Gaming

ITV Backed Live Tech Games Enters the US Market with a Bang with New, Competitive Word Game pogl

Published

2 years ago

August 3, 2022

Following a successful year of national and campaign-specific releases, including a pilot with ITV’s This Morning, Live Tech Games (LTG) has taken its offering global with a new release in the US: the thrilling new word puzzle game pogl. With LTG’s UK success already attracting attention, players have been determined to give themselves a head start before the first live tournament, with over 8,000 players signed up to the pre-game mailing list.

Launching today, [Tuesday 2nd August], pogl pits players head to head in a live tournament, with each player guessing the answer to a simple trivia question and the quickest to find the answer in the word search grid, winning the round and progressing to the next level. The live word game will be available to players three times a week: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 7pm ET/4pm PT, with the first tournament today [2nd August].

LTG’s aim is to pioneer a new wave of digital entertainment on a global scale; by going international with the launch of pogl, LTG will connect a new audience with the thrill of live, tournament style games. The integrated sponsorship opportunities available on LTG’s games including pogl are unparalleled: brands are positioned at the heart of gameplay in a non-intrusive framework with special sponsored prizes, custom trivia questions, countdown space takeovers and sponsored power ups available.

pogl already has a number of sponsors lined up for its upcoming games, with each sponsor having a one week (thus three game) sponsorship confirmed with unique brand integrations. Sponsors include Pangissimo, size-defying surround sound at home and on the go with lightweight, outdoor-ready portable modular speakers; Emma+Oliver, high-quality modern home furnishings and other beautiful home décor at affordable prices; as well as Rolo Golf, Sweaty Bands, Pro Writing Aid and Tea Drops. LTG’s ambition is to have pogl games sponsored by the biggest brands in the US and with a host of thrilling new live games lined up for the future, pogl is just the beginning for international markets.

2020 saw the launch of Roshambo Live – a competitive rock, paper, scissors game – and LTG’s first success, hitting number three on the App Store Game charts and leading to partnerships and collaborations with renowned brands including ITV, Arsenal Football Club and Tombola. Following the hugely successful launch into the UK market, ITV’s Studio 55 Ventures invested £2.5M into LTG, recognising the potential and capacity for huge success across industries that lay with the impressively young start-up. The UK media giant has collaborated with the founders to develop targeted and creative new games and campaigns to change the way viewers engage digitally.

Samuel Worsley, co-founder and co-CEO of LTG, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of pogl in the US. We have been working hard to develop our international business for months, determined to bring live gaming to a new audience we know will get a huge thrill from playing our games. With such a high demand in the gaming industry it felt like the obvious next step to launch in the US and we are thrilled with the anticipation building up around pogl already on our VIP signup list.”

Much like LTG’s previous digital games, pogl inhabits a simple and easy to grasp concept, blended with fast paced competitiveness and undeniable bursts of adrenaline. Using knowledge, skill or simple love of trivia, players can immerse themselves in the quick action game which is accessible for everyone; from Gen-Z to their grandparents who indulge in a classic word game, anyone can play along and experience the live fun it brings to audiences. In the current climate of mobile entertainment, pogl is arriving at the perfect time; with the huge success of BeReal’s simultaneous push notification, Wordle’s daily puzzle challenge, and TikTok’s bursts of entertainment, pogl will occupy a unique and exciting position that combines the attractions and characteristics of the live mobile space’s current stars. pogl is set to make its mark on the US and bring the thrill of competitive, light-hearted and live rewarded gaming to a new audience.

Samuel Worsley continues: “This is a great opportunity for Live Tech Games. Already growing at a huge rate across the UK, we have so many plans for the future and how pogl could grow, with ambitions to make it a global brand. pogl offers audiences the chance to immerse themselves in a competitive, fun space, whilst also presenting a unique opportunity for brands to engage with consumers and drive retention.”

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10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)

Published

4 weeks ago

December 20, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.

Recognizing Early Signs

“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:

Exhaustion and Irritability

Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.

Gaming Obsession

If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.

Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests

A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.

Emotional Volatility

Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.

Physical Strain

Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.

Neglecting Basic Needs

If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.

Creating a Supportive Environment

While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.

Teamwork and Setting Boundaries

“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.

Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.

Open Communication

Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.

Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”

Gaming

SPGA Announces Social Sweeps Game Sector Video Briefing

Published

3 months ago

October 9, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) has released a video briefing designed to provide insight and information on the social sweeps gaming model. This briefing is designed to address the growing attention and interest in how the social casino with sweepstakes prizing functions and why millions of players across America enjoy this safe and legal form of entertainment.

