ITV

Category: Gaming

  • Deltin Royale-Goa brings together 45 nations for a unique gaming experience

    Deltin Royale-Goa brings together 45 nations for a unique gaming experience

    Panaji: Deltin Royale announced its “Golden Book of World Records” achievement, with 45 nationalities coming together to play “Spin Wheel” onboard the ship.

    Deltin Royale hosted the esteemed delegates of Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 from different parts of the world on 8 November. The group included delegates from Canada, Finland, France, Azerbaijan, Angola, Armenia, Australia, Bhutan, Estonia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, UAE, UK, USA, Vietnam, Zimbabwe, and Egypt who came together to set a record of 45 nationalities playing a game together at Deltin Royale, Goa. The evening was vibrant,  Deltin ensured that the delegates had the opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow participants in a fun and relaxed setting while creating the record.

    “We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this landmark event,” said Delta Corp Ltd. COO Manoj Jain. “We are thrilled to have brought together delegates from over 45 nations to set a Golden Book of World Records title onboard Deltin Royale. This event aligns perfectly with our vision to create unparalleled experiences that bring people closer through entertainment, culture, and shared moments. Hosting this event during the Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 highlights Goa’s potential as a global business hub, and we look forward to many more such milestones.”

    Adding to the excitement, Delta Corp Ltd. deputy vice president-marketing & communications, Arindam Basu  said, “This achievement is a perfect example of the power of unity and cultural exchange. Deltin has not only set a record but has stood true to its promise of bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in an environment of camaraderie and joy.”

    Golden Book of World Records Asia head, Dr. Manish Vishnoei commented, “We congratulate Deltin and Vibrant Goa Foundation in making this event an exceptional success. A world record of this sort is truly a remarkable feat and difficult to come by. We hope Deltin Royale retains this record for a very long time.”

    Amazing Goa Global Business Summit 2024 chief mentor Dr. Jagat Shah, expressed his joy on the record and said, “Amazing Goa Global Business Summit is Goa’s largest Global Business Summit, hosted by the Vibrant Goa Foundation in association with the Goa Government, where innovation meets tradition and export opportunities abound. This unforgettable achievement by Deltin, Vibrant Goa Foundation and its delegates of multiple countries, adds a special feather to our cap which we will cherish forever.”

  • 8Bit Creatives joins Nodwin Gaming as talent partner for DreamHack India

    8Bit Creatives joins Nodwin Gaming as talent partner for DreamHack India

    Mumbai: 8Bit Creatives, an esports consulting and talent management agency, has partnered with Nodwin Gaming as the exclusive talent partner for DreamHack India 2024.

    As part of this partnership, 8Bit Creatives will engage its wide network in the Indian gaming, esports, and youth communities, with its creators producing content leading up to the event and hosting meet-and-greet sessions.

    DreamHack India, the country’s largest gaming festival, will be held from 15 to 17 November at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, marking its fifth edition. This anticipated event includes esports tournaments, BYOD events, cosplay competitions, music concerts, and stand-up comedy, celebrating gaming, esports, pop culture, and entertainment.

    8Bit Creatives CEO and founder Animesh Agarwal said, “DreamHack India is one of the most prominent events in the Indian gaming and esports calendar and we’re proud to be the exclusive talent partners for it. This is further recognition of 8Bit Creatives’ ability to meaningfully engage the gaming and youth audiences across the country. Our belief in working with the right creators who create experiences that resonate with the youth audiences distinguishes our offerings and we can’t wait to share what we have in store for DreamHack India 2024 with our audiences!”

    This is not the first time that 8Bit Creatives will partner with DreamHack India. The organisation was also the talent partner for the event in 2022.

    Nodwin Gaming, co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee said, “Our vision at Nodwin Gaming is to create unforgettable experiences for the youth, and DreamHack has proven to be the ultimate platform to realise that vision, bringing together gaming, entertainment, and community in an immersive celebration. We’re thrilled to have 8Bit Creatives as our exclusive Talent Partner for DreamHack India 2024. It’s especially exciting to welcome iconic creators like Mortal, who joined us in our very first edition, back for this landmark fifth year, alongside fan favourites like Snax, Kaashvi, Thug, and Payal. These creators bring a unique energy that connects deeply with our fans and elevates every moment. Their presence underscores our commitment to crafting electrifying experiences year after year, building on the momentum of events like BGMS and past DreamHack editions. Together with 8Bit and this powerhouse lineup, we’re setting the stage for an unforgettable event that will bring fans and creators closer than ever before!”

