If you've been following the saga of 'loot boxes' in games and their legal position for the past few years, you'll know that it's been back and forth multiple times now. One body will decide that they're not a form of gambling and therefore they're legal, and another body will subsequently determine that they're gambling after all, and therefore ought to be regulated. The issue gets kicked between regulatory authorities multiple times without anything seeming to be done about it, and in the meantime, gaming companies continue to release games that contain loot boxes. Now, the United Kingdom finally appears to be ready to make a ruling on the issue.

 

The case against loot boxes is simple to state, and simple to understand. When a player uses real money to buy an in-game loot box, they're parting with that money in return for a reward of uncertain value. It might be that they get something that's worth more than what they've paid, or it might be that they don't. That's the same basic principle that drives every slot on every single online slots website you could imagine. In the United Kingdom, it's perfectly legal to play Nextgen online slots and run online slots websites, but they're licensed and subject to regulation. Loot boxes, despite their obvious similarities to online slots, are not. Excluding them from regulation has always been a contentious issue, and now one of the most important bodies in the country has decided it won't tolerate the situation any longer.

 

In what looks set to become a landmark ruling, the Gambling Committee of the UK's House of Lords has stated that loot boxes are games of chance, and as with other games of chance, they're subject to the country's Gambling Act of 2005. That would mean that any gaming company that wants to include loot boxes in products that are sold in the UK would need to have them licensed, and crucially would not be permitted to sell its products to children. That would prompt an enormous change of strategy from some of the biggest video game manufacturers in the world.

 

The UK is one of the world's biggest gaming markets, and if a change had to be made in the UK, it would likely affect policy and practice in terms of how games are made for the rest of the world. In what might be even worse news for the companies that rely on loot boxes for part of their income, the committee's chairman has stated that a ban on loot boxes could be enacted immediately because it wouldn't require any further legislation. The Gambling Act already exists, and so as it's been determined that offending games fall foul of the Gambling Act, they could be removed from store shelves instantly. They could also be blocked from being downloaded by anybody based in the United Kingdom. Such an order has not yet been given, but in theory, one could arrive at any time now that the House of Lords has reached its verdict.

 

Of all the gaming franchises that could be affected by such a ban, the Electronic Arts "FIFA" series of soccer games is the highest-profile. Creating successful "ultimate teams" within the game is a central part of the game's longevity and also a huge money earner for Electronic Arts. Without that lifeline, the "Ultimate Team" mode itself could disappear completely, and EA's resources could be severely diminished. If that were to happen, the company might find that few people display much sympathy. Loot boxes have been despised by players and family groups for several years now, and most informed sources predicted some time ago that a ban was inevitable.

 

Although the UK is the most important country (in gaming terms) to make such a proclamation about loot boxes, it is not the first. Belgium was the first country in Europe to ban loot boxes in 2018 and hasn't relented on that ban in the two years since. Late in 2019, PEGI - the organization responsible for providing age restriction advice and warnings on game packaging - stated that they would label any game that contained loot boxes in the future. The writing has been on the wall for a long time, and it's to be hoped that the majority of responsible video game manufacturers have read it and taken appropriate action. EA has almost finished work on the 2021 edition of the "FIFA" game. It's not yet known whether loot boxes or any similar mechanisms have been included within it. If they have, EA might be facing a race against the clock to remove the boxes from the game before the next soccer season begins.

 

The fear of groups who support tighter restrictions on loot boxes is that they create young gamblers. A video gamer who has grown up paying for loot boxes since they were eleven years old - or even younger - automatically has an understanding of how online slots and other games of chance work, but (presumably) have never had to spend their own money on them because their parents cover their bills. As such, they may struggle to act responsibly when presented with the opportunity to play ‘real' gambling games as they reach adulthood. Video gaming companies disagree with this view, but as we're seeing in an increasing number of rulings around the world, they appear to be losing the argument. For a ban to be implemented in the UK, the House of Parliament would have to concur with the House of Lords' assessment by way of a vote on the issue. It may currently be benefiting gaming companies that the country - like all countries - currently has more significant issues to address, and so the matter isn't presently considered to be a priority. Should the question arrive in front of elected officials in Parliament, though, history suggests that they're unlikely to disagree with the verdict of the House of Lords.

