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One in three Brits waste 126 working hours gaming each year, study reveals
British employees are wasting hundreds of contracted work hours a year using company computers and phones for personal activities, according to a new survey from ExpressVPN. The survey, conducted by the consumer privacy and security company, found that some people are spending only 32% of annual contracted hours on work tasks.
With a steep rise in hybrid and home working in recent years, many companies have provided employees with work devices to use in the comfort of their own homes, including work laptops, desktops, phones, cameras, and microphones.
ExpressVPN’s study polled 2,000 hybrid and remote workers across the UK and US to find out how they’re using work devices for personal tasks. The research found that over half of UK workers admitted to using their work computer to check personal emails (62%), carry out general personal activities, such as reading the news or looking things up online, (58%), and to shop online (52%).
However, it seems some activities were less innocuous. In fact, 24% of workers admit to having spent 97 working hours per year looking at porn on a work device, and 96 hours accessing the dark web.
Overall, men were more guilty of using work devices for personal tasks than women. Out of all the personal tasks, checking personal emails came out on top, with men spending more time doing this at 189 working hours per year compared to women at 115 hours. Men also spent more time watching porn at 140 working hours per year compared to women at 68 hours.
Employees aren’t getting away with this, though. The survey showed that 78% of employees who had admitted to using their work computer to browse the dark web had been approached by their employer about it. Further, 77% had been approached regarding buying crypto and 73% were approached about online gambling.
The most common consequences for these employees was a verbal warning, with 14% receiving one from their employer. 13% of workers received training on the appropriate use of work devices after being caught out.
“It’s concerning how much time Brits are spending on personal activities during working hours, especially as they are using their work devices for these tasks. This isn’t just about productivity, it can adversely affect your company’s privacy and security risk levels,” commented Lauren Hendry Parsons, Privacy Advocate, ExpressVPN.
“Short of locking down internet access on all work devices or resorting to unwelcome, demoralizing surveillance, it’s unrealistic to stop employees from using work devices for personal activities. Instead, business leaders need to ensure they are equipping employees with a solid security education, helping them to understand the risks they would be introducing and how to avoid things like phishing attacks. Employees must understand that their usage of company devices will be visible in some capacity to the company, so it’s certainly worth thinking twice before spending a little personal time with a work device.”
Looking beyond how employees are using their work devices, the survey also revealed that 74% of senior management working in the UK expect employees to be working outside of their working hours. This pressure to consistently work overtime may be part of the reason why so many employees are using their work equipment for personal activities.
The survey also looked at the privacy and security precautions employers had in place to ensure safety online. 90% of businesses have at least one form of IT security in place for remote workers-with VPNs (33%), virus protection (32%) and firewalls (30%) being the most common. 28% of businesses also provided an IT safety guide to employees.
Methodology
This survey was carried out by CensusWide across the UK and the US in February 2023, with a total of 2000 respondents. In each country, 1000 hybrid or remote employees were surveyed.
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Recap of EEGS Webinar on AI’s Transformative Power in Gaming Industry Now Available On-Demand
Following the successful conclusion of the Eastern European Gaming Summit’s (EEGS) inaugural webinar for the year, titled “Rolling the Dice on AI: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping the Gaming Industry,” attendees can now access the video on demand to revisit the insightful discussions and key takeaways. The event, held on February 19, featured a distinguished panel of industry experts who explored the significant impact of AI on player protection, regulatory requirements, and innovation within the gaming sector.
Moderated by Rossi McKee, Co-founder of Telematic Interactive Bulgaria and CT Gaming, the webinar offered a deep dive into the dual-edged role of AI in gaming, discussing how it can enhance player experiences while also creating new challenges for operators.
The expert panel included:
- Paula Murphy – Head of Business Development, Mindway AI
- Joseph Borg – Partner, WH Partners
- Dr. Galia Mancheva – Founder and CEO, Ai Advy
The conversation highlighted the ongoing shift towards AI-driven solutions in gaming, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and compliance with evolving regulations – especially with the implementation of the EU AI Act. Dr. Mancheva noted, “Operators working with personal data must understand how AI can enhance efficiency and ensure compliance with stringent legal requirements.”
Key takeaways from the webinar revealed that the future of the gaming industry hinges not only on the adoption of cutting-edge technology but also on the commitment to utilize it responsibly. “The real challenge for operators is not just adopting AI but using it ethically,” stressed the panel in unison.
For those who missed the live event, the on-demand video recaps critical insights on AI’s transformative potential in gaming, its implications for responsible gambling initiatives, and the regulatory landscape.
