gaming
modl.ai unveils Puzzle Maker – an AI-based development tool uniquely designed to support the demand for Match-3 puzzle levels
modl.ai’s latest AI-based development tool gives match-3 level designers the ability to generate hundreds of ready to use game levels overnight, removing a major time and resource bottleneck
Danish AI company modl.ai has unveiled Puzzle Maker, a new game development tool that uses AI and Machine Learning to help the developers of match-3 puzzle games meet the ongoing challenge of creating enough new levels to keep players engaged. Whereas a specialist level designer might be able to design one or two levels in a day, Puzzle Maker can generate hundreds of levels in just a few days, hugely reducing the human time and cost of supporting these games.
Match-3 games are some of the world’s most popular games – particularly on mobile – with examples like Candy Crush Saga, Gardenscapes and Bejeweled Blitz downloaded hundreds of millions of times. According to game analytics company GameRefinery, match-3 games are so popular that they make up 16% of all mobile game revenues on the US Apple app store.
To give some idea of how important level creation is to these games, Candy Crush Saga currently has more than 9000 levels – with more added on a weekly basis. Any ability to automate the level design and creation process therefore has the potential to save developers considerable time and money.
Unlike other types of puzzle, match-3 games don’t have a single solution – meaning they are very hard to create using automated software. modl.ai’s approach was to create two AI-based tools: a content generator and a level tester that, when used together, solve many of the challenges of creating a constant flow of game levels.
Puzzle Maker’s content generator is based on procedural content generation via machine learning (PCGML), meaning that it learns from existing levels and also improves the more levels it creates, with as few as 100 levels needed to complete the training phase. Each level the tool creates can be customised through a dashboard where the level designer can set a variety of parameters, from the size of the playing canvas to the kinds of puzzle pieces and challenges in each level.
Once levels have been generated, Puzzle Maker tests each level with AI bots to understand how many moves it takes to complete a level, the time it takes to complete, the number of reshuffles required and even the predicted likelihood that players will win the level – a key part of keeping players engaged over time. This data provides developers with insights into each level’s difficulty and provides characterisations of the structural level features such as the ratios of piece types and their distribution. All of this information is displayed to the level designer, who can review each one and decide if they are good enough to be included in the actual game. If they are, the code for the level is generated ready to be added.
“Match-3 games are often seen as simple and only for casual gamers, but in reality they are very clever and complex. This means that developers have relied on skilled level designers to keep coming up with fresh designs, and the only way to make more levels is to hire more level designers. We saw an opportunity to bring a new approach,” said Christoffer Holmgård, CEO at modl.ai. “By giving level designers a tool like Puzzle Maker, they get to use their expertise to know what their audience will love, but without the hours of trial and error work that we’ve automated. By solving the quantity problem, developers can focus on the quality.”
modl.ai was founded by a talented and diverse team of game developers, engineers and AI experts who saw the opportunity to use AI to automate and improve aspects of the game development process. Between them, the company founders have been involved in the development and launch of more than 30 games. Despite being less than three years old, modl.ai ranks second in the world among private companies for the number of technical game publications its team has authored.
You can find out more at www.modl.ai.
FreezeNova
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)
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
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.
gaming
SPGA Introduces Code of Conduct to Highlight Member Commitment to Compliance and Safety in Social and Promotional Gaming
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Age verification to limit real money play to users 18 and older
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Proper identity verification (Know Your Customer or KYC)
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Location verification of customers
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AML policies to ensure proper transaction monitoring
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