Press Releases
Why 92% of Players Quit: Duamentes Report Exposes Costly Mistakes Across the GameDev Industry
The GameDev industry has stopped growing. Despite strong top-line numbers — mobile ($96.2B), console ($52.4B), and PC ($40.4B) — studios are being stretched by rising production costs, gameplay fatigue, and shifting user expectations.
The Global GameDev market is valued at $189.3B in 2025, signalling stabilization — not acceleration. In mature regions like the US and Europe, growth has stalled entirely. The industry is under pressure: studios are shutting down, layoffs are rising (Meta, Codemasters, Respawn, Nerial, NetEase Games and more), the old success formulas no longer work, and the post-pandemic boom is over.
Duamentes Gaming Report 2025 highlights the urgent need for change: player retention is broken, and most studios fail to understand what players actually want — and by the time they find out in beta, it’s too late to save the game or the business behind it, with examples including:
- Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (Rocksteady, 2024) launched to high expectations but faced poor reviews and rapid player drop-off, reportedly losing over $200 million before support was scaled back in early 2025.
- Concord (Firewalk Studios, 2024) drew immediate criticism for lacking originality in a crowded hero shooter market, with doubts about its relevance even before launch.
- XDefiant (Ubisoft, 2024) launched with promise but quickly declined due to balance issues and low retention, leading to its shutdown and studio closure in 2025.
“Studios keep building games players don’t want, delay testing, misread player behavior, and try to fix retention too late. We’re seeing the same mistakes repeated across platforms,” said Maria Amirkhanyan, Head of Gaming Division at Duamentes.
Mind the Gap: Why Developers Are Losing Touch with Players
Duamentes report combines global market trends with industry leaders’ in-depth interviews, surveys, and players’ behavioral insights — showing a clear gap between player expectations and developer workflows.
Players want meaning, not just mechanics — they want emotional clarity, narrative hooks, social features that foster belonging, and a genuine respect for their time, not manipulation.
“As short-form platforms like TikTok change how users discover games, the bar for first-session clarity has never been higher. Studios now compete not just with other games — but with every other moment of screen time,” said Maria Amirkhanyan, Head of Gaming Division at Duamentes.
Player challenges
- 92% of players churn before Day 30
- 70% of players drop off within the first few sessions, often before the game has a chance to connect.
- 38% decide whether to quit during the very first session seeking emotional connection, social features, and immediate clarity.
- 60% of new mobile games launched in 5 crowded genres and most struggled to break through.
- 40% of games entering new regions fail due to cultural mismatches in UX, tone, or monetisation.
Industry & Studio Challenges
- 71% of studios delay user testing until beta — but by then, it’s often too late to fix what matters.
- 49% of developers say unionisation is necessary to protect working conditions in an industry increasingly shaped by burnout and uncertainty.
- 40% of developers say their teams have been impacted by layoffs.
- 46% of developers work over 50 hours per week — up from 35% last year
Root causes of failed game releases
The report points to a growing industry divide between those who adapt and those who don’t. As outlined, many studios still rely on practices that no longer serve them:
- “Build first, test later” leads to costly rework
- Relying on genre popularity over emotional engagement
- Live service overload without meaningful progression
- Ignoring cultural nuance during global launches
- Designing for metrics, not meaning
“In turbulent times, playtesting and user research are more important than ever for releasing games that players, critics, and investors love. Gaining early insight into the player experience helps identify problems while there’s still time to fix them, aligns teams around a shared vision of what’s being built, and clarifies development priorities — reducing costly rework and making production more predictable and less chaotic,” stated Steve Bromley, Games User Research Consultant, author of How To Be A Games User Researcher.
Indies Are Rising
While many AAA studios struggle to innovate under mounting costs and conservative pipelines, indie studios are emerging as the creative engine of the industry. With players increasingly seeking smaller, emotionally resonant, and more affordable experiences, indies are filling a crucial gap.
