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Abu Dhabi University has launched the region’s first Bachelor of Arts in Game Design program.

The new course of study follows a landmark agreement with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Rubika, and Abu Dhabi Gaming. 

The program offers a wide range of courses, including topics such as emotional intelligence, video game history, and genre-specific studies such as first-person shooters and mobile titles.

Nurturing the next generation 

Abu Dhabi University said the program will launch in August at the start of the academic year.

“Starting August 2025, the programme combines academic excellence, international best practices, and deep industry integration – including structured internships, mentorships and up to 140 funded scholarships over six years,” said the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in a post. 

“With our partners, we are nurturing a new generation of game designers and advancing Abu Dhabi’s vision as a regional hub for creativity, innovation and digital talent.”

Abu Dhabi has been actively building its gaming and esports ecosystem since the launch of Abu Dhabi Gaming in 2021. 

The initiative was then integrated into the Department of Culture and Tourism in 2023 to help position the Emirates as a global games hub.

Introduction: The Evolution of Digital Gaming Platforms

The digital gaming landscape has witnessed remarkable transformations in recent years, with platforms evolving from simple online casinos to comprehensive entertainment ecosystems. At the forefront of this evolution stands Soft2Bet, a pioneering iGaming company that has successfully demonstrated how strategic transformation can redefine market positioning. Through their flagship project ToonieBet, Soft2Bet has created a blueprint for turning traditional casino platforms into next-generation mobile experiences, setting new standards for player engagement and market adaptation. The complete Soft2Bet case study reveals the strategic decisions and implementation processes that drove this successful transformation.

Understanding the Soft2Bet Business Model

Core Platform Capabilities

Soft2Bet operates as a leading iGaming company with a primary focus on providing turnkey solutions such as online casino and sportsbook software. The company’s comprehensive approach encompasses multiple service areas that create a complete gaming ecosystem for operators and players alike.

Key Service Areas:

1. Turnkey Casino Solutions – Complete white-label gaming platforms
2. Sportsbook Integration – Advanced betting systems with live data feeds
3. Mobile-First Development – Native applications for iOS and Android
4. Localization Services – Market-specific customization and compliance
5. Gamification Systems – Advanced engagement tools through MEGA platform

Technical Infrastructure Highlights

The platform demonstrates impressive technical capabilities with extensive coverage across multiple gaming verticals. The infrastructure supports 600,000 prematch events per year, providing players with comprehensive betting opportunities across various sports and leagues. Additionally, the platform covers 500,000 live events annually through in-house operations, ensuring real-time betting accuracy and engagement.

The virtual sports segment contributes 200,000 events yearly, while the esports division covers 30 top worldwide championships, reflecting the platform’s commitment to emerging gaming trends and younger demographics.

The ToonieBet Transformation: A Comprehensive Case Study

Phase 1: Strategic Market Analysis

The ToonieBet project began with a focused approach to the Canadian market, specifically targeting Ontario’s regulated gaming environment. The evolution started with three strategic pillars that would define the platform’s success trajectory.

Strategic Decision Factors:

• Market Opportunity: Ontario’s newly regulated gaming market presented untapped potential
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting strict Canadian gaming standards from the outset
• Local Payment Integration: Supporting preferred Canadian payment methods like Interac
• Cultural Localization: Understanding Canadian player preferences and gaming culture

The evolution of ToonieBet followed precise decisions: betting on the Ontario market as one of the most promising and demanding, prioritizing the product with rich game selection, instant payouts, and native payouts like Interac, and going beyond the casino through integration of sports betting, real-time analytics, and exclusive broadcasts.

Phase 2: Mobile-First Development Strategy

The transformation emphasized that modern players expect seamless mobile experiences without device switching. The time of switching between devices is a thing of the past, requiring everything to work here and now, right from your phone. This insight drove the development of a comprehensive mobile strategy.

Mobile Optimization Features:

1. Native Applications: Apps available on App Store and Google Play
2. User Experience: Intuitive interface with fast navigation capabilities
3. Performance: Fast loading times and instant betting functionalities
4. Design Localization: Canadian-themed elements and cultural references

The ToonieBet team invested in creating a complete mobile experience with apps on the App Store and Google Play featuring user-friendly interfaces, fast loading, instant betting, and native controls with Canadian style in every button and icon.

Phase 3: Sportsbook Integration and Comprehensive Gaming

The platform’s evolution from casino to comprehensive gaming destination required sophisticated sportsbook integration. The development team focused on creating seamless transitions between casino gaming and sports betting, ensuring players could access both experiences within a single platform.

