Gaming
FANDOM EXPLORES THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF GAMING & SELF-EXPRESSION IN 2024 INSIDE GAMING REPORT
![fandom-explores-the-growing-importance-of-gaming-&-self-expression-in-2024-inside-gaming-report](https://recentslotreleases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/136271-fandom-explores-the-growing-importance-of-gaming-self-expression-in-2024-inside-gaming-report.jpg)
Study Provides New Insights Into How Brands Can Authentically Engage With Gamers to Help Them Express Their Best Selves Off-Screen.
KEY FINDINGS
Gaming has exploded over the past decade, becoming one of the most dynamic and expansive industries across the globe. Fandom, the world’s largest fan platform, dives into the heart of the gaming community to uncover the evolving motivations behind why people game in its 4th annual Inside Gaming report. The 2024 Inside Gaming report – a proprietary study coupled with Fandom’s first-party data from its 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content and 250k fan-powered wikis – captures a notable shift: gaming is increasingly seen as a means for personal expression, exploring one’s identity and providing empowerment and confidence in one’s real life.
Dominant Gaming Motivations
- While stress relief remains the top reason people turn to games, a striking 46% of gamers list creation, imagination, and self-expression as their main motivations for gaming, up 10% from last year.
Influence on Gaming Habits
- People who are gaming for self-expression, creation & imagination are 30% more likely to increase their gaming time, feeling more drawn to the gaming world than ever before.
Games Driving Self-Expression
- 60% of gamers claim that self-expression through gameplay is more important to them than ever before. Titles like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox lead in enabling personal expression through extensive customization options, open-world exploration, and other game updates
Exploring Gamer Identity
- The report also highlights a significant gap between players’ in-game identities versus their real-life personas, with 80% of respondents feeling their gaming identity differs from their real-life identity.
- However, half of respondents claim they’d prefer to be more like their in-game personality IRL and 72% would feel more favorably towards brands that help them achieve this.
- This is especially true of 18-34 year olds, multicultural (specifically African American & Hispanic) audiences as well as women and non-binary audiences.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MARKETERS
Emphasize Self-Expression:
- Self-expression is a key driver for gaming engagement. In fact, 32% of gamers want their physical appearance to be more like their in-game appearance.
- Brands that align with this motivation can enhance their connection with gamers. For example, this represents an opportunity for fashion & beauty brands to explore dedicated product extensions for gamers looking to explore this self-expression.
Create Brand Safe Spaces:
- 64% believe that gaming communities are vital safe spaces where they can truly be themselves, presenting opportunities for brands to foster and cater to these communities.
Align with Gamers’ IRL Aspirations
- Many gamers wish to integrate their gaming and real-life personas. Brands that help facilitate this integration can achieve deeper consumer relationships.
- The study found that 48% of gamers want their IRL skills to be as strong as their gaming skills, opening up an opportunity for brands to explore how they can create ways to provide gamers with products that enhance IRL skills and provide a sense of accomplishment & achievement they get while playing.
“From character customization to cosplay and content creation, video games have empowered gamers to explore, express and enhance their identity – nearly two thirds of gamers claim it’s easier to be themselves with a controller in their hands,” said Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom. “With the growing significance of gaming as a means for self-expression and personal evolution, it’s crucial for brands to connect to these motivators to help players bring their gaming personas to life in the real world.”
For an interview with a Fandom executive to discuss the study in more detail, please contact Rachelle Savoia at [email protected].
Methodology:
Fandom surveyed 5,000 entertainment and gaming fans globally to understand the ever changing entertainment landscape. The insights from the study were joined with proprietary insights from Fandom’s first-party platform data of over 350MM users, 45MM content pages across 250K wikis.
Gaming
PopOK Gaming Unveils “First Balloon” in the Thrilling Crash Series
![popok-gaming-unveils-“first-balloon”-in-the-thrilling-crash-series](https://recentslotreleases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/138924-popok-gaming-unveils-first-balloon-in-the-thrilling-crash-series.jpg)
PopOK Gaming is excited to announce the release of “First Balloon,” the latest game in its popular Crash series. This new addition promises to take players on an exhilarating adventure, where they will soar through the skies and experience breathtaking moments and enticing rewards as their balloon ascends.
“First Balloon” offers a unique and thrilling gameplay experience that will keep players on the edge of their seats. As the game begins, players place their bets and watch as the multiplier starts increasing from 1x and continues to rise. The goal is to cash out at just the right moment to secure a multiplied payout. However, there’s a catch: if players don’t cash out in time, they risk losing their bet.
The excitement builds as players navigate the challenge of timing their cash-outs to maximize their winnings. With the potential to win up to x10,000, “First Balloon” offers the chance for massive rewards.
How does it work?
Place a bet
Watch the multiplier increase from 1x upwards
Cash out anytime to get your bet multiplied
“First Balloon” is designed to provide a thrilling and immersive gaming experience, combining the excitement of risk and reward with the beauty of a soaring balloon journey. It’s the perfect game for those seeking adventure and the thrill of high-stakes gameplay.
