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Flow Made Announces its Mental Health Platform for Game Developers

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Marking World Mental Health Day (10th October 2022) Flow Made today announced the launch of its online mental health platform for European-based video game developers.

Designed to provide science-based, well-being coaching for both individuals and developer teams, Flow Made offers solutions to two of the main challenges that workers in the industry encounter – mental well-being and productivity.

Flow Made founder and CEO, Kevin Scheepers, has combined his expertise as a business coach with his understanding of the challenge of game developer “crunch” to build an online, modular therapy course. It will also be supported by individual, face-to-face (remote) coaching sessions and is designed specifically to help people cope with the stresses of working in the gaming industry.

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At the heart of Flow Made are two concepts. First, that flow state, where you become fully immersed in your task (‘get in the zone’), can bring you clarity and heightened well-being, allowing you to work better and be happier doing it. And second, by using positive psychology and focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses, people can improve their quality of life and happiness levels.

Flow Made aims to gamify the counselling experience to ensure that it is engaging, informative and unique for its clients. It has been designed on a gamelike platform, with dedicated’ quests’ for clients to follow.

Kevin Scheepers explains, “By coaching individuals and teams on achieving and maximising flow states, we position the mind to perform deep and high-value work, decreasing the likelihood of burnout and protecting productivity. It’s long been known that getting into the zone benefits performance. I have been inspired by McKinsey & Co research that indicates reaching flow states has the potential to increase productivity by 500%. We have trialled Flow Made with a number of development companies to get the platform right, and now I’m excited to be able to offer our services and therapy to a wider audience”.

One of Flow Made’s first clients is Dream Reality Interactive (DRI), an AR and VR immersive developer based in London. Richard Bates, co-founder and CTO at DRI, says of Flow Made’s expertise and understanding of gaming; “The great thing about Flow Made is that it’s been designed from the bottom up for developers. At all touchpoints, it shows that it understands the tensions we face in the industry. Most of us will, at sometime, forget good time management or communication practices around our colleagues, and Flow Made has helped our teams focus on breaking clear of these habits and bringing about better productivity and a calmer, happier working environment.”

Flow Made is available on three levels: individual, small studio, and whole company/large studio. Each plan is bespoke to the individual or company and tackles the main problem area(s), be that nutrition, working practices or other areas of concern identified by your coach in the initial exploratory stage.

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The cost for individual access is $475 for a course that provides access to the ‘main quest’ counselling modules. Small studio and Large Studio bespoke plan pricing is available on enquiry to Flow Made.

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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)

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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

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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.

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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 

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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.

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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.”

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Compliance Updates

SYNOT Games Officially Certifies Over 140 Games in Brazil

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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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Gaming

SPGA Introduces Code of Conduct to Highlight Member Commitment to Compliance and Safety in Social and Promotional Gaming

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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.      
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