ELA Games' latest release, King and Flame, is set in a war-torn fantasy kingdom ruled by a fierce rivalry between a King and a Dragon Queen.The game features a 5-reel,...
ELA Games secures leadership win at SBC Awards Europe 2026
ELA Games has marked an important milestone at the SBC Awards Europe 2026, as the studio won the Manager of the Year award and led important panel discussions on the future of casino entertainment.
During the week, ELA Games improved connections in the iGaming industry and highlighted its focus on narrative-driven game design, which can be further proven by the studio’s latest releases, such as King and Flame and Shoot Happens.
The company’s expanding portfolio reflects a steady release rate supported by a highly engaged internal culture. Recent launches have ranged from the dynamic gameplay of Thunderball to seasonal titles such as Patrick’s Treasure Pots and Golden Bunny, as well as the imaginative Tea Party of Fortune.
These consistent outputs come from a workplace environment that prioritizes both creative autonomy and structured execution. ELA Games’ leadership pushes for balance between commercial strategy and artistic freedom, allowing developers and designers to experiment while keeping high performance standards. This collaborative culture continues to drive innovation and maintain long-term growth.
Dialogue on cinematic and social slots
A key highlight of the summit was ELA Games’ involvement in the “Casino Product Innovation & Content: The Future of Slots” panel, which attracted huge attention during the event. Senior Business Development Manager Peter Vonarshenko joined other industry experts to examine the ongoing evolution of slot experiences.
The discussion focused on the change toward cinematic, narrative-led formats designed to build stronger player engagement and long-term brand affinity. Panelists also stressed the importance of authenticity in game design, noting that modern audiences expect depth, quality, and originality.
Another main theme was the increasing demand for social features in gameplay. Speakers agreed that community-driven mechanics, such as shared objectives and collective achievements, should be smoothly integrated rather than treated as add-ons.
The panel also addressed the growing relevance of targeting niche player segments. By creating distinctive worlds and unconventional concepts, studios can capture dedicated audiences and position certain titles as cult favorites in the market.
Expanding industry connections
Beyond the conference sessions, ELA Games kept a strong presence during networking events and the exhibition floor. Senior Account Managers Sadaf Ali and Tina Rednikina led the studio’s outreach efforts, engaging with operators, partners, and stakeholders.
The summit allowed the team to hold a series of productive meetings where they presented ELA Games’ proprietary features, including the “WinPot” feature. ELA Games also highlighted the performance of titles such as Buffalo Force and Piñatas Festival, alongside award-nominated games like Joker Winpot, Shoot Happens, and Tea Party of Fortune.
These discussions showed the studio’s focus on combining immersive gameplay with measurable commercial outcomes, while also opening conversations around upcoming releases and new creative directions currently in development.
SBC Awards Europe
On April 30, 2026, the SBC Awards Europe took place at the Xara Lodge, which was hosted by Alison Bender. The event recognized the operators, affiliates, and suppliers driving progress and innovation in the industry.
ELA Games closed the week with Business Development Team Lead Yaroslav Soloshenko receiving the Manager of the Year award. The recognition reflects both his individual contribution and the broader leadership culture within the company.
The win strengthens ELA Games’ position as a rising force in the industry, supported by a strong internal structure and a people-first approach. It also places the studio among leading names in the sector, alongside companies such as Betsson Group, which received the Employer of the Year. Yaroslav’s recognition comes in the company of respected industry figures, including Alea’s Alexandre Tomic and Playtech’s Elena Rousseva, who were jointly awarded Leader of the Year.
This acknowledgment highlights the strength of ELA Games’ leadership and the collective effort behind its recent achievements, noting the studio’s reputation for excellence and its continued success in the iGaming space.
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