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University of Plymouth academics working with YGAM to improve education on Loot boxes

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Academics from the University of Plymouth are linking up with the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM), an award-winning education charity, to develop educational material focused on the financial and psychological harms related to Loot boxes and videogaming monetization.

A report by researchers at the universities of Plymouth and Wolverhampton, found that loot boxes are “structurally and psychologically akin to gambling” and that large numbers of children are opening loot boxes.

Loot boxes are video game-related purchases with a chance-based outcome, with half of the £700 million of total revenue generated in 2020 coming from just 5% of the buyers. Due to similarities with gambling, they have come under increasing scrutiny from media, academics and policymakers, leading to several jurisdictions – including The Netherlands, China and Australia – to introduce legislation on loot boxes. However, they are not covered by the 2005 Gambling Act in Great Britain, due to the lack of perceived monetary value of potential winnings. YGAM contributed to the UK Government’s call for evidence on loot boxes in 2020 with a decision on any new regulation expected this year.

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Dr Helen Lloyd and Dr James Close are now working with the team at YGAM, to examine how best to translate the knowledge generated from their work into educational and interventional materials aimed at those most vulnerable to harms, including children, young people and at-risk cohorts such as those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

As well as the development of additional PSHE materials for schools, tailored educational approaches for specialist service providers will also be developed through a series of engagement and planning workshops, aimed to design, tailor and customize educational delivery for each context. Each group will comprise of up to 15 key individuals representing relevant organisations and community groups to learn, develop and create a knowledge exchange action plan facilitated by the University of Plymouth team.

Dr Helen Lloyd, who is leading the project, said “We are grateful to the University of Plymouth for funding us to work with YGAM and providers of services for vulnerable adults and children in the Southwest. Working in partnership with our wider stakeholders to use research generated knowledge helps us support the important work that they do, but also makes research relevant and timely. Working in this way we can tackle some of our most pressing societal issues whilst also creating local benefit.”

Kev Clelland, Director of Programme Engagement at YGAM, said, “We’re delighted to be working with the University of Plymouth team. The study supports our commitment to ensuring all our programmes are evidence-led and external evaluations are used to further enhance our work. The subjects of loot boxes and videogame monetization feature heavily in the public and political conversations on gambling and they also form a key part of our education workshops and our resources. The conclusions of this important piece of work will help to strengthen our approach.”

The collaboration continues YGAM’s commitment to an evidence-led approach to its education programmes aimed at preventing gambling and gaming harms. The charity provides training and resources to a range of professionals who have influence over young people including teachers, youth workers, health practitioners, university staff and community leaders.

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The project will begin in May 2022.

 

Source: YGAM

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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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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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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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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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