Gaming
gamescom 2021: digital event a major success – promising outlook for the post-election political climate
gamescom took a major step forward in its second year as a purely digital event. Numerous facets of the digital concept were optimised, resulting in hundreds of satisfied gamescom partners and millions of satisfied fans around the world. The grand opening show “gamescom: Opening Night Live” with host Geoff Keighley alone reached around 5.8 million live viewers, which is more than 30 per cent more than in 2020, with again around 2 million viewers simultaneously. In all, 13 million people watched gamescom shows this year – an increase of 30 per cent compared to the previous year. gamescom was followed in more than 180 countries around the globe.
‘gamescom 2021 was a tremendous success. Not only was the community closely involved through gamescom EPIX, but the event also featured the entirely revamped “gamescom now” hub and our programme of gamescom shows, including “gamescom: Opening Night Live”. We succeeded in taking a huge step forward with our digital concept – to the delight of our many partners and of the community as a whole. This offers us an outstanding digital foundation for the years to come, when gamescom will be able to take place in Cologne once again and we can combine the digital experience with live, in-person visits,’ says Felix Falk, Managing Director of game – the German Games Industry Association, which is a joint organiser of gamescom. ‘Be it the political opening of gamescom or the Debatt(l)e Royale, I am pleased that all the parties have taken this opportunity a few short weeks before the German parliamentary elections to highlight the importance of digital and games policy for the upcoming legislative period. There was a cross-party consensus that further improvements in the conditions for Germany as a games location were on tap, including the simplification and continuation of games funding, efforts to attract specialist personnel, the deployment of serious games and the expansion of digital infrastructure. Thanks to these positive signals at gamescom, our German games industry can look forward to the German parliamentary elections with confidence.’
gamescom 2021 was clearly focused on its central theme ‘Games: The New Normal’. The gamescom congress and political events in particular offered opportunities for guests, including Andreas Scheuer, the Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, and Dorothee Bär, Minister of State for Digitalisation, to highlight the tremendous social and economic potential of games, and the need for Germany to make fuller use of this potential. It was pointed out that improving the conditions in which the German games industry operates is a key requirement for making this possible.
gamescom 2022 will take place from 24 to 28 August in Cologne and online.
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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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