Gaming

GDLX23 Back with a Bang to Kick Off London Games Festival

Published

2 years ago

March 17, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

After a year away, Game Dev London Expo (GDLX) is back! Kicking off the London Games Festival on 29th March, GDLX 2023 is the place to be for indie developers and the indie gaming community; established by creators, for creators. Want to learn more about the game design process, or how to get the most out of a publisher relationship? GDLX 2023 has talks from industry insiders to help indies and their games excel! Want to trial the concept, or raise interest from potential backers? The showcase stage enables devs to show off their games – and for others to try them out. Curated entirely for the indie game developer community and their needs, this event is a fantastic place to meet new collaborators, understand how to excel in the indie game development world, and experience the latest creative ideas in the field at the official after party.

Expanding on the success of the first GDLX, GDLX 2023 is set to double its offering for game lovers and has partnered with a network of game artists, MLC, to create a truly special event. GDLX originally featured over a dozen individual talks and panels from experts intent on cultivating the next generation of indie developers, a whole host of indie showcases, and a sellout industry afterparty: GDLX 2023 intends to go even further. Panels will feature experts in every aspect of the indie game industry, from publishers to coders, financiers to artists, all of whom will be offering their insight on how to produce a successful game by every possible measurement. The main stage is of course set for the developers themselves to showcase their indie games to an audience of both peers and players, as well as to the attending industry insiders: creating an opportunity to build both fans and backers.

GDLX is founded and organised by Game Dev London, a community support organisation for aspiring and established game developers. Game Dev London has a leading industry podcast and organises several events throughout the year, including hosting the third-largest jam site globally during Global Game Jam 2023 and regular online and in-person meet-ups.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

Stuart De Ville, one of the directors at Game Dev London had this to say about GDLX and its mission,

“GDLX provides a local platform for developers to exhibit the fruits of their labour and receive the feedback and encouragement they need to take it to the next level. This event acts – and will continue to act – as one of the key cornerstones for London’s indie gaming community, and as a hub for the UK’s independent gaming industry. We are committed to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility, and that means providing opportunities for studios and games that would normally not be able to access expos and conferences vital to their development. GDLX is proud to give a voice to small startups and independent developers, and we believe that every game deserves a chance to shine.”

GDLX 2023 takes place on Wednesday March 29th at 26 Leake Street, London, SE1 7NN.

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

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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

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

1 week 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.