Gaming
Freeverse.io raises €10M to lead the charge for a fairer model of digital ownership
Earlybird Venture Capital and Target Global led the Series A round for Freeverse, which offers next-generation, ‘Living Asset’ NFTs.
Freeverse.io today announced a Series A investment round of €10M, co-led by Earlybird and Target Global, alongside existing investors Adara Ventures and 4Founders Capital. Freeverse’s service allows companies to build products that feature next generation NFTs – ‘Living Assets’.
In 2021, NFT sales catapulted to over $20bn, as both business and end-users came to understand the enormous potential that is unlocked by blockchain-certified digital ownership. Freeverse’s core product is a platform that allows companies (such as brands, game developers, or other content creators) to add a crucial new layer to their products: the ability of NFTs to change and evolve based on how they are used by their owners. As a result, how the NFT is used has a greater effect on its value than merely its rarity or scarcity.
One of the main criticisms of the digital collectibles boom is that the market value relies purely on speculation – with consumers buying ‘rare’ digital assets with the sole intention of selling them on while hoping for a profit. Freeverse’s product and technology offers a way out of this situation, by allowing NFT properties to change and evolve. With Freeverse, the Metaverse will be populated with assets that capture the value provided by their owners’ effort and talent using them, instead of just scarcity and speculation.
“While 2021 may have been ‘the year of the NFT’, NFTs that can be changed by their owners, such as Freeverse’s Living Assets provide a more sustainable business model for the sector, as their market value is not decided by artificial concepts of scarcity,” commented Dr. Christian Nagel, Partner and Co-founder at Earlybird.
“The infrastructure the Freeverse team has built addresses the limitations that NFTs have today, including the ability for brands to protect their brand equity. They’ve come up with a contrarian approach to other purely decentralized plays – but one that we believe is necessary for mass adoption of NFTs”, added Lina Chong, Investment Director at Target Global.
Alongside Earlybird and Target, existing investors Adara Ventures and 4Founders Capital, as well as global digital media giant, OneFootball, are joining the round. Notable angels include international football star Mario Götze, Travelperk CEO Avi Meir, OneFootball CEO Lucas von Cranach, and Maex Ament, Co-founder of Taulia and Centrifuge.
Freeverse will use the investment to fund a strong go-to-market push, as well to continue the development of the product and core technology. “Living Assets represent the way forward for digital ownership in the metaverse and beyond”, explained CEO Alun Evans. “The fact that Living Assets are valued more by how they are used, as opposed to simple speculation, means that they enable a fairer and more sustainable business model for both companies and consumers. As such, we expect our approach to become a core component within the emerging web3 sector.”
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.
Gaming
Gaming Corps debuts a golf-themed instant win game that puts players in full control of their swing
Gaming Corps – a publicly-listed game development company based in Sweden, is excited to announce the release of its latest casino title, Golf Champion – a golf-themed game packed with strategic thrills, immersive play, and Gaming Corps’ innovative X-MY-WAY™ mechanic.
Golf Champion invites players to hit the virtual fairway, where every shot could lead to serious rewards. Combining the finesse of golf with the high-stakes energy of casino gaming, the game delivers a fresh and dynamic experience tailored to suit every playing style. Whether players choose to chip it safe or drive it long, every swing offers a chance to win up to 1,000x their bet.
At the core of the experience is the X-MY-WAY™ mechanic, designed to put power directly in the player’s hands. This feature allows users to tailor their risk-and-reward strategy with complete freedom. With a range of bet options players can choose to play it safe, cashing out with smaller multipliers, or push their luck with riskier shots for the chance to land big wins, all the way up to a 1,000x multiplier.
Every shot is a deliberate decision, offering a level of interactivity and personalisation that sets Golf Champion apart from traditional instant win games.
Alexander Mavroudis, Product Owner at Gaming Corps said: “Golf Champion is all about putting players in control. With the X-MY-WAY™ mechanic, we’re giving them the tools to choose their playstyle, just like reading the green before a big putt. It’s a perfect blend of chance, choice, and excitement—and we think players are going to love every moment.”
Available in 28 languages, with instant win payouts Golf Champion tees up a compelling addition to Gaming Corps’ growing portfolio of player-first, action-driven content.
The post Gaming Corps debuts a golf-themed instant win game that puts players in full control of their swing appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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