Don’t miss out on the latest addition to PopOK Gaming’s Crash series. Start your adventure today with “First Balloon” and experience the excitement for yourself!
The post PopOK Gaming Unveils “First Balloon” in the Thrilling Crash Series appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gaming
Big Screen Gaming Summit Joins PG Connects Helsinki, Spotlighting PC and Console Development
![big-screen-gaming-summit-joins-pg-connects-helsinki,-spotlighting-pc-and-console-development](https://recentslotreleases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/138841-big-screen-gaming-summit-joins-pg-connects-helsinki-spotlighting-pc-and-console-development.png)
The Big Screen Gaming Summit, a new two-day event dedicated to PC, console, web3, VR, and AR games, will debut alongside Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki on October 1-2, 2024. One ticket, two events!
This expansion of the world’s leading independent games conference series aims to provide a comprehensive forum for the evolving landscape of multi-platform game development.
The dedicated summit will feature eight specialised tracks covering crucial industry topics, including market trends, UGC, live service games, discoverability, practical AI, and more. Each track will offer in-depth discussions, panels, and presentations from industry experts, providing attendees with valuable insights into the latest trends, technologies, and business strategies shaping the future of games. The summit will also explore emerging markets in Latin America, Asia, and MENA, which are expected to drive future player growth on PC and console platforms.
“As the games industry continues to evolve, we recognise the continuing importance of PC and console platforms alongside mobile,” said Dave Bradley, COO of Steel Media. “The Big Screen Gaming Summit represents our commitment to serving the entire games industry, offering a unique opportunity for professionals to explore the challenges and opportunities across all major platforms.”
The event will also host The Very Big Indie Pitch (PC + Console Edition), providing indie developers with a platform to showcase their projects to a panel of experts. This competition offers valuable feedback and exposure for up-and-coming developers in the PC and console space. Indie developers are encouraged to apply early, as spots are limited.
Both the Big Screen Gaming Summit and Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki will take place at Wanha Satama, Helsinki, as part of the Finnish Games Week. Finland is famous for its mobile games, but it’s also home to renowned studios like Housemarque and Remedy Entertainment, showcasing the country’s strength in PC and console game development.
Early bird tickets offering savings of over £300 are currently available, providing access to both events. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, gain insights from leading experts, and explore the expo area. The event will also feature a MeetToMatch online meeting platform, facilitating valuable connections among participants.
In addition to the main conference tracks, the summit will include roundtable discussions, networking events like Investor Connector and Publisher SpeedMatch, and a party in downtown Helsinki. As part of Finnish Games Week (30 September – 4 October), the Big Screen Gaming Summit and Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki will join the IGDA Leadership Day, W In Games and more activities celebrating the regional games scene.
The post Big Screen Gaming Summit Joins PG Connects Helsinki, Spotlighting PC and Console Development appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gaming
BGaming releases retro Street Power with new ‘guaranteed payout’ mechanics
![bgaming-releases-retro-street-power-with-new-‘guaranteed-payout’-mechanics](https://recentslotreleases.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/138806-bgaming-releases-retro-street-power-with-new-guaranteed-payout-mechanics.png)
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming is taking players back to the age of retro game consoles in Street Power. The throwback casual game features rewarding mechanics, three fighter options and feel-good audiovisual effects.
Every tap in this three-in-one release offers a guaranteed payout as the fighter shows off his power. Similar to Plinko, players win back no less than a minimum percentage of their bet at the end of each round, meaning there will be a reward.
In this vintage title, fans can choose their hero, Red Braid, Mr Blue Hands or Tommy Sun, on the opening select screen. Each champion kickstarts their own version of the game with differing levels of volatility, multipliers of x5, x25 or x100, and individual max wins, with Tommy Sun offering €250,000 default max exposure. The max win values are displayed throughout the game and shift as the player adjusts their bet amount in every game mode.
Street Power is easy to follow and clearly displays the choice of stakes in the betting field, with the max win displayed to the right. The higher the bet placed, the higher the max win.
Mikalai Dzeneladze, Chief Casual Game Producer at BGaming, said: “We are delighted to add this old-school video game–inspired title to our portfolio and reward our players with the win-only mechanic fans of Plinko will be familiar with. Street Power strengthens BGaming’s line-up of casual releases, standing out with the unique theme and wins-only mechanics.”
BGaming is a fast-growing iGaming content provider converting gambling into gaming. Thanks to an expert team and a player-driven approach, the studio creates innovative and engaging products featured on reputable platforms and 1,600+ online casinos worldwide. BGaming is the world’s first to support cryptocurrencies and offer Provably Fair games. Today the brand’s portfolio includes 150+ products with HD graphics and a clear user interface for every device. The studio is also known for its brand exclusives created in partnerships with leading operators in the industry.
The post BGaming releases retro Street Power with new ‘guaranteed payout’ mechanics appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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