Gaming
Coffee Stain signs new development studio Box Dragon
Coffee Stain Publishing has partnered with Box Dragon, a brand-new game studio set up by industry veterans from Riot Games and Battlerite developer Stunlock Studios. The studio is located in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The agreement will see Coffee Stain back the new studio, which is working on its first project, from the pre-development stage through to release.
Yet to be announced, the new IP from Box Dragon should continue Coffee Stain’s track record of supporting and publishing some of the most critically-acclaimed indie games released in recent years, joining the likes of Valheim, Deep Rock Galactic and Satisfactory in its impressive publishing portfolio.
Box Dragon already has gaming success in its DNA, having been co-founded by Kevin Chang and Karl Bergström, two Stunlock Studio veterans that were behind the team arena brawler Battlerite.
Chang, with a background in board game design alongside his previous position as Systems Designer and Product Owner, is now Game Director at Box Dragon, while former Battlerite Technical Director Bergström is now CEO and Tech Director for the team.
Aleks Nikonov, a familiar face in the art world as a fantastic talent and recognisable to many in the games industry as the mind behind some of League of Legends most iconic art, is also already in place as the Art Director. While the studio has also recently filled a variety of other roles, Box Dragon is still looking for a sound designer, a producer, and an additional programmer to make their mark on its exciting new project.
While so far very little has been revealed about Box Dragon and Coffee Stain’s upcoming project together, it will draw upon the team’s background in board game design and feature a lush semi-stylised post-apocalyptic world.
Albert Säfström, CEO of Coffee Stain Publishing, commented: “To have Box Dragon on board is another great moment for Coffee Stain. We want to be helping developers that are original, unique and ground-breaking, and the Box Dragon team are all those things and more.
“The Box Dragon team is already packed with incredible talent and features the minds behind some incredible, and even iconic, games. We’re really excited to be working with them, and can’t wait to share more details about the project when we can.”
Kevin Chang, Co-Founder and Game Director at Box Dragon added: “We are incredibly proud to be working with Coffee Stain, a publisher that has become synonymous with originality and creativity. They’ve helped support some of the industry’s best success stories, and we’re so excited for their support as we develop our first project. Things are under wraps at the moment given how early we are in the development process, but we’re looking forward to sharing more as soon as we can.
“The partnership has also empowered us to grow our team with even more talented and creative members as we continue development, and I can’t wait to see what we can create together with Coffee Stain.”
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Gaming
Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms
Significant industry first will see game launch from day one across 5 alternative stores in addition to Apple and Google.
Flexion, the games marketing company, announces a partnership with preeminent developer King to market new game Candy Crush Solitaire© in alternative app stores.
Expected to be one of the exciting game announcements of the year, Candy Crush Solitaire© will be available on the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei App Gallery, Xiaomi GetApps and ONE store from the get-go thanks to Flexion’s expertise and technology. The game launches globally across platforms on 6 February and is already available for preregistration in all the stores.
Flexion has had a partnership with King since June 2024 to market Candy Crush Saga© on the alternative stores. With this latest deal, both companies are breaking new ground with concurrent launches, taking them to the leading edge of games marketing.
“This is the first time King will launch simultaneously across such a wide range of platforms,” says Jens Lauritzson, Flexion’s CEO. “King has recognised that mobile audiences come from a more diverse range of markets these days, and we are thrilled to be able to help them reach those markets. Flexion has brought to the partnership the tech, experience and expertise to ensure the ultimate in user choice.”
Commenting on the deal, Benjamin Pommeraud, General Manager of Strategic Initiatives at King, says: “We’re excited to partner with Flexion to make Candy Crush Solitaire available to more players. As our first expansion of the Candy universe into a new genre, this collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that are accessible to everyone, no matter where they choose to play.”
The post Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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)
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
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.
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