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Online Gaming Addiction in Men Affects Brain’s Impulse Control
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Researchers using functional MRI (fMRI) have found differences in the brains of men and women who are addicted to online gaming, according to a new study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
“Internet use is an integral part of the daily lives of many young adults, and a loss of control over Internet use could lead to various negative effects,” said the study’s senior author, Yawen Sun, M.D., diagnostic radiologist at the Department of Radiology of Ren Ji Hospital, affiliated with the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China. “Internet gaming disorder has become a major public health concern worldwide among both adolescents and young adults.”
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a condition characterized by compulsive playing of online games to the exclusion of other interests. Individuals with IGD often suffer significant impairment or distress and may experience negative effects at work, in school or in relationships because of the amount of time they spend playing. They also show symptoms of withdrawal when not playing.
While some evidence exists that IGD is more prevalent among men, there is little existing research on differences in the structure and function of the brains of men and women with the disorder.
The researchers studied 32 men and 23 women with IGD. They performed resting-state fMRI on the study participants, along with 30 male and 22 female age-matched healthy controls. Resting-state fMRI allows a view of the brain activity when it is not focused on a particular task. The study looked at relationships between brain activity as seen on fMRI and scores on the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11, a commonly used test to assess behavioral inhibition.
The results illuminated key differences between the men and women with IGD. Men with IGD showed alterations in regional- and network-level brain function. In particular, they had lower brain activity in the superior frontal gyrus, an area of the brain’s prefrontal lobe that is important to impulse control. The women with IGD did not exhibit any of these brain alterations.
“Our findings demonstrated that alterations in cerebral activity are observed in men with IGD, but not in women with IGD, and that the lower brain activity in the superior frontal gyrus in men with IGD may be associated with higher impulsivity,” Dr. Sun said.
This and other differences apparent in the study suggest that IGD may interact with gender-specific patterns of brain function in men and women.
Different rates of maturation in men’s and women’s brains could also contribute to gender-specific alterations in IGD, Dr. Sun noted. For instance, the prefrontal cortex, which has a central role in executive function and inhibition, matures later in men.
“Men have shown lower levels of impulse control in comparison with women, and their impulse control also increases more gradually,” she said. “Given the role of inhibitory control in the initiation of IGD, young men may tend to experiment with pathological Internet use to a greater degree than young women do.”
A dysfunctional prefrontal cortex specifically in men with IGD may be associated with high impulsivity, a finding partly consistent with those of previous studies of substance addiction. The research adds to a growing body of literature linking the behavioral problems associated with IGD to those found in individuals with substance abuse issues.
“However, it remains unclear whether the brain functional and structural changes found in IGD are gaming-induced or precursors for vulnerability,” Dr. Sun said. “I think future research should focus on using functional MRI to identify brain susceptibility factors relating to the development of IGD.”
Internet, or online, gaming has grown tremendously over the past decades. It includes social gaming, mobile gaming, and multiplayer gaming, which generates billions of dollars in revenue in the U.S. alone. Recent surveys have reported that there are more than 55 million online console gamers in the U.S. According to data measurement company Nielsen, 162 million people, or roughly half the U.S. population, live in a household with a video game console.
Co-authors are Xu Han, M.D., Yao Wang, Weina Ding, Yan Zhou, Ph.D., and Jianrong Xu.
Note: Copies of RSNA 2018 news releases and electronic images will be available online at RSNA.org/press18 beginning Monday, Nov. 26.
RSNA is an association of over 54,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists, promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)
Source: Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
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N1 Partners at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 Results: A Key Pit Stop on the Road to the Helicopter
N1 Partners turned its presence at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 into a full-throttle hub for business and networking — reconnecting with partners, solidifying collaborations, and expanding shared strategies at N1 Partners’ booth. The event became another major milestone in the journey toward the grand finale of the flagship N1 Puzzle Promo campaign.
This stop followed London and Lisbon earlier in the year, where each event revealed a new chapter of the promo’s story. London introduced the branded iconic double-decker Wealth Bus activation, Lisbon added the “Surfing on the Waves to Success” experience, and Rome brought an Italian racing-spirit pit-stop concept, fueling the next pace of the competition.
“Our road to the N1 Puzzle Promo final in Barcelona is made up of many milestones, the brightest of which are London, Lisbon, and now Rome,” says Alexa Bond, Head of Affiliates at N1 Partners. “Each point isn’t just an event. It’s where we meet partners in person, plan new steps together, and keep moving forward. Rome felt like a ‘pit stop’ in the best sense – a moment to refuel, check the direction, and continue the race toward the helicopter.”
A Booth That Never Stopped Moving
The N1 Partners stand became one of the most vibrant spots of the exhibition floor, drawing continuous attention from attendees and media alike.
- 500+ productive meetings were held with major affiliates and key iGaming players.
- 600+ portions of gelato were served — a crowd favorite symbolizing the Italian touch.
