From 6 to 8 February 2018, the capital of Great Britain was the centre of gaming world. During those three days, excitement and big money were in the air of London. All this was caused by the largest tradeshow of the gaming industry ICE Totally Gaming 2018.

This year’s ICE 2018 was held at ExCeL London occupying 43,500 sq. m of space. According to the official data, 589 exhibitors from 65 nations took part in the tradeshow. Among exhibitors were gaming industry giants that traditionally showcased their novelties, as well as start-ups that demonstrated their innovative and competitive developments.

In addition to colourful booths and entertainment programs, the tradeshow featured educational seminars and conferences called ICE VOX, where over 100 speakers from different parts of the world delivered their reports. The Senator from the State of Ohio (USA) William Cowley II and the member of the collegium and the chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association Ernie Stevens Jr. were among the invitees to the conference. They spoke about the economic impact of the industry and the importance of its perception by society as well as about the future prospects of its development.

For the first time ever, ICE 2018 featured a discussion panel dedicated to the cyber sports. The panel participants discussed such important issues as e-sports bets and monetization affecting the further development of the industry.

One of the surprises of ICE 2018 was an introduction of ICE Africa by the organizing company Clarion Gaming. The new project was presented by the Managing Director of Clarion Gaming Kate Chambers. She emphasized that the decision to hold ICE Africa was prompted by the interest in the region among the gaming industry representatives, as well as the potential of the region development. The expo is planned for October 2018. It will take place in Johannesburg (South Africa), according to preliminary data. It is remarkable that Kate Chambers does not think that ICE Africa will reach the same scale as the exhibition in London in the nearest future. The organizers, however, are confident that the interest and activity of participants will only grow over the time.

Over 300 representatives of the gaming industry attended the presentation of ICE Africa. They digested news about the event positively, which brought hope for the successful implementation of the project.

ICE VOX also discussed Japan, in particular, the launch of integrated resorts & casinos on its territory. The speakers discussed important issues of the region and difficulties to be faced in the process of the project implementation. The Executive Vice President of Global Development Ed Bowers pooled the results stating that the industry representatives were hoping for the adoption of the law on gaming in the closest time and the beginning of implementation of successful projects in Japan, despite all the difficulties.

Imperium-Games spent 3 days in London with pleasure and benefit. For our company, ICE is an opportunity to meet partners and clients from different parts of the world, present our new products and developments, and expand our circle of acquaintances. We have been inspired by the crazy atmosphere of excitement and dynamics and have been ready to activity at full capacity.

Thanks to ICE 2018! See you next year … or … see you at ICE Africa 2018!