Microsoft announced this week that it had extended its partnership with AMD, who will be designing the chips to go in the company’s next-generation Xbox games consoles. While it might seem like an obvious bet, this is still a big win for AMD, and potentially for consumers, too.

For AMD, this represents a long-tail partnership with likely tens of millions of chip orders over the life of the next-generation console, and even more when you factor in Microsoft’s language around expanding portable gaming options.

Holly, MI — June 20, 2025

Holly Middle School students and staff are celebrating a successful first year of the school’s esports team, including the team’s first-ever competition in the multiplayer video gaming activity.

At the beginning of the school year, the Holly Middle School students formed teams to compete in the Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart esports leagues. Along the way, the Bronchos learned about sportsmanship and experienced the camaraderie of being part of a competitive team while learning Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills that last a lifetime.

Last fall, the students honed their gaming skills during practice competitions against other schools in preparation for online competition this spring. Beginning in February, the teams started competing against other schools for coveted spots in the esports finals at Oakland University. The esports team is led by coach Ben Lin.

Two Broncho teams made it to the Super Smash Bros. playoffs, and one team qualified for the in-person championship. Holly Middle School students Mason Day, William Yarbrough and Liam Senton finished in the top four during the in-person competition.

“Esports is a fun way for our students to engage in STEM learning that provides the building blocks for success and eventually for in-demand careers,” said Monica Turner, Holly Middle School principal. “We are thrilled to see our esports program draw so much interest in just our first year and look forward to involving more students next season as we open our new middle school.”

“Congratulations to these talented Bronchos who had a unique opportunity to develop teamwork, self-discipline and other key life skills on our esports team,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools superintendent. “We look forward to the continued growth of our esports program as part of our ongoing efforts to prepare all Bronchos for success and the careers of tomorrow.”

The iGaming industry has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, with technological advances and changing consumer preferences driving new approaches to digital entertainment. Among the companies leading this transformation, SPRIBE has emerged as a pivotal force, demonstrating how innovative thinking and strategic execution can reshape entire market segments and establish new industry standards.

Industry transformation through social gaming

Traditional iGaming experiences historically centered on individual gameplay with limited social interaction, but market trends indicate growing demand for community-driven entertainment that combines gaming with social engagement. SPRIBE’s development of Aviator represents a strategic response to these market shifts, creating gaming experiences that prioritize multiplayer interaction and collaborative decision-making over isolated individual play.

The success of this approach is evident in market performance metrics that demonstrate sustained player engagement and retention rates significantly above industry averages. With over 42 million monthly active users and more than 350,000 bets per minute, Aviator has established market benchmarks that influence competitor strategies and industry development priorities.

David Natroshvili, SPRIBE’s founder and CEO, identified these market trends early in the company’s development: “We wanted to create games that focused on social interaction and skill, not just chance. We envisioned a completely new gaming category that would bridge the gap between traditional gaming experiences and the interactive nature of modern mobile gaming.”

This market positioning has proven prescient as industry analysis reveals increasing consumer preference for interactive, skill-based gaming experiences over traditional slot-style games. SPRIBE’s early recognition of these trends and successful implementation of social gaming features has positioned the company as a market leader while competitors work to develop similar capabilities.

Crash game genre establishes new market category

SPRIBE’s pioneering work in the crash game genre has created an entirely new market category that now attracts significant industry investment and development resources. The success of Aviator—which has become the world’s leading crash game by market share—has demonstrated market viability for skill-based, multiplayer gaming experiences that combine strategy with entertainment. Industry analysis has documented how SPRIBE revolutionized real-money gaming by releasing Aviator, the industry’s first crash game, creating a phenomenon that captivated players worldwide.

Market analysis indicates that the crash game genre has achieved mainstream adoption across diverse geographical markets and demographic segments. The universal appeal of Aviator’s core mechanics—where players make real-time decisions about when to cash out before a virtual aircraft disappears—has proven effective across cultural and regional boundaries, suggesting fundamental alignment with human psychology and gaming preferences.

