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The Pros and Cons of Buying MMORPGs in Physical Stores

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2023

Gaspar Incze

Image Credit: YouGov

Reading Time: 3 minutes

In an era where digital downloads are dominating the gaming industry, the debate over purchasing MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) from physical stores versus online platforms continues. While the digital revolution has undoubtedly reshaped how gamers access their favourite titles, physical stores still hold a nostalgic charm and a set of unique advantages. However, they come with their own limitations.

The Pros of Buying MMORPGs in Physical Stores

Tangible Collectibles:

One of the most significant advantages of purchasing MMORPGs from physical stores is the tangibility. For collectors, owning a physical copy, especially limited editions with exclusive artwork, manuals, or collectible merchandise, offers a sense of satisfaction that digital cannot replicate.

No Download Wait Times:

Physical copies eliminate the need for long download times. Once you buy the game, it’s ready to play, a boon for those with slower internet connections or data caps.

Supporting Local Businesses:

Purchasing from local game stores helps support small businesses, contributing to the local economy and fostering gaming communities at a grassroots level.

The Cons of Buying MMORPGs in Physical Stores

Limited Stock and Availability:

Physical stores can’t match the infinite shelf space of digital platforms. Popular or niche titles, especially in the MMORPG genre, might be harder to find, and once they’re sold out, gamers have to wait for restocks.

Lack of Convenience:

In today’s digital age, having to travel to a store, browse the aisles, and potentially queue to purchase a game seems less convenient compared to a few clicks to download a game online.

Physical Storage:

Over time, physical copies of games require storage space and are subject to wear and tear, unlike digital copies that are stored in the cloud.

Image Credit: Argentics

Slingo Games: Bridging the Gap

Interestingly, the rise of hybrid gaming genres such as slingo games, which combine elements of slots and bingo, demonstrates the gaming industry’s versatility. These games are typically accessed online and boast a strong community presence, much like MMORPGs. Their digital nature highlights the shift in the industry, emphasising convenience and accessibility over physical ownership. This trend raises a pertinent question: could the future of MMORPGs lean more towards online access and community-based gaming experiences, much like slingo games? The success of these online genres could influence how we access and engage with MMORPGs, potentially limiting the relevance of physical stores in the future.

Image Credit: 32Red

The European Market Perspective

In the European gaming market, where trends like slingo games are gaining traction, the shift towards digital purchases is evident. However, physical stores in Europe have been countering this by offering exclusive in-store events, limited edition physical releases, and community gaming nights. These experiences, not replicable online, add value to the physical store purchases for MMORPGs.

Weighing the Options

The choice between buying MMORPGs from physical stores versus digital platforms hinges on personal preference. While physical stores offer tangibility, instant playability, and support for local businesses, they fall short concerning convenience, availability, and the need for physical storage. With the rise of online gaming genres like slingo games, the industry is clearly leaning towards digital solutions and community-focused gaming, aligning with the convenience and accessibility offered by digital platforms. For European gamers, the choice becomes a balance between supporting local communities and embracing the digital future of gaming. As the landscape evolves, gamers will need to weigh these factors, making choices that best suit their lifestyles and gaming preferences.

Related Topics:entertainment gaming MMORPG

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Play’n GO celebrates multiple win at 5 Star Media Awards

Published

1 day ago

November 1, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, is today celebrating a five-award sweep in the coveted 5 Star Media Awards of 2024.

The legendary games studio nabbed a second consecutive Slot Supplier of the Year award, as well as being named the RNG Casino Supplier of the Year. The company also secured three of 5 Star Media’s “Top 20” Awards for co-founder and CMO Ebba Arnred, Director of Business Development Stuart Trigwell, and Head of Brand and Communication, Andrew Pink.

Play’n GO has enjoyed a landmark 2024, breaking new ground by entering the South African market, as well as expanding its US presence into what is now five states.

Ebba Arnred, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Play’n GO, commented “We’re always very pleased to have our work recognised at the various awards throughout the year, but to win five in one fell swoop is almost unprecedented. It’s very special to be awarded Slot Supplier of the Year for a second year in a row, and RNG Casino Supplier of the Year is another well-received feather in our cap. We would like to thank 5 Star Media and the entire judging panel, as well as our entire team here at Play’n GO, without whom these award wins simply wouldn’t happen. On a personal level, I’d also like to express gratitude for the individual recognition of a 5 Star “Top 20” Award.”

Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development at Play’n GO, added “I’d like to express a sincere thank you to 5 Star Media for being recognised in their “Top 20” Awards. We do our work not for individual accolades but for the success of the entire business, so it’s great to see Play’n GO so well represented across the board.”

Andrew Pink, Head of Brand and Communication at Play’n GO, said “Play’n GO’s driving ambition is to be the best entertainment supplier there is. Aside from producing some of the most played games and best loved characters in the world, that ambition is often realised by things largely unseen by those outside the company. It’s extremely gratifying for everyone at Play’n GO to be recognised as Slot Supplier of the Year. Next year may just be our biggest and best yet.”

eSports

Procedure to be followed by school clubs affiliating for the 2025 season

Published

1 day ago

November 1, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), founded in 1984, is the national federation for Board games, Card games, Esports, and Wargames.

