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REVEALED: These are the Online Games that Cause the Most Arguments 🎮💔

Published

5 years ago

February 12, 2021

George Miller

Reading Time: 4 minutes

1 in 50 couples row over gaming every day
Call of Duty is the online game most likely to cause a rift between couples
1/4 Women have (unsuccessfully) tried to ban gaming in the house, compared to 1/5 Men
25% of men have thought about breaking up with their partner because of online gaming-related arguments, compared to 17% of women

With Valentines day almost a week away, new data from CardsChat.com reveals which online games cause the most arguments in a relationship. CardsChat surveyed 1,000 UK adults whose partner plays online games, to find out how gaming affects relationships. CardsChat also spoke to three relationship experts to explain the findings.

1 in 50 couples row over games every day

Out of the 1,000 surveyed, 1 in 50 couples said they argued over gaming every day! 1 in 25 of the respondents said they squabbled a little less, ‘just’ 250 to 300 times per year, while 3 in 25 ‘fessed up to having gaming-related rows 150 to 200 times a year.

Arguments per year	No. of couples
50-100	1 in 4
150-200	3 in 25
250-300	1 in 25
Every day!	1 in 50

According to the survey data, Call of Duty is the online game most likely to cause a rift between couples with 38% of couples admitting to have argued about time spent on the game.

Fifa is a close second, with 34% of couples confessing to argue over the football game.

According to Iain Macintosh’s book, ‘Football Manager Stole My Life’, the titular game was cited as a factor in a whopping 35 divorce cases back in 2012. However, despite these stats, we found that the addictive micromanagement game came fourth with 15%.

Game	Argument about time spent on the game
Call of Duty	38%
Fifa	34%
Fortnite	21%
Football Manager	15%

What the expert says:

So what’s behind these rows? Chris Pleines, a dating expert from Datingscout says forgetting important dates and a lack of quality time can contribute: “Being preoccupied with gaming will most likely let you forget what day it is, especially if you pull an all-nighter. Instead of preparing something special for your partner, you are busy levelling up on your game.”

Let’s hope that these gamers don’t forget about Valentine’s Day!

Who Is Trying — and Failing — To Ban Gaming?

1/4 Women Vs 1/5 Men

We dug deep into our research to find out who is trying to ban gaming in these households. The girls just edge it slightly, with one quarter of female respondents admitting to unsuccessfully trying to ban gaming in their house. While around one fifth of men said they had also tried unsuccessfully to put a stop to gaming in the home.

What the expert says:

We spoke to Susan Trombetti, leading matchmaker, relationship expert, and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, to delve even deeper into the impact of gaming on relationships. She told us: “Gaming is a way to be connected without really connecting with people thus sometimes increasing your social isolation. This can cause issues for relationships.”

Her advice? “Some things you can try are limiting time spent on the game instead of banning them altogether. Opposed to making your household a gaming free household, if your partner enjoys it, consider limiting the time gaming, similar to how you may set boundaries like no phones while eating dinner together. Small compromises may work for you and your partner.”

Gaming Causing Break-Ups

25% Men Vs 17% Women

Have thought about breaking up with their partner over gaming

Our data reveals that 25% of men have thought about breaking up with their partner because of online gaming-related arguments. Compared to 17% of women surveyed admitting they’ve considered calling time on a relationship for the same reason.

What the expert says:

Dainis Graveris, a certified sex educator and relationship expert at SexualAlpha suggests that: “When people play online games, they become a part of something that involves responsibilities, loyalties, and interactions. These interactions, however, don’t spill through with their relationships offline.

And why does this seem to bother more men than women? Dainis says:” it boils down to the male gamer’s motivations for playing online games that’s why you can find that most of them get into serious fights with their partners and have thought about breaking up with them.

For instance, some male gamers feel that playing online games helps alleviate stress, serves as an outlet for negative energy, and/or helps them regain a sense of control. When their female partners don’t understand their motivations, they take offense and get into serious arguments”.

Peace of the action

Considering how many relationships are on the ropes due to online gaming, we started thinking about how couples can avoid the agro.

The simple solution? Get gaming included in your vows Or if you’re not married, write some up into your living arrangements. We took the liberty of writing some up…

‘Do you [insert name] promise to play only an hour of gaming a day?’

‘I promise never to ban gaming in the house’

‘I vow to always put you first, even when I’m playing Fortnite’

‘I promise never to keep score, even when I’m beating you at FIFA’

‘I vow to never let the PS5 come between us’

‘I [insert name], take thee, [insert name]….forsaking all others…’til COD do us part’

‘What’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine…except the Xbox’

Belatra Games

From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

from-‘mummyverse’-to-crash-games:-belatra-reviews-a-landmark-2025

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

BMM Testlabs

‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

‘chaos-and-soul’:-ebaka-games-plots-global-expansion-after-viral-launch

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

ARC

Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

5 days ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

racing-meets-nightlife:-sbk-backs-arc’s-new-‘friday-night-live’-series

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: