VIDEO GAMES: FROM A VIBRANT SUBCULTURE TO A FLOURISHING POP CULTURE

Imagine yourself back in the year 2000 and you’re playing on your old bulky desktop PC with your friends all crowd up and scooched over the only family PC in the household (online games and multiplayer features weren’t that much of a thing back then!). What were you playing? Was it the first and original The Sims? Or are you a bunch of dudes going gaga over Diablo II? 20 years ago, do you remember your younger self asking your friends for cheat codes or going over multiple forums and discussion boards looking for help on how to get past a certain level or procure a certain item?

Those were undeniably the early days of video games as a thriving subculture. We loved the arcades, the old PC games, the classic Nintendo consoles, and the simple gameplay, but of course, we wanted more. Remember back in the day when gamers and video game enthusiasts were besmirched and labeled as “geeks” who lack the ability to connect on a more social level? Ironically, we’ve put so many negative labels in the gaming community that each of us is actually somehow a part of. I mean, we’ve all been patronizing the latest technology in consoles and computers, we’ve all been lurkers in gaming forums, and we’ve all played Donkey Kong, Super Mario, Pac-Man, and all those oldies but goodies video games and yet the stigma then was so strong, right? But obviously, no matter what labels people put into it, gaming has slowly morphed its way to incorporate itself into our lives.

Thanks to technological advancements and the breakthrough of the Internet, we’re now enjoying video games more commonly than before. As a matter of fact, data from GamingScan show that 75% of US households own a gaming device with 60% of the American population playing on a daily basis. And more surprisingly, most gamers are not even from the Gen Z, in fact, the average age of most gamers is 34 years old.

As for others, perhaps video games serve as an integral part of their daily lives where they get to relax or unwind after a laborious day at work or at school or even use it as a springboard for their career as YouTubers, streamers, game developers, or professional gamers. Truly, from a mere form of entertainment for kids, video games have transitioned to a significant influence on modern popular culture moving intensely and more extensively in entertainment, education, and even in sports.

Entertainment

TV and Film

For a long time, video games simply took cues from existing TV shows and films and created game adaptations of popular TV shows and movie titles. Some examples are Spider-Man 2, the Batman series, Ghostbusters, Iron Man, and more. Although more often than not, fans are usually left exasperated with the lack of essential elements in the plot or gameplay that these games and movie adaptations weren’t able to capture from the original source material. But now, we’re seeing more and more TV series, programs, and films based on popular video games. Apart from hit films like Tomb Raider and Resident Evil comes Detective Pikachu and The Witcher which was recently released on Netflix.

This 2020, expect to see more shows based on your favorite games. According to Business Insider, some of the film adaptations we’re going to see this year are Sonic the Hedgehog, Uncharted, Minecraft the Movie, and Final Fantasy. Personally, we would also love to see The Last of Us and Dying Light on the big screen!

Music

For musicians, singers, and songwriters, video games have paved a new way for them to make and introduce their music to a different, unique, and more concentrated audience. In turn, music embedded in video games can have a much deeper emotional impact on users as they associate their gaming experience with the soundtracks. Some video game soundtracks that have been popularized are Pokemon’s OST, “May I? Stand Unshaken” from Red Dead Redemption, “Priscilla’s Song” from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the instrumentals from Super Mario Bros., Tetris and more.

Education

If you’re a 90’s kid, you’re probably familiar with Jumpstart or if you haven’t played or heard of it before in school, I’m pretty sure you’re familiar with the games in Encarta and other multimedia encyclopedias that used to be popular back in the early 2000s. Apparently, studies show that children who immerse themselves in educational video games have proved to develop more advanced visual attention, visual-processing, and analytical skills than those who do not. The usage of video games in educational settings just proves how an interactive platform can help develop better academic aptitude. Gradually, educational institutions have begun to embrace video games as a supplementary tool for teaching and learning.

Sports

Gone are the days when gaming was only seen as a nuisance to career and academic achievements. Today, we’ve witnessed a lot of individuals amass thousands to millions of dollars from playing their favorite video games or competitively playing in international tournaments. Probably there’s no more prominent indication that the video game culture has begun to cement its place in mainstream media other than electronic sports.

“Should eSports be considered as a “sport” in itself?” is a question a lot of us have been asking. And although there are arguments that it should be classified differently from traditional physical sports, competitive gaming has nonetheless, sealed itself as a legitimate high school varsity sport in at least eight states in the US. 