 

Taking all of this into account, we have to ask ourselves whether loot boxes have a future in video games in the United Kingdom or elsewhere in the world. If we were inclined to gamble, we'd probably bet against it.

 

 

The mobile gaming industry is growing at a lightning-fast pace, with more and more games for mobile devices hitting the market every day. While games for PC and consoles remain as popular as ever, mobile games have become a very important part of the gaming market.

The biggest part of mobile gaming's growth these days drive casual games. Let's take a look at why casual games are all the rage right now.

Why Is Casual Better on Mobile?

Casual is better on mobile because mobile platforms provide a higher level of freedom and convenience. People can play on the go, enjoying their favorite games while commuting, waiting in lines, relaxing on a beach, or between business meetings.

Everyone needs a break from reality now and then to relieve stress or simply unwind. Being able to play a casual game on mobile, no matter where they are provides exactly that. No one wants to be tied to hardware that requires them to sit at a desk for hours on end when all they want is to relax.

Who Plays Games Casually?

People from all demographics and age groups play games casually, although some more than others. There are also differences in regards to preferred platforms.

Women from all walks of life account for a larger audience of casual gamers, especially when it comes to mobile gaming. Men generally have a hard time parting with their consoles and PCs, while the elderly population prefers casual PC games, as most of them don't use smartphones.

In general, women don't like committing much time to games, so most of them prefer casual games such as Board Kings. Nothing like playing a good old board game with friends.

Women are also more inclined to buy casual games for mobile or pay for in-app purchases than their male counterparts.

Examples of Great Games for Casual Players

Some of the most popular games for casual players in the past year were:

• Fun Race 3D

• Sand Balls

• Tiles Hop

• Pocket World 3D

• Perfect Slices

• Dig It!

• Bouncemasters

Yet another one of the most popular casual games on mobile, especially among male players, is Poker Heat. It's played for virtual currency, so the whole experience is really casual. There's no pressure, and the game provides a nice level of excitement. Very nice for anyone who loves poker but prefers playing it in a casual environment for amusement purposes only.

What Does a "Casual Game" Mean?

Game developers design casual games for wide audiences. They also generally design these games in a way that people of all ages can enjoy playing them.

Contrary to PC and console games targeted to specific audiences (hardcore gamers, if you will), casual games can belong to any genre and kind of gameplay.

They are free from complex game structures, gameplays, and strategies. As the name suggests, you play them casually. You don't have to involve yourself too much in the game, as the pace is slower, and you don't have to invest anything more than light strategic thought. Also, these games don't require a major time commitment.

A great example of a casual game is Bingo. With absolutely no strategic thinking involved, you simply need to randomly pick some numbers and wait to see if they are among the drawn numbers. It's a game of chance that literally any audience can play.

There are plenty of free Bingo games you can play online, connecting with hundreds of players from all over the world to have some real fun in your spare time.

If you want to learn how to play free Bingo games on your phone, find out more here. 

Conclusion

Mobile usage keeps growing every day, so it doesn't come as a surprise that mobile gaming is rapidly growing too. People are looking for ways to relax and unwind, especially while on the go or while lying on the couch at home.

And what better way to do so than to enjoy a few casual games on mobile? Casual games are absolutely perfect for mobile devices, which is precisely why they are fueling an explosive growth of the mobile market. We're bound to keep seeing thousands more of them, as they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

 

 

The use of mobile devices in various industries has increased dramatically in the past few years. Now mobile phones are not only used for communication, but their usage has spread over to the iGaming industry. As a result, all the reputable online casinos in the industry have designed mobile casino apps and optimized their games to be fully accessible on smartphones and tablets. Equally, smartphones manufacturers have not left behind. Today, there is a huge variety of mobile devices available to gamble on the move.

Here are the top smartphones for mobile casino gaming.

