Gaming

Fly high with FunFair Games’ Hugo: Up & Away

Published

2 years ago

September 29, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

FunFair Games has announced its latest next-generation title, Hugo: Up & Away, an exciting multiplayer crash-game created in partnership with IP-owner 5^th Planet Games.

The story-driven release sees the lovable troll Hugo navigate through perilous storms and thunderous clouds in a plane full of jewels, all while avoiding his foes’ explosive TNT balloons.

A fulfilling multiplier increases the further Hugo travels, with a delightful maximum win worth x2,500. However, should our protagonist be struck by fatal lightning, the rewarding journey comes to an end. Players must decide the best time to parachute to safety in order to earn more rewards.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

To support Hugo’s companions, players can place two bets each round and utilise the title’s advantageous auto-eject features that help users receive sky-high wins.

Hugo is a fictional character who was first introduced through a hit interactive live TV show that aired in the 90s and entertained people in more than 40 countries. The franchise also amassed a large following in the video-gaming space, bringing forward a range of computer, mobile and console games that received global recognition.

Thanks to FunFair Games’ recently announced partnership with Hugo’s IP holder 5^th Planet Games, the innovative studio has been able to introduce the timeless character to the growing crash-game vertical.

Featuring the same mechanics as the company’s top-performing title AstroBoomers: To the Moon!, the new title promises an engrossing casino experience.

Enhancing the studio’s collection of immersive non-traditional titles, Hugo: Up & Away allows FunFair Games to meet its ambitions of developing a new genre of games and attracting the next generation of gamblers.

Mark McGinley, CEO of FunFair Games, said: “Hugo: Up & Away has the potential to be one of our most popular releases, with the Scandinavian franchise having gained a broad following thanks to a consistent flow of gaming and cinematic adaptations since the 90s.

“We’re delighted with the final product and have to thank 5^th Planet Games for its support throughout the development process. We can’t wait for players to enjoy this vibrant title that combines elements from the original game show and harmonises it with the thrilling crash game elements.”

Mark Stanger, CEO of 5^th Planet Games, added: “We are delighted to bring Hugo into a completely new and exciting vertical in the real money gaming space together with FunFair Games. With a crash scene being the focal point of the original TV show, we have found the perfect match in FunFair Games with their expertise in creating engaging crash-style content, and we couldn’t be happier with the result.

“Hugo remains an extremely popular character in countries around the world and offering a modern twist of the original story was an opportunity we could not turn down; we look forward to introducing the game to fans old and new.”

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

7 hours 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 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

4 days 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.