If you look at the numbers in 2019, global eSports already drew a whopping 454 million unique viewers. In the US, it is even predicted that by 2021, eSports will have a bigger audience than every professional sports league! Indeed, eSports is more than just a trend; and since it cuts through language and cultural barriers, we can surely look forward to more international media coverage as it goes further into the limelight and hit the much bigger global stage.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

CASINO ETIQUETTE - 5 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

American gambling has quite a long history associated with it, starting with small saloons and eventually transforming into modern casinos at the start of the 20th century. Of course, certain traditions and customs have established throughout the existence of casinos. These unspoken rules make it easy to identify who’s a newbie and who’s a gambling veteran.

However, don’t get discouraged if you’ve never been to a casino. Just don’t imagine how you stroll into the building wearing your tuxedo, sit down behind some table, and order a ‘tini. Casinos don’t work or look like a James Bond movie (anymore, at least). 

Nonetheless, casino customs are simple to learn and can be mastered with ease. If you follow the points below to a tee, then you shouldn’t be afraid of embarrassing yourself or looking strange.

General Guidelines

Here are some universal points that can be applied to any casino visit:

• Politeness. Always remember why you came to the casino: to win and have fun. Being rude to the staff won’t give you an advantage, and insulting other members can get you thrown out of the building. Some people think that being offensive is the way to go in casinos, but, please, don’t follow suit. 

• Dress code. No tux is needed, as the casinos are pretty casual nowadays. However, there are a couple of No-Nos in regards to how you should dress going to such a place. According to GamblersDailyDigest, the biggest mistakes are wearing flip-flops, sneakers, dirty/torn clothing, and shorts or t-shirts after sunset (as casinos become more formal at night).

• Get your cash. Unlike anywhere else in the world, most casinos make a point of being cash-based. Don’t even try to use your bank cards at the table, because you’ll look foolish. Prepare the cash before coming to the casino if you want to avoid some awkward situations.

• Know the rules. It is an obvious point, but you should at least be acquainted with the basics of the game you’re going to play. By entering the game and not knowing the rules, you’ll disturb the game flow, taking out the fun from other people playing. However, if you’re feeling only slightly unsure in your capabilities but know the basics, then you can ask staff for small booklets with the explained game’s rules.

• No phones. Don’t use your phone behind the table. Not only would it distract you from the game, but you'd be also immensely rude to everybody who’s playing and to the dealer, especially if you’re taking a phone call. If you need to use your phone, step away from the table.

• Don’t delay the decision. Have some respect for the time of other people and don’t think for too long. It’s extremely infuriating when you’re the one waiting on the other player to finally make his decision.

• No sitting around. Seats are only for the gambling folks, and if you’re not playing, then you’re not sitting. Do you want to watch your friend’s play? Stand behind him or her and enjoy the game.

• Tip. Although it’s not a must, this gesture is much appreciated. The amount of the tip is up to you, but the standard of the US Tournaments if 3%. Of course, you can tip how much you want.

Game-Related Rules 

There are some more specific rules that are related to each casino game. Check them out to feel comfortable sitting behind one of the tables.

Roulette

When you join a table, you have to ask for roulette chips. They’re not value-based; instead, they differentiate players. Also, don’t throw your chips around and keep them in a pile when placing stakes. Roulette chips are not for use in any other game, so you have to cash them in before exiting the game.

Blackjack

Show some common courtesy and ask whether you can join the table. Learn the hand gestures and signs in order to understand what’s going on in the game. According to GamblingNewsMagazine, you should hold your cards only with one hand. Generally, don’t become too touchy with your cards, as many casinos have strict policies regarding it.

Craps

Decide on a buy-in ahead of time and don’t make other people waiting on you. Also, don’t make your bet when the dice have been already thrown. It can even be considered fraudulent by some casinos. Bet only when the dice are in the middle. Don’t wave your hands around, as if you touch the dice during the throw, they’ll have to rethrown. 

Poker

When calling or raising, don’t disturb (splash) the pot, as it will confuse everybody. Put a neat pile in front of you, and the dealer will take care of it. Don’t acknowledge your hand emotionally and never elaborate verbally on it: again, some casinos prohibit it. Don’t waste everybody’s time by not tabling your hand, as this is considered not sportsmanlike. 

Helpful Tips on How to Behave in a Casino

There are some additional things you need to keep in mind. The points below relate not to the games but the behavior in a casino.

Don’t Get Intoxicated

Most major casinos offer free drinks for gambling clients. Nonetheless, don’t overuse this offer. Only fictional characters can easily gamble through the night and keep drinking one cocktail after another. There is a sure possibility that you’ll gamble more recklessly after drinking a bit too much. If you’re interested in drinking than gambling, then simply go to the bar initially. It is, of course, always recommended to stay sober to handle all of the wins and losses.

