Gaming

Game ON Mid Sweden Takes Mentorship to the Next Level

Published

4 years ago

June 10, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Innovative Skill-Up Program gets support from leading industry lights from all over the world and big names including Sega, Ubisoft & Dice

Mid Sweden’s newest gaming hub, rapidly making its mark on the international stage, today revealed top names from leading global game companies who are flocking to support one of Europe’s most exciting upskilling opportunities for prospective game industry employees. Mentors from Ubisoft, Paradox Interactive, and Sega are amongst the first to bring their expertise to Game ON’s ambitious Skill-Up participants. The impressive roster of industry mentors continues to grow, offering unparalleled expertise and unique insights to the Game ON programme.

Mentors, including industry giant Ubisoft, will supply invaluable industry insight, feedback, and support throughout the year. With a host of experienced people leading this programme the participants are in a unique position where the mentors can directly advise on all aspects of how to develop a career within the gaming industry, whether that be business development, marketing, pitching, and other key areas for a successful game development strategy.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

A large part of the success of Game ON Mid Sweden can be attributed to Patty Toledo, the irrepressible leader of the program who has tapped into her international network to recruit some of the best mentors in the industry: “Mid Sweden is the most up and coming area for the games industry, and to get the support from such innovative companies, on a global scale, to participate in the Skill-Up program amplifies to the rest of the world that mid-Sweden is now on the map”, said Toledo.. “The SkillUp program is the most comprehensive program that mid-Sweden has to offer, consolidating future thriving careers in Sweden’s growing games industry, and taking them to the next level.”

Game ON is a huge attraction for international participants who are looking for a breath of fresh air after a year of industry turmoil. The beautiful area of Västernorrland offers the perfect place to invest in individual development and contribute to the thriving Swedish economy. This rapidly growing gaming hub will undoubtedly attract participants that recognise the great potential that mid-Sweden has to offer for the gaming industry, and who are determined to gain more knowledge and experience within this $180 billion industry.

With Game ON’s new pool of mentors, they have the opportunity to teach and train the future of prospective games industry talent and will contribute enormously to the future of gaming. For candidates, the wealth of knowledge that mentors are looking to pass down is an invaluable opportunity, and undoubtedly an opportunity they will seize with both hands.

Game ON, mid-Sweden’s new creative and innovative non-profit project, grew from a desire to make waves within the gaming industry and build tangible opportunities in Vasternorrland. The popular creative hub is forging a name for mid-Sweden in international markets, as mentors are joining from all over the world to provide education, resources, and creatives from within the games industry. The main objective of the mentors is to advise, provide and inspire the program’s participants, catapulting them into success in the gaming sector, and allowing them to thrive within their new areas of expertise.

FreezeNova

10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)

Published

6 days ago

December 20, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.

Recognizing Early Signs

“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:

Exhaustion and Irritability

Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.

Gaming Obsession

If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.

Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests

A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.

Emotional Volatility

Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.

Physical Strain

Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.

Neglecting Basic Needs

If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.

Creating a Supportive Environment

While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.

Teamwork and Setting Boundaries

“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.

Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.

Open Communication

Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.

Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”

Compliance Updates

SYNOT Games Officially Certifies Over 140 Games in Brazil

Published

1 week ago

December 17, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

synot-games-officially-certifies-over-140-games-in-brazil

SYNOT Games has announced that more than 140 of its games have now been officially certified in Brazil.

“We are delighted to announce that more than 140 of our games have now been officially certified in Brazil. This significant achievement allows us to expand our reach and introduce a diverse selection of games to this dynamic market. Brazil represents a key opportunity for growth, and we are committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences to the Brazilian audience,” the Company said.

“We are thrilled to introduce our portfolio in Brazil, offering innovative and engaging gameplay that promises to captivate and entertain players,” Martina Krajci, CCO at SYNOT Games, said.

Gaming

SPGA Introduces Code of Conduct to Highlight Member Commitment to Compliance and Safety in Social and Promotional Gaming

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

spga-introduces-code-of-conduct-to-highlight-member-commitment-to-compliance-and-safety-in-social-and-promotional-gaming

The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA), an organization dedicated to providing stakeholder education and advocating for the responsible operation of social games offering promotional sweepstakes prizes, today announced the implementation of a Code of Conduct for its operator members.

The Code of Conduct is designed to spotlight the processes and technologies already in place at both SPGA member sites and the majority of social casinos offering promotional sweepstakes, also referred to as social sweeps games.

Social sweeps games combine the established social casino model, on which Americans have spent over $40 billion in the last decade, and add promotional prizes. No purchase is necessary to win prizes, and the vast majority of users play for free.

The foundational pillars of the Code of Conduct include the application of regulation-grade suppliers, technology, or policies to ensure:

Age verification to limit real money play to users 18 and older
Proper identity verification (Know Your Customer or KYC)
Location verification of customers
AML policies to ensure proper transaction monitoring

“The pillars of the SPGA Code of Conduct highlight the technology and processes already in place at most social sweeps operators to ensure that the millions of adults who enjoy these games do so in a safe and reliable environment,” said Camilla Wright of Red Knot Communications, a spokesperson for the SPGA.

“The standards of the Code of Conduct go above and beyond the accepted best practices for traditional social casinos.”

In the months ahead, the SPGA will release more details on the Code of Conduct, introduce additional pillars, and engage an external firm to certify member compliance with the Code.

“We look forward to continuing to develop the Code of Conduct to further strengthen the commitment of SPGA members to compliance and player protection while providing consumers with a highly social and engaging experience that is always free to play,” said Wright.