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TENCENT ANNOUNCES 2022 FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

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Tencent Holdings Limited (“Tencent” or the “Company”, 00700.HK), a leading provider of Internet value added services in China, today announced the unaudited consolidated results for the first quarter (“1Q2022”) ended March 31, 2022.

1Q2022 Key Highlights

Revenues: stable YoY, non-IFRS[1] profit attributable to equity holders of the Company: 23% YoY

Total revenues were RMB135.5 billion (USD21.3 billion[2]), stable over the first quarter of 2021 (“YoY”).

  • On a non-IFRS basiswhich is intended to reflect core earnings by excluding certain one-time and/or non-cash items:
    –  Operating profit was RMB36.5 billion (USD5.8 billion), a decrease of 15% YoY. Operating margin decreased to 27% from 32% last year.
    –  Profit for the period was RMB26.3 billion (USD4.1 billion), a decrease of 24% YoY. Net margin decreased to 19% from 26% last year.
    –  Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the quarter was RMB25.5 billion (USD4.0 billion), a decrease of 23% YoY.
    –  Basic earnings per share were RMB2.678Diluted earnings per share were RMB2.620.
  • On an IFRS basis:
    –  Operating profit was RMB37.2 billion (USD5.9 billion), a decrease of 34% YoY. Operating margin decreased to 27% from 42% last year.
    –  Profit for the period was RMB23.7 billion (USD3.7 billion), a decrease of 52% YoY. Net margin decreased to 18% from 36% last year. 
    –  Profit attributable to equity holders of the Company for the quarter was RMB23.4 billion (USD3.7 billion), a decrease of 51% YoY.
    –  Basic earnings per share were RMB2.455. Diluted earnings per share were RMB2.404.
  • Total cash were RMB304.1 billion (USD47.9 billion) at the end of the period.

Mr. Ma Huateng, Chairman and CEO of Tencent, said, “During the challenging first quarter of 2022, we implemented cost control initiatives and rationalised certain non-core businesses, which would enable us to achieve a more optimised cost structure going forward. We utilised tools such as Mini Programs, Tencent Meeting, and WeCom to help enterprises and consumers weather the resurgence of COVID-19 in China, and continued investing in strategic growth areas including enterprise software, Video Accounts and international games. Looking forward, we will sharpen our focus and sustain our innovation through challenges and cycles, and continue to create value for our users, partners, and society.”

[1] Non-IFRS adjustments exclude share-based compensation, M&A related impact such as net (gains)/losses from investee
companies, amortisation of intangible assets and impairment provisions/(reversals), SSV & CPP, income tax effects and others

[2] Figures stated in USD are based on USD1 to RMB6.3482

1Q2022 Financial Review

Revenues from VAS[3] were RMB72.7 billion for the first quarter of 2022, broadly stable compared to the first quarter of 2021. Domestic Games revenues decreased by 1% to RMB33.0 billion, as direct and indirect effects of the minor protection measures impacted active user and paying user counts. During the quarter, the incremental revenues generated by recently launched games, such as League of Legends: Wild Rift and Fight of The Golden Spatula, were largely offset by the decrease in revenues from games such as Moonlight Blade Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile. International Games revenues grew by 4% to RMB10.6 billion, reflecting an increase in revenues from games including VALORANT and Clash of Clans, partly offset by a decrease in revenues from PUBG Mobile as user spending normalised post-COVID. Social Networks revenues grew by 1% to RMB29.1 billion, reflecting increased revenue from our Video Accounts live streaming service, largely offset by decreased revenues from music- and games-related live streaming services.

Revenues from Online Advertising decreased by 18% to RMB18.0 billion for the first quarter of 2022 on a year-on-year basis, reflecting weak demand from advertiser categories including education, Internet services and eCommerce, plus regulatory changes impacting the online advertising industry itself, partly offset by solid demand from the FMCG category, as well as our consolidation of Sogou’s advertising revenue. Social and Others Advertising revenues decreased by 15% to RMB15.7 billion, primarily due to sharply lower advertising revenues from our mobile advertising network, which was particularly affected by the regulatory changes, partly offset by greater advertising revenues from Official Accounts, driven by the popularity of notification feeds ads. Media Advertising revenues decreased by 30% to RMB2.3 billion, reflecting lower advertising revenues from our media platforms including Tencent News and Tencent Video, partly offset by advertising revenue contribution from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Revenues from FinTech and Business Services increased by 10% to RMB42.8 billion for the first quarter of 2022 on a year-on-year basis. FinTech Services year-on-year revenue growth moderated as COVID-19 resurgence in March 2022 impacted commercial payment volume. Business Services revenue recorded a mild year-on-year decrease, as we repositioned our IaaS service from revenue scale-up at all costs to self-sustained growth, and proactively reduced loss-making contracts.

