Gaming

Unity Gaming Report 2023 Highlights the Resilience of the Gaming Industry

Published

2 years ago

March 14, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Unity NYSE U, the world’s leading platform for creating and growing real-time 3D RT3D content, today released the Unity Gaming Report 2023 revealing that while 2022 was marked by shifting economic headwinds, creativity and innovation in the gaming industry remained strong. The report features fresh, actionable insights on the state of game development to support studios of all sizes as they navigate the complexities of making games. The data is pulled from the Unity real-time development platform and Unity Gaming Services, through solutions that span mobile, PC, and console gaming, providing a unique view of the many parts of the gaming industry. New to this year’s report are insights and advice from respected studios including Zynga, the leading entertainment publisher behind the world’s most popular mobile games, Second Dinner, the award-winning developer behind the popular mobile hit, MARVEL SNAP, and Ramen VR, the creators of the highly acclaimed MMO VR game, Zenith: The Last City.

The Unity Gaming Report 2023 highlights that while 2022 delivered economic change and challenges, game developers and the industry as a whole, showed resilience and strength. Developers focused on efficiencies, optimization and post launch efforts. Most smaller studios shipped games in under twelve months and they did it while working fewer hours. Different sized studios were also strategic about platform investment. Large studios drove year over year growth in multiplatform and cross-platform development, while the majority of smaller studios 90% opted to develop for a single platform. What was consistent for studios of all sizes though, was prioritizing post-launch support, as developers doubled down on extending the lifespan of their games by 33% to retain their existing player base for longer. Looking ahead, the Unity Gaming Report 2023 predicts that generative AI will be more involved in the development process to amplify productivity for creators and to reduce the time and resources required to make a game.

“It’s inspiring to witness the passion, ingenuity and persistence from our developer community as they continue to make incredible games in a tough macroeconomic environment,” said Marc Whitten, SVP & GM, Unity Create. “At Unity, we are committed to delivering a deep and best-in-class platform that helps them at every stage of their journey – from creating their game, to scaling with their players, to growing their business.”

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Some key findings from the Unity Gaming Report 2023 include:

Efficiency is key with smaller studios shipping games quickly and working fewer hours – 62% of indies shipped games in less than a year, and smaller studios in general worked 1.2% fewer hours on average (equates to 5 years of total work hours).

To optimize investment, different size studios are being strategic about the number of platforms to develop for Nearly 90% of small studios are releasing on a single platform, while large studios have increased the number of multiplatform games produced in 2022 by 16% compared to 2021. 88% of large studios also invest in crossplatform.

Developers are doubling down on extending the lifespan of existing games and retaining players The lifespan of mobile games increased 33% over the last year. Approximately 84% of studios with more than 50 people update their games for more than six months.

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

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

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

Published

6 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

7 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.