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Pocket Gamer Connects branches out to partner with Games Forest Club to reinforce Sustainability Awareness

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The UK’s biggest global games industry conference Pocket Gamer Connects hits London this January and has announced its green initiative with GamesForest.Club innovative non-profit organisation creating awareness about nature restoration within the games industry. This project is set to change the way the games industry values sustainability. This innovative project aims to help restore nature with the power of gaming, and shine a light on the importance of sustainable business travel.

Pocket Gamer Connects, the must- attend event, is kickstarting the new year to meet exciting global game makers, developers and publishers from top international games, as well as investors, tools, service providers and platforms. The event is known to bring together and connect the most influential thought leaders in the industry.

Based in Berlin, the founders of GamesForest.Club project bring a strong background in the gaming industry, from co-founding Phoenix Games to being head of games:net Berlin-Brandenburg the founding members of the initiative have worked in the gaming industry in the past and formed this project in 2021. Games Forest is on a mission to create awareness and make the gaming industry as climate-positive as possible, with reforestation and forest protection at the heart of its projects. 52 companies have already signed up for the initiative to invest in carbon absorption via planting and protecting forests. In a short period of time, Games Forest’s community has successfully planted over 73 000 trees and protected 1.4 million square metres of forests.

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To kickstart the year Jiri Kupiainen, CEO of Matchmade and ambassador of Games Forest Club launches the “10 weeks to save the games industry” social media challenge with Maria Wagner, Co-Founder of GamesForest.Club, where they will travel together around Europe to game shows and games hotspots by train to provide awareness around sustainable business travel and to find out how games industry thought leaders tackle the biggest opportunities and obstacles the industry faces today. Their trip aims to shine a light on the importance of making ethical travel choices that are sustainable and to find out what game companies are doing to be more environmentally friendly – showing that small can make a great positive impact on our environment. Pocket Gamer Connects will be the official media partner of this movement and the event will be one of their stops on this sustainable trip.

GamesForest.Club Co-Founder Maria Wagner has expressed her gratitude and hopes for what this partnership can achieve with more people on board: “We want to create a global community of leaders, who shape and benefit from a green future within the games industry. We are thrilled to be partnering with such a highly regarded company and are really looking forward to this partnership to create a bigger conversation within the games industry as to how we can all collectively make a change to restore and protect nature.”

This partnership aims to bring more awareness to the gaming community on the importance of climate change and the action each individual needs to take to protect the future of our our planet. Pocket Gamer Connects London is taking to the stage next week on the 23rd and 24th of January and is expected to be the biggest one yet, with more than 2,000 attendees globally. PGC London 2023 will host more than 900 leading companies in technology and mobile games with names such as Meta, Google, Sony Pictures and Disney

Chris James, CEO of Steel Media, expressed his excitement about this partnership. “It’s great to be involved in this project. We are really proud of being the conference that unites the international gaming community, and that does also come with a responsibility. We aim to support the environment and build an informed and supported community.”

PG Connects has established an outstanding international reputation as a must-attend conference to meet the exciting global game makers, developers and publishers- as well as some of the world’s top investors, tools providers and platforms. Bringing together the best-connected people in the industry, this event will host multiple panels and discussions, matchmaking activities for game makers, as well as networking opportunities and much more throughout the two full days.

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You can register for the event and donate to the GamesForest.Club initiative. All of your contributions will help to protect forest in Peru and will be visualised in the Pocket Gamer Connects Forest.

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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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