Gaming

Zynga Games Announces Halloween Spooktacular Event

Published

3 years ago

October 4, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Zynga Games, a global leader in interactive entertainment, has announced the Halloween Spooktacular event. This will be a selection of new in-game events across four of Zynga’s titles – Empires & Puzzles, Farmville 2: Country Escape, Farmville 2: Tropic Escape and Puzzle Combat.

Players can celebrate the spooky season with chilly challenges, eerie activities and sweet treats to help them get into the Halloween spirit. The events will vary by title and begin to emerge on October 1 before vanishing by November 7.

It is the season for Return to Morlovia! This recurring Halloween quest in Empires & Puzzles is updated with special rewards and new hero costumes that grant exclusive powers to help players boost their attacks or fortify their defenses. During the event, players can battle or summon seven exclusive characters, including Vlad the Vampire Lord, Francine Frankenstein and Halloween Jack. Returning to the event for a limited time is the Pumpkin Bombs feature that invites players to match pumpkins before they explode. Mystery offers and free treats will be handed out every day of the spooky event.

Empires & Puzzles successfully blends approachable match-3 battles with deeper gameplay elements including hero collection, base building and social alliances. Since its launch in 2017, Empires & Puzzles has reached the #1 grossing games position in over 70 countries on the App Store and over 30 countries on Google Play. Empires & Puzzles is available to download for free on iOS and Android.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Something spooky is coming to the farm! Heidi and Johnny play pranks on each other all the time. But this Halloween in FarmVille 2: Country Escape, Johnny is planning something big for Heidi – a playhouse packed with loads of spooktacular scares! Help Heidi traverse the haunted house while completing fangtastic phases to win exclusive rewards such as Golden Gloves. Finish all six stages to win the final farmhand reward – Hazel, the bewitching cat.

FarmVille 2: Country Escape lets players experience the world of farming, friends and fun! Players can raise animals and grow their farms with friends where everyone can trade and share. FarmVille offers a unique experience that lets players customise and build their farms just how they wish while going on incredible adventures to collect rare goods and craft new recipes. FarmVille 2: Country Escape is available on iOS and Android.

Mortie, the young son of the Grim Reaper, is back for the second year in a row. This time, he will take players on his version of a haunted house adventure. Mortie doesn’t just live in any old house – haunted houses are so last century. His home is the underworld itself! Players must keep their exploration spells and wits about them as they compete with other participants to see who can explore the farthest reaches of the netherworld with Mortimer Reaper. Players can win Halloween decorations, guides, an undead mermaid and lots of other rewards.

FarmVille 2: Tropic Escape is a part of one of the most beloved farming franchises – FarmVille. Escape to an island getaway filled with adventure, mystery and fun new mini-games in this colorful free-to-play game. FarmVille 2: Tropic Escape is available on the iOS and Android.

Brace yourself for 31 nights of fun and fright. During the month of October, Puzzle Combat will feature a special event comprising 60 playable quest stages packed with valuable rewards like terrifying avatars and unique items to enhance battles or help characters level up. Players can summon five exclusive heroes in the event, including Ichika the Vengeful Spirit, Blaire the New Wave Witch and Strawman. A Trick or Treat gameplay mechanic is also available to unlock special Halloween boosts and attacks.

Launched in April 2021, Puzzle Combat is a mobile match-3 action role-playing game (RPG) where players recruit heroes, build bases and compete in player-vs-player (PvP) battles in a zombie-themed setting. Puzzle Combat is available for iOS and Android as a free download.

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

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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

Published

6 days 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.