The highly anticipated merger between Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) and CDC Gaming is now official, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter for the global gaming media industry. Announced in October 2024, the union became official as of 1 January 2025, establishing Complete Media Group (CMG) as the new corporate parent.
The merger brings together two decades of expertise from the world’s leading gaming markets—Macau and the United States—creating the first truly global media and events powerhouse in the sector.
A Unified Global Vision
With this merger, IAG and CDC Gaming combine their regional expertise and longstanding reputations to strengthen their influence across the gaming industry. Despite operating under the newly formed CMG, both companies will maintain their respective brand identities and continue to serve their unique audiences, a move that aligns with CMG’s ethos: “Regional expertise, worldwide.”
Andrew W Scott, IAG’s Vice Chairman and CEO, has assumed the same roles at CMG, while CDC Gaming’s Publisher Cory Roberts takes on dual responsibilities as CMG’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer. Together, they lead a workforce of around 50 professionals spread across the US and Asia.
“This merger isn’t just a step forward for IAG and CDC Gaming but a leap for the gaming and integrated resort industries in Asia and the Americas,” Scott remarked. “We’re excited to kick off 2025 with new possibilities for our teams, clients, and the industries we serve.”
Bridging the Pacific: Key Leadership Insights
Both Scott and Roberts emphasized the importance of fostering strong relationships between their respective teams during the merger process. Scott’s visits to the US throughout 2024 and Roberts’ meetings in Macau in November 2024 solidified the partnership’s foundation.
Roberts reflected on the collaboration, saying, “Macau’s meetings with the IAG team were a clear demonstration of our shared goals and compatibility. Similarly, Andrew’s visits to the US built a strong bridge for our teams as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The leadership believes that the merger’s doubling of operational scale will allow for the launch of innovative projects in 2025, enhancing CMG’s offerings in both Asia and the Americas.
Milestones and Future Plans
This merger marks a pivotal moment, not only for IAG and CDC Gaming but for the broader gaming media landscape. The companies, with their combined resources, are poised to:
- Expand Coverage: Offer deeper insights and more comprehensive coverage of global gaming markets.
- Host Events: Organize larger, more impactful industry events across both continents.
- Launch Initiatives: Roll out new projects tailored to the needs of integrated resorts and gaming businesses worldwide.
The strategic partnership, spanning six years before the merger, underscores the compatibility and shared vision of the two entities.
What This Means for the Gaming Industry
For industry professionals, the merger signals the arrival of a consolidated media entity with unmatched regional insights and a global reach. The expertise rooted in Macau’s integrated resort hubs and the dynamic gaming landscape of the United States positions CMG as a central player in shaping industry discourse.
Clients, partners, and stakeholders can expect more robust offerings and innovative platforms to connect with key players in the gaming world.