Other Key Financial Information for 1Q2022

EBITDA was RMB38.3 billion, down 22% YoY. Adjusted EBITDA was RMB46.1 billion, down 13% YoY.
Capital expenditures were RMB7.0 billion, down 10% YoY.
Free cash flow was RMB15.2 billion, down 54% YoY.

As at March 31, 2022, net debt position totalled RMB11.0 billion. Fair value of our shareholdings[4] in listed investee companies (excluding subsidiaries) totalled RMB606.0 billion (USD95.5 billion). During the first quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 8.9 million shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for an aggregate consideration of approximately RMB3.0 billion (USD474 million).

[3] From the third quarter of 2021, we disclose revenues from Domestic Games and International Games as new sub-segments
under VAS, reflecting the increasing scale of our International Games business. Mobile games VAS revenues (including mobile
games revenues attributable to our Social Networks business) decreased by 3% year-on-year to RMB40.3 billion, while PC client
games revenues grew by 2% year-on-year to RMB12.1 billion for the first quarter of 2022.

[4] Including those held via special purpose vehicles, on an attributable basis

Operating Metrics

As at

31 March

2022

As at

31 March

2021

Year-

on-year

change

As at

31 December

2021

Quarter-on-
quarter

change

(in millions, unless specified)

Combined MAU of
       
Weixin and WeChat

1,288.3

1,241.6

3.8%

1,268.2

1.6%

Mobile device MAU of QQ

563.8

606.4

-7.0%

552.1

2.1%

Fee-based VAS registered
       
subscriptions

239.1

225.7

5.9%

236.3

1.2%

Business Review and Outlook

Communication and Social

Within Weixin, Video Accounts continued to gain user traction with significant year-on-year growth in video views and time spent, bolstered by expansion in news, knowledge-based and entertainment content, as well as enhanced recommendation technologies. Mini Programs exceeded 500 million DAU and sustained rapid growth in gross merchandise value with deepened penetration in retail, dining and municipal services.

For QQ, we are enriching features for young users to better create, share and connect with each other. We provide avatar tools for users to create short videos featuring their customised Super QQ Show characters. Through Status update, users can choose to let their contacts see what videos or music they are consuming, so that their friends can access and stream the same content within QQ via Mini Programs.

Digital Content

Our fee-based VAS subscriptions increased 6% year-on-year to 239 million. We extended our market leadership in the long-form video streaming market with 124 million subscribers, leveraging IP adaptations of successful comics and novels. For music, subscription counts increased to 80 million, driven by high quality content as well as increased consumer willingness to subscribe for music services.

Domestic Games

Among our most popular and longer-established games, Honour of Kings, the top-ranked mobile game by DAU in China[5], released fewer commercially successful items during the Chinese New Year holiday period than in prior years, but its adult user base remained engaged. With the release of popular items inspired by the Chinese floral festival, Honour of Kings resumed year-on-year growth in its grossing receipts in March 2022. Peacekeeper Elite, the second-most popular mobile game by DAU in China[5], released its third anniversary update in April 2022, enhancing user engagement. We are also successfully expanding our presence in other key genres of games. Fight of The Golden Spatula, an auto battler genre game we released in August 2021, added new champions and game mechanics, and was the sixth most popular mobile game by DAU in China[5]. Return to Empire, a real-time strategy mobile game we launched in March 2022, became China’s second most successful game in its genre by grossing receipts in April 2022[6].

[5] Source: QuestMobile, 1Q2022

[6] Source: data.ai

International Games

We believe that the mobile game industry outside China generally underwent a post COVID-19 normalisation downward in terms of user activities and spending in early 2022. PUBG Mobile experienced this pattern with a year-on-year revenue decline in the first quarter of 2022. However, our PC game VALORANT continued its robust performance with a growing user base and higher paying propensity. We also released titles in other key genres which generated favorable critical response. For example, Dune: Spice Wars, a real-time strategy PC game based on the popular sci-fi IP Dune and published by our subsidiary Funcom, entered into Early Access in April 2022. We and Electronic Arts have jointly developed Apex Legends Mobile, a hero shooter battle royale game based on one of the most successful new PC/console IPs in recent years, which was launched in May 2022.

