SPRIBE CCO on AI, Innovation, and Global Growth Ahead of iGB L!VE 2026

As SPRIBE prepares for iGB L!VE, CCO Giorgi Tsutskiridze reflects on the technologies, trends and the market opportunities shaping the future of gaming. From the growing influence of AI and the rise of social, mobile-first entertainment to the challenges of regulation and sustainable growth, he explores why innovation, collaboration and international expansion remain central to the industry's evolution.

AI, Social Gaming, and Mobile Trends Shaping the Future of iGaming

What will you be showing at iGB L!VE and what do you hope to achieve – what does success look like?

iGB L!VE is always an important opportunity for us to connect with operators, partners, and industry stakeholders in a more focused environment. This year, we'll be showcasing the latest developments across the SPRIBE ecosystem, including new features for Aviator, updates to our expanding portfolio of next-generation games, and solutions designed to help operators drive engagement and retention.

For us, success isn't measured solely by the number of meetings we have. It's about the quality of conversations, strengthening existing relationships, identifying new partnership opportunities, and gaining valuable feedback from the market. If we leave the event with a deeper understanding of our partners' needs and a clear roadmap for future collaboration, that's a successful show.

To what extent is AI transforming the industry and how are you adopting AI-driven innovations in your business?

AI is already having a significant impact across virtually every area of the industry, from customer support and fraud prevention to data analysis and operational efficiency. However, I think we're still in the early stages of understanding its full potential.

At SPRIBE, we're exploring AI in ways that enhance both internal processes and the overall player experience. That includes leveraging AI-driven insights to help operators better understand player behavior, optimize engagement strategies, and improve operational decision-making.

That said, we're also conscious that AI should enhance transparency and user experience rather than replace them. The most successful applications will be those that make products smarter, more personalized, and more efficient while maintaining trust and responsible practices.

SPRIBE’s Vision for Innovation and Expansion at iGB L!VE

Apart from AI, in your opinion what other key trends are currently shaping the industry?

One of the biggest trends is the continued shift toward more interactive and social forms of entertainment. Players increasingly expect experiences that feel dynamic, engaging, and community-driven rather than purely transactional.

We're also seeing greater demand for mobile-first products, especially in emerging markets where smartphones remain the primary access point for entertainment. Localization is becoming more important than ever, not just in terms of language but also payments, user experience, and cultural relevance.

Another major trend is the convergence of gaming and mainstream entertainment. Strategic partnerships, creator-led content, and community-driven experiences are increasingly influencing how players discover and engage with products.

What do you anticipate will be the key talking points at iGB L!VE both in terms of the opportunities and the challenges facing the industry?

AI will undoubtedly dominate many conversations, but I expect broader discussions around player engagement, localization, regulation, and sustainable growth to be equally important.

From an opportunity perspective, emerging markets continue to offer significant potential, particularly as digital infrastructure improves and new player audiences come online. Innovation in game formats, social experiences, and platform technology will also remain key topics.

On the challenge side, regulatory complexity continues to grow as more jurisdictions introduce market-specific requirements. At the same time, operators and suppliers face increasing pressure to balance innovation, player protection, and long-term sustainability.

The 2025 edition of iGB L!VE attracted representatives from 149 nations – a figure only bettered by ICE Barcelona. How important is iGB L!VE's international profile and what emerging markets would you identify as having the most growth potential?

The international profile of iGB L!VE is one of its greatest strengths. Bringing together representatives from so many different markets creates opportunities to exchange ideas, compare experiences, and identify emerging trends before they become mainstream.

From a growth perspective, markets across Latin America, Africa, and parts of Asia continue to stand out. Countries such as Brazil and India remain particularly exciting due to their scale, digital adoption, and rapidly evolving gaming ecosystems. Across Africa, we continue to see strong momentum driven by mobile-first audiences and growing demand for innovative entertainment experiences.

The common factor across these regions is a young, digitally engaged population that is increasingly looking for interactive forms of entertainment.

How important is iGB L!VE as the mid-year meeting point for the industry and what message would you give to industry professionals who may still be considering attending the event?

Events like iGB L!VE play a vital role because they bring the industry together at a point in the year when businesses can assess progress, discuss emerging opportunities, and plan for the months ahead.

While virtual communication has become easier than ever, there is still no substitute for face-to-face conversations. Many of the industry's most valuable partnerships, ideas, and innovations begin with a discussion on a show floor.

For anyone still considering attending, my advice would be simple: come with an open mind and a willingness to engage. The industry is evolving rapidly, and events like iGB L!VE provide a unique opportunity to learn, network, and gain perspectives that are difficult to replicate anywhere else.

Register for the 2026 edition of iGB L!VE (1st- 2nd July) at https://www.igblive.com