Gaming
Co-creating for a safer web: Ahead of EU Cybersecurity Month, Google and Euroconsumers launch Space Shelter
A new web game to help people learn how to navigate the web safely — while having a blast
The Web has never had more potential to improve lives, but that’s only true as long as it is safe. Ahead of EU Cybersecurity Month in October, Google and Euroconsumers, with its local consumer associations in Italy (Altroconsumo), Spain (Ocu), Belgium (Test-Achats) and Portugal (DecoProteste), have joined forces to create “Space Shelter”. Choose your astronaut and beware of unexpected obstacles and aliens: this new web game will help people of all ages test their skills and learn new ones, all with a basic internet connection.
This is the first of many announcements that Google will have for EU Cybersecurity month. After a year of pandemic-driven tech acceleration and high-profile security threats, this work has gathered greater urgency. Every day, Google automatically blocks more than 100 million phishing attempts; Google Photos encrypts 4 billion photos, and Google Play Protect runs security scans on 100 billion installed apps. We check 900 million passwords daily, and automatically protect more than 4 billion devices with our Safe Browsing technology.
Still, a critical part of making the web safer is helping teach healthy digital habits. Google works directly with experts and educators to help people set boundaries and use technology in a way that is right for them and their families. That’s the objective of this initiative, and the purpose at the heart of our partnership with Euroconsumers. There’s no reason that work can’t also be fun.
A virtual trip to outer space
Who said we can’t travel in outer space from home? “Space Shelter” makes learning about online security an adventure, with smooth graphics and a top-level score and sound design. Players will select an avatar by choosing from a set of characters, and then will have to go through a series of five mini-games before ultimately docking at their destination: the Space Shelter. All the while, they’ll uncover the elements that make an internet account safe online, from using a password manager to understanding multi-factor authentication and widely available consumer privacy settings.
Making a difference by playing
The release of Space Shelter is the start of this partnership, but it’s not the end: Google will be making a contribution to support TechSoup, a non-profit organization that supports nonprofits, charities and libraries by providing access to donations and discounts on software, hardware, and services. TechSoup will run a series of nine training sessions on privacy and safety topics to NGOs in all the countries where this project will launch, with the goal of reaching as many as 3,000 NGOs.
The launch of Space Shelter will also be supported by 12 YouTubers from the four countries who, like real astronauts, will be receiving a survival kit and training from an authority: Paolo Nespoli, ex astronaut, science communicator and coach. These aspiring safety-nauts will be promoting the game to a wider group of consumers.
“We are glad to partner with Euroconsumers for a safer web for users. Google believes technology should improve life, which is why we have worked with experts in civil society and gaming to build a web game and help make the online universe safer.” – Karen Massin, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy, European Institutions, Google.
“Space Shelter makes learning about cybersecurity more accessible, even fun,” said Marco Scialdone, Head of Litigation & Academic Outreach at Euroconsumers. “By raising awareness about cybersecurity, through initiatives such as Space Shelter, customers will feel able to benefit more from the huge opportunities presented by technology.”
Space Shelter is another fruitful product of the strategic partnership between Euroconsumers and Google. The internet offers great potential to improve lives – but only if it is safe to use. This is the reason for which Euroconsumers teamed up with Google to make the internet a more secure place for everyone, with a particular focus on digital well being, family safety, and online privacy. The Euroconsumers and Google partnership intends to accomplish these goals through empowering consumers with knowledge, tools, and programs, such as Space Shelter.
As technology becomes increasingly integral to everything we do, it can sometimes distract us from
the things that matter most to us. We are committed to giving everyone the tools they need to develop their own sense of digital wellbeing. This is why we are working hard to bring projects like this one to our Countries.
ADG
Arizona Department of Gaming Announces Allocation for Event Wagering License
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced today that it has allocated an event wagering operator license to Fanatics Betting and Gaming as the designee for Tonto Apache Sports Betting, an organization of the Tonto Apache Tribe, pursuant to A.R.S. § 5-1304 and A.A.C. R19-4-105 and 106.
On January 16, 2024, ADG announced that it would begin accepting applications for available event wagering licenses, which included one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Tribes and no less than one event wagering license reserved for Arizona Sports Franchises, as defined in A.R.S. § 5-1301(7).
The application window for event wagering licenses opened on February 16, 2024, and closed on March 4, 2024. Applicants were required to submit their completed applications within this timeframe in order to have been considered for an event wagering license.
Gaming
THE BATTLE OF POLYTOPIA ARRIVES ON APPLE ARCADE
The award-winning 4x strategy game The Battle of Polytopia has joined Apple Arcade as a ‘plus’ version with all tribes and skins unlocked.
