In just a couple of weeks, Riga will play host to a global gathering of gaming minds at the very first iGaming Studio Summit 2025. Set for 6 and 7 August at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Daugava Riga, this event promises to bring together the creative forces behind the world’s most engaging online games.
This isn’t just another industry event. Organised by Eventus International, the summit is built for studios that want to level up, whether that means breaking into new markets, building stronger teams, or mastering the latest tech trends in gaming. It’s two full days of practical discussions, future-focused strategies, and real examples from studios already putting them into practice.
The summit will explore how tools like AI personalisation, VR gameplay, and advanced data use are transforming game development, not in theory, but in ways that directly impact retention, revenue, and player satisfaction.
What to Expect at the iGaming Studio Summit
- How game studios are tackling the global talent shortage
- Ways to blend AR, VR, and multiplayer into engaging experiences
- How to get compliant with the EU’s AI regulations without slowing down
- Best practices for balancing player data safety with scalable growth
Unlike conferences that get stuck in trends and buzzwords, this one will be packed with real talk, case studies, and stories from studios who’ve tested, failed, adjusted, and found what works.
Spotlight Session: Dainis Niedra, COO, Entain
At the iGaming Studio Summit, one of the most anticipated speakers will be Dainis Niedra, COO at Entain. Known for his strategic approach to player engagement, he will share how gamification, data insights, and a player-first philosophy are helping the industry evolve.
In a recent interview, Dainis explored the challenge of maintaining a balance between offering entertainment and ensuring responsible play, particularly within varied regulatory landscapes. His view is that the two are not at odds with each other.
“Any healthy and sustainable business should have a robust responsible gambling framework that sits on top of all other processes, including marketing communications, compliance, and HVC player management,” he said.
He added that gamification, when thoughtfully executed, “can enhance player engagement and increase LTV, especially among low- and mid-value segments.”
“I believe that professional, thoughtful gamification is a powerful tool in helping operators reach one of their most important goals: building a more recreational player base and reducing dependence on high-value players. And that, ultimately, leads to lower risk for responsible gambling concerns.”
On the topic of retention, Dainis encouraged studios to move beyond just tracking what players do and start examining what they don’t.
“Currently, most strategies focus heavily on successful player actions,” he explained, “but there’s an entire layer of untapped value in analysing unsuccessful or abandoned actions.”
Things like unplayed games or ignored bonuses, he noted, could provide key insights into how to re-engage players more effectively.
“Yes, working with this type of data is more complex,” he admits, “but if done well, it can unlock an entirely new layer of value for retention marketing, making communications smarter, more relevant, and far more effective.”
On immersive game experiences, Dainis advised against the assumption that more features automatically mean better engagement.
“Less is more. Engagement doesn’t always equal retention,” he explained. It’s important to design game environments that are exciting and rich, without being overwhelming or manipulative.
Regarding the link between predictive analytics and gamification, Dainis made it clear that success begins with mastering the essentials.
“It’s the day-to-day, often unglamorous work with data, analysing behaviour, refining segments, reviewing lifecycle communications.” In his view, when these areas are handled with care, they create a reliable foundation that requires no special add-ons. “A solid foundation is key.”
When asked about changing player expectations in today’s fast-paced entertainment world, Dainis pointed to three priorities: speed, simplicity, and relevance.
“Everything needs to work fast, feel effortless, and be tailored to a specific market and individual player,” he said. “Only then do we stand a real chance of competing for attention.”
Industry Experts You’ll Hear From:
The summit will also feature a powerful lineup of speakers from across the gaming ecosystem. Expect insights from:
Get inspired by insights from top voices in the field, including:
- Aglaja Geta, Head of UX & Analytics, BETBY
- Anete Dūniņa, Group Head of Sales, Revpanda Group
- Boris Utimisovs, Head of Product Design, Evolution
- Christian Rajter, CEO & Co-Founder, Split the Pot
- Cosmo Currey, Global Head of Talent Acquisition, Van Kaizen
- Dainis Niedra, COO, Entain
- Diana Kutubidze, Studio Manager, Evolution Global
- Faruk Aydin, CRO, Revpanda Group
- Gleb Chernov, Lead Expert / Owner, PlatformGuru
- Gunãrs Rītiņš, XR UX Designer, Mintra
- Ivan Samuilin, Studio Technical Manager, Winfinity
- Jan Malicher, Head of Platforms, SYNOT Games
- Jochen Biewer, Managing Director, Chevron Group
- Līga Tarasova, Account Director, PRace
- Maksims Nefiodovs, Product Manager, BetGamings
- Monika Zlateva, CCO, CT Interactive
- Nikita Lukanenoks, Editor in Chief, Slotsjudge
- Olga Zaiceva, Senior Account Executive, Aviatrix
- Roberta Nicholls, Head of Sales Ops & CEO, Openbox Gaming & Mela Gaming
- Strahinja Zdraljevic, Head of Online, Soccerbet.rs
- Szymon Nowak, Founder & CEO, Arcane Pixel
- Thiago Carvalho, Product Design Leader, UXmygames
…and many more.
From game design and UX to product leadership and player psychology, they’ll be sharing first-hand insights that can help your studio stay ahead in a fast-moving industry.
Last Call to Register
With just days to go, spots are filling fast. If you’re ready to take your studio forward with fresh ideas, stronger partnerships, and clearer direction, make sure you’re part of this game-changing event.
Sign up now at https://www.eventus-international.com/igaming-studio
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