You can watch the entire webinar here: https://youtube.com/eegamingsummit
For more information on future webinars and events, stay tuned to EEGS’s official channels.
The post Recap of EEGS Webinar on AI’s Transformative Power in Gaming Industry Now Available On-Demand appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Neela Mediatech Pioneers the Future of IP-Based Gaming in India with Gada Electronic
Neela Mediatech, a trailblazing Indian gaming studio, is redefining the gaming landscape by leveraging beloved intellectual properties to create interactive entertainment experiences. By expanding the universe of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah beyond television, the company has transformed the iconic show into a multi-platform gaming phenomenon.
The studio’s latest release, Gada Electronics, has emerged as a top game in mobile gaming, proving that nostalgia-driven storytelling combined with strategic gameplay can drive massive engagement. The game has achieved remarkable milestones, ranking #2 among all App Store games in India, surpassing PUBG, and also securing the #1 position in the Adventure & Simulation category on iOS. With over 5 million downloads across Android and iOS, Gada Electronics manages a D1 retention of 35% as well. With Gada Electronics, Neela Mediatech has set a new benchmark for Indian IP-driven gaming.
Unlike traditional simulation games, Gada Electronics allows players to step into the shoes of Jethalal Gada, one of India’s most beloved TV characters, as they manage and expand his iconic electronics store. The game integrates elements of business strategy, resource management, and decision-making, making it both entertaining and intellectually engaging.
India’s mobile gaming market has long been dominated by battle royale and casual games, but Neela Mediatech has taken a unique approach by harnessing local intellectual properties that deeply resonate with Indian audiences.
Commenting on this success, Mr. Asit Kumarr Modi, Founder of Neela Mediatech, said, “For years, Indian audiences have loved the world of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. With Gada Electronics, we’ve given them a way to engage with the brand in an interactive format. This success proves that Indian IP-driven gaming has the potential to rival global franchises.” With an established fan base, the game has witnessed exceptional user engagement, retention, and organic adoption, further demonstrating the power of homegrown IPs in India’s gaming industry.
The success of Gada Electronics reflects a larger transformation in India’s gaming sector. The country’s gaming market is projected to reach $8.36 billion by 2030, with simulation games alone crossing 1 billion downloads in 2023. Business simulation gaming is expected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2023 to $5.8 billion by 2032.
Mr. Harjeet Chhabra, CEO of Neela Mediatech, highlighted the shift in the industry, stating, “For years, Hollywood and global gaming giants have capitalized on IP-driven gaming—whether it’s Marvel, Star Wars, or Pokémon. India has an equally rich library of beloved franchises, and we are just scratching the surface of its gaming potential.”
Following the overwhelming success of Gada Electronics, Neela Mediatech is focused on expanding its IP-driven gaming portfolio. The company is working on new Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah-themed edutainment app for kids aged 2-6. Plans are also underway for interactive storytelling experiences featuring beloved TMKOC characters.
By seamlessly blending nostalgia, storytelling, and technology, Neela Mediatech is not just creating games—it is building a dynamic gaming ecosystem for Indian audiences. From television screens to mobile gaming, the future of IP-driven gaming has arrived, and Neela Mediatech is leading the charge.
The post Neela Mediatech Pioneers the Future of IP-Based Gaming in India with Gada Electronic appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Flamenco Passion is a slot with a Spanish soul and an innovative prize system
The leading online casino game provider in Spain, MGA Games, announces the launch of its new 5-reel slot, Flamenco Passion. This new game transports players into the world of flamenco with every spin. Available from February 24 in the .com markets and March 3 in Spain, this slot promises an immersive experience with stunning graphics, flamenco music, and exciting gameplay mechanics.
This new release offers 25 pay lines, Wild symbols, and an innovative dynamic prize system with Mini, Major, and Mega options. Additionally, players can enjoy free spins with the Mega Figure, which appears on the central reels (2, 3, and 4), increasing the chances of winning prizes. The excitement increases with the Mega Reel, a special feature that ensures dynamic gameplay.
The design and setting of the game capture the essence of flamenco and Spanish folklore, with a Typical Spanish aesthetic that is appealing to players of all nationalities. Flamenco music and sound effects enhance the immersion, making each game a true celebration of this tradition.
With this release, MGA Games reaffirms its commitment to innovation and quality in the development of 100% localized content slots. Flamenco Passion promises to captivate players and become a hit in online casinos worldwide. ¡Olé!
The post Flamenco Passion is a slot with a Spanish soul and an innovative prize system appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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