Gaming
Opera GX becomes the first browser to allow users to set a game as their browser and Windows background
Gaming is all about modding and customization, and so is Opera GX. Today, the world’s first browser for gamers is taking a step further in this direction with Live Wallpapers. The new feature morphs your browser and your Windows desktop into an interactive game.
Opera GX recently shipped browser Mods, a feature allowing users to modify their browser with unique themes, sounds and shaders that change the way websites look in real time. Building on this, Live Wallpapers, which are in fact mini games made with the GameMaker engine, react to mouse moves in real time, evolving and changing their appearance based on the user’s actions and movements. Opera GX is thus gamifying both the browsing experience, as well as the entire desktop experience for Windows users.
“They say ‘home is where the heart is’ and that’s our goal with Live Wallpapers,” said Maciej Kocemba, Product Director, Opera GX. “We want users to feel at home when they open both their operating system and their browser, and Live Wallpapers allows for that through the ability to configure one’s own parameters to match their style preferences and interact with the Live Wallpaper at every step. Live Wallpapers morphs your setup into its own interactive game.”
Leveraging Opera’s GameMaker engine, Mods change the way Opera GX looks, sounds, behaves and interacts, so each user can design their own unique browsing experience to match their gaming setup. You can modify your entire browser however you please, and your creations can be uploaded for free to the GX.store. Wallpapers take this experience a step further and allow you to also make the Windows desktop personal and interactive.
Spanning a collection of over 50 live wallpapers created by the community and the GX team, all Live Wallpapers displayed within the GX.store are free to download.
“Opera GX is the only browser made for gamers from its inception, more than four years ago. This allows us to ship wild features, such as Mods that not only change the look, feel, and sound of the browser but also how websites appear. Today, we’re going a step further with Live Wallpapers and allowing users to mod their operating system,” added Kocemba.
To celebrate the launch of the feature and its fourth birthday, Opera GX made a Mod specifically designed for American YouTuber and personality, MrBeast. MrBeast will reveal his unique Live Wallpaper live via his YouTube gaming channel on the 6th July.
Live Wallpapers in Opera GX is accessible to all users across Windows and macOS. On Windows, users can also mod their operating system wallpaper. To set a Live Wallpaper as the Windows background, users need to join the Early bird program in GX’s settings. To apply a Live Wallpaper in Windows, users can interact with the Windows tray application, and select the wallpaper they want to set from there. To access Live Wallpapers, users should download Opera GX, then head to the GX online store and install the desired wallpaper.
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)
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.”
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
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.
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Age verification to limit real money play to users 18 and older
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Proper identity verification (Know Your Customer or KYC)
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Location verification of customers
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AML policies to ensure proper transaction monitoring
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