gaming
Speakers, assemble! Industry pioneers confirmed as speakers in the first ever Scottish Games Week
Twenty-three industry-leading speakers have been confirmed for the first ever Scottish Games Week, taking place across Scotland between 24 and 28 October – with more to come.
Speakers range from designers, developers and audio engineers, to investors, marketers, and business leaders. Legendary game director, producer and designer David Mullich (Heroes of Might and Magic III, Duck Hunt) and marketing maven Patty Toledo (4Players), will cover a wide variety of disciplines and specialities across the games, tech and creative sectors at three events: More Than Games, the Education Symposium, and the two-day SGW Industry Conference.
David Mullich, Director of the critically acclaimed Heroes of Might and Magic III said: “I’m thrilled to be participating in the first-ever Scottish Games Week and celebrating Scotland’s thriving game industry. It’s an honour to be in a gathering of such an innovative and accomplished game development community.”
Patty Toledo, Marketing Director at 4Players said: “Scotland’s games ecosystem is growing and evolving rapidly. Now is such a great time to get involved and really bring to light the importance games have to not only the creative industries but the tech industries as well.”
More Than Games (24 October) – Glasgow
More Than Games is a first-of-its-kind event, highlighting the transformative potential of the games ecosystem to the wider digital and creative industries. Attendees of More Than Games will be treated to presentations, provocation and panels covering topics from the convergence between games and screen, health, education, inclusion, transmedia and exploring how Scotland can harness the true power of creative media (spoiler: it’s by integrating games) – with speakers including:
- Jamie Bankhead (CEO at Konglomorate Games)
- Mick Cooke (Composer at MakeFire Music)
- HaZ Dulull (Producer/Director at HaZimation)
- John Gordon (CEO at Incentive Games)
- Chris Hainsworth (CFO at The Game CFO)
- Elena Höge (Founder of Yaldi Games)
- Houston Howard (Chief Storyteller at One 3 Creative)
- Neil McPhillips (Head of Games at Blazing Griffin)
- John Thornewill (Co-Founder and CEO at Zappaty)
Education Symposium (25 October) – Edinburgh
The Education Symposium brings together educators, institutions, stakeholders and students across Scotland for a practical hands-on day of workshops, and sessions created to debate, challenge and change the teaching of games skills in Scotland.
The symposium will focus on the ways in which games-related skills are taught and how to ensure Scotland has the talent pipeline it needs for the rapidly evolving global games ecosystem. Those confirmed to participate in the Education Symposium include:
- Brian Baglow (Founder and director of the Scottish Games Network, Lecturer at Edinburgh University and Editor in Chief of PocketGamer.biz)
- Julie Drybrough – chair (Founder and CEO of fuchsia blue)
- Dr Amanda Ford (Lecturer in Computing at West College Scotland)
- William Huber (Head of Centre for Excellence in Game Education at Abertay University)
SGW Industry Conference (27 – 28 October) – Dundee
The SGW Industry Conference is a two-day long event held in Dundee, the beating heart of Scotland’s games community. The conference features founders, pioneers, leaders and innovators from around the world, offering expertise and insight and from the forefront of the global games market.
The key trends from the forefront of games, as well as personal reflection and deep technical understanding are on offer from speakers which range from veteran global Scots, through to up-and-coming studios with their whole future ahead.
No matter your role within the games ecosystem, there’s something for every designer, developer, creator, publisher, educator, academic and organisation within the programme.
Speakers include:
- Mitchell Baxter (Director, Designer at Lazy Monday Games)
- Lisa Bennett (Manager at Dimoso Scotland)
- Craig Chapple (EMEA Mobile Insights Strategies at Sensor Tower)
- Graeme Devine (Creative Technical Officer at QXR Studios)
- Stephen Hey (Consultant at HeyStephenHey)
- Vaughan Holloway (CEO at Primordial Game Studios)
- Simon Meek (Founder of The Secret Experiment)
- David Mullich (Designer and Director of Heroes of Might and Magic III)
- Patty Toledo (Marketing Director at 4Players)
- Brentton White (CEO at North Sea Games)
Brian Baglow, Founder of the Scottish Games Network and Director of Scottish Games Week said: “The global games ecosystem is far larger and extends much further than the games industry. It encompasses education, creative industries, applied games, academia and much, much more. For the first ever Scottish Games Week we wanted to reflect this ecosystem and pull in speakers from around the whole who can offer perspective, insight and experience that will give context for the ongoing evolution of the world of gaming. I am thrilled to have so many wonderful speakers joining us at Scottish Games Week and believe we have a world class programme to offer visitors across every event.”
Tickets on sale for Scottish Games Week now. Early Bird prices are going fast and close on Friday 2 September 2022. Get Yours Now.
Entries are open for the Scottish Games Awards. With 12 categories on offer, covering individuals, organisations and games, there’s an opportunity for everyone to enter. To find out more and apply (free) visit the Scottish Games Awards page.
To find out more about all of the events taking place across Scottish Games Week, visit gamesweek.scot.
Scottish Games Week is being delivered by the Scottish Games Network and is supported by the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund, delivered as part of its Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review (STER) programme.
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
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.
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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
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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