Gaming
Gaming glitch: UK gaming industry hit by skills shortage as applications to creative courses down 20% in last decade
Following higher education funding cuts of 50%, falling applicant numbers for creative courses at UK universities have caused a skills shortage. Experts highlight an increasing reliance on international students to plug the creative skills gap.
The UK could be facing a creativity deficit, with 20% fewer applications for arts and design courses at UK universities in the last decade. In the last five years alone, there has been a 12% drop.
These courses play a key role in providing talent to creative industries, including gaming, fashion, film, photography and music, among others.
The greatest contributors to the decline are falling numbers of UK and EU applicants. Domestic applications are down 25% in 10 years, while EU applications have halved since Brexit.
By contrast, the amount of non-EU applicants for creative arts and design courses in the UK has more than doubled in the last 10 years. In the last five years, it has risen by 44%. Around one in six applications for UK creative courses now come from non-UK citizens.
The data was collected from UCAS through a freedom of information request, by high-resolution design textures specialists Ultra High Resolution. The findings show applicant numbers and diversity in demographics for all creative arts and design courses at UK universities.
Recent reports suggest that the booming UK film industry and related sectors will have 40,000 vacancies by 2025, with a severe skills shortage looming on the horizon.
A ripple effect
The UK government slashed higher education funding for art and design courses across England by 50% this academic year.
This prompted a wave of criticism that the cuts misunderstood art’s role in society, and predictions that the impacts would ripple across the economy. Industries that rely upon both technical and creative skills are reporting skills shortages post-Brexit.
The pandemic, a surge in games’ popularity and Brexit have caused a labour shortage in the gaming industry, which used to rely heavily upon EU talent. There’s a demand for those with animation, design and writing skills in the UK games market, which is more than double the size it was 10 years ago.
Meanwhile, the fashion industry – the UK’s largest creative industry – which is worth £35 billion a year, has warned of severe talent shortages, with EU workers leaving gaps post-Brexit. Architecture is facing a similar challenge: the RIBA’s Future Trends survey reports that one in five practices are struggling to recruit.
David Lineton, a still life photographer who heads up the digital specialist team at Ultra High Resolution, said:
“During the pandemic, we’ve seen the arts suffer greatly, with lockdowns keeping people away from galleries, cinemas and theatres. And funding has been another huge issue, with those in the industry sometimes struggling for their incomes, making the field more competitive than ever.
“What’s pleasing though, is that the UK’s international reputation for the creative industries is still shining through. And as the UK scene becomes even more diverse, we’re sure to see a truly vibrant industry emerge from the pandemic.”
Ste Bergin, film producer and lecturer on the film production course at the University of Salford, said:
“When George Osborne was Chancellor of the Exchequer, he brought in some major tax incentives for productions to shoot in the UK. This allowed the UK to grow further as a cultural powerhouse – and students want to study in that kind of environment as it simply may not exist at home. More international talent moving to the UK means that more art is created here, and we are more financially incentivised as a country to fund that talent’s art.”
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Amusnet has released its latest crash game, Hot Racing. This high-energy game throws players straight onto the track, where every second matters and every decision can boost the win.
Place the bet and watch the race unfold. The multiplier starts climbing the second the cars hit the track, and every moment the player stay in pushes the potential win higher. Want to play it smart? Use the 50% Cash Out to secure part of your winnings while keeping the rest in the race. Push too far, though, and a car can drop out – taking your bet with it. It’s all about timing.
Every round brings a fresh shot of adrenaline. Ready to level up? Place an additional side bet and pick the car you think will surge ahead and win the race. It’s your chance to add more excitement and boost your strategy.
Prefer a more laid-back approach? Turn on Autoplay. Set your number of rounds and your target multiplier, and let the game do the work. Once your target hits, your win locks in automatically – smooth, simple, and stress-free.
The tension builds in seconds. The stakes keep rising. Every race puts you right on the edge – go bigger or cash out now? That’s where the real thrill kicks in.
Hot Racing brings speed, excitement and sharp decision-making into every round. Jump in, trust your instincts and grab your win before the race leaves you behind.
Gamble
Play the game and multiply the winnings through the Gambling feature.
Multipliers
The game starts with a multiplier set at 1x and rises gradually and can go up to a max coefficient of 1,000,000. Multiplier can potentially crash at 1x, ending the game round.
50% Cash Out
Players can cash out 50% of their bet during the game round and continue playing with the remaining 50%.
Side Bet
Add extra excitement with the Side Bet! Pick the car you think will be the faster in the race and increase the potential payout.
Jackpot Cards
The Jackpot Cards bonus game is triggered at random during the gameplay to allow players to win impressive jackpots.
The post Amusnet Releases its Latest Crash Game “Hot Racing” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Wazdan, the gain-focused game developer, has bolstered its high-performing Hot Slot
portfolio with the launch of Hot Slot: Diamond Coins, a vibrant new title that merges the series’ retro charm with mechanics from its flagship Coins collection.
Staying true to the Hot Slot format, the game spans 15 reels and features fan-favourite mechanics including Cash Infinity and Hold the Jackpot, alongside specially designed Bonus symbols to boost engagement.
In the Hold the Jackpot Bonus Game, players compete for a Grand Jackpot of up to 3,000x their stake. Standard Hot Slot symbols also remain active on any reel without a Bonus symbol, using two paylines to deliver consistent base-game wins.
The Chance Level feature adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement, increasing the likelihood of triggering the Hold the Jackpot Bonus Round and offering players a more personalised gameplay experience.
Radka Bacheva, Head of Sales and Business Development at Wazdan, said:
“Hot Slot: Diamond Coins marks an exciting milestone in the evolution of the Hot Slot series. By combining the retro aesthetics players love with the proven performance of our Coins mechanics, and layering in Cash Infinity, Hold the Jackpot, and Chance Level, we’ve created a dynamic experience that immediately captures attention and delivers engaging, high-energy gameplay from the very first spin.”
Hot Slot: Diamond Coins is now available for integration, designed to perform across global markets and appeal to a broad player base.
The post Wazdan enhances Hot Slot™ series with Hot Slot™: Diamond Coins appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
PopOK Gaming has launched its latest title, Matatu Juu, a fast-paced crash game that brings the vibrant energy of urban commutes to the gaming world. Inspired by the lively “Matatu” culture, the game challenges players to chase escalating multipliers, with the potential for wins of up to 10,000x.
High-Stakes, Player-Controlled Action
At the heart of Matatu Juu is the intuitive Cashout mechanic, giving players full control to decide the perfect moment to secure their rewards before the inevitable crash. Timing and strategy define the thrill, creating a tense, adrenaline-filled experience with every spin.
Key Features:
- Massive Multiplier Potential: Chase multipliers soaring up to 10,000x for life-changing wins.
- Player-Centric Control: Cash out at your own pace—play safe or go all-in for the ultimate payout.
- Seamless Gameplay: A clean, engaging interface that’s easy for newcomers but addictive for experienced players.
- Vibrant Urban Theme: A colorful, energetic design that blends cultural flair with modern gaming mechanics.
“With Matatu Juu, we wanted to capture the thrill of a fast-paced commute and turn it into a rewarding gaming journey,” said Luiza Melikyan, Head of Business Development at PopOK Gaming. “Combining simple crash mechanics with huge win potential keeps players on the edge of their seats from start to finish.”
Matatu Juu is now available for integration, offering operators a high-engagement title perfectly suited for players seeking instant-win, social-style gaming experiences.
The post PopOK Gaming Launches “Matatu Juu”: A Fast-Paced Journey to 10,000x Multipliers appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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