Latest News
Overwolf Raises $52.5M To Unlock Modding For Game Developers and Publishers with The Launch of CurseForge Core, a UGC as a Service Platform
Overwolf, the all-in-one platform that enables creators to build, distribute, and monetize in-game apps and mods, today announced a $52.5 million Series C round and the launch of CurseForge Core, a User Generated Content (UGC) as a service platform. CurseForge Core provides an SDK for game developers that integrates into the game itself and functions as a gateway for users to discover and install mods in-game, across all platforms and storefronts. The round was co-led by Griffin Gaming Partners and Insight Partners with participation from investors including Ubisoft, Warner Music Group, Meg Whitman, Gen.G Co-Founder, Kevin Chou, and existing investors Marker, Intel Capital, Liberty Technology Venture Capital, and Atreides Management. The funding will be used to boost development firepower dedicated to creating services for creators. It will further be used to create more opportunities and vehicles to invest in, and with, the in-game creator community.
In 2020, as part of its commitment to empower in-game creators, Overwolf acquired CurseForge from Twitch, the biggest repository of mods for video games including top titles like World of Warcraft and Minecraft. CurseForge and Overwolf have supported creator communities for over 15 years with a combined platform that includes over 30,000 creators, 90,000 mods and add-ons, and 18 million monthly users. Overwolf has experienced 300% growth in the last year as the market for content around games rises.
“We are at a new user-generated content inflection point, and the strong growth of gaming lies largely in the hands of “in-game creators,” a term we coined to categorize this new generation of in-game app creators and mod authors. The more content and customizability a game has, the more likely a gamer will keep experiencing its content and by that extending the longevity of the game and generating more value for game developers and publishers in the long run,” commented Uri Marchand, Overwolf CEO and Co-Founder. “By offering CurseForge Core, we are accelerating the community-created content movement by enabling publishers to easily integrate mods safely and seamlessly into their existing and new games. With the backing of the most notable investors in the space, we are confident that the Overwolf platform will lay the groundwork for a new era of AAA game creation.”
Overwolf believes in a future in which the community can participate with the game developer in creating new, moderated, and safe game experiences. This benefits game developers, as game development costs continue to rise, adding community firepower can be critical. With CurseForge Core, Overwolf manages content moderation, UGC-related live ops, and creator payment, enabling game developers and studios to access community-created content easily without incurring additional costs. CurseForge Core offers the following benefits:
Cross-Platform Modding — Integrate Overwolf’s open-source SDKs and plugins to let players discover and install mods in-game, across all platforms and storefronts.
Full Analytics Dashboard — Get a full modding usage dashboard to learn which mods are popular. Gather insights on what content players find enjoyable, which genres are trending, and much more.
Safe and Secure Moderation — Each mod submitted is scanned for viruses or inappropriate content. Defined policies and guidelines on what is permitted are enforced by Overwolf, and only authorized content is published.
Creator Relations and Payment — CurseForge supports creators with Author Rewards Program, fund investments, developer contests, and hackathons.
“Similar to how developers use Unity to build a game, we see Overwolf as the framework for everything UGC related to games. Overwolf allows for one of the only means of monetization for the thousands of creators, in turn, this translates to increased engagement for the publishers and more content for gamers. Services like Overwolf set the stage for the industry to see a new generation of user-generated content and we are excited to invest in the leading company moving this space forward,” commented Nick Tuosto, Co-Founder of Griffin Gaming Partners and Managing Director at LionTree.
“We’ve been following UGC in gaming for many years and believe Overwolf has established itself as a leader in this category,” said Teddie Wardi, Managing Director at Insight Partners. “AAA game studios will want to allow creators to build and express themselves, and Overwolf is positioned as the platform to make this possible by ensuring that creators are recognized for their contributions, and easily integrating creations into games. Overwolf has proved themselves to be strong champions of the creator community and we look forward to helping them scale up in 2021.”
“Overwolf is developing the holy grail of frameworks for UGC for both publishers and in-game creators. Enabling all major publishers like us, to allow the creation of mods in a safe, secure, authorized, and profitable manner; is a game changer for all creators and IP holders,” said Oscar Navarro, Head of Corporate Development for Ubisoft.
To learn more about how CurseForge Core can support AAA developers and game studios, please visit https://link.overwolf.com/cfcore.
Play’n GO takes players on an unforgettable expedition to Egypt’s legendary Nile in Boat Bonanza CrocoNile!, filled with thrills, spills, and crocodile chills!
Captain Jim and Jane Bonanza are here, sailing into the exotic and mysterious waters of the Nile. Legend speaks of untold treasures hidden beneath its waters, guarded fiercely by crocodiles and the ominous Curse of Sobek. Fans of the Bonanza series and Egyptian adventures will find plenty to love in this latest journey packed with intriguing gameplay and captivating storytelling.
Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! introduces players to heart-pounding gameplay across a vibrant 5-reel, 12-payline slot. Experience thrilling features like Croc Carnage, where crocodiles swim onto the reels upgrading Catch Symbols, and Sobek’s Rage, an intense Lock’n Spin feature with escalating multipliers up to x10. Instant Prize rewards and engaging random features such as Spear Shot and Depth Charge add layers of excitement and align with Play’n GO’s dedication to innovative gameplay.