In The Battle of Polytopia, tribes offer new units, technology, and buildings for players to enjoy as they seek to gain the highest score or defeat their opponent in the turn-based game. Apple Arcade users can have instant access to all 16 Polytopia tribes without needing to buy them separately as DLC.
The game has already been enjoyed by more than 20 million users on mobile, Steam and Switch and has a string of high-profile fans including Deepmind´s CEO Demis Hassabis and MrBeast. The standard version of the game will remain available on the App Store.
Christian Lövstedt, General Manager for The Battle of Polytopia, commented:
“The Apple Arcade release of The Battle of Polytopia will make the game available for even more players to enjoy. Whether it’s the unique insect abilities of the Cymanti, or the icy powers of the Polaris, the special tribes of Polytopia each offer a new spin on gameplay. By making all 16 tribes available, players can enjoy everything Polytopia has to offer from the very start.”
As initially announced by Apple Arcade, The Battle of Polytopia joins Bloons TD Battles 2+ and Crayola Adventures as new additions to the subscription service.
Gaming
AppGallery Spreads Festive Joy with Ramadan Gaming Campaign
AppGallery, a top-three app marketplace globally and the official app store for HUAWEI devices, today launches its third annual Ramadan gaming campaign, bringing exciting rewards to its dedicated users in Turkey.
Running from 8 March to 8 April, the highly anticipated event includes four promotional activities, where participants stand to win in-game resources and lucky draw rewards by completing in-app events.
Enjoy festive offerings only on AppGallery this Ramadan season
This year’s campaign celebrates the Islamic festival of Ramadan with promotions guaranteed to make it a joyous and fulfilling occasion, featuring prizes worth over 10,000,000 TL in total.
To join in the event, simply visit the campaign’s application page, participate in a game, make in-game purchases to earn Huawei points, and then redeem them for prizes. Huawei points serve as a virtual currency usable within AppGallery and Huawei GameCenter, where one Huawei point is equal to one local currency.
Back by popular demand, the Points Back activity returns after its resounding success in the past three Ramadan campaigns. This time, users can enjoy up to 10% points. You can earn 10% points back when you make a single payment exceeding 400 TL (TRY), while a single payment under 400 TL (TRY) still gets you a generous 5% points back. These points back may only be used for in-app purchases in gaming apps.
Among the thousands of participating games are some of the most sought-after titles globally, including Epic Seven, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Game of Sultans, Doomsday: Last Survivors, and Honor of Kings.
In addition, there’s the sure-win Lucky Draw activity, where each AppGallery purchase of over 450 TL gives players one go at the lucky draw to win Huawei points.
Users can also participate in the Resource Exchange activity to earn up to 15% off coupons. Simply make in-game purchases in the participating games, collect lanterns, and exchange them for the coupons. A purchase of 50 TL entitles you to 1 Ramadan Light, exchangeable for in-game resources to elevate your gaming experience.
Spread the joy together with the Share and Win activity. Simply share the campaign link with friends and watch the rewards roll in. Share it 5 times for a 20 TL Conditional Coupon, 10 times for a 27 TL Conditional Coupon, and 15 times for a 26 TL Conditional Coupon. The more you share, the more you earn.
With a diverse range of prizes and activities, AppGallery’s annual Ramadan gaming campaign promises to offer something for every AppGallery user, fostering a sense of celebration and community during the holy month of Ramadan.
Don’t miss out on the chance to participate in this exclusive Ramadan celebration. All HUAWEI points and coupons are applicable solely to in-game apps. For more information, visit the Ramadan gaming campaign link.
Moreover, an additional AppGallery campaign running from 7 March to 10 April offers something extra for users searching for love this Ramadan season. Lucky ones stand to win prizes such as a 6-month Tinder Plus membership, making the season even more special. To participate, visit the campaign page, download the listed apps, and collect Huawei points which can be redeemed for prizes.
-
Balkans2 weeks ago
EEGS hosted another captivating monthly webinar featuring esteemed speakers for an insightful discussion
-
Compliance Updates4 weeks ago
WorldMatch Secures its Gaming License in Romania
-
Balkans4 weeks ago
The largest exhibition of the gaming industry in Bulgaria marks its 15 year
-
Australia3 weeks ago
Victoria Racing Club, Tabcorp and Nine Enter Landmark Deal for Melbourne Cup Carnival
-
Argentina4 weeks ago
SIS and Bet365 Launch Fixed-Odds Horse Racing in Colorado
-
UK3 weeks ago
Kwiff CRO – Stake Limit Response
-
Compliance Updates4 weeks ago
Cyprus National Betting Authority Launches National Self-Exclusion Platform
-
EurAsia3 weeks ago
EGT Digital to make its impressive debut at SIGMA Eurasia 2024