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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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TEAM VITALITY UNVEILS A SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY AND NEW CAMPAIGN FOR PERFECT WORLD SHANGHAI MAJOR 2024

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  • Leading global esports organization Team Vitality heads to China for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, fueled by the ambition to reclaim their place at the top as the world’s best CS2 team.
  • The team will proudly debut the club’s Shanghai Major Limited Edition White Fan Jersey from the Qualification Stage (RMR) onward. Designed in collaboration with Paris-based contemporary artist Nairone, this special edition jersey pays tribute to Counter-Strike and Team Vitality’s dedicated Chinese fanbase.
  • For the occasion, Team Vitality is proud to present a new campaign titled “The Year of Vitality”.

Global esports leader Team Vitality proudly announces its participation in the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024. As one of the most competitive teams in the international esports circuit, Team Vitality is set to make a powerful impact in Shanghai in what promises to be a thrilling tournament.

With anticipation building for this pivotal event in a country full of dedicated Counter-Strike fans, the club will be unveiling a new campaign on its Chinese social media accounts named “The Year of Vitality” This tribute to Chinese culture also underscores the team’s determination to secure a back-to-back victory, solidifying its global dominance.

ALL EYES ON THE TROPHY

Team Vitality’s CS2 roster has consistently delivered strong performances over the past two years, capped by their recent win at Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2024. Having claimed the World Champion title at the BLAST Premier World Finals in 2023 and secured an iconic victory at the BLAST.TV Paris Major, the team has firmly established itself as one of the most dominant forces in competitive CS2. After a conclusive 3-0 qualification at the RMR in Shanghai, Team Vitality is set to reinforce its status on the world stage.

Team Vitality’s dedication to competitive excellence since entering the scene in 2018 has been instrumental in shaping the modern Counter-Strike era. With legends like ZywOo, crowned HLTV’s best player in 2019, 2020, and 2023, and apEx, a seasoned pro with over a decade in the game, the team has set new industry standards in skill, dedication, and leadership. Building on this momentum, Team Vitality is poised to leave a lasting legacy in esports and proudly represent France in Shanghai.

We are thrilled to compete at the Shanghai Major and showcase the team’s hard work against the best teams globally,” says Fabien ‘Neo’ Devide, Chairman and Co-founder of Team Vitality. Growing our global presence and supporting both players and our worldwide community remains a top priority. We’re especially excited for zywOo to deliver a stellar performance in front of our Chinese fans. I am incredibly proud of the team and can’t wait to see them on the big stage with our fans in China!

GEARED UP FOR VICTORY WITH SHANGHAI EDITION OF THE ALTERNATE JERSEY

Team Vitality players will debut a special edition of their newly released Alternate Jersey on the stage, created exclusively for the Shanghai Major. This limited edition features a prominent “V” on the back, with design elements that pay homage to Counter-Strike, Shanghai, and the wider Chinese fanbase. The club released the exclusive jersey in a dedicated video that includes Chinese references, graphics and design.

Crafted in collaboration with Paris-based contemporary artist Nairone, known for his striking black-and-white contrast style, the jersey blends modern streetwear aesthetics with esports flair, making it a standout choice for both fans and players. Team Vitality’s PERFECT video showcases how the 2024 Alternate Jersey can be styled, featuring star players and brand ambassadors, underscoring its unique place in both the fashion and esports worlds.

Available for purchase only online, this special version of the alternate jersey is limited to 150 pieces and costs 89,99€.

TEAM VITALITY UNVEILS ITS NEW CAMPAIGN “THE YEAR OF VITALITY”

Team Vitality is excited to launch “The Year of Vitality,” a campaign celebrating Chinese culture and dedicated to Counter-Strike fans across China. This initiative reflects the team’s relentless pursuit of back-to-back victories on the world stage.