“The quality and relevance of indie games will soar as more developers embrace independence and tools improve… Indie games will claim an all-time high share of top Metacritic titles, putting indie studios at the forefront of innovation,” said Amir Satvat, Game Industry Strategist & Founder of Amir Satvat’s Games Community.
Six Principles to Build High-Performing Games
From the studios that succeed, the patterns are clear — and they’re embedded in the six principles outlined in Duamentes Gaming Report:
- Test onboarding and narrative in early prototyping
- Align UX, monetisation, and player emotion
- Build modular systems to adapt faster
- View player feedback as strategic input, not noise
- Invest in junior talent pipelines, protecting creativity over time
- Respect player time by replacing grind with clarity and purpose
These principles are the result of Duamentes in-depth research, cross-industry benchmarking, and firsthand analysis of what sets high-performing studios apart. As a strategic and product consulting firm operating across 40 countries and 20 industries for nearly a decade, Duamentes has been closely tracking market dynamics. While the industry tightens, the demand for deep, actionable expertise continues to grow.
“We already have that expertise, with a cross-industrial approach and extensive insight database, and now we’re strengthening it further by launching a dedicated Gaming Division, which we’re announcing at the AI & Games User Research conference,” said Maria Amirkhanyan.
The post Why 92% of Players Quit: Duamentes Report Exposes Costly Mistakes Across the GameDev Industry appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Atlaslive, a premier iGaming platform provider, today released a comprehensive analysis of the European gambling market transformation, revealing that the industry’s €123.4 billion revenue base is undergoing unprecedented digital evolution. The analysis, based on latest market intelligence from European Gaming & Betting Association in partnership with H2 Gambling Capital, identifies mobile gaming as the dominant force reshaping player engagement across the continent.
Mobile Revolution Drives Market Transformation
Atlaslive’s analysis reveals that mobile devices now generate 58% of Europe’s online gambling revenue in 2024, with projections indicating this figure will surge to 67% by 2029. This mobile-first transformation represents a fundamental shift in how operators must approach platform development and player acquisition strategies.
“The data unequivocally demonstrates that the future of European gambling is mobile-first,” said Anastasiia Poltavets, CMO at Atlaslive. “Operators who fail to prioritize mobile optimization and user experience will find themselves increasingly marginalized in a market where player expectations have fundamentally evolved.”
Online Gambling Accelerates Toward 45% Market Share
The analysis identifies online gambling as the clear growth engine of the European market, with digital channels expected to command 45% of total gambling revenue by 2029, up from 39% in 2024. This €66.8 billion online market projection represents a 6.9% compound annual growth rate, significantly outpacing the 1.8% growth expected in land-based gambling.
Key growth drivers identified by Atlaslive include:
- Casino games leading digital adoption: €21.5 billion in 2024, growing to €30.8 billion by 2029
- Sports betting momentum: €13.7 billion online revenue with 6.9% annual growth trajectory
- Lottery digital transformation: Strongest growth potential at 7.7% annually, reaching €10.4 billion by 2029
Geographic Disparities Signal Untapped Opportunities
Country-by-country analysis reveals significant market maturity variations across Europe, presenting strategic opportunities for technology providers and operators.
Digital Leaders:
- Sweden: 68.3% online share
- Finland and Denmark: Both at 68.1% online share
- Strong mobile adoption and regulatory frameworks driving digital-first engagement
Growth Markets:
- Italy: Europe’s largest market at €21.0 billion with only 21.7% online penetration
- Germany: €14.4 billion market with 22.6% online share indicating substantial digital expansion potential
- France: €14.0 billion market with significant room for online growth
Strategic Implications for Industry Stakeholders
The Atlaslive analysis identifies several critical success factors for market participants:
For Operators:
- Mobile-native platform architecture becomes non-negotiable
- Omnichannel integration essential for capturing cross-platform player value
- Geographic expansion strategies should prioritize markets with low online penetration
For Technology Providers:
- Platform scalability must accommodate sustained high-growth environments
- Cross-jurisdictional compliance capabilities increasingly valuable
- Mobile-first development methodologies essential for competitive positioning
Market Resilience Demonstrates Industry Maturity
Despite digital transformation, analysis confirms the continued relevance of land-based gambling, which maintains €75.5 billion in 2024 revenue and projects steady 1.8% annual growth. This dual-track evolution demonstrates industry maturity and the enduring appeal of gambling experiences.
