Industry News
Unity Announces Merger Agreement with ironSource

Unity, the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content, and ironSource, a leading business platform that empowers mobile content creators to turn their apps into scalable, successful businesses, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which ironSource will merge into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unity via an all-stock deal, where each ordinary share of ironSource will be exchanged for 0.1089 shares of Unity common stock. Once closed, current Unity stockholders will own approximately 73.5% and current ironSource shareholders will own approximately 26.5% of the combined company. The companies’ complementary offerings create a unique end-to-end platform that allows creators to create, publish, run, monetize, and grow live games and RT3D content seamlessly.
“We believe the world is a better place with more successful creators in it. The combination of Unity and ironSource better supports creators of all sizes by giving them all the tools they need to create and grow successful apps in gaming and other consumer-facing verticals like e-commerce,” said John Riccitiello, CEO of Unity. “This is a step further toward realizing our vision of a fully integrated platform that helps creators in every step of their RT3D journey. We look forward to welcoming Tomer Bar-Zeev, the CEO of ironSource, and the rest of ironSource’s talented team into the Unity family.”
The end-to-end platform synergy from the combination of the companies will enhance Unity’s offerings for creators of all sizes. Together with ironSource, Unity will transform and streamline how live games, RT3D apps and services are made by turning today’s linear creation and growth process into a deeply connected and interactive one. By integrating creation and growth more tightly, creators will be able to leverage data on audience feedback to improve content from the earliest stage in the creation process, and throughout the content lifecycle. This will unlock a flywheel where data from growth feeds improvements in content which in turn drives more business success for the content or app.
“To succeed today, creators need an extensive set of solutions and products working in concert to power amazing user experiences and sustainable business growth,” said Tomer Bar-Zeev, CEO of ironSource. “The combination of Unity and ironSource brings together every product needed to power that flywheel of growth, in a differentiated platform positioned to lead our category and beyond. We couldn’t be more excited about our shared mission to remove obstacles for creators to grow.”
The deal will bring together the Unity game engine and editor, Unity Ads, and the rest of Unity Gaming Services (UGS) with ironSource’s best-in-class mediation and publishing platforms, giving developers a seamless and interoperable way to create, grow, and monetize their creations across their lifecycle. In the near term, ironSource’s mediation platform will leverage the combined strength of the two companies’ ad networks to deliver increased user reach and data scale, and provide an increased return on ad spend to advertisers. Telcos will also benefit from the combination of Unity and ironSource, which will provide them with enhanced opportunities to leverage interactive gaming and RT3D experiences on-device.
In addition to delivering benefits for creators, this transaction also provides significant benefits to shareholders. The combined company is expected to generate a run rate of $1 billion in Adjusted EBITDA by the end of 2024.
In connection with the merger, Unity’s Board of Directors have also authorized a 24-month share buyback program of up to $2.5 billion, effective upon closing of the merger, which is expected to reduce dilution caused by the transaction.
Silver Lake and Sequoia have fully committed to purchase an aggregate of $1 billion in convertible notes from Unity at closing, demonstrating their belief in the value creation potential of the merger. The convertible notes to be issued to Silver Lake and Sequoia are due in 2027 and bear an interest rate of 2% per annum. The conversion price is $48.89 per share.
“Beyond our platform, we expect the combination of our business with ironSource to transform Unity’s financial profile to that of a highly profitable and free cash flow positive company,” said Luis Visoso, CFO, Unity. “We expect to generate $300 million in annual EBITDA synergies by year three.”
Management and Board of Directors
Upon closing of the merger, Tomer Bar-Zeev will join Unity’s Board of Directors and serve as a key member of Unity’s executive leadership team. In addition, two additional ironSource Directors will join the Unity Board of Directors upon closing of the transaction. Bar-Zeev and other members of ironSource’s management team, who will also assume leadership roles in the combined company, have an established track record of building a profitable, high-growth leader in the global app economy. ironSource’s headquarters in Israel will serve as an additional global hub for Unity.
Additional Transaction Details
The proposed all-stock transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close during Unity’s fourth quarter of 2022 and is subject to customary closing conditions, and regulatory and shareholder approval. Additional details and information about the terms and conditions of the transaction will be available in Current Reports on Form 8-K or Form 6-K, as applicable, to be filed by Unity and ironSource with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Advisors
Morgan Stanley served as lead financial advisor to Unity. Goldman Sachs also served as financial advisor to Unity, and Morrison & Foerster LLP and Herzog Fox & Neeman served as its legal advisors. Jefferies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to ironSource, and Latham & Watkins LLP and Meitar Law Offices served as its legal advisors.
