Gaming

The top 10 broadband areas for gamers revealed

Published

3 years ago

October 25, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Research by comparethemarket.com reveals the top and worst UK broadband spots for gamers
Kingston Upon Hull ranks the highest for the top place to game, followed closely by Birmingham
Na h-Eileanan an Iar in Scotland is in bottom place

It’s an exciting time for gamers at the moment. Not only did we see the release of FIFA 22 this month, but next month Call of Duty: Vanguard and the Battlefield 2042 are set to launch. For the 46.7million¹ UK gamers to be able to enjoy these new games, they’ll need to have reliable broadband.

To find out which areas are the top to reside in for the best gaming connection, comparethemarket.com has republished its ‘Broadband Impact’ report to show where gamers are the most and least likely to be disrupted due to poor internet speeds*. First undertaken in May 2020, average download speeds (Mbps), superfast broadband availability, and households’ ability to receive decent broadband have been analysed to see how the results differ today.

The top 10 areas for gamers are as follows:

Rank	Constituency	Region	Average speed (Mbps) Advertisement	% able to receive superfast broadband	% unable to receive decent broadband	Combined gaming score
1	Kingston upon Hull East	Yorkshire and The Humber	165.70	98.90% Advertisement	0%	2.97
2	Kingston upon Hull North	Yorkshire and The Humber	163.00 Advertisement	98.00%	0.30% Advertisement	2.90
3	Birmingham, Hall Green	West Midlands	160.90	97.80%	0.10% Advertisement	2.89
4	Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle	Yorkshire and The Humber	156.40	98.60% Advertisement	0.10%	2.88
5	Birmingham, Hodge Hill	West Midlands	146.40	99.50% Advertisement	0.10%	2.84
6	Welwyn Hatfield	East of England	137.60 Advertisement	97.50%	0.10%	2.71
7	Birmingham, Selly Oak	West Midlands	150.50	96.60%	1.00%	2.69
7	St Albans Advertisement	East of England	135.40	97.40% Advertisement	0.10%	2.69
8	York Outer	Yorkshire and The Humber	146.70 Advertisement	94.50%	0.20% Advertisement	2.68
9	York Central	Yorkshire and The Humber	147.40	93.80%	0.40% Advertisement	2.64
10	Birmingham, Yardley	West Midlands	108.20	98.80%	0.00%	2.53

Overall, the region of Yorkshire and The Humber is leading the way, home to five of the top 10 areas for gamers. Looking at the difference in constituencies, Kingston upon Hull East, and North still claim the first and second spot as they did in May 2020. However, whilst Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle previously held the position as the third top area, the constituency has been knocked to fourth, with Birmingham, Hall Green now creeping its way into the top 10.

Looking at today’s worst areas for gamers, three locations in Scotland make up the top three spots. Na h-Eileanan an Iar is the worst place, with just 75.3% of people able to receive superfast broadband, and 10.8% unable to access decent broadband at all. Orkney and Shetland come in second, with only 67% able to receive superfast broadband, and 6.8% unable to access adequate broadband. Argyll and Bute rank third, with 8% unable to receive sufficient broadband.

Commenting, Mubina Pirmohamed, head of digital at comparethemarket, says: “If you’re an avid gamer, then you’ll know only too well that it doesn’t come cheap. Consoles and games can be expensive.

Want to know which other areas have been ranked as the worst for gamers? You can view a full breakdown of the top 10 spots here: https://www.comparethemarket.com/broadband/content/best-cities-in-england-for-gamers/

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

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.