“The European gambling market is demonstrating remarkable sophistication in its evolution,” added Anastasiia Poltavets. “Rather than simple digital displacement, we’re witnessing the emergence of a truly integrated ecosystem where online and land-based channels complement and enhance each other.”
To explore the full report, regional breakdowns, and strategic insights for 2025 and beyond, visit: https://atlaslive.tech/blog/the-european-gambling-revolution-euro1234-billion-market-transforms-in-the-digital-age.
This document is provided to you for your information and discussion only. This document was based on public sources of information and was created by the Atlaslive team for marketing usage. It is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any gambling-related product. Nothing in this document constitutes legal or business development advice. This document has been prepared from sources Atlaslive believes to be reliable, but we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness and do not accept liability for any loss arising from its use. Atlaslive reserves the right to remedy any errors that may be present in this document.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding campaign in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company that specializes in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators. Key components of the Atlaslive Platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay updated with the latest news in iGaming technology.
The post Atlaslive Analysis: European Gambling Market Enters €123.4 Billion Digital-First Era appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Cheers to another year of success! Time flies when you’re having fun — and what a year it’s been! From overcoming challenges to achieving exciting milestones, WinSpirit has grown in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
As we celebrate our birthday today, let’s take a moment to reflect on all our achievements and the exciting journey ahead. This past year has been filled with remarkable moments, including a stunning $361,647 player win, the launch of over 100 local tournaments, and the addition of 1,112 games to our library. We’ve also been honoured with prestigious industry awards, and we’ve continued to make strides with our innovative responsible gaming initiatives. These highlights are just a glimpse of our incredible journey, and we’re excited for what the future holds.
Overview of WinSpirit
WinSpirit is an online casino that has rapidly made its mark in the gaming world. With a vast library of approximately 17,000 games, 24/7 customer support, and fast withdrawals, WinSpirit offers players an exceptional and engaging gaming experience. The platform is built on a robust bonus system, including welcome bonuses and regular offers. In addition, WinSpirit promotes responsible gaming by providing features like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring players’ safety while enjoying their gaming experience.
Biggest Win of the Year
At WinSpirit, huge wins are what keep the excitement alive. On May 2nd, 2025, a lucky player took home an incredible $361,647 after landing a 4000x multiplier. This monumental win serves as a testament to the exciting potential of big rewards available on the platform.
Tournaments and Other Key Activities
WinSpirit continues to engage its community with exciting new activities. Over the past year, several successful initiatives have taken place, including:
- Updated Gift Shop in April:
One of the key innovations this year was the launch of the revamped Gift Shop — a retention-focused feature that saw impressive engagement, with more than 92% of users actively participating, significantly enhancing player loyalty and satisfaction. - VIP Tournament Series:
In August 2024, WinSpirit organized the Interstellar VIP Journey, a tournament series with three qualifying tournaments and a Grand Final. The prize pool in each tournament was 350 Free Spins. - Christmas and New Year Promotion:
From November 2024 to January 2025, WinSpirit launched the “Welcome to Lapland” campaign, distributing $1,500,000 in cash and sports gifts. Players participated in tournaments, received daily gifts, and exchanged promo currency in Santa’s Gift Shop. - 100+ Local Tournaments:
WinSpirit hosted over 100 local tournaments in collaboration with slot and live providers, awarding more than $300,000 in real money prizes.
