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Livestreaming: What does the future hold?

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It’s no overstatement to suggest that livestreaming is a phenomenon that has transformed the gaming industry. From humble beginnings, sites such as Twitch have made gaming as a viewing experience an almost mainstream activity, with over 100 million monthly unique users using the iconic platform on a monthly basis. It’s a juggernaut that is showing no signs of slowing and other companies have been quick to grab their slice of the action. Long-established gaming brands such as Steam have predictably taken up a place in this market, along with their streaming-specialist counterparts YouTube and Dailymotion, among many, many others.

Image source: Flickr

In fact, as with so many young industries in the internet age, it’s fast becoming a crowded marketplace. Providers are climbing over one another in order to offer viewers and broadcasters alike the very best user experience with a range of innovative features and additions, with interactivity the buzzword.

Why is interactivity so important?
From day dot, livestreaming has striven to become more of an interactive experience. The very nature of gaming is that it is a multisensory and user-led activity – any livestreaming provider allowing viewers to merely watch the action was always likely to have a shelf-life. And with the technology of today, it seemed a little dated even back at the exciting genesis of Twitch in 2011.

It’s no secret that the gaming community expects a lot of its industry, of course, and its need to adapt to this demand has led to a number of innovations, from simple chatroom interactivity to multiplayer co-streaming allowing up to four people to stream into one viewing experience. Twitch has been backed to become a $20bn company in the years to come and it is vital it leads the way.

IMAGE SOURCE: Flickr

Interactivity not only allows its viewers to be involved in the streamer’s game at every turn, but it has evolved to ensure platforms such as Twitch have become a central social network for the gaming world. Broadcasters and audience alike have been able to interact in real time about matters much wider than just gaming – livestreaming platforms have become so much more than just a spectator experience. Indeed, it has changed many sectors of the gaming industry completely. Twitch Plays has allowed viewers to control the game they are watching through individual chat commands.

Early efforts to integrate this feature proved a logistical nightmare, with often thousands of instructions arriving from all over the world, but now with specialist software providing a system whereby movements are decided by a voting system, it is a hugely popular feature. This kind of viewer control is unlike many other livestreaming platforms but has taken some inspiration from the world of online casino gaming where players can instruct the croupier to place their bets in accordance with their instructions.

A good example is within the gambling vertical, London based Hippodrome Casino not only have a land based present but also now have Hippodrome online casino livestreaming games work in real time and has contributed to the fact that online gambling is now worth $37.91bn, a figure forecasted to increase to $59.79bn in 2020. Make no mistake, interactivity in live streaming is big business.

What’s out there?
From viewing grassroots gaming to streaming live events and product launches to watching in on eSports professionals, the spectator experience is the central theme for livestreaming platforms, with different angles on interactivity driving the future of livestreaming forward.

VoD chat replay
As we know, videos on demand are very much the staple of livestreaming and a popular innovation in recent years has been the implementation of chat replays on VoD streams. This allows viewers to interact with one another on games already played. It adds a pleasing layer onto the current level of interactivity available to users and gamers alike and is available on Twitch, Mixer and other platforms.

Powerful chat commands
Putting viewers into the hot seat, chat commands allow once-passive livestream viewers to affect the game they are watching by making their voice heard through chat commands. This close contact with the gamer on the other side of the broadcast brings the gaming community together in a way not seen before and has proven hugely popular across all platforms.

Co-streaming
Allowing several feeds to be streamed onto the same screen has added a level of interactivity to livestreaming rarely seen before. When selecting the views of up to four gamer screens from the same game, it allows streamers an unrivalled access to the game itself and opens up a level of interactivity that has been well received in gaming circles.

Live events streaming

Image source: Facebook

These platforms also have the capability to stream live events, such as games releases and games conventions, indeed, a great deal of editorial content is available to users, and is indeed easily accessible for content producers. These sites have become one of the world’s central sources for gaming news and updates and bring the gaming world closer together, be it strictly online or by fusing online activity and real-life occurrences.

What does the future hold?
It’s a good question. The Microsoft-backed Mixer platform has promised to lead the way in terms of user interactivity, with their co-founder Matt Salsamendi claiming the re-brand from its original title of Beam reflected a shift towards more of a social media feel. Forthcoming features there include voice chat commands, theater mode and a built-in donation service.

Twitch are going one step further to ensure interactivity is at the forefront of its future, by pushing social interaction away from gaming, including vlogging platforms, a ‘Creative’ platform that will be used to encourage users to extend their interaction beyond gaming by sharing their wares in other creative sectors. They are even encouraging Social Eating, a trend born out of the Korean gaming communitythat sees networkers share mealtimes online.

Image source: Facebook

Whatever the future of livestreaming in the gaming industry, it’s set to be big and with Twitch and Mixer doing battle alongside a number of other streaming platforms,several innovations are likely to emerge in the coming months and years. With VR and AR revolutionizing sections of the gaming community, their influence on livestreaming is not yet known. These platforms are monetizing, providing games, add-ons and further purchases and their power is set to increase further still.

It’s surely an exciting time for livestreaming in the gaming industry.

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Top 7 Video Game Based Movies You Must Watch on Hulu in NZ

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Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.

From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.

Assassin’s Creed (2016)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Justin Kurzel

Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons

Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes

The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.

Rampage (2018)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Director: Brad Peyton

Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman

Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes

If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Director: Jeff Fowler

Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes

For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Simon McQuoid

Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson

Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes

If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Warcraft (2016)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Duncan Jones

Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster

Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes

Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.

Tomb Raider (2018)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Director: Roar Uthaug

Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins

Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes

Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.

Resident Evil (2002)

Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius

Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.

Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.

Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.

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Top Fighting Games on Android

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Fighting Games on Android

Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.

But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.

Marvel Contest of Champions

While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.

Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.

Skullgirls: Fighting RPG

Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.

And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.

Mortal Kombat

Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.

And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.

EA Sports UFC

The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.

Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.

Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.

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What to Expect from Gaming and Online Casinos in the Next 10 Years

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Cards,Mouse,Coins and dice.

The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!

The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming

With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.

With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.

Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:

The increasing legalization of online casinos globally

As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.

For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.

Virtual reality gaming

With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.

Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems

Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.

Casino

Game development

When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.

Top of the line Live Dealer Games

Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.

These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!

In Summary

Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.

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