As China hosts this year’s Major, Team Vitality has chosen the dragon—a powerful symbol of ambition and determination—as the emblem of its campaign, representing the team’s commitment to overcoming challenges and dominating the competition. Each campaign visual draws inspiration from Chinese iconography, bringing the Counter-Strike team into this vibrant, culturally rich world.

In a tribute to Chinese tradition, the campaign combines gold and red to signify not only the country’s national colors but also the passion, energy, and unyielding drive to win. The design aims to honor Chinese fans’ enthusiasm and capture their hearts as Team Vitality battles to bring home another title.

Join us online to get behind-the-scenes content, exclusive updates, and the chance to celebrate each milestone with the team as they strive to secure their place at the top!

 

The post TEAM VITALITY UNVEILS A SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY AND NEW CAMPAIGN FOR PERFECT WORLD SHANGHAI MAJOR 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Saroca Unveils the Transformational Leadership Program for 2025

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Saroca Reimagines Leadership Development for the Gaming Industry

Saroca, a leader in professional development for the gaming industry, is proud to announce its Transformational Leadership Program, launching February 2025. Building on the success of the 2024 LeadHERship Program—a pioneering initiative for women in gaming—the new program expands its reach with two distinct cohorts: one exclusively for women and another open to all genders.

The Legacy of LeadHERship

The 2024 LeadHERship Program achieved an exceptional Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 90, with participants citing transformative growth. With participants like Clemence Dujardin citing it as a “game-changer”. Confidence in leadership abilities rose by 46%, resilience increased by 27%, and imposter syndrome diminished by 39%.

Participants praised the program’s focus on emotional resilience, feedback mastery, executive presence and communication all in a supportive community.

Leadership Development: A Game-Changer for Gaming

In a rapidly evolving and diversifying industry, strong leadership is essential. Saroca’s programs go beyond skill-building to foster resilience, trust, and inclusivity—key traits for thriving in the global gaming market.

“We believe leadership is not about hierarchy—it’s about transformation,” said Emily Leeb, CEO of Saroca. “The Transformational Leadership Program reflects our commitment to cultivating leaders who will shape the future of gaming.”

Transformational Leadership Program Highlights

The program builds on the proven curriculum of its predecessor, featuring:

  • Two Cohorts: A women-only cohort and a new all-gender cohort to enrich perspectives.
  • Eight Modules: Covering topics such as emotional intelligence, self-advocacy, and radical candor.
  • Community and Growth Tracking: Strengthening connections and measuring individual progress.

Registration Now Open

The Transformational Leadership Program begins in February 2025, with limited spots available. Scholarships are also offered to ensure accessibility. For more information, visit Saroca’s website or contact [email protected].

About Saroca

Saroca is a leader in leadership development for the gaming industry, committed to empowering professionals through inclusive, high-impact programs that drive personal and professional growth.

The post Saroca Unveils the Transformational Leadership Program for 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Play’n GO announces partnership with Austrian state lottery operator Win2Day

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Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, has today announced a partnership with Austrian state lottery operator Win2Day.  

This partnership sees legendary titles from the Swedish-founded gaming giant, such as Reactoonz, Rise of Olympus, and Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness live on Win2Day’s platform for players to enjoy.  

As of November 2024, Play’n GO offers a portfolio of over 350 premium titles in over 30 jurisdictions worldwide.  

Tove Aldefors, Head of Regional Sales Central and Western Europe at Play’n GO, said “It’s exciting to launch our games with the Austrian state lottery, and Win2Day are the perfect partner for our brand. They share our beliefs about a regulated, sustainable, player entertainment-led industry. We’re looking forward to many years of success working together.” 

Georg Wawer, Managing Director win2day, added “We are the only licensed operator in Austria. Therefore our objective is to provide all major igaming operators on our platform. Play’n GO is one of the international powerhouses and therefore we are delighted to be able to offer their content on our platform. We view Play’n GO as a competent and responsible partner for win2day and we’re confident this partnership will prove fruitful.” 

The post Play’n GO announces partnership with Austrian state lottery operator Win2Day appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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