Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/933296
maltatoday SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018 Gaming V reality The Rift has been designed with a wide field of view. Each eye has a 1080x1200 resolu- tion and the display has a 90 Hz refresh rate. Headphones are integrated into the helmet, proving a 3D audio effect. A USB stationary IR sensor that is typically set up on the user's desk, enables the helmet to have rotational and positional tracking, which allows the user to use the device while they are sitting, standing or walking around in the same room. Scheduled to be released on March 28 2016, the Oculus Rift goggles won't only be used for video gaming and virtual real- ity games online, but will also offer one of the best VR casino experience at online casinos, such as SlotsMillion.com Exponential VR growth is expected in 2018 VR casinos are expected to be the next big thing in online gambling. In the future, the av- erage player could be enjoying slots, table games, and poker in a real-life setting. This would take the online gaming experience, which has already been improved by mobile tech (which gives players with smartphones the ability to access their favourite casino games on-the-go), to a whole new interactive level. Where VR is heading in 2018 will depend on outreach and marketing since currently, it is surviving on a small com- munity of VR enthusiasts. Exponential growth is expected from industries that have been reluctant in the past to get on board. One industry that has embraced the VR development is online Slot Games, gamifi- cation grew intense in 2017, and for software providers, VR involves immersing players completely into the game they are enjoying, while the film and TV show theme-trend dip in favour of content. Sens- ing the potential held by VR technology iGaming develop- ers have shown deep interest. The massive success enjoyed by wearable technology such as the Fitbit and Apple watch demonstrates that millennials connect more enthusiastically with tasks via gamification setting targets on daily assign- ments while trophies reward users for performing tasks in order to exercise and keep fit. Online game enthusiasts can get ready to be surprised since technology is well positioned to make a dramatic impact on the way games are played and by the end of 2018 a new VR- centric game genre is expected to appear. Eye tracking will be central to the VR medium and enhancement will play a big part in the second wave of VR devices, welcomed by engineers focused on simulat- ing natural realistically while development will give way to gameplay that offers a new eye- tracking centric and elements that ensures a much more im- mersive experience. ICE Totally Gaming 2018 set to be bigger than ever THIS year's edition of the annual ICE Totally Gam- ing exhibition is due to be held from 6 to 8 February at London's ExCeL Centre and organiser Clarion Gaming is expecting the extravaganza to attract well in excess of 30,000 visitors. The three-day exhibition is to see hundreds of firms from the casino, betting, bingo, lottery, mo- bile, online, social, sports betting and street gaming sectors showing off their latest and most popular wares. Attendees will moreover be able to attend a range of seminars to gain insights from experts such as prominent British economist Sir Alan Budd, who is to provide the keynote address for the event's An- nual Regulators Luncheon. ICE Totally Gaming recently announced that next month's show will cover some 468,230 sq ft, which is an increase of 5% year-on-year, while exhibi- tors are due to come from over 60 jurisdictions including the United States, Canada, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Australia, Japan, Israel, Italy, Macau, South Africa, Taiwan, France, India, Malta and the Netherlands. The first two days of ICE Totally Gaming are to run from 10am to 6pm while the third day will run from 10am to 4pm to give attendees ample oppor- tunity to visit the stands of leading casino equip- ment innovators including Aristocrat Technologies, Scientific Games Corporation, Novomatic, Konami Gaming Incorporated, DRGT Europe, International Game Technology, Cammegh Limited, Alberici, Gamesman Limited and TCSJohnHuxley. The online gaming sector is to also be well rep- resented courtesy of exhibitors such as RealTime Gaming, Microgaming, Bede Gaming, Playtech Limited, Authentic Gaming, Intralot SA, Habanero Systems BV, Evolution Gaming Limited, BetSoft Gaming Limited and Pragmatic Play while bingo innovators are to encompass the likes of Gluck Games, Zitro, Quixant UK Limited, Eagle Game Tech and Suzo Happ. Kate Chambers, Managing Director for Clarion Gaming, described ICE Totally Gaming 2018 as a 'flagship event that showcases the world's leading innovators from every gaming vertical.' Chambers anticipates that the extravaganza is likely to attract visitors from over 150 jurisdictions and territories. "Our strategy, wherever we operate in the world, is to work with the industry to create events and op- portunities that help meet its business objectives," read a statement from Chambers. "The expansion of ICE Totally Gaming has been driven by demand and reflects the dynamics of the international market that views London as the once-in-the-year opportu- nity to engage with a really significant and influen- tial community of buyers and influencers." Malta Gaming Authority at ICE 2018 The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) will once again participate at ICE Totally Gaming Exhibition with its stand located at N7-420. The MGA's Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschie- ri, will participate in a Regulators Question Time Session as part of the debate entitled: "Harnessing a Hybrid Solution: Application for Blockchain for Traditional Online Operators." This will look into how regulators could make use of Blockchain in their activities. The MGA, represented by its Deputy General Counsel, Carl Brincat, will also be participating in a "What are you missing out on by not investing in eSports?" debate as part of the session entitled: "How are we Encouraging Responsible Gaming?"