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Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming

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Revealed: The emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming
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  • 28% of internet users play games to meet new people
  • A third of gamers say they play because they like to challenge themselves.
  • There are 20,000 gaming jobs in the UK, providing plenty of opportunity for a career in the industry
  • We spoke to three experts in the field who gave their insights into the gaming industry

There are lots of negative misconceptions about gaming, many of which are far from the truth. A new study turns stereotypes on their heads and reveals the emotional, social, and developmental benefits of gaming. Dr Rachel Kowert, Research Director of Take This – a mental health non-profit; Dr Matthew Barr, a lecturer of Game Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Noel McDermott, a psychotherapist and presenter of The Well-Being Show podcast, provide their thoughts and insights. Here are some of the highlights:

Gaming can boost mental wellbeing and help with feelings of loneliness

  • Thanks to well-crafted storylines and lifelike graphics, games are the perfect form of escapism
  • 34% of gamers identify the feeling of being immersed in a game as a key motivation to play
  • The global gaming population is likely to have increased by 4% since the outbreak of Covid-19

Especially in challenging times, activities that provide a positive distraction and allow an individual to put their worries to the back of their mind can have a beneficial impact on mental wellbeing. Gaming is an excellent example of this, offering an immersive experience that can mentally transport you to another world.

Barr says, “Video games are good at getting players into the state of optimal experience that psychologists call ‘flow’, by offering an appropriate balance of challenge versus achievement. It’s that feeling of being ‘in the zone’, where you’re totally absorbed in the task at hand, and you’re operating at the top of your game. In turn, this has a positive impact on how players feel.”

This is because the sense of reward releases feel-good hormones called dopamine that boost the player’s mood. What’s more, gaming can offer meditative benefits by fully occupying your mind with the objectives of the game.

Kowert adds that, “Gameplay can also teach skills that have long been associated with increased happiness and prolonged life satisfaction, including openness to experience, self-care, a growth mindset, solution-focused thinking, mindfulness, persistence, self-discovery, and resilience.”

Gaming can maintain and build new relationships

  • Half of gamers play with their real-life friends
  • 28% of internet users play games to meet new people
  • 1 in 3 internet users in the UK say the main reason they game is to have fun with people they know

Contrary to popular belief, gaming can be a sociable activity. Many games offer multiplayer modes or are designed to be played in teams, providing the opportunity for individuals to join forces with their existing friends or virtually meet new people – located anywhere in the world.

McDermott says, “Gaming, especially online, can provide immeasurable benefits to those who are lonely and isolated. It provides safe social contact and a place where skills can be developed. These skills can provide a much-needed boost to self-esteem.”

Research found that 60% of gamers report playing more games with social elements since the beginning of the pandemic, suggesting gaming can play a positive and pivotal role in connecting people at a time when face-to-face contact isn’t always possible.

Kowert explains, “Shared experiences, like playing games together, have been linked to increased self-esteem and a sense of belonging, as well as decreased feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.”

Gaming can teach life skills and cognitive abilities

  • There are 20,000 gaming jobs in the UK, providing plenty of opportunity for a career in gaming
  • Minecraft: Education Edition, for example, has applications in geography, history, engineering, and physics
  • A third of gamers say they play because they like to challenge themselves.

While gaming can provide a fun form of entertainment, it can also contribute to the player’s cognitive development. For example, many titles involve problem solving, strategy and multi-tasking, among other skills.

Kowert explains, “Games are fantastic learning tools, particularly for children, because they are so engaging. Video games are also great vehicles for sharpening cognitive skills because they provide a range of different challenges within a single space. Gameplay has been associated with the improvement of a range of cognitive skills, including:

  • improved creative thinking
  • problem solving
  • time management
  • leadership skills
  • goal setting
  • initiative taking
  • decision making
  • persistence in the face of difficult challenges.”

It’s estimated that children aged 12-15 years old spend an average of 11.6 hours a week gaming. So, with gaming being such a widely enjoyed hobby, it’s encouraging to note that it could be effectively harnessed as an educational tool to teach numerous skills and knowledge. What’s more, with the gaming industry growing year-on-year (and estimated to be worth £3.86 billion in 2020), it could also open doors for careers in the industry.

Barr explains, “We all learn new skills through practice, whether that’s learning how to play an instrument or training to play sports more proficiently. Learning from a video game is no different – you’re exercising skills all the time, whether it’s figuring out puzzles or using your communication and language skills to talk to and strategize with your fellow players.”