The sportsbook launch incorporated live data feeds connecting users to accurate live betting odds for local and international sports events. This technical integration allows customers to engage with more than 85,000 live sports events and over 70,000 pre-match lines monthly, creating extensive betting opportunities.

Advanced Gamification: The MEGA System

Motivational Engineering Gaming Application (MEGA)

Thanks to MEGA (Motivational Engineering Gaming Application), Soft2Bet’s platform transforms gaming sessions into exciting journeys where players complete challenges, gather unique item collections, participate in tournaments, and receive rewards that take into account their individual goals.

The MEGA system represents a sophisticated approach to player engagement that goes beyond traditional gaming mechanics. All of this is organized into a vivid, emotionally rich narrative, the very story that you want to live through again.

MEGA System Components:

• Challenge Systems: Progressive achievement tracking with personalized goals
• Collection Mechanics: Unique item gathering features that encourage exploration
• Tournament Integration: Competitive gaming elements with community aspects
• Personalized Rewards: Individual goal-based incentives and recognition
• Narrative Elements: Engaging storytelling components that create emotional connection

Responsible Gaming Integration

Player protection remains a cornerstone of the Soft2Bet approach. Responsible gaming tools are built in natively: you can set limits, monitor statistics, and receive preventive prompts if activity becomes excessive. This integration ensures that entertainment value never compromises player wellbeing.

These are technical solutions as part of the philosophy that the player should feel in control and confident, creating a unique atmosphere of trust. The responsible gaming features work seamlessly across all platform touchpoints, maintaining consistency in player protection regardless of access method.

Market Performance and Results

Launch Success Metrics

The ToonieBet launch demonstrated significant market penetration within the competitive Ontario gaming landscape. The platform achieved substantial user acquisition through strategic marketing and superior user experience design.

Performance Indicators:

1. User Acquisition: Rapid growth in app downloads and user registrations
2. Market Position: Established competitive presence in Ontario’s regulated market
3. Feature Adoption: High engagement rates with gamification elements
4. Player Retention: Improved retention through personalized experience design
5. Revenue Growth: Successful monetization across casino and sportsbook verticals

Partnership Development and Community Engagement

The platform’s success extends beyond individual player engagement to include strategic partnerships that enhance brand visibility and community connection. These collaborations include in-arena branding, digital activations, and promotional campaigns designed to increase fan engagement across Ontario.

The partnership strategy focuses on authentic community connections rather than superficial sponsorship arrangements. This approach creates genuine value for both partners and players while establishing ToonieBet as a trusted brand within the Ontario gaming community.

Technical Implementation Framework

Development Methodology

The transformation from casino to comprehensive gaming platform required a structured development approach that balanced innovation with stability. The implementation followed a careful methodology designed to minimize disruption while maximizing feature enhancement.

Implementation Phases:

1. Platform Assessment – Comprehensive analysis of existing casino infrastructure
2. Market Research – In-depth understanding of local player preferences and behaviors
3. Technical Integration – Seamless addition of sportsbook capabilities to existing systems
4. Mobile Optimization – Ensuring superior mobile experience across all features
5. Testing and Launch – Extensive quality assurance and soft launch procedures
6. Post-Launch Optimization – Continuous improvement based on real user feedback

Integration Challenges and Solutions

The technical transformation presented several complex challenges that required innovative solutions and careful planning to overcome successfully.

Key Technical Challenges:

• Data Feed Integration: Ensuring real-time sports data accuracy across multiple sources
• Payment Processing: Implementing Canadian-specific payment methods and compliance
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting Ontario Gaming Commission requirements precisely
• Performance Optimization: Maintaining platform speed across expanded feature sets
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Ensuring consistent experience across devices and browsers

Each challenge required dedicated technical solutions and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal performance. The development team implemented redundant systems for critical functions and established comprehensive monitoring protocols to maintain service quality.

Market Localization Strategies

Understanding Canadian Gaming Culture

Successful market penetration required deep cultural understanding beyond surface-level localization. Canadian style appears in every button and icon, from symbols to favorite animals, because good design isn’t a nice thing to have anymore – it’s a way of saying ‘You’re home’.

This philosophy drove comprehensive localization efforts that touched every aspect of the user experience. The platform incorporates Canadian cultural references, sports preferences, and communication styles to create authentic connections with local players.