Industry competitors have responded to SPRIBE’s success by developing similar gaming experiences, but Aviator’s first-mover advantage and technological sophistication have maintained market leadership. The game’s provably fair algorithm, social features, and mobile optimization represent technological barriers that require significant investment and expertise to replicate effectively.

The establishment of crash games as a legitimate market category has attracted regulatory attention and framework development, with gaming commissions across multiple jurisdictions developing specific guidelines for this gaming format. SPRIBE’s proactive engagement with regulatory bodies has helped shape these frameworks while ensuring compliance across international markets.

Global market penetration drives industry standards

SPRIBE’s international expansion has influenced industry approaches to global market development, demonstrating how technology companies can achieve rapid international growth through strategic partnerships and localized market strategies. The company’s success across Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Americas provides a template for effective global expansion that other industry participants have begun to emulate.

Market performance data reveals the effectiveness of SPRIBE’s regional strategies. In Asia Pacific, the company achieved a remarkable 629.67% year-over-year increase in Monthly Active Users during 2024, while retention rates improved by 25.36%. These metrics significantly exceed industry averages and demonstrate the effectiveness of localized approaches to international markets.

Africa’s contribution of 19.81% of new player inflow for Aviator, combined with 53.93% year-over-year growth in Monthly Active Users, illustrates how SPRIBE has successfully entered emerging markets that many traditional gaming companies have struggled to penetrate effectively. This success has encouraged broader industry focus on emerging market opportunities.

The company’s partnerships with global entertainment brands, including recent agreements with UFC and WWE, represent innovative approaches to marketing and brand development that extend beyond traditional gaming industry partnerships. These collaborations demonstrate how gaming companies can leverage entertainment industry relationships to achieve mainstream market recognition and player acquisition.

Technological innovation influences industry development

SPRIBE’s implementation of blockchain technology and provably fair algorithms has established new industry standards for transparency and player trust. The integration of cryptographic verification systems within gaming experiences addresses fundamental industry challenges related to player confidence and regulatory compliance.

Market adoption of provably fair technology has accelerated following SPRIBE’s successful implementation, with numerous competitors developing similar systems to meet player expectations for transparency and verifiable fairness. This technological trend represents a significant shift from traditional gaming approaches that relied primarily on regulatory oversight for fairness assurance.

The success of Aviator’s mobile-first architecture has influenced industry development priorities, with companies increasingly focusing on mobile optimization and responsive design capabilities. Market research indicates that mobile gaming represents the fastest-growing segment of the iGaming industry, validating SPRIBE’s early strategic focus on mobile platforms.

Real-time multiplayer functionality has become an industry expectation rather than a competitive advantage, as players increasingly demand social features and community interaction within gaming experiences. SPRIBE’s pioneering work in this area has established technical standards and user experience expectations that influence competitor development strategies. Gaming industry publications have emphasized how social interaction has become key to the success of crash games, with operators recognizing the importance of community features for player retention.

Financial performance sets market benchmarks

SPRIBE’s financial performance provides market benchmarks that demonstrate the viability of innovative gaming approaches and social entertainment strategies. In December 2024 alone, Aviator players worldwide wagered more than $14 billion, representing significant market penetration and player engagement that validates the company’s strategic approach.

The company’s growth from a small Georgian startup to a global gaming leader with operations across multiple continents demonstrates how technological innovation and strategic execution can achieve rapid market expansion. This growth trajectory has attracted industry attention and investment interest in similar gaming concepts and business models.

Revenue per user metrics and player lifetime value calculations for Aviator significantly exceed industry averages, indicating that social gaming approaches can generate superior financial performance compared to traditional gaming formats. These metrics have influenced industry investment priorities and development strategies.

Market analysts note that SPRIBE’s success has contributed to increased investor interest in innovative gaming companies and social entertainment platforms. The company’s achievements have demonstrated market appetite for gaming experiences that extend beyond traditional formats and incorporate social engagement elements.

Regulatory impact and industry standards

SPRIBE’s global operations have required engagement with diverse regulatory frameworks and compliance requirements, contributing to industry understanding of international gaming regulation and best practices. The company’s successful navigation of regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions provides valuable precedents for industry participants pursuing international expansion.

