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Arctic Game Week, the game event of northern Sweden returns in May

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3 years ago

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After two years of cancelled events due to the pandemic, we can now proudly present the best Arctic Game Week ever! As the midnight sun shines over northern Sweden, we once again open the doors to a week filled with business conferences, networking, entertainment and the public event Nordsken where games, culture and creativity meet. The event will be arranged in Skellefteå, Sweden, in the new cultural center Sara Kulturhus and in Skellefteå Kraft Arena.
The focus of Arctic Game Week is to create a strong platform with global appeal and to strengthen the Nordic entertainment industry. A unique conference with new business opportunities based on Intellectual Properties.
The week starts with Arctic Game Conference, northern Sweden’s annual meeting place for game developers, publishers, investors and game students and Fantastic Conference, a new meeting place that focuses on filmmakers, writers, illustrators, creators and streaming services.
The Arctic Game Conference and Fantastic Conference will bring together two different target groups. The purpose is to create new business when different industries that work with the same type of Intellectual Properties meet.
“By facilitating that meeting and involving top industry names, we create a platform for the future”, says Johan Linder, project manager for Arctic Game Week.
The conferences, which are expected to attract about 1,000 participants, will together have 40 top lecturers from around the world, including Peter Zetterberg (Senior Director at Microsoft and founder of the company Wanderword), Agnes Larsson (Game Director at Mojang), Fredrik Malmberg (one of the founders to Swedish gaming industry and president of Heroic Signatures), Lloyd Levin (famous American film producer who has made Predator, Lara Croft, Event Horizon, Hellboy, Watchmen etc.), Tam 17, Vladislav Tsypljak from the Asian publisher Neon Doctrine, Elias and Agnes Våhlund (the creators of the book success Handbook for Superheroes) and Johan Egerkrans (one of today’s most famous Swedish illustrators). Host for the conference will be Orvar Säfström, well known film critic, musician and front figure for IPs and games.
On Friday, the program on the Creative Stage is especially aimed at librarians and teachers. Creators at the event then participate in panel discussions and lectures. Of course, other interested visitors can also attend these program items.
10-year anniversary for Nordsken
 
The game culture festival Nordsken celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It will be a fantastic festival for everyone who likes popular culture, entertainment and games in all forms. The main attraction during the event will be the Swedish championship in Cosplay, which is a fantastic show to witness. During one of the evenings, a concert by Sabina Zweiacker will also be performed at the newly built culture house Sara, with music from The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, The Witcher and others.

“Covid has meant that there is a huge need to physically meet. Everyone we talk to now is extremely eager to visit Nordsken and to all our plans for the event, so we really believe that this will be something not to be missed”, says Pia Enroth, project manager for Nordsken.

Arctic Game Week is organized by Arctic Game (a game cluster that strengthens the gaming industry in northern Sweden) and Nordsken (non-profit organization) in collaboration with Bonnier, Rabén & Sjögren, B. Wahlströms, Wanderword, Global Top Round, Goodbye Kansas, Film i Västerbotten, Turborilla and Heroic Signatures.
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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)

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6 days ago

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December 20, 2024

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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

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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.

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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 

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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.

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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.”

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Compliance Updates

SYNOT Games Officially Certifies Over 140 Games in Brazil

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1 week ago

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December 17, 2024

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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.

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SPGA Introduces Code of Conduct to Highlight Member Commitment to Compliance and Safety in Social and Promotional Gaming

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1 week ago

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December 16, 2024

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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.      
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