Online Advertising

For 2022 second quarter-to-date, overall advertising sentiment remained weak as advertisers in categories such as FMCG, eCommerce and travel have reduced their spending significantly. Amid the difficult market environment, we continue to invest in our advertising system and are upgrading our machine learning infrastructure to process data more efficiently. The upgrade should enable us to deliver better targeting and conversion rates for advertisers

FinTech

Commercial payment activities have been weak since mid March 2022, due to the resurgence of COVID-19 in several cities in China, which negatively affected payment volume growth in categories such as transportation, dining services and apparel.

Cloud and Other Business Services

As we re-focused on healthy growth for Business Services, we scaled back loss-making activities, and concentrated resources on our PaaS solutions in areas such as video cloud and cybersecurity. Taking advantage of our accumulated experience in providing in-house interactive entertainment and video chat services, and our low-latency network infrastructure, we are increasingly migrating our clients from basic CDN (Content Delivery Network) services to sophisticated video-on-demand, live streaming and real-time communication solutions. According to Gartner, Tencent ranked first in China by CPaaS (Communication PaaS) revenues. In cybersecurity, we expanded our client base across network, endpoint and business operation security solutions, fulfilling enterprises’ growing needs for protection against cyber-attacks, and for cybersecurity compliance.

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Copper State Credit Union Takes One Platform Approach with Jack Henry

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Jack Henry™ (Nasdaq: JHKY) announced today that Copper State Credit Union will leverage the company’s single technology platform to boost internal efficiencies and improve experiences.

Copper State Credit Union formed in 2020 from the merger of Canyon State Credit Union and Deer Valley Credit Union. Following the merger, the credit union managed multiple products across several different technology providers. This prompted the team to reevaluate their strategy and select Jack Henry as their enterprise technology provider. Jack Henry’s open infrastructure will automate and streamline operations, as well as integrate and optimize offerings.

“Jack Henry’s single platform approach allows us to consolidate our existing relationships into one organization with the option to tap into a vast ecosystem of fintech services,” said Robb Scott, President/CEO of Copper State Credit Union. “This enables us to continue to be innovative in our markets while remaining committed to delivering an exceptional member experience.”

Copper State Credit Union understands the importance of providing a convenient and simple digital experience for members. Their new digital banking platform will give members a complete view of all their finances in a single place. Part of this experience will include the ability to open new accounts and debit cards, manage credit scores, and receive instant payments. And, modern fraud and financial crimes prevention and detection solutions will protect members’ data and monitor transactional behavior.

“Our all-in strategy with Jack Henry ensures our members receive the connected services and resources they need to achieve financial prosperity and empowerment,” Scott continued. “The relationship frees up our internal resources to focus on finding ways to improve the financial lives of member-families within our community.”

Shanon McLachlan, president of Credit Union Solutions at Jack Henry, commented, “The beauty of our technology is the optionality and flexibility. Credit unions can choose to be in all-in with us like Copper State Credit Union or start by investing in their technology future one step at a time. Regardless, we continue to provide the support and services they need to help their members succeed.”

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Moomoo Wins “Best Stock Trading App” Award in 2024 FinTech Breakthrough Awards Program

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Moomoo Technologies Inc. today announced that FinTech Breakthrough recognized the company with its 2024 annual award of “Best Stock Trading App.”  Founded in 2018, moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. With its sister brand, moomoo has over 21 million users globally and it provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions.

As the FinTech sector becomes more crowded and companies struggle to stand out from the crowd with their products and services, the FinTech Breakthrough Awards help recognize and showcase FinTech innovators based on creativity, hard work, and technologies centered around their products, solutions, and services. Its committee selected winners based on their innovative performance, their impact on solving user needs and problems, and whether their ease of use management can scale at growth.

“We are thrilled to be recognized as the best stock trading app by FinTech Breakthrough as it supports our mission to provide all levels of investors with an intuitive and robust platform,” said Justin Zacks, Vice President of Strategies, Moomoo Technologies Inc.  “Backed by independent research, advanced technological development capabilities, and our unique digital-first business model, we want to level the playing field for retail investors. From powerful stock and option analysis tools to fully extended trading hours, moomoo serves both new and experienced traders.”