The implementation of provably fair technology and blockchain verification systems has influenced regulatory discussions about gaming transparency and player protection standards. SPRIBE’s proactive approach to compliance and transparency has contributed to regulatory framework development that benefits the broader industry.

Licensing achievements across major markets, including certifications from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission, demonstrate SPRIBE’s commitment to regulatory compliance and industry standards. These credentials provide credibility that facilitates market entry and partnership development with established industry participants.

Industry collaboration through trade associations and regulatory working groups has positioned SPRIBE as a thought leader in gaming innovation and regulatory compliance. The company’s expertise in emerging gaming formats and international operations provides valuable insights that influence industry policy development and best practice establishment.

Future market trends and industry direction

Market analysis indicates continued growth in social gaming and interactive entertainment formats, suggesting that SPRIBE’s strategic focus aligns with long-term industry trends. Consumer preferences for community-driven gaming experiences and skill-based entertainment continue strengthening across global markets. Trade publications have noted how David Natroshvili and his team have positioned their flagship game to appeal particularly to younger audiences, including Millennials and Gen Z demographics.

Technological advancement in mobile platforms, network infrastructure, and cloud computing capabilities creates opportunities for enhanced gaming experiences that build upon SPRIBE’s foundational innovations. The company’s investment in research and development positions it well for continued leadership as these technologies mature and become more accessible.

The integration of gaming with broader entertainment ecosystems—demonstrated through SPRIBE’s partnerships with UFC and WWE—represents a significant trend that could reshape how gaming companies approach market development and brand positioning. These cross-industry collaborations suggest potential for gaming experiences to achieve mainstream entertainment status.

Emerging markets continue presenting growth opportunities as internet connectivity improves and smartphone adoption increases globally. SPRIBE’s success in markets like India and across Africa demonstrates the potential for continued international expansion as technological infrastructure develops in additional regions.

The company’s influence on industry development extends beyond direct market competition to include technological standards, regulatory frameworks, and business model innovation. SPRIBE’s achievements demonstrate how strategic innovation and execution can create lasting industry impact that extends far beyond individual company success. Industry observers have highlighted how the gaming company has made a significant impact in mobile gaming by offering unique experiences with provably fair technology and seamless cross-platform compatibility.

As market trends continue favoring interactive, social gaming experiences, SPRIBE’s early leadership in this space provides sustainable competitive advantages that position the company for continued growth and industry influence. The establishment of crash games as a legitimate market category and the successful implementation of social gaming features represent foundational contributions to industry development that will likely influence gaming innovation for years to come.

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This past January, Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak (left) and Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur announced a multi-year partnership designed to enhance student engagement opportunities with such events as the Campus Takeover in September.

Syracuse University and global esports and gaming organization Gen.G have opened general registration at campustakeover.gg for its first Campus Takeover Sept. 20-21. The two-day conference will bring students and administrators to Syracuse to highlight career opportunities within the esports industry and various ways in which students can use esports for project-based learning within the careers of their choice.

Campus Takeover will offer diverse programming headlined by the first-ever national Esports Business Case Study Competition for undergraduate students interested in esports, traditional sports and gaming. The event will also feature daily keynote presentations, industry panels for collegiate esports professionals, career panels for students interested in working for the esports industry and daily networking events. Campus Takeover will feed into the University’s Career Week from Sept. 22-26 hosted by Career Services.

“When we announced our multiyear partnership with Syracuse in December, we committed to enhancing student engagement opportunities,” says Gen.G CEO Arnold Hur. “Campus Takeover will provide that opportunity for anyone interested in esports and gaming to learn more about our industry and build an impactful career.”

Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak addresses the audience at the grand opening of the Gaming and Esports Center in the Schine Student Center.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring Gen.G’s award-winning Campus Takeover event to Syracuse University,” says Executive Director of Esports Joey Gawrysiak. “This partnership represents more than just a high-profile esports event—it’s an opportunity for students, faculty and staff across disciplines and institutions to come together.

“Campus Takeover will showcase what makes esports such a powerful connector in education,” Gawrysiak adds. “We can’t wait to have everyone on our campus as we offer dynamic programming that focuses on professional development, competition and collaboration.”

