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GameRefinery unveils the finalists for its annual Mobile GameDev Awards, celebrating the best in mobile game design

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The 2022 Mobile GameDev Awards finalists announced in seven categories covering different aspects of mobile game innovation and feature design, in USA, Japan and China.

Today, mobile game analytics specialist GameRefinery, a Liftoff company, is excited to announce that its jury has decided on the finalists for its second annual Mobile GameDev Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate innovation in mobile game design amongst developers in the USA, China and Japan.

The seven categories are:

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Innovation and Excellence in Core Gameplay, (all regions)

Most Promising Soft Launch Game, (all regions) Biggest Evolver individually in USA, Japan, China Best Newcomer individually in USA, Japan, China

Best Feature Innovation, Best Event individually in USA, Japan, China and

Best Use of IP in Collaboration Events (all regions).

GameRefinery will announce the winners on the 24th of May 2022.

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The 2022 Mobile GameDev Awards finalists have been selected by a panel of GameRefinery analysts, drawing on their extensive experience and expertise in games analysis.

GameRefinery’s platform tracks over 100,000 mobile games for market research, competitor intelligence, and player insights while providing more than 2,500+ in-depth game feature deconstructions and analyses.

 

Mobile GameDev Awards 2022 Finalists

Innovation & Excellence in Core Gameplay

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The most innovative and well-executed core gameplay seen in 2021:

  • 无尽的拉格朗日 (Infnite Lagrange, China)
  • Gold and Goblins: Idle Merge
  • 哈利波特:魔法觉醒 (Harry Potter Magic Awakened, China)
  • Kingdom Guard: Tower Defence
  • ウマ娘 プリティーダービー (Umamusume Pretty Derby, Japan)
  • The Ants: Underground Kingdom
  • League of Legends: Wild Rift

 

Most Promising Soft Launch Game

The 2021 soft launch game most likely to be a breakout launch success based on gameplay:

  • Apex Legends
  • Clash Mini
  • Star Blast
  • Tower of Fantasy
  • Diablo Immortal
  • Honkai: Star Rail
  • Star Wars: Hunters

 

Biggest Evolver

The game that has developed the most during 2021 in terms of gameplay:

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USA Finalists:

  • Merge Dragons!
  • Clash Royale
  • Garena Free Fire
  • Lords Mobile: Tower Defense
  • Rise of Kingdoms
  • Yahtzee® with Buddies
  • Cookie Run: Kingdom

 

Japan Finalists:

  • ステート・オブ・サバイバル (State of Survival)
  • Shin Sangokushi
  • ドラゴンクエストタクト (Dragon Quest Tact)
  • パズル&ドラゴンズ (Puzzle & Dragons)
  • プロ野球スピリッツA (Pro Yakyuu Spirits A)

 

China Finalists:

  • 植物大战僵尸2 (Plants vs. Zombies 2)
  • 谕 (Revelation)
  • 原神 (Genshin Impact)
  • 跑跑卡丁车官方竞速版 (PopKart Mobile)
  • 魂斗罗:归来-特战集结 (Contra Returns)

 

Best Newcomer

The best new entry into the market during 2021:

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USA Finalists:

  • Beatstar
  • The Ants: Underground Kingdom
  • Royal Match
  • Kingdom Guard: Tower Defence
  • Family Farm Adventure
  • Zen Match – Relaxing Puzzle
  • The Lord of the Rings: Rise to War
  • No Limit Drag Racing 2
  • Idle Lumber Empire
  • League of Legends: Wild Rift

 

Japan Finalists:

  • ウマ娘 プリティーダービー (Umamusume Pretty Derby)
  • 二ノ国:Cross Worlds (Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds)
  • ガーディアンテイルズ (Guardian Tales)
  • グランサガ(Gran Saga)
  • Nier Re[in]carnation

 

China Finalists:

  • 哈利波特:魔法觉醒 (Harry Potter: Magic Awakened)
  • 王牌竞速 (Ace Racer)
  • 幻塔 (Tower of Fantasy
  • 无尽的拉格朗日 (Infnite Lagrange)
  • 英雄联盟手游 (League of Legends: Wild Rift)
  • 重返帝国
  • 铲铲之战 (Battle of the Golden Spatula)

 

Best Feature Innovation

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The most innovative new feature introduced in a game during 2021

  • 松松总动员 (Song-song Zong-dong-yuan, China) – Login calendar meets IAP offers
  • 松松总动员 (Song-song Zong-dong-yuan, China) – Innovative limited-time gacha event
  • Garena Free Fire – Special PvP modes
  • Cooking Diary – Social hangout areas
  • Yahtzee® with Buddies – Kingdom feature
  • Rise of Kingdoms – MOBA mode
  • Puzzle & Dragons (Japan) – Synchronous PvP mode
  • PUBG MOBILE – RP Activity Packs in Battle Pass
  • Highrise – NFT cosmetics
  • XFLAG’s Kotodaman and Monster Strike (Japan) – New gacha type with a social twist
  • Ensemble Stars!! Music (Japan) – Music co-op newcomer tasks

 

Best Event

 

The best in-game event held during 2021:

 

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USA Finalists:

 

  • Yahtzee® with Buddies – Derby event

 

  • POP! Slots™ Vegas Casino Games – Win Zone event

 

  • Gardenscapes – Klondike Expedition event

 

  • Genshin Impact – Midsummer Island Adventure

 

  • Call of Duty®: Mobile – Anniversary event

 

  • Garena Free Fire – Pet Mania event

 

  • Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – Aspirants Unite event

 

  • State of Survival – 2nd Anniversary Airship Building event

 

Japan Finalists:

 

  • プロジェクトセカイ カラフルステージ! 初音ミク (Project Sekai Colorful Stage feat. Hatsune Miku) – New Year’s event

 

  • ドラゴンボール レジェンズ (Dragon Ball Legends) – Legends Festival

 

  • 妖怪ウォッチ ぷにぷに (Youkai Watch Punipuni) – Collaboration event with Neon Genesis Evangelion

 

  • 二ノ国:Cross Worlds (Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds) – General events

 

  • NieR Re[in]carnation – Collaborations events with the earlier titles in the series (NieR Automata (launch), NieR Replicant and Drakengard 3)

 

China Finalists:

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  • 松松总动员 (Song-song Zong-dong-yuan) – June 2021 Gacha event

 

  • 龙在天 (Legend of Yulong) – Fight the Landlord-card game event (doudizhu) in Jan

 

  • 神武4 (Shén wǔ 4) – Event with a real-life map to beat monsters and get points

 

  • 阴阳师 (Onmyoji) – recurring event with event-only customizable character

 

  • 富豪麻将 (Fuhao Majiang) – collaboration event with China Mahjong Masters Tournament

 

Best Use of IP in a Collaboration Event

 

Finalists:

 

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  • 跑跑卡丁车官方竞速版 (PopKart Mobile) & Ali the Fox (China)

 

  • 肠派对 (Sausage Man) & Pizza Hut (China)

 

  • Top War: Battle Game & Transformers

 

  • 江南百景图 (Canal Towns) & Kentucky Fried Chicken (China)

 

  • Mobile Legends: Bang Bang & Hello Kitty (Sanrio Characters)

 

  • Roblox & 24kGoldn Concert Experience

 

  • PUBG MOBILE & Arcane (League of Legends)

 

  • 獅子の如く~戦国覇王戦記~ (Shishi no Gotoku – Sengoku Haousenki) & Rurouni Kenshin (Japan)

 

  • State of Survival & The Walking Dead (US)
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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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