- 200+ N1-branded merch packs were handed out, quickly becoming recognizable visuals across the venue.
- 300+ participants took part in the HeliRun Challenge, the bespoke mechanical time-trial maze where accuracy, speed, and focus count.
- 250+ took part in the LEGO Ferrari giveaway, with the lucky winner describing their prize as “an everyday reminder of how competition keeps you moving.”
The booth aesthetic took inspiration from Italian racing culture – not flashy but clear, focused, and energetic, reflecting the push toward the finish line of the campaign.
Spotlight and Media Presence
Throughout SiGMA Central Europe, N1 Partners engaged in multiple media interviews and appearances across leading affiliate-industry platforms and podcasts. Discussions focused on the evolution of affiliate marketing, the mechanics behind N1 Puzzle Promo, and how tailored offers and transparency continue to reshape the multi-brand affiliate model.
Next Stop: Barcelona 2026 — The Grand Finale
The journey continues to Barcelona, where during iGB/ICE Europe 2026 N1 Partners will host the grand finale celebration of the N1 Puzzle Promo.
- Grand prize for winners – a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter.
- Premium gifts for the top 10 winners: Porsche eBike Sport, Cartier Santos Medium watch, MacBook Pro, Leica Q2, Apple Vision Pro, and more.
- Exclusive prize draw for ceremony guests.
- Full entertainment show with top artists and a headliner.
“We look forward to celebrating with our partners who’ve been part of this journey. It’s our shared moment to enjoy,” said the N1 Partners team.
Join the Race
Want to accelerate your affiliate performance? Join N1 Partners and become a driver in the race to win.
Visit n1.partners for details.
About N1 Partners
N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program and direct advertiser, uniting 14+ casino and betting brands.
Operating across 10+ Tier-1 GEOs, the company delivers high-conversion traffic and flexible terms for partners worldwide. With Reg2Dep rates of up to 70% and a trusted network of 10,000+ affiliates, N1 Partners offers competitive deals for top partners — CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45% — ensuring that partners always stay ahead in the game.
Be number one with N1!
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SoftGamings has been awarded the Best Platform Provider at the SiGMA Central Europe 2025 ceremony held in Rome. The award recognizes the company’s outstanding achievements in platform development, technical excellence, and continuous contribution to the growth of the global iGaming industry.
The recognition highlights SoftGamings’ commitment to delivering robust, scalable, and feature-rich platform solutions that empower operators to build successful online casino and sportsbook businesses. Through its unified API, the company offers seamless access to more than 300 licensed game providers, 150+ payment systems, and complete licensing and compliance support across multiple jurisdictions.
The SiGMA Awards are among the most respected distinctions in the gaming industry, celebrating innovation and quality among the leading companies worldwide.
Winning in the Platform Provider category underlines SoftGamings’ role as a trusted technology partner for operators looking to launch and scale their projects efficiently.
SoftGamings continues to set industry standards with its forward-looking approach, reliable infrastructure, and dedication to supporting clients through every stage of their iGaming journey.
The post SoftGamings Wins “Best Platform Provider” Award at SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Presenting Industry Trends and Celebrating 100 Brands: SOFTSWISS Shines at SiGMA Central Europe
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SOFTSWISS, a global tech leader in iGaming solutions, has wrapped up a remarkable showcase at SiGMA Central Europe 2025. From the launch of the 2026 iGaming Trends Report to the live-built Alfa Romeo 4C handover, the company once again demonstrated why it stands as the industry’s leading technology provider and creative pioneer.
One of the main highlights of the event was the official release of the 2026 iGaming Trends Report. The fourth edition offers a data-driven overview of the macro- and microtrends shaping the future of iGaming – from the industrialisation of AI to regulatory shifts, cybersecurity evolution, and the rise of brand trust.
To mark the launch, SOFTSWISS hosted the 2026 iGaming Trends Marathon, a four-hour live event featuring global thought leaders. In the opening panel discussion, Ivan Montik, Founder of SOFTSWISS, Heathcliff Farrugia, COO of SiGMA, and Pierre Lindh, CEO of NEXT.io, arranged the ‘Ultimate Forecast Duel,’ exploring which trends will define the industry’s next chapter.
Another key moment was the Alfa Romeo 4C gifting, organised to celebrate the launch of the 100th brand powered by SOFTSWISS software in 2025. The sports car, assembled live during the expo at the SOFTSWISS stand, became a symbol of the company’s engineering precision and team spirit.
During a special ceremony, Ivan Montik handed over the keys to one of SOFTSWISS’ valued partners, Lottu, represented by Hugo Baungartner, Chief Business Officer, marking another milestone in a long-standing partnership based on trust and shared success.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 36,700 casino games, Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post Presenting Industry Trends and Celebrating 100 Brands: SOFTSWISS Shines at SiGMA Central Europe appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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