Gaming

GameMaker launches new learning resources empowering game creators to take their skills to the next level

Published

3 years ago

December 22, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Start your game design journey this holiday and let GameMaker’s new Coaching program, Drag and Drop tutorial and free monthly Asset Bundles be your gift to creating great games.

Whether you’re just making your first game or designing your next hit, overcoming creative and technical challenges is an important part of the journey. This is why GameMaker is launching a range of new learning resources to help creators take their design skills to the next level this Christmas and beyond.

First is GameMaker Coaching – a new learning program designed to get creators quickly making great games. With GameMaker Coaching, creators can access a growing library of learning materials, produced and delivered by professional GameMaker developers. To start, GameMaker Coaching is launching a regular webinar series that will run throughout 2022, delivered by expert coaches, including Aaron Craig, Josia Roncancio, and Gurpreet Singh Matharoo. The first webinar, entitled “Introduction to GameMaker Language (GML)”, will take place on 26th January 2022, 1pm PST / 9pm GMT and will be delivered by Aaron Craig. Creators can sign up by visiting https://opr.as/GM-AC.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

In January, creators will also be able to access pre-recorded training videos. The first, created by Peter Morgan (aka Slyddar), will explore some various uses of GameMaker’s powerful animation tool, Sequences. With more videos being added regularly and new learning formats being introduced throughout the year.

Next is Hero’s Trail – the latest free Drag and Drop tutorial for GameMaker beginners. Created by Gurpreet Singh Matharoo, the six-part tutorial series enables creators to build a high-quality action-adventure game, in which a brave knight must navigate a spooky castle to reveal hidden gold coins.

Finally, GameMaker is introducing new monthly Asset Bundles, which are free for GameMaker subscribers to download. The Asset Bundles are perfect if you need some game artwork or quick sound effects, or want to get a nice looking prototype for designing your next big game.

Russell Kay, Head of GameMaker, said: “While it’s never been easier to start making games with GameMaker, designing any game requires the creator to learn new skills and solve numerous problems. GameMaker Coaching has been designed to support creators through every step of their game design journey. So now every creator has access to their own team of industry experts, ready to help them make the best game possible.”

Krystian Kolondra, EVP PC & Gaming at Opera, added: “We believe that making games is for everyone. This is why we’ve made GameMaker free to use and made it possible for everyone to share their creations with an audience of millions, in just one-click’.

“Our grand vision is to make creating and sharing games as easy as posting on a social media platform, but just like starting a blog or creating an online video, if you’ve never done it before the chances are you might need a little guidance. This is why we’re introducing GameMaker Coaching, plus our latest free tutorial and monthly Asset Bundles, so that more creators can hopefully make and share games they are proud of.”

Sign-up for your free GameMaker account and start learning to make games today by visiting https://opr.as/GMS2

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 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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.