Canada

Unity Highlights Innovative Games Powered by Its Development Platform at Game Developers Conference 2023

Published

2 years ago

March 20, 2023

Unity, the world’s leading platform for creating and growing real-time 3D (RT3D) content, will return to the Game Developer Conference (GDC) this year with a focus on celebrating the achievements of its developer community. Unity will spotlight 16 games across various platforms, from studios around the world at the Unity booth (#S327). Each title is made with Unity and uses Unity’s platform and services to push the creative, experiential and visual limits of their games. Additionally, Unity will share more about its future open AI ecosystem that millions of Unity creators will be able to integrate into their existing workflows to deliver immersive games and experiences to billions of users around the world.

GDC attendees can visit the Unity booth to get hands-on with some of the most unique and visually arresting games that are either available now or in development: FEROCIOUS is a breathtaking survival shooter developed by designer Leonard Saalfrank who used Unity’s High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP), Shader Graph, and VFX Graph to deliver a mysterious world, rich with lush environments, stunning seascapes and terrifying creatures. One of the most authentic boxing games, Undisputed, will also be spotlighted. Developed by Steel City Interactive, the game pushes the limits of Unity’s HDRP and Animation Rigging to create stunning visuals and bone-jarring action and also leverages Unity Gaming Services’ Game Server Hosting and Matchmaker.

Other games that will be highlighted at the Unity booth include: An unannounced Atari title, Bleak Sword, Breachers, Death Carnival, Highwater, Immortality, Kerbal Space Program 2, MARVEL SNAP, Mighty DOOM, Please, Touch the Artwork, Ship of Fools, Subway Surfers, Tall Man Run, and Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus. Additionally, for those not attending GDC, Unity today unveiled an all-new Made with Unity online hub that provides instant access to inspirational and educational material. Developers now have the ability to submit their games for consideration to join the Made with Unity program and be featured amongst the vast Unity community of developers and players.

“I am extremely excited that at this year’s Game Developers Conference so many studios will be in our booth to showcase how they are leveraging our platform to deliver groundbreaking gaming experiences,” said Marc Whitten, SVP and GM, Unity Create. “At Unity, we are constantly innovating and improving our tech stack with advancements in AI, facial animation, multiplayer solutions and more. Our aim is to empower our developers with the best tools and services so they can continually push the limits of what’s possible in gaming. We are looking forward to showing many of these innovations for the first time at GDC and are eager to get feedback on some of this early work.”

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

At GDC, Unity will also be showcasing our comprehensive platform to help developers grow and scale their games, with the newly-incorporated Unity Grow products, as well as a breadth of new and updated tools and solutions to help developers optimize their resources as they build their games. To expedite the development of characters, Unity’s Ziva Face Trainer, an AI/ML-based puppet that automates facial animations, is now available in open beta and the team will present a demo that introduces hyper-realistic muscle deformation. The capabilities of Unity’s recently launched Data Oriented Tech Stack (DOTS) will also be on display, highlighting how the solution can be used to help developers solve performance challenges when building ambitious, large scale games. Unity will also be showing several new products that strengthen its multiplayer offering from Unity Gaming Services, including foundational social tools like friends and leaderboards and a new user generated content solution.

Finally, for an outlook on more exciting innovations and updates in the pipeline, game developers will get a preview of Unity’s development roadmap, including the company’s plans to further introduce AI capabilities for game developers.

Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app

Bally’s Interactive Launches the New Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino App in Ontario

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

bally’s-interactive-launches-the-new-bally-bet-sportsbook-&-casino-app-in-ontario

Bally’s Interactive, the digital and sports betting division of Bally’s Corporation, has launched the all-new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app in Ontario, Canada. This latest release marks another significant milestone for the company, following the recent app update in New Jersey and a series of successful app launches in the past year, including the introduction of Bally Bet Sportsbook across multiple states and Bally Casino in Rhode Island.

The updated Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app represents a major step forward, as it combines the functionalities of the existing Bally Casino app and Bally Bet Sportsbook app into one comprehensive platform. Powered by White Hat Gaming, this new app allows players residing in or traveling to Ontario to conveniently place wagers on both sports and casino games using a single app, account, and universal wallet.

“We are thrilled to introduce the new Bally Bet Sportsbook & Casino app, marking a significant milestone for Bally’s. This integrated platform merges the features of our previous apps, providing players in Ontario with a seamless experience for both sports and casino betting. Our commitment to enhancing the player experience remains at the forefront as we strive to personalize the enjoyment of playing Bally Bet,” said Robeson Reeves, CEO of Bally’s Corporation.

BCLC

Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids

Published

4 days ago

December 19, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

be-#giftsmart:-scratch-the-idea-of-gifting-scratch-&-win-tickets-to-kids

BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season

With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.

“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”

While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.

“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”

In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.

“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:

Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.

AGCO

Jackpot Digital Receives Approval from AGCO as a Registered Gaming Supplier

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

jackpot-digital-receives-approval-from-agco-as-a-registered-gaming-supplier

Jackpot Digital Inc., a leading provider of innovative dealerless electronic poker gaming solutions, has announced that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has approved the Company to be licensed as a registered Gaming Related-Supplier (the “Supplier License”) under the Gaming Control Act in the Province of Ontario.

This significant achievement allows Jackpot Digital to enter one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing regulated gaming markets in North America. The Supplier License authorizes Jackpot Digital to supply its electronic table games to Ontario’s gaming venues, including casinos and other regulated gaming facilities.

Jackpot Digital’s flagship product, the Jackpot Blitz electronic table game system, offers a modern, dealerless, player-friendly solution that integrates traditional multiplayer poker games with cutting-edge digital technology. The Supplier License will enable the Company to offer its innovative gaming solutions to operators throughout Ontario, driving new revenue opportunities and enhancing player experiences.

“Receiving AGCO’s approval is a major milestone. This approval provides us with the opportunity to offer our top-tier electronic gaming systems to operators throughout all of Ontario, positioning us for further growth in one of the world’s most robust gaming markets. We are excited to bring our innovative products to Ontario’s gaming community and continue our commitment to providing exciting, technology-driven entertainment experiences,” said Jake Kalpakian, CEO of Jackpot Digital.