“Moomoos’ robust technologies help investors spot potential investment opportunities and make informed decisions. Investors at all levels are looking for in-depth data, market news and global insights,” said Steve Johansson, Managing Director, FinTech Breakthrough. “We want to recognize moomoo as ‘Best Stock Trading App!’ By striving to provide investors with the best online trading experiences possible, investors at any stage can make confident investment decisions backed by readily available data and insights.”

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Insights from Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024 Speakers (pre-event)

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As we approach the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, we’ve connected with some of the event’s distinguished speakers to delve into the future of the gaming and tech industries. Their insights shed light on the shifting dynamics, underscoring the significance of adaptability, innovation, and strategic foresight.

We posed the following questions to our speakers:

  • What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career within the gaming/tech sector?
  • Can you share a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
  • In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of their responses. For more in-depth insights, scroll down to read each speaker’s full reply.

#### Viktoria Soltesz: Mastering the Financial Game

Viktoria Soltesz, a pivotal figure in the payment solutions space, shared a crucial lesson from her career: the significance of a well-crafted payment plan. Through her work, Soltesz has observed the downfall of companies due to inadequate financial strategies, emphasizing that such pitfalls are easily avoidable with proper planning. Her recent book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” aims to demystify banking and payment processes for businesses, advocating for informed financial decision-making within the gaming and tech sectors.

#### Aleksandra Andrishak: The Power of Continuous Learning

Representing Slotsjudge, Editor in Chief Aleksandra Andrishak looks forward to delving into topics like iGaming and blockchain at the summit. Andrishak highlights the transformative work undertaken at Slotsjudge in 2023 and stresses the importance of perpetual learning in the fast-paced gaming industry. Her advice to newcomers is to embrace innovation and remain adaptable to stay ahead.

#### Jakub Tesar: Blockchain’s Expanding Horizon

Jakub Tesar predicts a promising future for blockchain technology, especially within the Ethereum ecosystem, and the rise of Web3. He envisions a world where gamers have greater control over virtual collectibles and in-game items, thanks to blockchain. Tesar anticipates GenAI revolutionizing game interactions and narratives, urging industry professionals to experiment with blockchain’s burgeoning use cases.

#### Kaspar Szymanski: Navigating SEO in the Gaming and Tech World

Kaspar Szymanski, with his rich background in Google Search, identifies the challenge of distinguishing brands in a saturated market. He argues for a focus on unique selling propositions and long-term growth strategies. At the summit, Szymanski aims to dispel SEO myths and offer actionable advice, emphasizing that SEO setbacks can lead to significant growth opportunities.

#### Jasmina Poglavc: Data-Driven Innovation in iGaming

Jazz underscores the impact of advanced data analytics and AI in enhancing the iGaming experience through personalized player engagement. She points out the challenges of data privacy and navigating the regulatory landscape, advocating for a shift towards more player-centric and responsible gaming practices.

These insights from our speakers highlight a common theme: the gaming and tech industries are at a critical juncture, facing challenges that span financial planning, regulatory navigation, and technological innovation. The Prague Gaming & TECH Summit stands as a pivotal platform for addressing these challenges, fostering dialogue, and paving the way for future advancements.

As we anticipate the rich discussions and networking opportunities at the summit, it’s clear that adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic planning are key to navigating the future of gaming and tech. Join us in Prague to explore these themes and more, shaping the trajectory of these dynamic industries.


Viktoria Soltesz – Founder at PSP Angels

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

In my career within the gaming/tech sector, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of having a payment plan. While analyzing the financial and banking information of various companies, I noticed a recurring pattern: many companies that failed did so due to poor payment and banking practices. They often miscalculated risks, under-budgeted costs, or neglected to set up a proper payment plan. These errors in financial planning were common culprits behind their downfall. What surprised me the most was how easily these businesses could have avoided such failures with proper payment planning. It became evident that many businesses fail for avoidable reasons, and simply taking the time to understand and establish a payment plan can make a significant difference. By paying close attention to the flow of money and investing just a few hours in crafting a solid plan, a business can set itself on a path to success, outperforming much of its competition.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