    8Bit Creatives’ content and esports division, S8UL, became the only organization this year to win the ‘Content Group of the Year’ award for a third consecutive time at the Esports Awards 2024. They are also the only Indian organization to have ever won an esports award in any category. Earlier this year, 8Bit Creatives’ gaming content creators, including Naman Mathur, Payal Dhare, and Animesh ‘Thug’ Agarwal, were invited for a meet-and-greet with prime minister Narendra Modi.

    The organisation leads India’s gaming and content ecosystem with services like talent management, campaign curation, brand activations, and more.

  • Nazara Publishing announces FAU-G: Domination playtest at IGDC 2024

    Nazara Publishing announces FAU-G: Domination playtest at IGDC 2024

    Mumbai: Fearless and United Guards (FAU-G): Domination, the made-in-India mobile game developed by Dot9 Games and published by Nazara Publishing will be open for playtest at the upcoming India Game Developer Conference (IGDC) 2024 from 13 to 15 November in Hyderabad.

    IGDC is India’s oldest and biggest game developer conference and this year’s edition will feature over 150 sessions, more than 250 speakers, and 5,000 attendees.

    Attendees can check out the first-person shooter (FPS) team deathmatch game at the Nazara booth and provide feedback to help shape the latest entry in the FAU-G universe, whose past games have achieved over 40 million downloads.

    Building on community feedback from the last playtest in October 2024, FAU-G: Domination will feature the following exciting updates that IGDC attendees will get to experience firsthand:

    1.    Two new game modes: Kiss of Death and 1v1
    2.   Improved visuals
    3.    Revamped sound 
    4.    New death cam
    5.    Voice chat
    6.    Refined character and weapon models with improved textures and optimisation
    7.    New charms and skins
    8.    Tweaks to weapon balance for competitive gameplay
    9.    Improved kill and damage animations

    Players who try FAU-G: Domination will receive limited edition fan kits as a token of appreciation for their feedback. Dot9’s development team is committed to transparency and improving the game with community input.

    With over 500 million players in India’s shooter market, pre-launch playtests are crucial for made-in-India games like FAU-G: Domination to succeed in a competitive environment. Pre-registrations are now live on the Google Play Store for Android, with the App Store for iOS and iPadOS to follow soon. Pre-registering grants players the exclusive Beast Collection, inspired by the Tiger, India’s national animal.

    The Beast Collection includes six in-game accessories: frame, banner, avatar, sticker, spray, and charm, as well as six gun skins: sawed-off shotgun, USP, Scout rifle, M4, Uzi, and Kabar. This collection is only available to players who pre-register and won’t be offered after launch.

    Pre-register for FAU-G: Domination can be done here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dotnine.faug&pli=1

  • Gladiators Esports acquires Gods Reign, unites India’s top BGMI players

    Gladiators Esports acquires Gods Reign, unites India’s top BGMI players

    Mumbai: In one of the largest moves in Indian esports, Gladiators Esports has acquired Bengaluru-based Gods Reign, combining two of the nation’s esports powerhouses. With this acquisition, Gladiators Esports integrates Gods Reign, retaining the well-known Gods Reign brand for the esports team while all other content and marketing operations consolidate under Gladiators Esports. This alliance aims to streamline operations, strengthen brand identity, and harness the combined strengths of both teams.

    Gladiators Esports remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome Gods Reign into the Gladiators Esports family. This acquisition reflects our commitment to elevating Indian esports and driving its growth. By integrating the renowned Gods Reign brand and its talented roster, we are not only broadening our reach and influence but also creating a nurturing space for our players and creators to excel. This marks an exciting new chapter, and we eagerly look forward to shaping a bright future for Indian esports.”

    As part of this move, Gods Reign secures one of India’s most successful BGMI lineups, including top players who consistently perform on major stages with an impressive list of accolades.

    Gods Reign, CEO, Rohith KR added, “This acquisition by Gladiators Esports represents a pivotal step for both Gods Reign and the Indian esports ecosystem. By combining our expertise, experience, and shared vision for advancing Indian esports, we are poised to deliver unmatched experiences and achievements. Our new BGMI roster, featuring both seasoned talent and fresh perspectives, embodies the high level of competition we’re committed to bringing. Through this strategic move, we aim to amplify opportunities for our athletes, engage our community in exciting new ways, and elevate Indian esports on the global stage.”

    The new roster, led by In-Game Leader (IGL) Ammar Khan (Destro), includes players Justin Nadar (Justin) and Parth Garg (DeltaPG), who won the BGMI Series (BGIS) 2023 and BGMI Masters Series (BGMS) 2023 and took runner-up in BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2023. The team is further bolstered by Shubham Ranjan Sahoo (NinjaJOD), the BGIS 2024 champion, and coach Robin Singh (Robin), who recently led the team to a win in the Titans Rising tournament.

    This elite roster earned approximately Rs 2.5 crore ($276,703) from esports tournaments in FY23, reflecting a track record they aim to surpass in future competitions.

