Gaming

4J Studios secured as title sponsor of first Scottish Games Week

Published

2 years ago

October 21, 2022

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Leading Scottish games developer, 4J Studios, has given its support to the first ever Scottish Games Week, celebrating Scotland’s vibrant and thriving games ecosystem. The studio, best known for its work on the Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo versions of Minecraft, will be the title sponsor of the entire programme of events taking place in locations around Scotland from 24 to 28 October.

Scottish Games Week is a first-of-its-kind event created to highlight the talent and potential of Scotland’s pioneering and diverse games ecosystem. From design, development and publishing to education and application, the week will showcase games and their role as a key component in the growth of Scotland’s digital and creative economies – as well as the country’s future as a more inclusive digital society. The event will also act as a catalyst to support a more connected and collaborative games sector across Scotland, the UK and Internationally.

4J Studios was founded in 2005 by industry pioneers Chris van der Kuyl and Paddy Burns, who are vocal advocates of the sector and active supporters of several individuals and firms operating within it. Based in Dundee and East Linton, 4J Studios has also invested in other independent Scottish games development studios – Puny Astronaut, Stormcloud Games and Ant Workshop – through its investment arm Chroma Ventures.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Chris van der Kuyl, Chairman and Co-Founder at 4J Studios, said: “Scottish games companies have been incredibly successful to date, but we are part of a rapidly changing industry and if we are to build on that success we need to support each other and think internationally. We hope this inaugural Scottish Games Week will encourage that collaboration as well as raising the profile of the industry and its potential with other key Stakeholders.”

Brian Baglow, Founder of the Scottish Games Network and Director of Scottish Games Week, said: “The global games market smashed through the $200 billion barrier in 2022, making it far and away the largest creative industry – and on a par with the biggest digital sectors in the world. I truly believe Scotland can take advantage of this enormous ongoing growth and play an ever more significant role in this rapidly evolving interactive world.

“We are proud and delighted to welcome 4J Studios on board as the title sponsor for the whole of Scottish Games Week. The support and endorsement of the studio, founded by two of the country’s most successful games entrepreneurs is a huge boost to establishing an event we hope to make a regular feature of the global games calendar.

“We’re grateful for the support and encouragement of the 4J Studios team and can’t wait to get them involved in our incredible programme of events!”

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

1 week 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

2 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

2 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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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.