Industry News
IGSA Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The International Gaming Standards Association (IGSA) is celebrating 25 years of its role in support of gaming industry standards.
IGSA president Peter DeRaedt said: “In addition to the many champions and pioneers of our technical standards, we’re also proud and honoured to have featured a keynote video by Trevor Croker, CEO of Aristocrat Leisure, a founding IGSA member, and this week to feature a keynote video address by Rich Schneider, chief product officer of Light & Wonder and another 25-year IGSA member.”
Mark Pace, vice-president of the IGSA, said: “It has been great to see the congratulations and well wishes come in from all over the world from our current and former members, friends and colleagues.
“These companies have joined in celebrating IGSA’s 25-year anniversary through video messages that we have posted on our social media channels and website.
“We invite all our current and past members to join us at our annual meeting celebration and get-together at Canaletto in the Palazzo on October 10 while you’re at G2E.”
Industry News
Former iGaming Director Unveils Holistic Wellbeing Platform for the Gaming industry

HabitRewire, an industry leader in health and wellbeing for the iGaming sector, announced the debut of its innovative iGaming wellbeing platform. The turnkey white-label wellbeing solution can be accessed at any time, anywhere via a user-friendly app, helping employees across the world improve their wellbeing 24/7, inside and outside the workplace.
Presented as a ready-to-use white-label solution that can be branded as the company’s own, it offers an holistic, wide-ranging, and result-driven wellbeing solution that can be instantly deployed.
The platform draws upon HabitRewire’s ‘Habit Rewiring’ methodology, which is backed by robust scientific evidence. This innovative method is engineered to stimulate sustainable behavioural change, helping employees use daily practices to build the skills and habits to improve their physical health, mental wellbeing, and workplace productivity.
“True health and wellness stretch beyond diet and exercise,” affirmed Leo Judkins, Founder of HabitRewire. “Our platform delivers personalised, comprehensive wellbeing interactions across nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, time management and productivity to help employees reach their goals efficiently and effectively, wherever they are.”
The uniqueness of HabitRewire’s platform lies in its CRM capabilities and unique focus on the iGaming industry, reflecting Judkins’ rich, 12-year experience as a CRM Director in the field. His extensive knowledge from developing marketing automation platforms and managing global marketing teams, combined with personal journey of losing 35kg has directly influenced the creation of the HabitRewire platform.
“We use behavioural data, customer segmentation, and automated lifecycle campaigns to create personalised interactions throughout the employees entire wellbeing journey. From the initial stages of activation, onboarding and engagement, right through to retention and reactivation phases.” Judkins noted.
HabitRewire’s platform incorporates an various features such as weekly challenges, daily check-ins, community chats for peer-to-peer encouragement, leaderboards, workouts, recipe books and lifestyle guides.
Designed with the modern workforce in mind, the platform provides employee with a personalised dashboard that includes training advice, nutrition tips, and recovery strategies. The app allows users to schedule coaching calls with a team of experts that includes certified nutritionists, online personal trainers, sleep coaches, stress management professionals, and behaviour change specialists. Additionally, users can track their progress in real-time and sync their data with wearables and services like Apple Health.
“Most wellbeing solutions aren’t accessible for the employees who need it the most. They simply don’t have the time or energy to participate, which a key part of the problem. Our objective is to help people achieve their health and wellbeing goals, no matter where they are in their journey or what’s going on in their life right now” stated Judkins.
HabitRewire’s innovative platform signifies the shift towards proactive and individual care in the workplace, delivering wellbeing solutions directly to employees’ fingertips, no matter if they work from home or from an office.
Companies using HabitRewire’s platform can expect enhanced performance, increased productivity, and a significantly improved working environment. All quantified in weekly management reports that show measurable results.
Australia
What are Some of the Best Games Developed by Australian game Developers?

The Australian game development industry has been gaining traction in recent years, with many talented developers creating innovative and engaging games across a variety of genres. Australian game developers have made a significant impact on the gaming industry, with games such as “Hollow Knight,” “Unto the End,” and “Hand of Fate” gaining critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
This blog post will highlight some of the best games developed by Australian game developers and explore their unique features and gameplay mechanics. Additionally, we will discuss the relationship between Australian game development and the casino/gambling industry, highlighting successful collaborations between game developers and casinos/gambling sites.
The Australian game development industry has also been instrumental in shaping the future of gaming, with many developers pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of gameplay, graphics, and storytelling. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Australian game developers adapt to new trends and emerging technologies
Top Games Developed by Australian Developers
Australian game developers have created some truly outstanding games that have gained critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Here, we will provide an overview of the top games developed by Australian developers.
