ELA Games Celebrates “Best New Game Release 2026” Nomination for King and Flame

The studio’s epic medieval fantasy title secures a spot on the shortlist for the much anticipated SiGMA Europe Awards.

ELA Games’ King and Flame has been announced as a finalist for Best New Game Release at the 2026 SiGMA Europe Awards. This nomination reflects the studio’s focus on pairing immersive narratives with precise math models, perfectly timed ahead of the major industry gathering at the Casino Maltese in Valletta, Malta, on May 27.

A Subverted Take on a Classic Fairytale

King and Flame earns its nomination through a distinct visual identity and an inventive spin on the Hold and Win category. Acting as a unique hook for the title, the narrative breaks away from familiar casino storytelling by flipping classic fantasy tropes upside down. Players are thrust into a volatile realm where a power-hungry prince accidentally unleashes a terrifying Dragon Queen.

What makes the gameplay exceptional is how the mechanics constantly alter the battlefield. Regular spins feature coins that pay out their exact face value, while unpredictable Mystery Chests can shatter at any moment to award instant prizes or trigger the Grand Jackpot. The grid itself transforms when the “Tamed by the Crown” feature activates, where the Dragon Queen emerges as an expanding Full Reel Wild to deliver massive royal bounties. As players enter the Free Spins round, the stakes escalate with column-expanding coins and a Super Bonus Wheel that doubles all rewards, bringing high-volatility action into a carefully curated medieval realm.

Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director of ELA Games, commented on the nomination: “We’re very happy to see King and Flame get a nomination at the very well-regarded SiGMA Europe awards. I know the work everyone at the ELA team put into creating an intricate back story and graphic world for this slot. It is one of the most narrative-based titles we have released to date, and the care the team put into the design has really brought that story to life. It is wonderful to see that dedication noticed on such a prestigious stage.”

Cast Your Vote

Public voting for the Best New Game Release category is officially live. If you’ve experienced the heat of battle with the Dragon Queen, we would be grateful for your support.

Vote for ELA Games and King and Flame here: sigma.world/summits/europe/awards-2026/malta-awards-vote/