Remember that You’re On Your Own

If you’re a gambling newbie, one of the most novice things to do is to ask others for advice. Don’t ask other casino clients, as they are there for themselves, and only a couple out of a hundred will take pity on a beginner and offer real advice. And definitely don’t ask the dealers, as they don’t want and shouldn’t have to take responsibility for your luck. 

Know How To Lose

Let’s remember why casinos exist. Just like any other business, they’re there to make money, and they do it by having their clients gamble the money away. So, if you find yourself in a less than favorable situation, don’t create an unpleasant situation for everybody around. If you’re aggravated, then don’t express it verbally or physically. Also, don’t scream at your opponents, and don’t throw your cards in the air. Otherwise, you may become an unwelcome guest at the casino.

According to Lucian Marinescu, managing partner at Online Casino Gems, aggressive behavior in casinos should never be tolerated. He says: “Gambling is a noble sport, and the players should act appropriately. Losing is a part of life for a gambler. So, one needs to learn how to lose with dignity. This way, you’ll be gladly accepted into the gambling community and create some very interesting friendships.”

Final Words

Going to a casino for the first time may be a bit frightening, but if you’re well-aware of all of the intricacies of casino etiquette, then you have nothing to worry about. There is really not that much to remember, and on the second visit, you’ll surely feel like you belong here.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

IS ONLINE CASINO BETTER THAN TRADITIONAL CASINO

If you have ever been to any major city, you are always greeted by the spires and skyscrapers that seem to extend to the heavens. All the lights can become so overwhelming – especially at night when they are so obvious that even the astronauts in space shuttles can see them. There are certain parts of the city though that just stands out compared to the rest at night. These are the places that are considered active throughout the night and into the morning. It might be near the “night life” or the “red light district” and it seems to be helping these places as well. We are referring to casinos. Read more about its development here.

What Are Casinos?

Casino is not an inherently English term as it is derived from the Italian word for house: casa. However, there is a term for gambling house in almost every civilization that exists in this world. It is part of almost every culture, as people want to gain money by using other means. People gamble using a lot of things, from simple sticks and stones by children to actual property. All of this is for a chance to win more than what you betted for. There is a risk involved, but what game is considered fun without a little risk? After all, gambling houses also exist for another purpose: to entertain people.

As we evolved and changed as a species, we also influenced our cultures to do the same. Gambling houses also evolved from one form to another. It still serves a similar purpose, but the changes are downright massive in comparison to its older versions. These centers for nightlife tend to have a more sophisticated edge when people talk about it. From the looks and feel alone, modern casinos are a standout compared to before since all they want to do is to be discreet.

There are also a lot of preconceived notions about gambling in general. There are notions that only those with a range of discretionary income can play the games or that the environment may not be inclusive. However, everybody is welcome to a gambling destination as long as you have enough cash to play around and know the rules of the game.

On the other hand, you might not be into casinos even though you want to play. Maybe you feel that it is too crowded or the location doesn’t fit your style for you to participate. Most establishments actually operate legally and they do pay taxes and other fees for them to continue their businesses. Places like Las Vegas, Macau and Monte Carlo also bring in tourists because of the high-end betting establishments dotting these places.

You might be interested in an online casino 온라인카지노. It still functions as a casino but you only need a device and an internet connection in order to join. If you think that this is a scam, then you may have the wrong impression about these infamous entertainment centers. They usually operate legally and follow the same rules and regulations as an actual casino with just virtual games. You can play with real people and win great prizes without even stepping out of your own home. It is great for people who want to play and yet cannot go out physically because of their own busy schedule.

Not all betting games are available in online casinos. It really depends on the type of online casino that you are going to join in. Some specialize in baccarat because it is easier to film and stream online. Poker is also really popular with live dealers online, since you can play with more people there. The stakes are high and joining will usually have a fee, but the prices can also become higher as well. That is the beauty of it: Your money can double or even quadruple in just a span of a single game. Read more about this here: http://mentalfloss.com/article/56376/10-tips-beat-odds-casino.

Take note, however, that betting games are considered high risk, high reward type of games. You win some if you bet some of your cash. Be prepared to lose though, as that is normal in the world of casinos. Just make sure that if you are going to bet a large amount, you are pretty sure that you are going to win.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

IRISH EYES SLOT GAME

For those that don’t know, Irish Eyes is developer Microgaming’s golden goose, the kind of slot that is rewarding as it is fun, and you can play it now at Easyslots.com! This 5 reel by 25 payline game is one that is chocked full of features, and of course, plenty of green too! If you’re looking for a slot with high rewards then the 95% RTP percentage of Irish Eyes should be incredibly appealing for many reasons. 