Gen.G and Syracuse have also partnered on the Gen.G Practicum Abroad, which offers students the opportunity to take part in an intensive, three-week program to study in South Korea. This programming complements the innovative esports communications and management bachelor’s degree at the University offered jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Falk College of Sport, which on July 1, 2025, will launch as the first college on a high-research activity campus to focus on sport-related disciplines.

The esports program includes three tracks: esports business and management, esports communications, and esports media and design. It prepares students for an exciting career in esports and related industries through classes in event management and marketing, broadcasting/production, communications, content creation, entrepreneurship, strategic communications and esports experience and design.

If you have a child interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics the Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a fun line-up of activities on tap this summer. (Staff file photo)

Fun line-up of educational activities set for late June through end of August

If you have a child interested in science, technology, engineering or mathematics the Chehalem Park and Recreation District has a fun line-up of activities on tap this summer.

The district will kick off next week its STEM & Creativity Summer Camps at locations around the city.

“From engineering marvels to artistic masterpieces, our diverse programs are designed to inspire and challenge young minds,” a release said. “Hands-on activities and expert guidance ensures a summer filled with creativity and learning.”

Kicking off the line-up June 23-26 will be the Middle School Esports and STEM Camp, to be held in the Wheeler Sports Complex at George Fox University, a co-sponsor of the event.

“(The camp) will provide an engaging blend of challenges, team competitions and skill building to ensure a dynamic and fun-filled experience for all skill levels,” the release said.

Activities, hosted by university coaches and athletes, will include games like Minecraft, Fortnite, Rocket League, Roblox and others. Participants can also compete in interactive STEM challenges and esports activities and learn teamwork and strategy from experienced collegiate esports athletes and coaches.

The Minecraft Education Pixel Pioneers Camp is set for July 7-11 at district headquarters, 125 S. Elliott Road, and is meant for kids ages 5 to 7. A second camp is set for Aug. 25-29.

“Guided by our enthusiastic Pixel Professor, this hands-on, imagination-fueled camp introduces young builders to the basics of Minecraft Education in a warm and supportive setting,” the release said. “Campers will explore a safe and structured digital world while also engaging in plenty of off-screen fun.”

The Chess Wizards Summer Camp — which features morning, afternoon and full-day versions — is set for July 7-11 at the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1802 Haworth Ave.

“Students will participate in fun variation games, tournaments, lessons and special matches, all while improving their creative problem solving skills and analytical skills,” the release said. “These sessions are not hyper-competitive and the emphasis is always on the enjoyment and love of the game.”

The Minecraft Education Build & Discover Day Camp, designed for kids ages 8 to 11, is set for July 14-18 at district headquarters. Activities each day include Minecraft Education activities focused on engineering, coding and design; STEM challenges that promote critical thinking and creativity; off-screen hands-on projects, group games and physical movement breaks with an emphasis on teamwork, communication and leadership development.

Youngsters can gather at the Chehalem Armory Complex, 620 N. Morton St., on July 21-25 for the JR Lab Rats Science Summer Camp, good for kids ages 6 to 8.

The goal of the camp, the release said, is to provide activities that “improve creativity by encouraging thinking outside of the box, promote team collaboration, develop communication skills, empower critical thinking skills, boost curiosity and help kids to learn how to take initiative.”

The Lego Inventors Journey to STEAM and Lego Coding & Robotics: Journey to STEAM camps, both for kids ages 6 to 11, are set for July 21-25 at a location still to be determined.

The Kinder Science Adventure STEM Summer Camp is set for Aug. 11-15 at the Chehalem Armory Center and is designed for kids 5 to 6 years old.

“In this STEM Summer Camp, we will explore many different challenges geared to our age group. STEM activities improve creativity, by encouraging thinking outside of the box, they promote team collaboration, develop communication skills, empower critical thinking skills, boost curiosity and help kids to learn how to take initiative,” the release said.

The final camp of the series is the Minecraft Education Innovation Camp (ages 8-11) and is set for Aug. 25-29 at district headquarters.

To register for camps visit cprdnewberg.org, phone 503-537-2909 or do so in person at the Chehalem Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1802 Haworth Ave.