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Global Video Games Industry Rises To Covid-19 Challenge To Entertain, Connect, Educate, Donate And Communicate Public Health Messaging

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#stayhomeplaytogether  #PlayApartTogether

ISFE PUBLISHES GUIDANCE FOR VIDEO GAME PLAY FOR PARENTS

With the world facing the biggest public health crisis in living memory, the global video games industry is harnessing its reach, its imagination, and its unique ability to connect people whilst keeping them at home indoors, to help keep its 2.5 billion players safe from Covid-19.  And with millions of children turning to their video games for entertainment, education and to connect to their friends, ISFE has published a blog for parents to help them manage safe and healthy game play during the pandemic.

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ISFE CEO Simon Little said: “Never has it been so important to keep people entertained and connected in the safety of their own homes.  The video games industry is uniquely placed to encourage people all over the world to use the technology of video game play to help cope with the challenge we are facing right now and to make it easier to stay home, stay safe, and protect others.

“We urge parents all over Europe to take a moment to read our comprehensive guide for parents on how to ensure their children are playing appropriate games, how to use the parental controls available on all games and consoles to set time limits, to control in-game spending and manage privacy settings, and how to keep them safe online.  We encourage all parents to make some time to play with their children.  The ISFE guide includes a list of games and free educational content that the industry is making available during the crisis.”

The industry takes its responsibility to its players, companies and employees extremely seriously.

Industry trade associations are:

  • supporting their member companies and providing them and their employees with information on national business and financial support schemes
  • devising and joining campaigns to encourage players to follow public health authority rules and guidelines, using hashtags such as #stayhomeplaytogether and the industry’s WHO-supported #PlayApartTogether initiative
  • promoting healthy gaming behaviour and the use of parental controls
  • helping parents find appropriate games for their families
  • devising campaigns to minimise the impact of social distancing on mental health

Video games companies are:

  • Donating to Covid-19 emergency funds
  • Inserting in-game Covid-19 safety messaging
  • Making educational games free during the crisis
  • Making fitness games free during the crisis
  • Taking measures to preserve network capacity

Simon Little added, “This situation is new to us, as it is to everyone but the video games industry is committed to learn, adapt and support our community of players, companies and employees throughout this unprecedented crisis.”

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Peter-Paul de Goeij Steps Down as Director of NOGA

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After five years as Dutch Online Gambling Association (NOGA) Director, Peter-Paul de Goeij has stepped down from his role.

Eric Konings, involved with NOGA since 2022, will be appointed as interim director. He will now hope to utlise his company knowledge and previous experience to steer the company through this transitional period. Further, Konings will be supported in the process of change by former Staatsloterij (State Lottery) CEO, Frans van Steenis.

“We are very grateful to Peter-Paul for his efforts over the past 5 years, in which he has excellently shaped the transformation from SpeelVerantwoord to NOGA. As a result, NOGA has been able to properly represent the interests of its members in a tumultuous period for the industry. We are confident that this line will be continued under Eric as interim director. However, we do not expect the coming period to be any less turbulent. That is why we as a board have decided to initiate the strategic reorientation,” Remko de Boer, chairman of the board of directors of NOGA, said.

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“The past few years have been hectic, with the opening of the Dutch online gambling market as the absolute highlight. I am now stepping down, but I am convinced that the sector will continue to strive for a safe and responsible gaming offer. That is and remains the best way to achieve optimal consumer protection. I thank the board of NOGA for the trust they have placed in me over the past five years and I hand over the baton to Eric with a clear conscience,” Peter-Paul de Goeij said.

“The industry is facing a number of major challenges in the current political and social climate, and I look forward to helping NOGA members with this. In addition, NOGA is explicitly exploring how the representation of the industry’s interests can be organised in a future-proof manner. I am pleased that Frans van Steenis is fulfilling the role of explorer to shape this process with me,” Eric Konings said.

“A lot is happening in the gambling sector at the moment. Licensed providers, policy makers and society benefit from more clarity and better cooperation. I want to explore how bridges can be built between all parties involved in the gambling dossier,” Van Steenis said.