Localization Elements:

• Visual Design: Canadian-themed graphics, colors, and seasonal elements
• Cultural References: Integration of local sports teams, events, and traditions
• Payment Methods: Interac and other preferred Canadian financial services
• Customer Support: Local time zone coverage with Canadian-trained staff
• Marketing Approach: Canadian-specific promotional strategies and messaging

Competitive Differentiation

The platform distinguished itself through unique value propositions that addressed specific gaps in the Ontario gaming market. This differentiation strategy focused on areas where competitors had underperformed or overlooked player needs.

Unique Value Propositions:

1. Complete Mobile Experience: Native applications with full casino and sportsbook functionality
2. Integrated Gamification: MEGA system creating engaging narratives and progression
3. Local Community Focus: Ontario-specific content, partnerships, and promotions
4. Responsible Gaming: Built-in player protection tools from platform foundation
5. Premium User Experience: Fast payouts, instant betting, and responsive support

Financial and Business Impact

Revenue Generation Model

The transformation created a diversified revenue model that reduced dependence on single gaming verticals while increasing overall player lifetime value. This approach provides stability during market fluctuations and seasonal variations.

Revenue Sources:

• Casino Gaming: Traditional slot machines, table games, and live dealer revenues
• Sports Betting: Pre-match and live betting commissions across multiple sports
• Tournament Fees: Competitive gaming event participation and entry fees
• Partnership Revenue: Brand collaboration income and sponsorship agreements
• Premium Features: Enhanced user experience offerings and subscription services

Cost-Benefit Analysis

The transformation required significant investment across multiple areas, but the strategic approach ensured positive return on investment through careful resource allocation and phased implementation.

Investment Areas:

1. Technology Development: Mobile application creation, optimization, and ongoing maintenance
2. Regulatory Compliance: Legal requirements, licensing fees, and compliance monitoring
3. Marketing and Promotion: Brand awareness campaigns and user acquisition initiatives
4. Partnership Development: Strategic alliance building and collaboration agreements
5. Ongoing Operations: Customer support expansion and platform maintenance

Future Development Roadmap

Expansion Opportunities

Soft2Bet isn’t treating ToonieBet’s achievements so far as the finish line but as an important and ambitious milestone in a broader transformation. This forward-thinking approach positions the platform for continued growth and innovation.

Future development opportunities span multiple areas including geographic expansion, feature enhancement, and technology integration. The roadmap prioritizes sustainable growth while maintaining the quality standards that drove initial success.

Potential Growth Areas:

• Geographic Expansion: Extension to other Canadian provinces and international markets
• Feature Enhancement: Additional gaming options, betting markets, and entertainment features
• Technology Integration: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics
• Partnership Expansion: Additional sports teams, entertainment venues, and brand collaborations
• Product Innovation: Next-generation gaming experiences and emerging technology adoption

Industry Trend Adaptation

The platform continues evolving with industry trends and emerging technologies that shape player expectations and market dynamics. This proactive approach ensures continued relevance and competitive advantage.

Emerging Technologies:

1. Artificial Intelligence: Personalized gaming recommendations and predictive player support
2. Blockchain Integration: Enhanced security, transparency, and alternative payment methods
3. Virtual Reality: Immersive gaming experiences and virtual venue attendance
4. Social Gaming: Community-driven features, social betting, and shared experiences
5. Cryptocurrency Payment: Digital currency integration and blockchain-based transactions

Lessons Learned and Best Practices

Critical Success Factors

The ToonieBet transformation highlighted several key principles that contributed to its success and provide valuable insights for similar projects in the gaming industry.

Essential Success Elements:

1. Market-First Approach: Deep understanding of local player needs, preferences, and behaviors
2. Mobile Optimization: Prioritizing mobile experience over traditional desktop approaches
3. Cultural Integration: Comprehensive localization that goes beyond language translation
4. Player Safety: Implementing responsible gaming measures from the platform foundation
5. Continuous Innovation: Regular feature updates and improvements based on user feedback

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

The transformation process revealed potential challenges that other operators should consider when planning similar projects. Learning from these experiences helps avoid costly mistakes and implementation delays.

Potential Challenges:

• Regulatory Oversights: Insufficient compliance planning and legal preparation
• Technical Integration Issues: Poor platform performance during peak usage periods
• Cultural Misalignment: Generic approaches that fail to resonate with local players
• User Experience Compromises: Complex interfaces that confuse rather than engage players
• Safety Negligence: Inadequate responsible gaming measures and player protection

Industry Impact and Recognition

Market Reception

ToonieBet has become more than just a gaming platform for many players – it is a space where every bet, every achievement, is built into a system created with attention to detail. This transformation serves as a case study demonstrating how to launch successfully in highly competitive environments.