One of the achievements I’m particularly proud of in my career is the recent launch of my book, “Moving Money – How Banks Think,” which is now available on Amazon. This book is a valuable resource for businesses, emphasizing the often-overlooked importance of banking and payments in today’s competitive landscape. It provides insights into the intricacies of banking decisions, the history of payment systems, and practical guidance on managing funds more safely and cost-effectively. I’m excited to share this knowledge and help businesses make informed decisions in the realm of payments, especially those that are high-risk or startups.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

In the gaming and tech industries today, one of the most significant challenges is undoubtedly related to payments. While these industries focus heavily on product development, market competition, and marketing strategies, the crucial aspect of payment planning often gets overlooked. This oversight can lead to businesses incurring unnecessary banking fees and facing unexpected operational risks. Understanding the complexities of banking and payment systems is crucial, yet it remains an area with limited knowledge for many in these sectors. Lack of knowledge in this domain can result in poor financial decision-making. As a payment expert, I have observed that addressing these payment-related challenges is essential for the long-term success and sustainability of businesses in the gaming and tech industries. By gaining a better understanding of how payments work and the reasoning behind banking decisions, these industries can navigate financial challenges more effectively and make informed choices, ultimately ensuring smoother operations and cost savings.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am greatly anticipating the upcoming Prague Gaming & TECH Summit for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, I’m excited about the high-quality content that will be presented during the event. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights and knowledge about the gaming and tech industries.

Additionally, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with old acquaintances and making new connections. Networking is a fundamental aspect of such gatherings, allowing us to exchange ideas, share experiences, and forge new professional relationships.

Lastly, I’m eager to hear about the latest industry developments and gossip. Staying informed about the current trends and happenings within the gaming and tech sectors is essential for keeping a competitive edge in these dynamic industries.

Overall, the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit promises to be an enriching and engaging experience, offering valuable content, networking opportunities, and industry insights.


Aleksandra Andrishak – Editor in Chief at Slotsjudge

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

The vegan catering! Jokes aside, Hipther events are renowned for their best-in-class networking, and I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into topics such as iGaming, eSports, and Blockchain with top experts in the industry. This will mark my second collaboration on stage with Zoltan and the team, and I’m very much looking forward to it.

Can you tell us about a project or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m honored to represent Slotsjudge at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2024. I’m particularly proud of all the work we’ve accomplished with the team in 2023. This year, you can expect even more from us, including new features, a completely revamped website, and even more ways to have fun together with us if you’re a gaming enthusiast!

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Never stop learning. The gaming industry is one of those sectors where innovation occurs almost daily. To stay ahead of the curve, you cannot afford to become complacent. Continuously strive to expand your knowledge and skills. Good luck!


Jakub Tesar – Innovation, Digital & Emerging Tech Lead at EY

What are your top three predictions for the future of gaming and tech industries in the next five years?

  1. The Ethereum ecosystem will evolve into a hub for practical applications, driving large-scale enterprise adoption of blockchain technology.
  2. The growth of Web3 will empower users to have self-custody over virtual collectibles and in-game items, enabling the purchase of ‘phygital’ items that merge the physical and online worlds. This evolution will facilitate free trade on blockchain-powered marketplaces and allow brands to explore new monetization strategies for digital assets.
  3. Generative AI (GenAI) will revolutionize gaming experiences, enabling players to interact with non-player characters (NPCs) in more natural and dynamic ways, and experience storylines that adapt and evolve in real-time.

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you? What challenges do you think the industry needs to address? The integration of GenAI within gaming environments excites me the most. It offers unprecedented, natural-like interactions with GenAI-based NPCs and allows for fluid, dynamic storylines. However, the industry must navigate the ethical implications of AI, ensuring that these technologies are developed and used responsibly.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector? In my career, the most valuable lesson has been the constant need for innovation and adaptability. The rapid pace at which technology evolves requires a perpetual learning mindset and the willingness to embrace change.

How do you see the role of AI and emerging technologies shaping the gaming and tech industries? AI and emerging technologies are set to fundamentally reshape the gaming and tech industries by introducing more immersive, interactive, and personalized experiences. These technologies will not only enhance gameplay but also offer new avenues for creativity and innovation within the sector.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry? Never stop learning. The gaming industry, in particular, is characterized by its rapid evolution and innovation. Staying informed and continually enhancing your skills is crucial to staying ahead in this competitive field.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today? Addressing the ethical and societal implications of rapid technological advancement, including privacy concerns, data security, and the potential for misuse, remains a significant challenge.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see? Regulations need to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting consumers. I hope to see regulations evolve in a way that supports the ethical development of new technologies while ensuring they are accessible and beneficial to all.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit? I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to delve into the latest industry trends, connect with fellow professionals, and share insights on the evolving landscape of gaming and technology.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session? I hope attendees recognize the enduring significance of blockchain technologies and are inspired to explore and experiment with their vast potential for innovative use cases.