Razer Phone 2

The Razer Phone set the standard in mobile gaming a few years ago, and it's now followed up with the even more amazing Razer Phone 2. The Razer Phone 2 levels up gaming with a brighter 1440P 120 Hz 5.72-inch display. Plus, an upgraded Snapdragon 845 processor with Vapor Chamber cooling means that you can enjoy hours of mobile gaming without overheating becoming a problem on the phone.

Also, the improved IP67 water resistance and dual-lens 12MP + 12 MP rear-facing camera means the Razer Phone 2 is going to do a great job when it comes to being a normal smartphone. Built by the gaming experts, this is the best gaming smartphone for most gamers out there.

Asus ROG Phone II

 

 

It goes without saying that ASUS ROG laptops are some of the best in business for gamers, so what about the similarly branded smartphones? Again, ASUS packs in some amazing specs and there are plenty of extra features designed specifically to appeal to gamers.

With the customised in-case cooling system, you can get the most of the Snapdragon 855 Plus processor and 12 GB of RAM. The charging and audio ports are on the side of the device, so you can easily hold in the landscape mode and have an immersive mobile casino gaming experience. Then there are the ultra-responsive AirTrigger sensors on the ends of the phone that make it easier to control the in-game action.

Xiaomi Black Shark 3

The gaming community was pretty impressed by the Black Shark 2, and this 2020 model aims to get better in every way. With 1080 x 2400 pixels, the 6.67-inch AMOLED panel can go up to a refresh rate of 90Hz. Also, the 270Hz touch reporting rate means super-snappy responses every time you press on display.

The phone comes with a triple-lens, 64MP wide + 13MP ultrawide + 5MP depth rear camera, and 20MP selfie shooter on the front. Then there's support for 5G connectivity, and it's Wi-Fi 6 compatible too - making sure you're ready for the next generation of networks.

Apple iPhone 11

The extra versatility and more customization options in Android tend to grab the attention of most gamers, but let's not forget iOS completely. With a generous 6.1-inch LCD screen and a super-powerful A13 processor, the Apple iPhone 11 is the best gaming phone for Apple fans.

From build quality to battery life, there are plenty of other reasons to consider the iPhone 11 if you want to buy the best gaming phone. 

If you have played any of the free to play mobile games for more than just the initial hours recently, then you probably know how the system works. These do not function like a video game should, but rather as sales funnels. What's worse is the fact that they rely on addiction to get in their sales, over and over again. To understand why in-game purchases are so dangerous for your wallet, and to what extent, read on.

Why Gambling is More Ethical than In-App Purchases

If you visit any online gambling platform, then you already know what you are getting into. You will make deposits, enjoy new player bonuses, play live dealer roulette, progressive jackpots, slot games and card games in exchange for real money. The chances of winning are not always high, which is why it's a gamble, but the chances are not absent either.

As long as you are playing at legal online casino sites which have the necessary authentications, you do stand a good chance at winning back your money and then some. There are also instances where players have hit the jackpot to become millionaires, although that does not happen on a regular basis. The point is that online casinos are gambling platforms and there is no pretense here. If a consenting adult wants to bet or gamble with his/her own money, that's their business, which is how it should be. Unfortunately, mobile games follow a business strategy which is based on deception to begin with.

Disguised as Something It's Not

Most of the apps disguise themselves as video games, while in truth they are just cycling sales funnels, which only take away your money, without even the slightest chance of you ever winning that money back. Furthermore, unlike how it is with online gambling sites, mobile games can pretend to be innocent, children's games with cute graphics and catchy animations. They target even young children with their shameless in-app purchases, so that the kids bug their parents for buying in game items for them.

There are plenty of instances where parents have lost hundreds of dollars on their credit cards, because their children had spent that money on in-app purchases without their consent. Even adults who would perhaps never gamble, readily spend real money on in-game items that have no real world value, and will lose its in-game value soon as well.

Why they are Not Really Video Games but Sales Funnels

If you are aware how the classic sales funnel works, then you know the basic idea is to slowly track and push the customer towards making a purchase. The in-app purchase models used by almost all modern mobile games are similar to a sales funnel, rather than being similar to a real video game.