The platform’s success influenced broader industry conversations about mobile-first development, localization strategies, and integrated gaming experiences. Industry publications and conferences have featured the ToonieBet case as an example of successful market entry and platform transformation.

Industry Recognition:

• Innovation Awards: Recognition for mobile-first development approach and user experience design
• Player Satisfaction: Consistently high ratings in app stores and gaming review platforms
• Industry Coverage: Featured coverage in gaming publications, conferences, and industry reports
• Regulatory Approval: Successful compliance with Ontario Gaming Commission standards and requirements
• Partnership Success: Strategic alliances with major sports organizations and community groups

Competitive Response

The success has influenced competitor strategies across the Ontario gaming market and beyond, with several operators adopting similar approaches to mobile optimization and local market engagement.

Market Changes:

1. Mobile Focus: Increased industry emphasis on mobile-first development and optimization
2. Localization Trend: Greater attention to market-specific customization and cultural integration
3. Gamification Adoption: More platforms integrating engagement features and progression systems
4. Responsible Gaming: Enhanced focus on player protection tools and safety measures
5. Partnership Models: Increased collaboration with sports teams, venues, and community organizations

Conclusion: The Future of Digital Gaming Transformation

ToonieBet demonstrates what happens when a platform grows with its audience, proving that mobile-first isn’t a buzzword, that localization goes deeper than language, and that gamification can be a strategy, not a sideshow. The Soft2Bet case study provides a comprehensive blueprint for digital gaming transformation that prioritizes player experience, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth.

The success of this transformation lies in its holistic approach, combining technical excellence with deep market understanding, regulatory compliance with innovative features, and player engagement with responsible gaming practices. When all of this is aligned with product quality and user care, growth stops being a goal and becomes the outcome.

For gaming operators considering similar transformations, the ToonieBet case demonstrates that success requires more than technical capability. It demands comprehensive understanding of player needs, market dynamics, and the courage to innovate while maintaining responsible gaming standards. The future of digital gaming lies in creating experiences that are not just entertaining but also trustworthy, localized, and designed for the mobile-first generation of players.

If there’s one thing ToonieBet has shown, it’s this: betting on experience pays off. This principle guides not only individual platform development but also broader industry evolution toward more engaging, responsible, and player-centric gaming experiences.

Key Takeaways for Industry Professionals:

1. Strategic Planning: Comprehensive market analysis and competitive positioning before platform transformation
2. Technology Investment: Robust mobile-first development approach with native application focus
3. Cultural Understanding: Deep localization strategies that create authentic player connections
4. Player Protection: Integrated responsible gaming measures from platform foundation development
5. Continuous Evolution: Ongoing innovation and improvement based on player feedback and market trends

The Soft2Bet and ToonieBet transformation story continues to evolve, setting new standards for what’s possible when gaming platforms truly commit to growing with their audiences while maintaining the highest standards of player protection and user experience. This case study serves as both inspiration and practical guide for operators seeking to transform their platforms and capture new market opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital gaming landscape.

(Hutchinson MN-) Ridgewater College has introduced a new eSports activity on the Hutchinson campus. Launching this fall, the eSports club will give students the opportunity to join competitive gaming teams, participate in tournaments, and develop skills in game strategy, teamwork, and digital media in a newly created gaming lounge. eSports will run as a “club sport”, similar to Ridgewater’s Clay Target teams. The only eligibility requirement is to be enrolled as a part- or full-time student at Ridgewater. Whether students are seasoned gamers or just beginning, eSports will offer something for everyone. The team will be coached by Ridgewater Instructor Sheldon McKinnon, who says he’s eager to begin recruiting players…

…McKinnon says there is space set up for the eSports team on the Hutchinson Campus…

…McKinnon says proficiency at gaming creates skills students can apply in other areas…

…McKinnon says they will be ready to go this coming fall. Last year, Heidi Olson, Ridgewater Dean of Students, proposed the program to expand student life opportunities for students on the Hutchinson campus. The Hutchinson campus does not have a gymnasium like the Willmar campus, and thus doesn’t host sports like volleyball, basketball and wrestling.

“This is an activity that has grown in recent years,” Olson said. This school year, more than 100 Minnesota high schools and 2,000 Minnesota high school students participated in eSports clubs and teams.Follow the development of the Ridgewater eSports club on the Ridgewater Warrior Athletics website at www.ridgewaterathletics.com.

On June 11 and 12, Cactus Gaming will be present at BETEXPO + CONFUT USA, in Miami, where it will participate in the USA Soccer Conference.