What we can tell you about this one is that it is incredibly fun to play over long periods of time thanks mostly to the simple gameplay it has going on! Pretty much anyone can pick up this slot and master it, which is part of the games charm in all honesty. If you wish to learn more about Irish Eyes then do yourself the favour of checking out the rest of the review below!

Microgaming: the developer this top-rated game

Developer Microgaming has had a hand in crafting some of the most played online slot games out right now for as long as we can remember! These guys are one of the longest running developers out right now, still churning out nothing but top quality experiences for people to enjoy across the globe!

Most slots that have the Microgaming tag often propel themselves to the top of most online slot sites. If you have never played any of their games in the past, then boy are you in for a treat! Looking to check out more slots from these guys? Check out some of the following:

-     Immortal Romance

-     Lady in Grey

-     Tally Ho

-     And many, many more!

The Gameplay on this Irish Slot

So what can one expect from this Irish-fuelled jamboree of an online slot? Quite a lot actually, especially when compared to a lot of other offerings out there that follow a very similar beat. All the bonuses found here have been hand selected to make you the most money possible with each spin! Bonuses include:

-     WILDS: Wild symbols in Irish Eyes provide players with a chance to reshuffle the deck so to speak. Wilds will substitute for all other symbols bar the scatter when matched! Wilds are incredibly common here and will no doubt make a massive difference in what your final score is!

-     FREE SPINS: The result of matching the scatter symbols that the wilds leave behind, the amount of free spins you earn is determined via the amount of symbols matched outright! Free spins offer multipliers, that’s why you want them!

Those that want to take advantage of the games high RTP percentage will find that they are more than capable of doing that thanks to the autoplay mode. Autoplay allows players to select a specific number of games that they’d like the games CPU to play for them. You can stop/start this feature at anytime which is definitely helpful!

Final Verdict on Irish Eyes

A fantastic Irish themed slot that will have you hooked — especially if you are taking advantage of all the bonuses and additional gameplay elements! 8/10 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHY TWIN SPIN SLOT GAME IS A MUST PLAY

If you like your online slots with that vintage flavour then Twin Spin is bound to be one of the highest examples on your list, you can actually play it here. It’s a great instance of a title with that nostalgic edge, and also one that doesn’t take much to get to grips with, something that can be increasingly hard to come by in today’s world. NetEnt handle the reins here, with their pedigree it’s hard to see Twin Spin being anything but an instant classic.

About the Twin spin and its Bonus Features

Twin Spin’s aesthetic is best described as an intriguing synthesis between classic casino and modern space themed sensibilities. For instance, behind the vintage looking reels is an abundance of flashing yellow dots that are heavily evocative of stars, and these also track the progress on the reels, transforming into different patterns when you are lucky enough to win. NetEnt have gone with the bread and butter of classic casino with their symbols, including the 9, 10, Joker, Queen and King from the standard card deck, as well as iconic logos such as red cherries, a golden bell, a gold bar, the number 7 and a glitzy diamond.

Twin Spin’s action plays out across 5 reels and there are also 243 ways to win. In a shift from the vast majority of online slots on the market these days, NetEnt haven’t included any Scatter or Wild symbols, not to worry though, if anything it makes the game even more simple, allowing you to concentrate fully on obtaining some big wins. And you’ll have a pretty good chance of that with the way Twin Spin works. Each and every spin starts with two adjacent reels that are linked together, over the course of the game you may see that the two reels turn into three, four, or maybe even five! It all makes for a very lucrative gambling session.

About NetEnt and Other Slots by Them

NetEnt are household names in the online casino world, and for good reason too. Year on year they churn out incredible slot titles, with an inspiring range of theme, aesthetic and gameplay. It is no wonder that, since their inception in 1996, they have gone from strength to strength, ending up as a global company that oversees multiple billions of transactions each year. Let’s have a look at some more impressive titles from their back catalogue:

·         Bob The Epic Viking Quest

·         Creature from the Black Lagoon

·         Secret of the Stones

·         Strolling Staxx Cubic Fruits

·         Super Nudge 6000

Quite the list isn’t it? And that is only a tiny fraction of the whole NetEnt catalogue!

Final Verdict

Sometimes it can be refreshing to play an online slot that has gone back to basics, and Twin Spin is a great example of this. Whilst there are no special symbols or dedicated bonus rounds, it is still a highly enjoyable game and can actually end up being far more lucrative than some of the more complex offerings on the market.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.