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Game creators ‘likely to be considering seeking gambling licences’

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Creators of games such as FIFA and Overwatch are more likely to seek gambling licenses and implement age restrictions than ditch controversial “loot boxes”, according to a gambling regulatory expert.

FIFA and Overwatch are among the high-profile games criticized for exposing children to gambling.

Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner for England, has called for tighter legislation to protect online gamers as it is noted that some children are spending significant sums of money, sometimes without a parent’s or carer’s consent.

Loot boxes allow players to spend real money to unlock additional characters, equipment skins and/or in game gear. On some occasions, the “loot” may assist the player in advancing further into the game and at a faster rate.

One of the most famous examples is FIFA’s Ultimate Team, where users can pay for packs of players to improve their team. The packs are random and, therefore, akin to gambling.

Nick Wright, a gambling regulatory specialist with SolutionsHub, says game developers such as Electronic Arts, which makes FIFA, Star Wars Battlefront II, and Apex Legends, are likely to be considering obtaining gambling licenses.

He said: “The loot box system is incredibly valuable for these companies. FIFA Ultimate Team made up 16% of the EA’s business in the fiscal year 2017, 21% in 2018, and now 28% in 2019.

“Tighter regulation would slash revenue streams and cut profits and require developers to think of new ways to engage with and monetize, their players.

“Would they remove loot boxes? Probably not but they may need to think of ways to age verify games where loot boxes are involved.

“I would be stunned if some of these companies aren’t already considering obtaining gambling licenses and consolidation and partnerships with existing holders would likely allow them quicker access into regulated markets.”

Statistics state that nine out of 10 children play video games in the UK alone with some children already displaying concerns that the purchasing of loot boxes may be considered a form of gambling.

Mr. Wright said: “Many people may think that loot boxes are only a recent phenomenon. However, their history and roots can be traced all the way back to the early 1900s where decorative cards were placed in cigarette packs.

“More recently the silver collectible cards placed in packs of US Baseball cards saw sales top $1 Billion USD in the early 1990s before reducing to its current level of $200 Million USD today.”

“Fast forward to 2012 and loot boxes were more commonly found in video games such as FIFA and CS:GO before being more widely adopted in games such as Battlefront and Call of Duty. Income from the sale of Loot Boxes is a valuable product vertical for game studios with Blizzard alone reporting income of $1 Billion USD from Overwatch in 2017.”

So, when will developers need to get a gambling license? Not any time soon.

Mr Wright said: “In November 2018, UK Gambling Commission chief executive Neil McArthur,  reporting to a Department for Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said that while there aresignificant concernsabout children playing games which offer loot boxes then loot boxes themselves do not qualify as a form of gambling under current laws.

“It seems that Mrs. Longfield will need to make a case for the law to be changed before the current status quo can be changed. In the meantime, the UKGC, as well as other top-tier regulators, will no doubt be keeping a close eye on sector developments.”


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Game creators ‘likely to be considering seeking gambling licences’

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens”

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A chaotic jungle journey with big, bad foes and insane riches.

Welcome to the jungle, where Shoot Happens! Face your opponent, take aim, and fire your way to riches.

ELA Games unveils its boldest title to date, a combination of decision-making and narrative progression where every shot counts.

In Shoot Happens, you’re not just a player. You’re the main character who has to fend off waves of increasingly dangerous (and valuable) monsters. Armed with 3 shots per round, you’ll need precision and calm nerves to take down the reward and add it to your Winpot. Hit the target for riches. Miss… and it’s back to the beginning.

The Choice Is Yours

Each round is in the hands of the player. Do you cash out now? Or keep slashing through the jungle for bigger and better rewards? Decision-making, timing, and a whole load of guts go a long way.

Expect the Unexpected

Random projectile bonuses can appear in any round, boosting your rewards massively. And just when you thought your journey through the treacherous jungle was over, the final boss appears. While the other monsters may have been a piece of cake, he doesn’t stay down. Each time you defeat him, he respawns for juicier and recurring payouts. Keep going as long as you can handle it, and you might walk out as the top dog of the jungle.

Marharyta Yerina, ELA Games’ Managing Director, commented on the game’s release, “With Shoot Happens, the team ventured outside of conventional game formats, and we wanted to give players a super engaging experience where they’re in control. This title is a bold approach to game design in this industry, as we’re empowering players with choice and enriching the gameplay experience with strong visuals, narratives, and plenty of replayability.”

Play how you want. The Winpot is yours

Shoot Happens is the perfect blend of fast-paced action, bold decision-making, and interactive gameplay. Whether you’re a cautious player or a complete daredevil, the game is an enticing experience for all.

How deep into the jungle are you willing to go?