This inaugural SPGA briefing features insights from Matt Kaufman, Managing Director, Digital & Interactive Gaming at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, and Jon Kaplowitz, CEO and Co-Founder of Clubs Poker. The discussion is moderated by prominent sports betting industry founder and investor Chris Grove.

eSports

CS2 Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024 SuperComputer: NaVi to bounce back after Blast Fall Final loss

Published

3 months ago

October 7, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Final: Natus Vincere (36.5%) to beat Team Vitality (28.1%)

Semifinal 1: Natus Vincere (52.6%) to beat MOUZ (16.3%)

Semifinal 2: Team Vitality (47.7%) to beat G2 Esports (18.7%)

Quarterfinal 1: G2 Esports (39.8%) to beat FaZe Clan (32.8%)

Quarterfinal 2: MOUZ (35.9%) to beat Eternal Fire (24.7%)

Group stage:

Natus Vincere – 48.7% to finish 1st; 17.0% to finish 2nd; 84.1% to make playoffs
Team Vitality – 40.8% to finish 1st; 17.4% to finish 2nd; 77.7% to make playoffs
G2 Esports – 19.3% to finish 1st; 20.4% to finish 2nd; 56.7% to make playoffs
MOUZ – 14.5% to finish 1st; 21.8% to finish 2nd; 53.0% to make playoffs
FaZe Clan – 13.9% to finish 1st; 21.0% to finish 2nd; 50.2% to make playoffs
Eternal Flame – 40.7% to finish 1st; 16.2% to finish 2nd; 40.7% to make playoffs
Liquid – 16.3% to finish 7-8th; 35.7% to make playoffs
Virtus.pro – 15.4% to finish 7-8th; 29.9% to make playoffs
Astralis – 28.9% to finish 9-12th; 31.5% to make playoffs
The MongolZ – 32.7% to finish 9-12th; 25.4% to make playoffs
Complexity – 34.3% to finish 9-12th; 21.2% to make playoffs
Heroic – 26.8% to finish 9-12th; 23.5% to make playoffs
paiN – 36.5% to finish 13-16th; 21.0% to make playoffs
FURIA – 36.4% to finish 13-16th; 20.9% to make playoffs
9z – 44.7% to finish 13-16th; 14.6% to make playoffs
Imperial – 49.1% to finish 13-16th; 13.9% to make playoffs

It has been quite the run for NaVi despite their loss with back to back grand finals in recent weeks but CSDB.gg’s predictive model suggests there will be no let up for the Ukrainian esports organisation.

G2 will also be looking to build more momentum in preparation for Majors season with NiKo on a quest to finally get over the line this year to win his first major title. Hopefully Rio won’t have to see a repeat of his reaction in the semifinals at BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024 where he punched a hole in a table after losing out to Team Vitality in a key moment.

However, the hosts of Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024 may want to lockdown any nearby furniture and reinforce their desks if G2 are set for disappointment at the semifinals stage as predicted by the CSDB.gg SuperComputer.

A victory in Rio could be even more consequential for how the end of the year shapes up for the leading teams on the circuit. The Valve Global rankings have both teams close at the very top (NaVi at 1988 and G2 at 1953) meaning a win for either team could hand them a key advantage when it comes to who enters the Majors as top seed.

Back-to-back wins in T1 events for G2, should they prosper in Rio, would set the Berlin-based team on an incredible trajectory going into the winter months.

Meanwhile, Brazilian hopes for glory look slight according to the CSDB.gg SuperComputer with FURIA, the team co-owned by Neymar, having only been given a 20.9% chance of even making the playoffs.

They are the leading contenders to make an impact for the home crowd but there are other teams flying the flag for Brazil with paiN and Imperial also set to give it their best to give local fans something to cheer on.

In terms of forecasted matchups of note, G2 and FaZe Clan could offer up a fascinating encounter in the quarterfinals should both teams qualify, with each organisation rated as having a strong chance of making the semis with little to separate them should they meet.

How was the CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament SuperComputer created?

The CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament SuperComputer is a predictive model created using world ranking points, team quality ratings and performance trends. An element of randomness is also included in the model to avoid the best teams and players always winning, to reflect the fact that upsets can happen.

Every tournament is simulated 1,000 times with the results aggregated into a percentage rating of the chances teams or players have to achieve the predicted result.