — can securely activate first-party player data and build valuable, bespoke audiences, in addition to making ad space directly available to media buyers manually via integrated technology.
With availability spanning more than 41,000 apps, the platform also provides significant scale for advertisers. Buy-side partners can reach qualified mobile gamers across multiple popular apps — including Candy Crush Saga, Wordscapes and Woodoku — while further enriching audiences and ad space by harnessing smart curation features to onboard owned insights.
Over 2023, Equativ plans to enhance its range of formats by adding curation support for engaging and immersive in-game ads. This will be followed by further developments aimed at improving the precision of ad delivery: including allowing targeting for specific gaming app categories and creating a broader selection of pre-configured auction packages, segmented by player and game type.
“Despite gaming’s powerful grip on mainstream consumer attention, its share of advertising spend has been unrealized by the buy-side. By facilitating simplified, secure, and customizable trading, we aim to change that,” said Emir Teffaha, Senior Vice President, Agency and Enterprise, at Equativ.
“As leading industry forces, like the IAB, help to push standards and measurement around gaming for both performance and branding campaigns, wider industry adoption will inevitably gain traction. This means those who get ahead of the curve stand to reap the greatest benefits. By providing privacy-safe mechanisms for building data-enriched deals, our offering will enable granular targeting and efficient monetization that allows all players to start driving mutually rewarding and high-value outcomes.”
In the latest round of Prototype Funding, Gamecity Hamburg, part of Hamburg Kreativ Gesellschaft, supports six promising digital games with up to 80,000 euros each as a non-repayable grant. This funding enables start-ups in Hamburg and supports companies in developing marketable prototypes. In addition, start-ups and developers can apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s Games Lift Incubator until June 10: https://www.gamecity-hamburg.de/de/inkubator/
The awarding committee selected projects with the greatest market potential from the many applications. Including this seventh round of funding, the development of 37 prototypes has been supported as part of Prototype Funding since 2020. The application phase for the next Prototype Funding round will start in spring 2026.
“The high quality of the projects submitted to this funding round led to an intensive decision process within the awarding committee. The funded projects show a wide variety of genres, ideas, and teams. With the Prototype Funding, we are supporting established companies and up-and-coming start-ups in Hamburg as a games location,” commented Dennis Schoubye, Head of Gamecity Hamburg and member of the awarding committee.
The 2025 funding recipients were selected by the awarding committee, consisting of Hamburg industry experts Nina Müller (VP Publishing & Development Services, Goodgame Studios), Jonas Hüsges (Publishing Director, Daedalic Entertainment), Valentina Birke (Director Indie Arena Booth / Super Crowd Entertainment), Michael Schade (CEO & Co-Founder ROCKFISH Games) and Dennis Schoubye (Head of Gamecity Hamburg).
The Funded Projects 2025
- NeverLight by Nightless Games – € 80,000
- Pet Universe by Tivola Games – € 80,000
- Space Station Manager by gameXcite – € 80,000
- Unbreachable by Buckfish – € 72,000
- Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio – € 32,000
- Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs – € 30,000
NeverLight by Nightless Games
NeverLight is a dark, cooperative role-playing game with fantasy and extraction elements, in which up to three players act as hunters in an endless night in search of terrifying monsters and collect valuable loot. The game combines monster hunting with the excitement of having to bring each reward to safety with the team to receive it.
Pet Universe by Tivola Games
In the 3D animal shelter simulation “Pet Universe”, players build their animal shelter from the ground up, organize animal care, collect donations, and design the shelter grounds according to their own ideas. The aim is to care for the animals with their individual needs and to find them a loving home.
Space Station Manager by gameXcite
In this strategy building game with real-time space battles, players manage a space station that serves as a base for spaceships, battles, recruitment, and a strategy hub for missions. In addition to organizing the base, players manage their limited resources and various upgrades, improve crew morals, and explore the galaxy with their individual fleets.
Unbreachable by Buckfish
In the multiplayer strategy game “Unbreachable”, players build a fortress in each run that competes with ten castles of rival players. Players strategically construct the different fortress buildings to increase attack power or minimize weaknesses to climb the leaderboard in competition with other players.
Deep Fog Signals by Symmetry Break Studio
In this sci-fi horror game with puzzle mechanics, players are trapped in the communication room of a remote research station during a toxic storm. To escape, they must coordinate the various crew members, decipher cryptic transmissions, and complete the research as the threatening situation escalates over several days.
Cosmic Run by Zinktank Labs
In this humorous and fast-paced roguelite, players fight their way through space with their ship in order to escape from a capitalist alien dictatorship. Weapons, shields, upgrades for the engine, and customization of the ship determine the narrative of the game. Depending on the character chosen, the course of the game and the story told vary in several runs.
All detailed information on the teams and games can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/funding/#Funded_Projects_2025
Developers, start-ups, and companies from Hamburg were able to apply for Gamecity Hamburg’s prototype funding from March 3 to April 7. In 2024, Gamecity Hamburg introduced a diversity checklist when applying for prototype funding, the answers to which can optionally be used by the awarding committee in the evaluation process.