Gaming myths debunked

  • 52% of Brits play video games, demonstrating its popularity and prevalence in daily life
  • Gaming is the nation’s second favourite pastime, after watching TV
  • Brits spend an average of 7 hours a week gaming, which is just a third of the time spent watching TV (22.5 hrs)

Over the years, gaming has been associated with negative stereotypes and behaviours, such as laziness, violence, and isolation. There is little evidence to prove any of these correct. Instead, in many cases, gaming can be more beneficial for the player’s health, development, and social abilities than it is detrimental. In fact, with over half of Brits playing games, it’s apparent that gaming is just a part of modern life for many.

Kowert explains, “There is no evidence to suggest that playing games online has a negative impact on our ability to socialise. However, research has found that playing games with our friends online can strengthen our offline friendships and relationships.”

Another concern that often arises is the amount of time people spend gaming and whether gaming has addictive qualities. Talking on the topic, Barr explains that, “People talk about players becoming ‘addicted’ to games, without really considering what that word means, in a clinical sense. We don’t bat an eyelid when someone becomes so engrossed in a book that they sit there reading for hours on end, but somehow this sort of behaviour is perceived as problematic when it comes to games.”

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SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024: The iGaming and Sports Betting Event where Eastern Europe Meets Central Asia

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The SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024 is set to bring together the key players in the iGaming and sports betting industries from June 25-26, 2024, at the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace, Georgia. Organized by SBC Events in collaboration with Sports Media Holding, this event promises to be a pivotal gathering for professionals targeting the burgeoning markets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

A Gateway to Eastern Europe and Central Asia

The second edition of the SBC Summit Tbilisi is designed to offer unparalleled insights into the high-potential markets of the Black Sea, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. This premier conference is a must-attend for those looking to expand their business into complex and diverse regions such as Georgia, Romania, Serbia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Slovenia. The event provides a unique platform to understand the local regulatory landscapes, cultural nuances, and market opportunities.

Comprehensive Conference Agenda

The SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024 will feature a rich conference agenda that brings together C-Level executives and industry experts to discuss a wide range of topics. Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge on:

  • iGaming trends and innovations
  • Emerging market opportunities
  • Regulatory updates and compliance strategies
  • Outsourcing and business relocation opportunities

Who Will Be There?

The summit is expected to attract over 1,500 delegates, including 600 operators, 150 affiliates, 60+ speakers, and 30 exhibitors. This diverse gathering offers a fantastic opportunity to network with key decision-makers, generate leads, and forge meaningful partnerships.

Networking Opportunities

SBC Events are renowned for their exceptional networking experiences, and the Tbilisi Summit will be no exception. From the moment attendees step into the venue, they will be treated to an all-inclusive networking environment. Designated areas on the show floor will provide hot refreshments, breakfast, and lunch, along with various bars offering favorite drinks throughout the venue.

Evening networking events will take place in some of Tbilisi’s most upscale locations, providing a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere to continue business discussions and build new connections.

Special Features

  • Keynote Speaker: Chris Bird, CEO of The Raheem Sterling Foundation and former COO of Manchester City, will share his insights and experiences, adding significant value to the event’s agenda.
  • VIP Networking: Attendees can look forward to an exclusive VIP networking experience, ensuring they can connect with the most influential figures in the industry.
  • Held in Collaboration with Sports Media Holding: As a leading service aggregator in the EE&CIS region, SMH Global brings a wealth of expertise and networking opportunities to the event.

Why Attend?

The SBC Summit Tbilisi 2024 offers an unmatched opportunity to gain a foothold in the promising markets of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With a comprehensive agenda, top-tier speakers, and exclusive networking events, this summit is the ideal platform for industry professionals to learn, connect, and grow their businesses.

For more information and to register, visit the SBC Summit Tbilisi website.

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Compliance Updates

eGaming Integrity Launches to Enhance Compliance for OGRA Licence Holders and CSPs

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We proudly announce the official launch of eGaming Integrity, a specialised compliance services provider exclusively dedicated to protecting OGRA licence holders and the CSPs that support them.

Our mission is to enable online gambling operators, and the CSPs that support them, with the tools they need to thrive in the Isle of Man, ensuring integrity, transparency, and adherence to industry standards.

The Isle of Man eGaming sector continues to grow at a rapid pace, with the number of OGRA licensees more than doubling in recent years. With the sector having grown so quickly, it has led to a shortage of highly qualified, well trained, and egaming experienced compliance and AML professionals locally. This skills shortage presents a significant challenge for online gambling operators licensed here.

With our team of industry experts and former regulators, eGaming Integrity enables businesses to remain compliant with the stringent regulatory requirements under the Isle of Man licence through our tailored services which include mock audits, remediation, and internal audits.