“Hollow Knight” – Developed by Team Cherry, “Hollow Knight” is a 2D action-adventure game that has garnered widespread praise for its atmospheric world-building, challenging gameplay, and intricate level design. The game’s stunning hand-drawn visuals and haunting soundtrack create an immersive experience that draws players into a dark and mysterious world.
“Unto the End” – Developed by 2 Ton Studios, “Unto the End” is a 2D side-scrolling action game that emphasizes realistic combat mechanics and player choice. The game’s striking visuals and moody soundtrack set the stage for a challenging and engaging experience that rewards careful observation and strategic thinking.
“Hand of Fate” – Developed by Defiant Development, “Hand of Fate” is a unique blend of action RPG and card game mechanics. Players navigate a series of randomly generated dungeons, battling enemies and collecting loot, while card-based mechanics determine the flow of the game. The game’s atmospheric visuals and immersive sound design make for a compelling and memorable experience.
“The Gardens Between” – Developed by The Voxel Agents, “The Gardens Between” is a puzzle game that centers around time manipulation mechanics. Players navigate a series of surreal, dreamlike environments, manipulating time to solve puzzles and progress through the game. The game’s stunning visuals and evocative music create a mesmerizing experience that is both relaxing and thought-provoking.
“Crossy Road” – Developed by Hipster Whale, “Crossy Road” is a mobile game that has gained widespread popularity for its addictive gameplay and charming visuals. Players navigate a series of obstacles, attempting to cross a busy road without getting hit by cars. The game’s bright and colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack make for a fun and engaging experience.
Australian Game Developers and the Casino Industry
The Australian game development industry has played a significant role in the casino and gambling industry. Australian game developers have created a wide range of games that are popular among casino players, including slot machines, table games, and online casino games.
One of the reasons Australian game developers have become popular in the casino industry is their expertise in creating visually appealing and immersive games. These games are designed to engage players and keep them coming back for more. Additionally, many Australian game developers have a background in creating video games, which has allowed them to bring a unique perspective to casino game design.
Another factor that has contributed to the success of Australian game developers in the casino industry is their focus on innovation. Many Australian game developers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of game design and technology. This has led to the creation of new and exciting games that offer players a fresh and engaging experience.
The success of Australian game developers in the casino industry has not gone unnoticed. Many of the world’s largest casino and gambling companies have partnered with Australian game developers and some of the best bitcoin gambling sites are now offering these games to their users. These partnerships have also resulted in creation of some of the most popular games in the casino industry, such as “Lightning Link” and “Dragon Link” by Aristocrat, and “Big Red” and “Queen of the Nile” by Ainsworth.
Australian Game Developers and the Future of Gaming.
Furthermore, Australian game developers have been instrumental in the growth of online gambling. Many online gambling sites now offer a wide range of games developed by Australian game developers, including online slots, table games, and video poker. The availability of these games has helped to attract a new generation of online gamblers who are looking for exciting and engaging games.
The Australian game development industry has been at the forefront of innovation, with many developers pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of gameplay, graphics, and storytelling. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Australian game developers adapt to new trends and emerging technologies.
One of the most significant trends in gaming is the growth of mobile gaming. As more and more people use their mobile devices to play games, Australian game developers have been quick to capitalize on this trend by developing games specifically for mobile platforms. Many Australian game developers have created mobile versions of their popular games, which has helped to broaden their reach and attract new players.
Another emerging trend in gaming is the rise of virtual and augmented reality. While still in its early stages, virtual and augmented reality has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry. Australian game developers are at the forefront of this trend, with many already developing games that take advantage of this technology. The use of virtual and augmented reality in gaming could potentially create an entirely new gaming experience, where players are fully immersed in the game world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Australian game development industry has made a significant impact on the gaming industry, creating some of the most popular and innovative games in recent years. Their focus on immersive gameplay, stunning visuals, and innovative mechanics has helped to shape the future of gaming.
Moreover, the Australian game development industry has been instrumental in the growth of the casino and gambling industry, with many of their games becoming some of the most popular in the industry. Their expertise in creating visually appealing and engaging games has helped to attract new players to the industry.
Looking to the future, Australian game developers are well-positioned to take advantage of emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. With their track record of innovation and creativity, we can expect to see Australian game developers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming, creating new and exciting experiences for players around the world.
In addition, as the gaming industry continues to grow, we can expect to see a greater focus on inclusivity and diversity. Australian game developers have already demonstrated a commitment to creating games that feature diverse characters and storylines, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.
Overall, the Australian game development industry has proven to be a significant contributor to the gaming industry, and it is important to recognize their achievements and contributions. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, we can expect to see Australian game developers play an even greater role in shaping its future.
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