MSSA promotes all the different disciplines equally, although each school may pick-and-choose which discipline it wishes to promote at its school. Some schools will promote the whole gambit, while others will concentrate on only one discipline, and/or even just concentrate on one specific title.

The choice is ultimately up to the school.

The various games offer unique opportunities to many South African learners. Many learners have been able to earn Regional, Provincial, and National Colours which have allowed them to earn bursaries and obtain first-class educations.

MSSA has sent teams with full Protea Colours to international events since 1991 for wargames, 1996 for Morabaraba, 1997 for Checkers, and 2005 for Esports. Many members of the national teams have been scholars, and all have benefited from their involvement in the national Protea Team.

With the above in mind the MSSA has streamlined the process for schools to affiliate to the MSSA.

There is still the option open for a school to start a full-blown sub-club on its premises, but bearing in mind the tight regulatory conditions under which accredited schools have to operate in the Republic, the MSSA no longer deems it necessary for a school to start a sub-club.

As long as the school club has the approval of the school, and has an Educator-in-Charge, a school may affiliate by merely completing the Application for Affiliation Form and submitting such to MSSA.

In order to affiliate, the completed Application for affiliation Form must be submitted to the MSSA.

Once the Board has approved a school’s affiliation, the school then needs to complete the Google Registration Page allocated to the school for the players and make payment.

All school members may participate in all events for which it qualifies. Such events include meetings, championships, courses, and so forth.

Advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club: There are many advantages of having a MSSA affiliated club, such as:

Being part of a community where your club has a real say in how things are done
Being able to apply for National Lottery Funding – MSSA member clubs can apply for up to R800,000.00 in funding
Being able to get assistance from your local government
Experience increased media exposure of your events and your gamers
Become part of the international community through the MSSA Registered players are able to become internationally recognised umpires, etc.
Enable your gamers to take part in MSSA events, which may qualify them for Regional, Provincial, and National colours, overseas trips, and even sports bursaries at university.

MSSA’s Constitution

The Constitution forms the foundation of the MSSA. It guarantees members rights and governs the way that the MSSA operates. It can only be amended by a two-thirds majority at a Council Meeting. Please remember that Associations only have two (2) votes each, whereas member clubs have a representational vote, being:

Private clubs: one vote per every five registered players, and
School clubs: one vote per every ten registered players.

MSSA’s General Regulations
The General Regulations comprises of decisions made by both Council and Executive Committee Meetings. The General Regulations deals with how sub-committees operate as well as to how teams are selected and development funding is distributed. Please refer to Schedule 10.12 in regard to the rights of clubs in hosting events.

MSSA’s Discipline Specific Regulations
The Discipline Specific Regulations deal with rules concerning the different disciplines. The Disciplines that the MSSA caters for are; Board Gaming, Card gaming, Esports, and Figure Gaming.

Application for Affiliation form
When a club applies for membership, the applicant club must complete such form and return the same to the MSSA.Fee note for 2025
The fee note details the Affiliation Fees and Registration fees that are payable.

Player Registration Form
The Player Registration Form needs to be completed by every player that is a member of a club and intends to participate in MSSA affairs.

MSSA’s Letter of Undertaking
The Letter of Undertaking is for all registered players who sit on any MSSA committee.

Latest News

hinterzimmer.io Partners with Tangelo Games to Deliver Engaging Social Slots Content to Sweepstakes and RMG Casinos

Published

1 day ago

November 1, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Reading Time: < 1 minute

hinterzimmer.io, a cutting-edge Remote Gaming Server (RGS) platform provider designed and created by industry veterans, is excited to announce a new partnership with Tangelo Games, an award-winning leader in social casino gaming. This collaboration will enable online casino operators and publishers to bring best-in-class social slots content to sweepstakes and real-money gaming (RMG) casinos. Tangelo Games’ extensive library of popular, proprietary social slot titles has captivated players in the U.S. and Europe for over a decade. With studios in Barcelona and Tel Aviv, Tangelo is widely recognized for its engaging, high-quality social casino experiences.

The partnership allows Tangelo Games’ content to be ported, hosted, and distributed through hinterzimmer.io for both RMG and social casino operators and publishers, simplifying the integration and delivery processes.

By leveraging their combined expertise, hinterzimmer.io and Tangelo Games have curated an exclusive selection of premium game titles—such as Goddess of Love, Get Rich, and Golden Unicorn—for an expanded global audience. Each of these games has achieved widespread success within the social casino sphere, and now hinterzimmer.io’s integration partners can offer this unique content to their player base, leveraging their access to exclusive content to differentiate their offering to players.

Robert Lenzhofer, CEO of hinterzimmer.io, said “This partnership is especially meaningful, as it allows us at hinterzimmer.io to distribute slot games that have been enjoyed by millions of social casino players worldwide. These titles are bound to be a hit across all gaming platforms. We’re thrilled to help Tangelo Games reach a broader audience, leveraging our distribution network to introduce their beautifully crafted games to even more players and to provide our partners with unique, exclusive content.”