As the links between video games and online casino continue to be taken to new levels, the Game Play series discovers how key characters within the gambling industry embarked on their gaming journey.
In this week’s Game Play feature, we spoke to Connor Blinman, Head of Games at Gaming Corps, who walked us through his first gaming experience on a skateboarding classic, a “captivating” Call of Duty title and “countless hours” spent playing Pokémon GO.
Are you a PC or console gamer? What was your first home gaming experience?
I’m definitely a console gamer. My first gaming experience was the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater on the PS1. It’s a fantastic game with a great soundtrack and kicked off my love for gaming.
What is your favourite game of all time and why?
Call of Duty 4, the original Modern Warfare. It was an awesome multiplayer experience that I enjoyed for years with my friends.
The online progression system was something I hadn’t experienced before, and I always wanted to get to the next level. Not only that, but the main game campaign was so captivating.
I’m praying for the day this game gets made into a TV series.
What mobile game have you spent the most time playing
It has to be Pokémon GO. I got really into that when it was first released and put countless hours into it every day. I can’t say I play it anymore, but the pull it had – both on me and the entire gaming community – when first released was incredible to be a part of.
Which mobile game are you currently playing?
Right now I’m playing one of the oldest games around, Chess. I have been learning it over the last year or so. I’ve been getting better and it’s currently my most played game. I’m trying to play as much as possible and improve my tactics!
Last video game completed?
I recently re-completed Fallout 4 with my partner. I was inspired to pick it up again after the recent popular Amazon TV series. She hadn’t played it before but was interested in it, so I essentially backseat-gamed with her over the course of a couple of months until we completed it together. That’s our idea of couple goals!
Favourite video game character?
My favourite character is John Marston from the original Red Dead Redemption. This character’s personality, moral compass, his entire backstory and storyline throughout the game is something that’s so well written. His characterisation makes me want to go back to playing the game when I just think about him.
Favourite all time slot?
Choosing a favourite slot is such a difficult one. I have a huge soft spot for one I worked on as a game designer back when I was first starting in the industry. It’s called The Sword and The Grail and was a huge hit.
A volatile game with progressive free spins, it got picked up by streamers back in the day and helped pave the way to the monster volatility games we all love to play and create nowadays. So I’ll choose that as my favourite.