The post Peter-Paul de Goeij Steps Down as Director of NOGA appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SmartSoft Keeps Crafting Innovations

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SmartSoft, the pioneering the first-ever crash game creator, was founded in Georgia in 2015 by industry enthusiasts. Dedicated to delivering high-quality gaming experiences globally, SmartSoft remains committed to not only creating games but also revolutionizing the industry itself. The hallmark lies in it’s continuous creation of new games, updating of old favorites and coming up with the features that make every gaming experience unforgettable.

What’s more, SmartSoft’s commitment to innovation goes beyond just game mechanics. The company also prioritizes engaging storytelling, stunning visuals, and captivating sounds to create truly memorable gaming experiences. This complex approach not only sets SmartSoft apart from its competitors but also underscores its mission to deliver unparalleled entertainment to gamers worldwide.

Let’s take a look below at Smartsoft’s work, old gems, new features and pushed boundaries:

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The Evolution Continues, expending horizons

As pioneers of non-traditional casino games, flagship game “Jet X”, launched in 2018, marked a breakthrough in the genre and continues to lead the transformation of non-traditional games into mainstream casino offerings. “Jet X” has become the most popular game for SmartSoft, but mission doesn’t end there. Along with “Jet X”, SmartSoft have released numerous innovative games within a year. These games are distinctive in their mechanics and visuals, reflecting company’s commitment to continuous innovation through creativity and passion.

The latest innovation, a visual symphony known as “Helicopter X”, has been captivating users since November 2023. The groundbreaking Crash game designed to revolutionize the online casino landscape. This game combines innovative gameplay mechanics with stunning visual and auditory elements, offering players challenges and multiple strategic options. In “Helicopter X,” players control a helicopter, aiming to cash out before a crash occurs. The game features the Diamond Feature, which randomly boosts multipliers, adding excitement to every round. With it’s fascinating features and results “Helicopter X” offers high stakes and high rewards.

One more gem from SmartSoft – “Mine Island” presents an innovative and exhilarating addition to the online casino world. Since the release in December, this innovative game blends simplicity with excitement, making it accessible to both novice and experienced players. Its 10-stage progression system introduces a unique twist to traditional minefield games, allowing players to strategically decide when to collect winnings or risk progressing for higher multipliers, thus enhancing the gaming experience. The game offers substantial rewards and a compelling risk-reward dynamic. The intuitive gameplay, combined with strategic depth, ensures that “Mine

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Island” stands out in the crowded casino market. Visually stunning design and user-friendly interface reflects a deep understanding of player preferences and behaviors.

Crash Duel X” is an adrenaline-pumping world where strategic betting meets thrilling gameplay, achieving more success daily since launching in December of 2023. SmartSoft Gaming invites you to experience the rush of Crash games with an unparalleled gaming experience, with its diverse betting strategies and exciting features. As the first game on the market to introduce Crash Side Bets, “Crash Duel X” revolutionizes the traditional Crash game mechanics by integrating the best practices from online casino games with side bonus bet features. This innovative approach provides players with multiple strategic options, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

This is just a glimpse into SmartSoft’s ongoing commitment to innovation. Smartsoft, together with its team of professionals, continues to work actively, generating ideas and creating stunning visuals to deliver only the best products to its partners. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking developments and innovative solutions from SmartSoft.

The post SmartSoft Keeps Crafting Innovations appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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NIGC Announces Record $41.9 Billion FY 2023 GGR

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The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) released fiscal year 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue numbers totaling $41.9 billion, an increase of $1 billion, or 2.4%, from the historic FY 2022 GGR of $40.9 billion.

Acting Chairwoman Sharon M. Avery and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland made the announcement at the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay, Wis.

This year’s revenue reflects the viability of tribal gaming operations, as tribal gaming continues to adapt to technological advances and changes in consumer preferences. All eight NIGC regions demonstrated growth in gaming revenue since the last GGR report.

“This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal gaming enterprises generates growth in the gaming industry. Again, this year, tribal gaming operators and regulators have proven that their ingenuity and tenacity are catalysts for growth, even in the face of an ever-changing gaming landscape. This steadfastness will ensure that tribal gaming remains a valuable resource for continued economic sustainability in tribal communities,” said Avery.

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“I congratulate the industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership on another successful year. Their hard work in meeting and overcoming the challenges presented by an increasingly competitive market is evidence that tribes are resilient, and their gaming expertise is yielding benefits for their nations as IGRA intended,” said Hovland.

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