Expanse Studios Launches First Celebrity-Branded Slot 'VASO Psycho' with MMA Icon Vaso Bakocevic
MWN-AI** Summary
Expanse Studios, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc., has officially launched its first celebrity-branded slot game titled "VASO Psycho," in collaboration with renowned MMA fighter Vaso "Psycho" Bakocevic. This launch marks a significant step in the studio's strategic content model, combining its core B2B operations with the lucrative element of celebrity licensing. Bakocevic, a prominent figure in European MMA with a notable record of 69 fights and a substantial following on social media, brings considerable promotional power to the game, which is particularly targeted at audiences in the Balkan region.
The game is designed around Bakocevic's persona, featuring mechanics that align with the high-stakes environment of MMA. Key elements include the PSYCHO symbol that triggers exclusive game features and multipliers that enhance player engagement. With a 5x4 reel setup, 10 fixed paylines, and a return-to-player (RTP) rate of 96.74%, VASO Psycho is built to deliver an exciting gaming experience while offering operators flexibility through promotional tools like Free Spins and Progressive Jackpots.
By introducing branded IPs like VASO Psycho, Expanse Studios aims to scale its operations without reshaping its existing distribution framework. The game’s integration across both real-money and social casino platforms significantly expands its deployment capabilities, catering to a diverse operator base of over 1,300 casinos worldwide. The full global rollout of VASO Psycho is expected to be completed by the end of February 2026, further solidifying Expanse Studios' position in the competitive iGaming landscape.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent launch of Expanse Studios’ celebrity-branded slot game, VASO Psycho, represents a significant opportunity for investors in Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI). By leveraging the immense popularity of MMA icon Vaso Bakocevic, Expanse is strategically positioning itself to tap into new markets, specifically in the Balkans, where Bakocevic boasts a loyal following.
Branded content is becoming increasingly pivotal in the gaming industry, offering an avenue for differentiation in a saturated market. Expanse Studios' ability to create games centered around well-known personalities not only attracts dedicated fan bases but also enhances marketing efficacy. The collaboration bridges gaming and sports, bringing unique promotional advantages that traditional games lack. With approximately half a million Instagram followers, Bakocevic’s influence could drive significant traffic to the game and, by extension, the operators who host it.
Moreover, VASO Psycho's core mechanics cleverly mirror the volatility and excitement of MMA, which could enhance player engagement. The game's intrinsic features, coupled with a solid RTP of 96.74% and the potential for substantial multipliers, should appeal to a wide array of players seeking both thrill and profitability.
From a market perspective, investors should monitor GMGI's stock for potential upside, particularly as the global rollout of VASO Psycho unfolds. The broader applicability of this game in both real-money and social gaming spheres could amplify revenue streams, positioning Expanse to capture a more extensive customer base.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Expanse Studios’ innovative approach to integrating celebrity branding within their content model could serve as a catalyst for growth in GMGI's stock price. Capitalizing on this trend could provide investors with substantial returns, especially if the game successfully resonates with the target audience in the Balkans and beyond.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
LAS VEGAS, Feb. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Expanse Studios, a subsidiary of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), has launched VASO Psycho, the studio's first celebrity-branded slot title, developed in exclusive partnership with Vaso "Psycho" Bakocevic, one of the most recognized MMA fighters in Europe.
This release adds a new strategic layer to Expanse’s content model. While the core B2B business continues to drive steady distribution, branded titles introduce a powerful licensing element—giving the Company a wider reach and the kind of marketing boost that only a celebrity’s personal brand can provide.
Vaso Bakocevic, nicknamed "Psycho," is a Montenegrin MMA and bare-knuckle fighter with a professional record spanning 69 fights across organizations including Bellator MMA, KSW, FNC, and BKFC. A three-time regional champion (World Freefight Challenge, Montenegro Fighting Championship, Megdan Fighting), he has competed across Europe and the Middle East over a 15-year professional career.
With approximately half a million Instagram followers and a primary audience concentrated in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and broader Balkan markets——Bako?evi? brings a built-in promotional network that extends the game's reach beyond standard operator distribution.
"This collaboration brings together two things the Balkan market knows well: MMA and the thrill of high-stakes gaming," said Damjan Stamenkovic, CEO of Expanse Studios. "VASO Psycho is built around Vaso's identity—his nickname, his fighting style, his presence. For operators, this means a game with organic promotional support from a personality with genuine regional reach. For Expanse, it demonstrates that our content model extends beyond standard game development into branded IP partnerships that open new commercial dimensions."
A New Vertical
This release adds a powerful new layer to Expanse’s content model. While the core B2B business continues to drive steady distribution across its 60+ titles, branded IPs introduce a unique licensing element that combines game development with celebrity-driven promotion. By building games around icons like Vaso "Psycho" Bakocevic, the Studio brings a pre-built audience directly to the platform, tapping into fan loyalty to help operators stand out in a crowded market.
The game is built exclusively around Bakocevic's likeness, nickname, and fighting identity. The game's core mechanics mirror the tension and volatility of MMA competition: a PSYCHO symbol triggers the VASO feature, while the FIGHT feature activates multipliers ranging from 3x to 100x when Vaso's opponent appears on the third reel.
The game runs on a 5x4 reel layout with 10 fixed paylines, medium-high volatility, 96.74% RTP, and a maximum multiplier of 10,000x. Promotional tools—including Free Spins, Bonus Buy, and Multilevel Progressive Jackpots—provide a full suite that gives operators maximum flexibility across both real-money and social casino deployments.
Scaling Through Branded Content
The launch of VASO Psycho demonstrates that Expanse can scale its content beyond traditional game development. By leveraging our existing network of 1,300+ operators, we are able to introduce branded IP to a massive audience instantly, without reinventing our distribution process.
The social casino compatibility of VASO Psycho also positions the title across both real-money and alternative gaming formats, maximizing deployment flexibility across Expanse's diverse operator base.
VASO Psycho is now live across core Expanse markets. The full global rollout will be completed by the end of February.
About Expanse Studios
Expanse Studios, part of the Golden Matrix Group (NASDAQ: GMGI), is a B2B iGaming content provider specializing in slots, crash games, turn-based strategies, and card games. With a growing portfolio of over 60 proprietary titles, Expanse powers over 1,300 casino brands across Europe, LATAM, and North America. Learn more at expanse.studio.
About Golden Matrix
Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI), based in Las Vegas, is a gaming technology company operating globally through B2B divisions (GMAG, Expanse Studios) that develop and license proprietary platforms, and B2C operations including RKings (UK competitions), Mexplay (Mexico online casino), Classics (Australian – based subscription and loyalty business) and Meridianbet—a leading sportsbook licensed in 18 jurisdictions across Europe, Africa, and South America. Learn more at goldenmatrix.com.
Contact: ir@meridianbet.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/091c9087-3a58-44b5-b279-c562a1149554
FAQ**
How does the launch of VASO Psycho by Expanse Studios and Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI) reflect the company's strategy for leveraging celebrity brands in the gaming industry?
What specific benefits does Golden Matrix Group Inc. (GMGI) anticipate from the marketing support provided by Vaso "Psycho" Bakocevic's established fan base?
In what ways does the collaboration between Expanse Studios and Vaso Bakocevic enhance the B2B content model of Golden Matrix Group Inc. (GMGI)?
How might the positioning of VASO Psycho within both real-money and social casino formats affect the overall revenue growth for Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI)?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Golden Matrix Group Inc. (NASDAQ: GMGI).
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