A video game is one where skills are involved, and people with the best strategy, hand eye coordination, decision making, experience or reflexes win. This should hold true both for PvP matches as well for in-game content. However, mobile games use the in-app purchase model as a sales funnel via the following steps.

● The free-to-play moniker lures new players in, as they don't have to spend money in order to gain access

● Lots of new items, gems, coins, weapons, spells, gear, equipment etc. are given to new layers for free initially

● The first few stages, matches or battles are also made to be easy, so the player feels in control

● After the "honeymoon" period, all those free items, gear, powers, etc. begin to shrink in their availability

● At the same time, the game's difficulty level is increased to a height where winning or progressing is no longer easy

● Finally comes that stage when a player is left with the option to either purchase something or stop playing it.

● At this point, the app will suddenly present the player with a "one time bonus" offer for an "unbeatable price"

● After a while, everything that was included in that package will lose its value, and unless the player pays again, they will not be able to progress or win

● This cycles over and over, using the addiction of the game to make players pay on a continuous basis for things that will lose value in the very near future

● PvP battles become little more than pay-to-win matches, as people with the best paid gear will always win

As of now, there is no other legal business model in the world which is as greedy and as well-disguised as most modern mobile games and even some of the PC and console games are. They can reach out to children, have little to no restrictions on them and passively force children and adults alike towards spending real money on virtual things unendingly. Gaming as we know it might be coming to an end soon.

 

2020 is the only year in recent history where people got to save lives (including their own) just by sitting at home! From the perspective of a gamer, it doesn't get much better than that! Unfortunately, the year has been pretty slim in terms of game releases. One would think that te gaming industry would want to capitalize on all these people sitting at home and looking for a distraction, but unfortunately, that did not happen because nobody had any idea that a pandemic was coming!

Developing and releasing triple A titles with work from home developers is not exactly a femadeasible idea. Nevertheless, a few good games that were already in the pipelines saw release this year as scheduled, and they should keep us busy till Q3 - Q4, when major announcements in gaming will be . So without further delay, let us now look at the most played genres this tyear so far, as well as the games which made their respective genres so popular in 2020.

Online Casino Games

 

No other genre is as popular overall, as online casino games are in 2020. This applies to all sections of the modern world where online gambling is legal by law. However, the rules can be quite complicated, depending on which nation we are discussing here. If we take the Philippines for example, online and offline gambling are not illegal activities in the country, but that is only as long as the establishments are approved by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). As a result, all the best online casinos in the Philippines have a necessary PAGCOR approval of legality and authentication.

Games that played a big role in putting the whole casino game genre on top are mostly traditional live casino games such as roulette and blackjack. However, classic slot games like Gods of Gold, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Jumanji, Mayan Gods and Jack's Pot also continued to be favorites casino slot games in Canada. Canadian players who love the whole online and live casino experience, should check out this 888 casino bonus of C$1,500 that they are giving away exclusively to new members right now.

Turn-Based Tactics/Combat RPG

 

Aside from JRPGs, there aren't too many good western titles that have managed to get the turn-based action RPG formula right. The few that did however, have managed to hit all the right spots. We are talking about the Xcom series of course, and surprisingly enough, Firaxis released XCOM: Chimera Squad in April!

Nobody expected it, but the sequel did come and it came with a lot of new elements to it. Aside from mobile RPGs and the Final fantasy 7 Remake, this surprise release of Xcom: Chimera Squad is an important reason behind why turn-based games are among the most popular gaming genres in 2020.

Third Person Action

 

 

Unfortunately, even though it was and still is going to be the most prominent reason why third person action games will reach soaring heights this year, The Last of Us: Part II is a bad game! You can play it, and maybe you will like it, but don't believe the paid/biased reviews and dig a bit deeper to find out why you would be better off skipping this one.

 

Instead, save your money till Ghost of Tsushima gets a release in less than a month's time. Till then, Nioh 2 is just an amazing, but hard action RPG that you will always regret buying, but only because you will not be able to put it down, even after dying for the 20th time in a row!