Gaming
G.Round Introduces New Private Playtest Service, Ensuring a Secure and Controlled Testing Environment
G.Round, the community-driven playtesting platform for games in development, has announced the launch of its new Private Playtest Service. Now game studios and publishers can privately test their games with a select group of users in an identified, controlled, and watermarked secure environment. And, with invaluable feedback and insight, they can improve their games substantially prior to commercial launch.
The service follows a straightforward process, ensuring they can efficiently and effectively test their games. To guarantee a high level of confidentiality and provide complete control over user access to their games, the process consists of the following steps:
● Private Testing Consultation: At an early stage, G.Round will set up an introductory meeting with the client to gather comprehensive insights into their specific requirements and strategically plan private testing. Through this meeting, G.Round will help to create private tests that are unique to the client’s testing requirements, such as targeting demographics of age, gender, region, genre preference, and hardware environment.
● Studio / Publisher Onboarding: G.Round provides a simple onboarding process for Private Tests. During the onboarding process, clients can further customize their private test experience by creating surveys and research questions for testers that are unique to their game. Clients can also integrate G.Round’s proprietary SDK package to gather in-game data, which will be analyzed together with G.Round’s real user data.
● Creating a secure Game Testing Environment: Each tester for private tests will undergo a vetting process to ensure suitability in a controlled game testing environment. This process includes signing non-disclosure agreements and verifying personal credentials before acceptance into the Private Test program. Such measures minimize the risk of uncontrolled testing. The platform also includes additional security features, such as an authentication tool for access, file encryption for increased security, and a watermark inscribed on all recordings of the games.
● Real-Time Game Testing: Studios and publishers will be given appropriate tools to gather real-time engagement data from testers. This includes dashboard tools for live feedback, dedicated communication channels for the testing group, and live G.Round support members to guide them through the process. This ensures clients have a convenient and seamless experience throughout the testing phase.
● Outcome and Results: Once the game has collected all feedback from testers, a personalized and comprehensive report will be prepared for the client. The report will not only encompass a professional review of the game but also include an analysis of candid feedback from private game testers. This will help the developers and publishers gain subjective insights into the game’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as refine different game mechanics. In addition, the clients will receive copies of video recordings of the testers’ gameplay, including highlighted sections so that they would have an extended perception of how the game was engaged by testers.
G.Round’s founder and CEO, Danny Woo, commented: “By engaging with an exclusive group of testers, developers and publishers can gather invaluable insights that contribute to improved game performance and enhanced user experience. The platform is a critical tool in refining games, helping to identify issues or concerns, and ultimately helping ensure a highly successful and polished commercial release.”
“The platform includes various security features such as build encryption, watermark display, gameplay recording and individual electronic NDA. One of the standout features is the watermark display, which adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized distribution. Additionally, recording and uploading functionality not only ensures a high-security level but also enables our clients to capture and analyze gameplay footage, providing valuable insights into the first-time experience of users and aiding in the optimization process,” concludes Danny Woo.
G.Round aims to contribute to the success of game launches, providing playtesting opportunities to game developers and publishers before commercial launches. G.Round has provided only public testing service so far but now wants to give a private testing environment to manage user access, test duration, and recording settings, ensuring a customized and efficient testing experience.
By providing a secure and controlled environment for private playtesting, G.Round’s new playtesting service will enable developers or publishers to shape their games to captivate players and make a lasting impact without risking leaks by unidentified users.
Gaming
Fourth Star Launches Immersive Media Streaming Platform
Fourth Star, the cutting-edge virtual reality immersive media streaming platform, is officially available to the public. This innovative platform transforms traditional entertainment by enabling users to seamlessly watch standard 2D, 180 and 360 immersive media content and movies. Fourth Star redefines how audiences engage with immersive storytelling, offering an unparalleled first-person centric perspective on entertainment.
“Fourth Star is more than just a platform – it’s a revolution in entertainment,” said Greg Simon, Co-Founder & CEO of Fourth Star. “We’ve created an immersive experience where users can not only consume content but also actively participate in it. Our vision is to transform how people experience media content and movies in a way that has never been done before.”
A New Era of Interactive Entertainment
The largest immersive media streaming platform available on Sidequest, users can explore nearly forty unique environments, interact with AI-driven crew, and experience entertainment in an entirely new way. Fourth Star offers a groundbreaking approach to digital engagement, whether socializing in the Cafe, customizing avatars in private Apartments or Ships, or stepping directly into a movie’s storyline.
“The combination of VR, AI, and blockchain in Fourth Star sets a new standard for immersive entertainment,” said Craig Wiltshire, CTO of Fourth Star. “Our vision is to seamlessly integrate all three technologies into the user experience. We are redefining the entertainment experience from passive observation to active creation.”
Built for Content Partners
Fourth Star is a self-serve platform designed for content partners of all sizes, from individual creators to blockbuster studios. Content partners can set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing their work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience. The Creator Portal empowers partners to distribute and profit from their immersive media with ease, making Fourth Star a truly open and accessible metaverse for digital entertainment.
Key Features of Fourth Star
- VR Streaming Platform – Users can access nearly forty environments and own their own luxury apartments and ships all equipped with an immersive media streaming entertainment hub.
- Social & Customization – Connect with others in dynamic social hubs, personalize your avatar, and invite your friends to your own luxury apartment and ship.
- Player Portal – Users can access the web-based marketplace to explore content, invite friends,
- Creator Portal – Set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing your work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience.
- Blockchain Integration – The FSTR token, built on the Polygon blockchain, powers the ecosystem, providing secure transactions and exclusive rewards.
- AI-Powered Companions – Coming soon
FSTR: The Utility Token Powering Fourth Star
FSTR serves as the primary ecosystem currency within the Fourth Star platform, enabling users to purchase Apartments, Ships, AI Companions, and exclusive content. Token holders benefit from:
- VIP Access – Exclusive events, early screenings, and red carpet experiences.
- Discounts – 25% savings on in-app purchases (IAPs) and entertainment content.
A New Paradigm in Entertainment
Fourth Star is designed to deliver the future of entertainment through merging cinematic storytelling with interactive gaming, offering:
- A seamless transition from passive to interactive experiences.
- A thriving community for players, creators, and investors.
- Advanced AI integration for interactive AI characters.
- Don’t just watch the star in the movie, become the star.
Availability and Access
Fourth Star is now live and available for users worldwide on Sidequest. Whether you’re an explorer, content creator large to small, storyteller, or entertainment enthusiast, Fourth Star provides an immersive space to experience digital entertainment like never before.
Gaming
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)
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.”
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