gaming
KINETIX LAUNCHES EMOTES TECH FOR VIDEO GAMES AND VIRTUAL WORLDS
Kinetix, the AI startup powering emotes in video games and virtual worlds, launches pioneering infrastructure to enable the world’s first emotes for any avatar-driven game. Through a new SDK, games made with Unity development tools can now easily improve their monetization by integrating a vast library of high-quality emotes, and boost user experience by giving players genuine opportunities for self-expression.
Emotes are animations that express emotion in video games and virtual worlds like dances, celebrations and gestures. Rocketed into the mainstream by games like Fortnite, they’ve been used by MMOs and metaverses such as World of Warcraft and Second Life for over two decades. Powered by significant advancements in AI, emotes are fast becoming a must-have feature for people who want to express themselves in video games and virtual metaverse worlds.
Until now, creating emotes has been an expensive and time-consuming process involving trained 3D experts, and specialist software and hardware. With the free Kinetix SDK and its ready-made, fully customizable emote wheel, developers of any avatar-based Unity game can quickly integrate and unlock a vibrant and constantly growing library of emotes for players to explore and enjoy. Uniquely, users can even create their own user-generated emotes for use in-game. Unlike avatars and in-world assets like buildings, animations can fit smoothly and seamlessly into various visually contrasting environments; from the hyper-realistic to voxel styles, and everything in between.
Yassine Tahi, CEO and Co-founder of Kinetix, commented: “As lifelong gamers, we’ve been using emotes for years, without even knowing it. The lightbulb moment came when Fortnite memefied its game with emotes and introduced skins from famous IP, turning emotes into an essential conduit for users’ self-expression, and a new revenue generator for publishers. Kinetix is driving a quantum leap forward with emotes that can be utilized in any Unity game, which encompass not only valuable IP or brand-linked emotes, but also those user-generated via our easy to use no-code tools. We can’t wait to see how developers use our emotes to boost immersion, retention and revenue while giving their players richer, more human ways to express themselves in-game.”
Samir Agili, Chairman of the Board Tilting Point, commented: “User-generated content and generative AI are poised to disrupt the way we all make and experience video games. With their emotes, Kinetix is meeting massive demand for tools that help users interact and express themselves in more authentic and diverse ways. This new SDK offers a way for game developers to take part in these key trends during what looks like a seminal time for gaming, and I expect it to deliver immediate and measurable value.”
The Kinetix generative AI-powered platform and no-code editing tools empowers users, creators, video game makers, metaverse platforms, and brands to create and edit animated 3D avatar content in seconds, creating a treasure trove of emote content. In December 2022, it announced the launch of ‘Emote NFTs’, with emotes that users can create, promote and monetize for a favorable 95% revenue share.
In 2022, Kinetix raised $11 million in seed funding in a round led by Adam Ghobarah, founder of Top Harvest Capital, with participation from Sparkle Ventures, and multiple virtual world platforms and successful entrepreneurs. Kinetix already has established partnerships with leading and emerging virtual worlds including Roblox, The Sandbox, ZEPETO, Decentraland, and PolyLand.
Developing an avatar-based 3D game or virtual world? Register as a beta tester for the Kinetix emote SDK.
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.”
Compliance Updates
SYNOT Games Officially Certifies Over 140 Games in Brazil
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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