Fortnite champion’s iGaming studio gets Stake backing

Summary

Stake has become the principal backer of Animo Studios, a new games studio founded by livestreamer and Fortnite champion Harley Fresh. The deal will see Stake roll out the first series of Animo’s hybrid live-action and animated gameplay features — billed as an industry first — across its casino offering.

Animo intends to fuse streaming, esports and live interactivity with traditional casino formats to create event-like, community-driven experiences aimed at Gen-Z while still appealing to established players. Stake frames the partnership as part of a wider 2025 transformation push that includes new licences, game IP development and its Stake Engine platform, which promises accelerated testing and a 24-hour go-live route for studio titles.

Key Points

Stake is the principal backer of Animo Studios, founded by Harley Fresh (livestreamer and Fortnite champion).
Animo will produce hybrid live-action and animated gameplay features designed to feel like interactive events rather than single sessions.
The studio is targeting Gen-Z and streaming audiences by blending esports and live-stream culture with online casino mechanics.
The partnership aligns with Stake’s 2025 strategy to transform its product roadmap, expand licences and develop fresh game IPs.
Stake Engine — the operator’s developer platform — supports fast testing and a 24-hour approval process, helping new studios get titles live quickly.

Why should I read this?

Because it’s one of those neat industry-mashups: a top streamer + esports vibes + a major operator backing a studio that wants to make casino play feel like a live show. If you care about where iGaming engagement is heading (hint: more social, more spectacle), this is worth two minutes of your time.

Context and Relevance

The deal highlights a clear trend in iGaming: convergence with streaming and esports to capture younger audiences and inject more entertainment into casino products. For operators and developers it signals rising interest in interactive, community-centred formats and quicker routes to market via platforms like Stake Engine. Regulators and incumbents should also note the shift in product design — games framed as live events may change player behaviour and oversight considerations.