Popular Betting Events
Players have shown strong enthusiasm for major global events. Some of the most popular betting events included:
- Super Bowl 2025
- Champions League
- Euro 2024 & Copa America 2024
- Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul
- Olympic Games
- NFL Finals
Collaborations with Other Brands
WinSpirit has also expanded its presence through collaborations with slot and live providers, as well as exciting social media campaigns. Partnerships with brands like 1spin4win and OnlyPlay have helped create engaging giveaways for players on platforms like Instagram, providing players with the chance to win Free Spins and bonuses.
Awards and Achievements
Over the past year, WinSpirit has received significant recognition in the gaming industry. In 2024, the platform was honoured with several prestigious awards, including:
- Rising Star 2023 (SBC Awards)
- World’s Best Online Casino 2023 (World Casino Awards)
- AskGamblers Trust Certificate
- Voice of the People 2024 (Casino Guru Awards)
These accolades are a testament to WinSpirit’s commitment to providing a premium and trustworthy experience for players.
Responsible Gaming Initiatives
WinSpirit places a strong emphasis on responsible gaming. Players are provided with the tools to set deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion options, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible play and player well-being.
WinSpirit Moments
With initiatives like WinSpirit Moments, we invited players to share their casino experiences — not just through gameplay but by showcasing real-life stories and moments. By submitting creative photos of WinSpirit Casino in unique locations, players shared their passion for online casinos and the benefits they enjoy.
This campaign helped forge stronger connections with our community, creating a platform for storytelling and engagement, while also encouraging responsible gaming. Through this initiative, we not only engaged players but also deepened our relationship with them, making WinSpirit more than just a casino — it’s a community where players’ experiences come to life.
WinSpirit Stories and Trends
WinSpirit also introduced WinSpirit Stories and WinSpirit Trends, innovative features that engage players in new and exciting ways. These formats provide players with information on bonus rules, showcase top game titles, and offer exclusive offers. WinSpirit Stories helps players reflect on their achievements and discover new opportunities, while WinSpirit Trends focuses on the most thrilling aspects of gameplay, helping players choose their next adventure.
Feedback from Players
WinSpirit’s high ratings across various platforms highlight its success in providing quality service and entertainment. With strong ratings of:
- 6/5 on Trustpilot
- 6/10 on CasinoGuru
- 9/10 on AskGamblers
These reviews reinforce WinSpirit’s reputation as a top-tier online casino, valued by its loyal player base.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to creating meaningful experiences — for our players, partners, and the entire industry. Here’s to another year of growth, innovation, and building a stronger community. The journey is just beginning, and WinSpirit is excited for what’s to come!
The company opens a new chapter
DATA.BET, the sportsbook solution supplier, strengthened its portfolio capabilities by adding sports betting.
The new sportsbook covers over 50,000 sporting events per month, featuring over 63 pre-match and 38 live sports, along with 1000+ available markets. From the most popular leagues to niche categories, the company delivers comprehensive sports coverage backed by trusted official data providers. DATA.BET’s 24/7 in-house trading team ensures over 93% market uptime, dynamic odds adjustments, and automated settlements.
Combined with Player Props, operators can deliver a broader, player-centric betting experience. Cashout functionality is also available, allowing players to settle bets early on single and multiple bets. User engagement is further increased through integrated Video Streaming of events for football, American football, tennis, and basketball as well as interactive Widgets across key sports — keeping users engaged within the platform and eliminating the need to seek information elsewhere. This seamless access to match insights, player data, and betting markets enhances the overall experience and supports higher retention, deeper engagement, and increased betting volumes.
Today, DATA.BET’s portfolio includes esports, sports, and virtual sports, providing a complete solution for betting operators. Integration is available via an upgraded SPA or through a direct Odds Feed. Depending on operator needs and market focus, each vertical can be connected individually or as a combined solution.
“With the expansion of our sports betting solution, we are entering a new phase in supporting our partners,” commented Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “This update equips operators with a complete betting solution, while ensuring continued access to DATA.BET’s trusted tools for flexibility, control, and fast content delivery.”
The post DATA.BET Rolls out Full-Service Sportsbook Solution appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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