Speaking about the requirement for such services, Emma Shilling, eGaming Integrity director said “licensed online gambling operators and local Corporate Service Providers have been looking for a credible provider to offer specialist services beyond day-to-day compliance. We’ve already helped several CSPs navigate the sector in previous roles, where eGaming isn’t always the primary area of expertise so businesses have sought our experience and industry knowledge to help them service their clients more effectively.”

Fellow director, Nick Bowden added “our in-depth evaluations prepare operators for regulatory visits, remediation support to bring businesses back into good standing with the regulator, and independent assurance makes sure risk management, governance and internal control processes are operating effectively.

eGaming Integrity are now working with a number of OGRA licence holders and local CSPs, providing customised compliance and regulatory advisory services that align with business objectives and operational intricacies.

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Latest News

Week 24/2024 slot games releases

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Week 24/2024 slot games releases
Reading Time: 4 minutes

 

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming

ELA Games, announced the release of its conceptually new game “Joker Cashpot”. The new slot game aims to attract players with its exciting mechanics, a balance of strategy and randomness and traditional colourful design by the studio’s artists. Joker Cashpot is a rare example of a creatively modified slot where the player can accumulate and multiply rewards.

 

Yggdrasil has partnered with ReelPlay to offer up to 10,000 ways to win in feature-filled dystopian release Armageddon 10K WAYS™. The cascading slot transports players into a hellish oblivion where spinning the reels can stave off otherworldly invaders and rack up prizes by way of Bonus Respins, 10K Ways and four local jackpots. The Bonus Respins feature is triggered whenever players land six or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels.

Yggdrasil and ReelPlay unleash hell on earth in Armageddon 10K WAYS™

 

Habanero brings fairytale magic to its latest slot Waltz Beauty, where mystery symbols and multiplier rewards await players. Set on a 6×4 grid, the game sets the scene with an enchanted palace where a host of princesses populate the board as its symbols which must form matching combinations across 25 paylines.

Habanero dances with the beast in new release Waltz Beauty

 

Booming Games is proud to announce that its highly-anticipated title, Ronaldinho Spins, is now available to players worldwide. Ronaldinho Spins is the first slot game ever created featuring the image of international football superstar Ronaldinho Gaucho. After months of development and refinement, the slot is now set to deliver entertainment and joy with its stunning visuals and exciting features.

 

Amusnet brings you a fruity delight with its new classical video slot. The 5-reel 10 fixed paylines game offers colourful and yummy-looking gameplay. Packed with fruity symbols, sizzling design and captivating sound effects, 10 Power Hope promises a thrilling gameplay experience filled with fiery wins.

Go Hot or Go Home with Amusnet's newest slot release 10 Power Hot

 

Thunderkick has released the newest addition to its expanding collection, Sword of Arthur, taking players on a journey to King Arthur’s Ancient Briton. King Arthur himself features as the game’s highest-paying symbol, followed by his armour and shield, while the low-paying icons are represented by fantasy-style playing card symbols. The legendary sword of Arthur takes centre stage as the Wild and Scatter, helping to form wins and trigger the Bonus Game.

Thunderkick reignites Arthurian legend in latest slot Sword of Arthur

 

With the cream of European football preparing to showcase their skills on the grass at Euro 2024 in Germany starting this week, Apparat Gaming icon, Jack Potter, has set out on a mission to spread the beautiful game to ancient Egypt in the quirky new adventure, Jack Potter and The Book of Football.

 

Triple Edge Studios, part of Games Global’s exclusive studio network, has launched its latest feature-filled title, Goal Strike Rising Rewards™, kicking off the excitement ahead of a big summer of football. Set within an electrifying football stadium and showcasing five reels with varying rows of 3-4-5-4-3, players spin the slot’s unique reelset that is adorned with football shirts, boots, and whistle symbols for the chance to unlock a variety of innovative multiplier and free spins features and win increasing jackpots via the Rising Rewards™ mechanic.

 

Not all pigs are happy in mud and that’s certainly the case for the two porkers in the latest slot from Fantasma Games. Gold Pigger is already live with a limited number of operators, and a truly flying start with initial key player KPIs up +100% from an already very successful 2024 game release performance.

 

 

PG Soft has released its highly infectious video slot, Zombie Outbreak. The game unfolds within an apocalyptic world where the undead rise on the 5 reels, featuring a layout with 4 rows on reels 1, 3, and 5, and 5 rows on reels 2 and 4. One of the many electrifying features of Zombie Outbreak is the Expanding Wild symbol, which replaces all symbols aside from the Scatter symbol.

The game unfolds within an apocalyptic world where the undead rise on the 5 reels

 

 

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