Kaspar Szymanski – Founder of SearchBrothers

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

One of the primary challenges in an industry saturated with numerous market players offering similar web platforms and services is effectively defining and communicating a compelling unique selling proposition (USP). While brand building, prioritizing user experience, and optimizing website performance are essential, they are merely steps towards the ultimate goal of offering a service or product that isn’t readily available elsewhere. Moreover, developing a long-term strategy presents a significant challenge in an industry that tends to favor short-term success. The pressure of organizational and market demands often hinders decision-makers from adopting strategies focused on sustainable, gradual growth. This challenge is particularly evident in search engine optimization (SEO), where the goals of long-term growth and meeting immediate organizational needs must be aligned, as search engine algorithms prioritize actual ranking signals over organizational constraints.

What are you most looking forward to at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit?

I am eager to share the unique insights into Google Search that I gained during my time working for Google, as well as my experiences as a consultant helping clients in competitive niches outperform their competitors. My presentation will include exciting real-life case studies, debunk several myths within the SEO industry, and provide attendees with actionable advice they can immediately apply. I am also looking forward to listening and learning from others, and eagerly anticipate addressing audience questions during the Q&A session following my presentation.

Is there a specific message or insight you hope attendees will take away from your session?

I want my audience to understand that Google penalties are not the end of the world and can be resolved. SEO setbacks, while initially unwelcome, can actually offer an opportunity for significant growth, potentially surpassing any previous rankings on Google Search. These moments can be a hidden blessing, revealing new paths to success. I invite anyone curious about the inner workings of Google Search, how it can benefit your website, and seeking genuine answers to their Google and SEO questions to join my session.


Jasmina Poglavc – Senior Product Manager at Gamanza Group AG & Freelance iGaming Consultant

Can you share a recent innovation in the gaming/tech industry that excites you, and what challenges do you think the industry needs to address?

My background in iGaming platforms and online operations has given me a unique perspective on the transformative potential of advanced data analytics and AI. These technologies promise significant changes, especially in real-time player engagement for iGaming platforms and operators. By analyzing player behavior, preferences, and patterns in real time, we can offer personalized promotions, customized gaming experiences, and targeted loyalty programs. This not only boosts player satisfaction but also optimizes revenue streams.

However, the full realization of these benefits faces challenges, primarily concerning data privacy and security. Protecting sensitive player information is paramount, and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape to align data-driven practices with compliance standards is equally crucial.

What has been the most surprising or valuable lesson in your career within the gaming/tech sector?

Adaptability has been the most valuable lesson in my career. The gaming and tech sectors are incredibly dynamic, with constant evolutions and innovations. Embracing change, remaining agile, and continuously seeking learning opportunities have been essential for navigating challenges and achieving success. Anticipating industry trends and staying informed about technological and regulatory developments are key to staying ahead.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in the gaming or tech industry?

Stay curious and proactive. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities, keep up with industry trends, and cultivate a strong professional network. Innovation drives the gaming and tech industries, so developing a mindset that embraces change and fosters creativity is crucial.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the gaming and tech industries today?

The primary challenges include cybersecurity threats, talent acquisition and retention, and adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape. Balancing innovation with compliance is challenging, as regulations often lag behind technological advancements. A strategic, adaptive approach is essential for navigating these challenges, necessitating proactive engagement with regulators and an awareness of legal frameworks.

How do you see regulations impacting the gaming and tech industries, and what changes would you like to see?

The gaming industry, exemplified by the situation in Germany, faces challenges from overregulation, which can drive players toward unregulated, black-market operators. While regulations are crucial for ensuring fairness and consumer protection, too restrictive an environment can hinder the industry’s growth and inadvertently compromise player safety.

I advocate for regulations that evolve with technological advancements, are harmonized globally, and are developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders. This approach aims to balance consumer protection with innovation, ensuring a thriving, responsible gaming ecosystem.


Click here to register and unlock the door to endless possibilities at the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit. Your next big opportunity awaits!

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