The post Take Aim at Mega Wins: ELA Games Unleashes Chaos With New Shooter Game “Shoot Happens” appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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HIPTHER Enters Next-Level Operations Era: E-Residency, Flexibility, Tech & Collaboration

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HIPTHER, the innovative events organiser and media hub behind renowned boutique conferences and online news platforms for the iGaming and Technology industries, is thrilled to announce its new, dynamic era of operations.

Staying true to its international character, HIPTHER breaks free from geographical and logistical limitations by becoming an e-resident company of Estonia and embracing a fully remote work model built on trust, flexibility, and technology.

 

Estonian E-Residency: A Logical Step Forward for HIPTHER

With a strong focus on innovation, digitalisation, and entrepreneurship, Estonia has long been at the forefront of e-governance. For HIPTHER, a company operating across borders with a digital-first mindset, joining the Estonian e-Residency programme was not just a strategic move – it was the natural next step.

The e-Residency allows HIPTHER to maintain a fully online EU-based company, benefiting from Estonia’s transparent business environment, streamlined administration, and modern legal framework. It enables the team to manage operations more efficiently, with secure access to digital services and the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.

Estonia’s global-first approach mirrors HIPTHER’s own values: agility, decentralisation, and forward-thinking, making this alignment more than practical; it’s philosophical. With its new base in the digital nation, HIPTHER further amplifies its mission to connect industries, foster innovation, and redefine how modern companies operate and grow.

 

Remote Work Model: Trust, Flexibility, Collaboration in a Tech-forward Era

Supported by e-Residency and the innovative mindset echoed across HIPTHER’s conferences, virtual events, and media outlets – which cover cutting-edge industries such as Gaming, Fintech, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and beyond – the #hipthers are now able to collaborate fully remotely.

Following technological advancements and staying true to its human-centric values of wellness, balance, trust, and originality, HIPTHER takes a bold leap toward remote work –  where others can’t or won’t.

From managing international summits and awards to running online media and virtual panels, HIPTHER has long relied on digital infrastructure, and now turns this into a permanent advantage.

Zoltan Tuendik, HIPTHER’s Co-Founder & Head of Business, shared his thoughts behind this big next step for the company: “We believe in building a future where innovation, flexibility, and human-centric values guide everything we do. For several years now, our team has been working across borders, embracing remote collaboration and digital-first operations. With this step we’re solidifying and elevating a way of working that’s already part of our DNA. Becoming an e-resident company empowers us to bring lasting change and sets the stage for our next chapter of global impact.

 

Join the #hipthers Journey – We’re Hiring!

HIPTHER is growing, and we’re on the lookout for passionate, creative, and driven individuals to join our fully remote team. If you’re excited about working across dynamic industries like iGaming, Tech, Blockchain, and more, we want to hear from you!

 

Open Positions:

  • Social Media & Audience Engagement Lead
  • Virtual Events & Community Coordinator

👉 Check out the openings here –  send us your CV and a short intro to:

[email protected]  or [email protected]

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

The post HIPTHER Enters Next-Level Operations Era: E-Residency, Flexibility, Tech & Collaboration appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Midnite launches in-stadium £1,000 giveaway for Sheffield United and Southampton fans at every home league game

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  • Brace Yourself campaign gives supporters chance to win at every home league match

  • Cash prize awarded every time a home player scores two goals

  • Midnite will match winning prize pot with charitable donation

Fast-growing UK sportsbook Midnite will give Sheffield United and Southampton fans the chance to net £1,000 at every home league match throughout the new season.

Midnite is the front-of-shirt sponsor for Sheffield United and the back-of-shirt sponsor for Southampton and is launching the Brace Yourself campaign for supporters of both clubs.

It means every time a home player scores twice – a brace – one lucky member of the matchday crowd will grab a grand or possibly more – if no brace is scored, the prize pool will roll over to the next home match.

Midnite will also match the prize pool with a donation to charity close to each club.

Fans at Bramall Lane and St Mary’s can enter by scanning QR codes placed around the stadiums and in the matchday programmes and a seat number will be drawn at random before kick-off.

Brace Yourself kicks off on Saturday (August 9) when Southampton host Wrexham and Sheffield United entertain Bristol City.

Andrew Mook, Midnite’s Head of Brand Marketing, said: “We want fans to be on the edge of their seats throughout the season.

“When a home player scores a brace in the EFL Championship this season, Midnite will reward one lucky fan with a cash prize giveaway. Starting off at £1,000 and rolling over each week if there isn’t a winner, the excitement should build throughout the campaign.

“Midnite will also match the fan prize and donate the same amount to a local charity, in a bid to repay some of the amazing work that they do within the local community.”

 

Midnite’s Brace Yourself campaign is open to fans aged 18 and older.

The post Midnite launches in-stadium £1,000 giveaway for Sheffield United and Southampton fans at every home league game appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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