The event, focused on betting, innovation and soccer, represents a crucial opportunity for the company to present its technological solutions, strengthen ties with the North American market and expand its network of contacts in one of the largest global hubs of the sports and digital entertainment industry.

Immediately afterwards, on June 18 and 19, Cactus will participate in the PGS (Peru Gaming Show), in Lima, considered one of the most important fairs in the sector in South America. The presence reinforces the company’s presence in the region and increases its visibility in a strategic market that is constantly growing.

“These events are essential to consolidate our international presence and position Brazil as a leader in the iGaming sector. We will showcase the strength of Brazilian technology and seek connections that expand our operations in new territories,” says Cactus CBO, Tiago Silva.

 

The company, which already operates with complete sports betting solutions and management systems, stands out for its ability to adapt to different regulatory and cultural contexts, offering secure, scalable and tailored platforms for each operator.

Participation in the events is also part of Cactus’ global expansion plan, which focuses on strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange and the development of new businesses in emerging and consolidated markets.

Confirmed events in June:

BETEXPO and CONFUT USA – June 11 and 12 | Miami, USA

Event: USA Soccer Conference

Focus: sports betting, innovation, international networking

PGS – Peru Gaming Show – June 18 and 19 | Lima, Peru

Focus: expansion in South America, regional partnerships, iGaming trends

Cactus Gaming is a Brazilian company specialized in the development of technological solutions for the iGaming sector.

With international operations, it offers platforms for sports betting, online casino, operations management, payments and gamification.

The brand stands out for its flexibility, innovation and ability to meet the regulatory demands of different markets with agility and performance.

Source: GMB

EA Sports College Football 26’s release is right around the corner and will bring in a slew of fresh content for all the fans, featuring Ryan Williams and Jeremiah Smith as cover stars this year.

If you’re wondering when it will be released and on which platforms it will be available, whether it will have cross-play support, or not, we’ve got you covered right here.

EA Sports College Football 26 will be released on July 10, 2025. This is for the Standard Edition; however, Deluxe Edition owners can get a three-day early access starting on July 7.

EA Sports College Football 26 comes in two editions: Standard and Deluxe. There’s also a special MVP bundle that packs Madden NFL 26 as a combo.

Here’s a complete rundown of its features and prices:

Platforms

Like EA Sports College Football 25, this year’s iteration is only available for current-gen consoles: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. PC players will miss out again on all the action, and if you want to play the game, getting a console is the only option for you.

Yes, EA Sports College Football 26 will feature cross-play support across PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. This means that if you own the game on Sony’s console and your friend has the Microsoft counterpart, you two can team up.

If you prefer, you also have the option to disable the feature from the in-game settings on PS5 and the console system settings on Xbox.

These are the game modes that will have crossplay support:

• Dynasty
• Road to the College Football Playoff
• College Football Ultimate Team
• Play a Friend

EA Sports College Football 26 features:

• Over 300 real-world coaches
• High school football in Road to Glory
• Wear and tear system
• Stadium Pulse 2.0
• Trophy room
• Foundational Football Advancements

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A more inclusive and equally thrilling fourth season of the Cesafi Esports League (CEL) is set to unfold in February 2026.

Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Jr., announced during the recent induction of new officers led by president Atty. Augusto W. Go, that CEL will now include a women’s division for the first time.

Since its launch in 2022, marking Cesafi’s return after a long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CEL has quickly become one of the league’s most popular sporting events, right alongside basketball and volleyball.

READ:

CEL sets the bar higher for regional esports after season 3 success

Cesafi Esports: UC Main, USC push deeper into MLBB tournament

Faker’s T1 retain League of Legends world title

Under the leadership of tournament director Ryan Abarquez Balbuena, CEL has showcased the region’s deep Esports talent, gaining national attention. It has also served as a stepping stone for several student-athletes who now compete for professional Esports teams in Manila.

This time, the spotlight will expand to shine on promising female players, who may one day follow in the footsteps of the Smart Omega Empress which is the Philippines’ top all-women Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) team, composed entirely of Cebuanas.

Balbuena clarified that no Cesafi member school has officially revealed its roster for the women’s division yet, but the excitement is already building.

“Some schools have expressed interest and are currently recruiting players, so they can’t announce their official lineups just yet,” said Balbuena. “But we’re very excited to welcome the women’s division to CEL in Season 4 this coming February.”

The Cesafi Esports League remains the last sport to wrap up every Cesafi season, typically running from February to April. It features two of the country’s most popular titles: MLBB and Valorant.

The addition of the CEL women’s division comes on the heels of another big development: the launch of the Cesafi women’s basketball tournament, which already has four confirmed teams as of this writing.

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