The next application phase for prototype funding will start in spring 2026.
Further funding opportunities through Gamecity Hamburg
Each year, the Games Lift Incubator supports five teams, developers, and start-ups in the development of digital games. In addition to € 15,000 in start-up funding, the recipients receive a comprehensive coaching and mentoring program with international experts as well as workshops and follow-up individual support. Since 2024, the program has also included a visit to an international industry event.
Teams and developers can currently apply for the Games Lift Incubator until June 10.
All information can be found at: https://gamecity-hamburg.de/incubator/apply-now/
The post Gamecity Hamburg Supports six new Digital Games with Prototype Funding appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
From qualifiers to finals, EAFC 25 to Beat Saber, Over R250 000 in prizes and two champions to crown – this is South Africa’s ultimate gaming experience!
South Africa’s biggest gaming tournament is back. The 2025 MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience kicks off on 18 May, bringing months of competitive energy, in-centre activations, and serious prize money to malls across the country. This year’s edition raises the stakes with the return of the EAFC 25™ National Football Tournament and the debut of the MTN Beat Saber Challenge – two national titles, one massive celebration of gaming culture.
Over five months, eight Hyprop shopping centres will play host to a mix of online qualifiers and live in-mall events, creating a national stage where gamers of all levels can test their skills, win prizes and join a fast-growing community of South African players. The top contenders will face off in the National Finals at Canal Walk from 17 to 21 September, with R50 000 on the line in the EAFC 25™ Football Final and more prizes up for grabs in the Beat Saber showdown.
Tournament Dates and Venues:
- Rosebank Mall
Online Qualifier: 18 May | In-Centre Event: 23–25 May
- Somerset Mall
Online Qualifier: 25 May | In-Centre Event: 30 May–1 June
- Woodlands
Online Qualifier: 7 June | In-Centre Event: 13–16 June
- The Glen
Online Qualifier: 22 June | In-Centre Event: 27–29 June
- Table Bay Mall
Online Qualifier: 13 July | In-Centre Event: 18–20 July
- Clearwater Mall
Online Qualifier: 3 August | In-Centre Event: 8–10 August
- Capegate Mall
Online Qualifier: 31 August | In-Centre Event: 5–7 September
- Canal Walk (National Finals & Last Qualifier)
Online Qualifier: 7 September | In-Centre Event: 17–21 September
“The SHIFT Gaming Experience is more than a tournament; it’s where South African gamers show up, show off and celebrate what they love,” says Christie Stanbridge, Brand and Campaigns Marketing Manager at Hyprop. “From football simulations to VR rhythm battles, we’ve created something that speaks to every kind of player. Whether you’re competing or just watching, there’s always something happening.”
The format combines online, and in-person play. Qualify online on the ACGL platform, then take on your opponents in-centre across malls in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria. Each in-mall weekend features the EAFC 25™ tournament, daily Fighting Cups, a PC Gaming Zone powered by PCBuilder, Carry1st COD Mobile and the popular SuperSprint lap challenge presented by the Toyota Gaming Engine.
Gamers can also go head-to-head in Tekken, Street Fighter 6, Brawlhalla, Rocket League, Minecraft and Call of Duty: Mobile, with dozens of R1 000+ gift card prizes on offer each weekend. The Beat Saber Challenge, hosted by MTN and playable both in-mall and on MTN’s Battle+ platform, brings a high-energy VR experience into the mix. Players with the highest Beat Saber scores at each mall qualify for the National Final – and anyone who tries it stands a chance to win a gaming PC worth R50 000.
“We’re creating spaces where South Africans can compete, connect and get rewarded for their passion,” says Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa. “Whether it’s with Beat Saber or Battle+, we want our community to know that gaming lives here.”
The SHIFT Gaming Experience also makes space for younger players. Friday events feature tournaments designed for schools and under-18 gamers, offering dedicated Minecraft build challenges, EAFC 25™ scholars only tournament and Rocket League face-offs – all with real prizes.
The post HYPROP MTN SHIFT Gaming Experience2025: South Africa’s Biggest Gaming Showdown Returns appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The game also features a Bonus Game, which is triggered by hitting apples that randomly appear on the target. Each successful hit fills the progress bar, and once 30 apples are collected, the bonus round begins.
Every knife throw guarantees a win, with no losing outcomes, providing a highly rewarding experience.
The Bonus Game becomes available once 30 apples are collected, offering players an opportunity for bigger rewards.
With the Auto Bet feature, players can set their optimal bet preferences and let the system place bets automatically.
The Lucky Boost feature increases the player’s bet by 50%, offering greater chances for larger payouts.
FreeBet and FreeAmount bonuses allow players to enjoy extra winning opportunities, with terms set by the operator.
The post Knife Drop by Galaxsys: Unique Gameplay, Guaranteed Wins appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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