Gaming
Games Lift: These five teams join the incubator for game developers in Hamburg in 2022
With their convincing pitches, five teams from Hamburg have proven the promising potential of their game projects to the Games Lift awarding committee. From September 12, they will be part of the Games Lift Incubator program – a funding and support opportunity for game makers that is unique in Germany. The incubator will support the teams with a three-month workshop and mentoring program with international industry experts, 15,000 euros in financial support, and desks at a co-working space in Hamburg.
More than 30 experts in game design, product development, pitching, business development, public relations, and marketing from the Games Lift Network share their experience with the teams to give the game projects professional support in reaching their first big milestones. The Games Lift Incubator is organized and implemented by the location initiative Gamecity Hamburg on behalf of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
A total of 21 teams and solo developers applied for this third round of the Games Lift Incubator. The decision on the five participating teams was made by the awarding committee, consisting of Mareike Ottrand (Founder Studio Fizbin & Professor of Interactive Illustration and Games HAW Hamburg), Ole Schaper (CEO & CTO Sviper), Wolf Lang (CEO Super Crowd), Amanda Förtsch (Project Manager Gamecity Hamburg) and Jens Unrau (Head of Department Media and Digital Economy of the Ministry of Culture and Media in Hamburg).
Mareike Ottrand on the awarding committee’s decision: “This year, both the number and the quality of the applications received were particularly high. We are impressed by the passion and quality of the pitches. Hamburg has a large pool of talented aspiring games start-ups and graduates. In the incubator, the five selected teams can now show what they are capable of and continue to refine their game projects with the help of the mentors.”
The five projects and teams in the Games Lift Incubator 2022:
- About Cannons + Sparrows by ACAS
- Babsi Bullet by Team Marty
- Evergreen Garden by Elin Meinecke
- METACORE by Team Metacore
- Stack’em up by Team Godcomplex
Introducing the five game projects:
About Cannons + Sparrows by ACAS is a physics-based puzzle platformer with story-driven genre twists and an ever-evolving character in the form of a miniature cannon.
Babsi Bullet by Team Marty is a fun tap-and-shoot game designed for touchscreens, where shooting means moving: Babsi “half teenager, half pistol” Bullet moves through the levels as a projectile.
Evergreen Garden by Elin Meinecke is a captivating farming simulation role-playing game with puzzle elements and a strong focus on natural gardening.
METACORE by Team Metacore is a co-op action first-person shooter for 1-4 players with a focus on teamwork and synergy effects the players create through an arsenal of unique weapons and gadgets.
Stack’em up by Team Godcomplex is a party game (online or local) where 2-6 players fight their way through crazy maps turn by turn, trying not to get devoured by their opponents amid the mayhem.
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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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