Fans who enjoyed previous Boat Bonanza adventures or Egyptian-themed slots such as Legacy of Egypt and Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead will find Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! irresistible. The game masterfully blends adventurous exploration with exotic Egyptian mystique, reminiscent of previous successful Bonanza titles, ensuring it will resonate deeply with players.
George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention at Play’n GO, said:
“Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! encapsulates everything players loved about our Bonanza series, but elevates the excitement with thrilling new mechanics. We’re confident that the game’s adventurous theme and innovative features will keep players coming back for more.”
With its engaging narrative, action-packed gameplay, and visually stunning setting, Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! is poised to be an adventurous addition to any slot enthusiast’s favourites.
The post Adventure Awaits in Boat Bonanza CrocoNile! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Amusnet has launched its latest jackpot system – Golden Coins Link, designed to elevate player excitement and enhance operator performance. Seamlessly integrated into five popular slots, this progressive system introduces more frequent jackpot opportunities and dynamic features – an exhilarating gaming experience filled with thrills and the potential for significant rewards.
Golden Coins Link reflects Amusnet’s commitment to delivering high-quality, player-centric solutions that help its global network of partners grow and succeed in a competitive landscape. With its captivating gameplay mechanics and seamless integration, the system is set to provide a fresh layer of excitement across online casino portfolios.
At the heart of Golden Coins Link is the Hold & Spin bonus, where players collect special symbols with the chance to unlock big wins. Filling the grid activates the Multiplier Wheel, offering the opportunity to multiply winnings up to 10x or hit one of the top-tier Major or Grand jackpots. Compared to other jackpot systems, Golden Coins Link stands out with its higher frequency of triggering, delivering a more thrilling and rewarding experience.
Golden Coins Link is currently available in five fan-favourite titles:
• 40 Power Hot Golden Coins Link
• Art of Gold Golden Coins Link
• 40 Bulky Fruits Golden Coins Link
• 100 Bulky Fruits Golden Coins Link
• 40 Extra Crown Golden Coins Link
These titles combine familiar themes with the excitement of the new jackpot system, offering players a fresh take on their favourite games.
With its engaging mechanics and business-driving benefits, Golden Coins Link empowers operators to boost retention, increase playtime and maximise revenue.
The post Amusnet Launches Golden Coins Link appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
Legalizing Online Casino Gaming Could Generate Over $18 Billion in Tax Revenue to US States
Legalizing online casino gaming could add $18.4 billion to US state budgets, a new study says.
The report, conducted by online casino comparison site BonusFinder.com, analyzed tax revenue generated by online casinos across the seven US states where they are already legal — Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia — to estimate the total economic impact.
Based on average per-adult spending of $262.40 in those markets, the researchers estimated how much revenue the remaining 44 jurisdictions, including Washington D.C., could generate if they adopted similar legislation.
In total, the study estimated that the states are leaving up to $62 billion in gross revenue on the table.
With a 30% tax rate — an average of the seven states with legal online casino gaming— this would translate into $18.4 billion in tax income annually. Even with a more conservative tax rate of 20%, the figures could reach $12.3 billion.
California is estimated to be missing out on the most — with the analysis showing that its adult population of approximately 31 million could generate up to $2.4 billion in annual tax revenue.
“These numbers highlight two problems,” said Luciano Passavanti, Vice President at BonusFinder.com. “States are missing out on billions in tax revenue, and consumers are being pushed to platforms that don’t offer the same safety, accountability, or responsible gaming tools as licensed operators.”
This concern is backed by a recent report from research firm Yield Sec, which found that 74% of gross gaming revenue in the US in 2023 — totaling $67.1 billion — came from unlicensed, illegal, and unregulated operators.
That means the vast majority of online gambling activity is still happening outside state oversight — costing governments billions in potential tax income and leaving players vulnerable.
“The demand for online casino gaming already exists — but right now, the money is flowing offshore,” Passavanti added. “States that act now have the chance to bring that revenue back into their own economies, and to do so responsibly.”
States where online casino gaming is already legal are directing the funds into essential public services. In Michigan, more than $400 million from iGaming taxes, which includes both online sports betting and online casinos, went to the School Aid Fund, $4 million to the First Responder Presumed Coverage Fund and $3.7 million to the state’s agricultural and equine development programs.
Beyond the financial upside, regulated online casino markets allow states to implement age verification, deposit limits, and self-exclusion tools, offering far stronger consumer protections than offshore operators.
“With over $18 billion in annual tax revenue potentially at stake, the case for legalization is becoming harder to ignore.” Passavanti said.
“As states continue to explore ways to balance budgets and modernize outdated gambling laws, regulated online casinos could offer both financial upside and meaningful consumer protections — if policymakers are ready to act.”
The post Legalizing Online Casino Gaming Could Generate Over $18 Billion in Tax Revenue to US States appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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