A social gaming network with strong links to the Isle of Man has won a prestigious contest at a major e-Gaming conference in San Francisco.
Last week’s conference was an all-round celebration for the Island gaming industry as three of the five finalists at the 2013 GiGse event have close connections with the Isle of Man and SMP Partners, one of the Island's leading providers of professional services to the sector.
ISIS Lab was selected as the winner after making a successful pitch to a panel of expert judges in front of an audience of industry leaders. With a showcase b2c site operated by an Isle of Man based licensee, ISIS Lab was described by GiGse organisers as ‘a b2b and b2c social gaming network providing a low barrier for game developers to enter the iGaming business and offer their games for real money’.
The other companies with Island links shortlisted from 17 applicants were:
Buddybet - recently licensed by the Island's Gambling Supervision Commission, Buddybet is described by organisers as ‘a unique monetisation solution for sports websites and gaming platforms through the integration of cash-betting via social and peer-to-peer mechanics’.
Ever Adventure - currently in the process of applying for an Isle of Man licence and described as ‘boasting an impressive advisory board of industry veterans, this b2c offering focuses on converting social gamers to cash gamers with unique gamification techniques’.
GiGse San Francisco is a major event in the calendar of many of the world's top level gaming executives and the Start-up LaunchPad competition is designed to showcase and spotlight innovation at the intersection of gambling, social, mobile and other trends that might influence the future of gaming across the international stage. This is the second year Start-up LaunchPad has featured at GiGse.
David Hudson, Group Director at SMP Partners said: "It was quite remarkable that of the five companies shortlisted to showcase their innovative offerings at such a major international event, three had such very close ties to the Isle of Man, and it was great news that one of those should win.”
“These firms featuring on the shortlist represents great exposure for the Island on the international stage not only as a highly regarded licensed gaming jurisdiction, but also as a highly attractive base in which to establish high potential start up or early stage companies with unique intellectual property assets.”
“We continue to work very closely with the three companies and their partners and offer our congratulations to each for their achievements."
Isle of Man Minister for Economic Development John Shimmin MHK said:
“The Isle of Man has always had a can do attitude towards supporting entrepreneurial business and, in particular, we have the ideal climate for business growth for e-gaming businesses, with a highly developed business infrastructure, world class telecoms and business support systems and proactive yet rigorous regulatory regime.”
“I am delighted for each of the three companies and offer my congratulations to ISIS Lab on winning the GiGse Start-Up Launchpad competition.”