    IGL Ammar Khan, also known as Destro, expressed, “Having previously played with these talented players and achieved success together, returning to Gods Reign feels like a true homecoming and it’s an honour to reunite under this banner. This acquisition unites some of India’s top esports talent, all of whom are dedicated to constant improvement and focused on victory. With our combined strengths and support, we hope to set new benchmarks in BGMI and demonstrate our potential on both national and international stages.”

    With rosters in games like Counter-Strike 2, Pokémon UNITE, and BGMI, along with gaming creators such as Thor Gaming, Harshdeep Singh, Red Parasite, Miss Senorita, and AJ Jeffy, Gods Reign attracts over 6 million YouTube subscribers and over 1 million Instagram followers. Together, Gladiators Esports and Gods Reign are set to make waves in India’s fast-growing esports and content ecosystems.

  • Revenant and Team XSpark merge to create Esports powerhouse

    Revenant and Team XSpark merge to create Esports powerhouse

    Mumbai: In a monumental move for Indian esports, Revenant Esports and Team XSpark have merged, unveiling a united brand, Revenant XSpark, set to make waves across the gaming world. This strategic merger combines the talent, resources, and fan base of both powerhouse organisations, aiming to dominate multiple esports titles while expanding into international markets.

    The partnership sees Revenant XSpark ready to engage fans with community events, brand collaborations, and international competitive gameplay. The organisation has already debuted its BGMI lineup, featuring celebrated players Sarang, Spraygod, Shadow, and Joker, under the guidance of Coach Osmium. Recently, these players made history with back-to-back victories in the BGMI Pro Series and BGMI India Series, marking them as the only team to achieve consecutive LAN event wins in BGMI.

    In another boost, Revenant XSpark has been selected as one of 10 organisations by The Pokémon Company to participate in the upcoming Pokémon UNITE ACL India League 2025, with an official roster announcement expected soon.

    Tanmay ‘ScoutOP’ Singh, one of India’s most popular esports figures, now joins Revenant XSpark as its brand ambassador. With over 10 million followers, Scout brings his influential presence to the team, fostering a global fan base. Scout, who originally built the Team XSpark roster and led them to historic victories, will bring his expertise and following to this new partnership.

    “I’ve known Rohit for some time and admire Revenant’s content style—witty, with a touch of banter,” said Scout. “It’s the vibe I envisioned for XSpark. Our combined vision to expand esports across India and internationally made this partnership a perfect fit. Joining forces to take Revenant XSpark global was a no-brainer.”

    Revenant Esports, founder & CEO, Rohit Jagasia added, “Scout and I share a personal connection, and our brands naturally align in values and fan appeal. Scout’s approach to content, covering gaming and entertainment across platforms, makes him the ideal ambassador as we establish Revenant XSpark as India’s premier esports organisation.”

    To celebrate the merger, Revenant XSpark, along with ScoutOP and the BGMI team, will host an exclusive meet-and-greet in Mumbai this November. Fans can look forward to a chance to meet their favourite players and Scout himself; updates will be shared via Revenant XSpark’s social media channels.

    Continuing its momentum, Revenant XSpark plans to launch new esports IPs. Recently, Revenant Esports partnered with IPL’s Gujarat Titans for the BGMI Titans, an open-for-all esports tournament. Revenant Esports has also made strides internationally, representing India in the Pokémon UNITE World Championship, the Brawl Stars World Finals, and winning VALORANT Challengers 2024: South Asia – Split 2 to represent India at VCT Pacific Ascension.

  • Eight teams revealed for Pokémon Unite ACL 2025 India League

    Eight teams revealed for Pokémon Unite ACL 2025 India League

    Mumbai: The Pokémon Company has announced details of the newly launched India League, part of the Pokémon Unite Asia Champions League (PUACL) 2025. As part of this initiative, eight Indian esports organisations have been invited to participate in the tournament, with the unique roadmap and incentives attracting the country’s top esports organisations to sign rosters in India.

    The eight partnered teams for the inaugural PUACL 2025 India League are as follows:

    ●    GodLike Esports
    ●    Gods Reign
    ●    Global Esports
    ●    Marcos Gaming
    ●    Reckoning Esports
    ●    Revenant Esports
    ●    S8UL Esports
    ●    True Rippers

    These teams will compete in the regular season of the PUACL 2025 India League, which takes place across eight matchdays on weekends from 16 Nov 2024 to 26 Jan 2025. The competition will include a group stage and playoffs to determine the champion team, which will represent the country at the Pokémon Unite ACL 2025 offline final in Japan.

    Seven of the matchdays will feature the group stage, where teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket on each day of competition. The overall standings in the group stage will decide their seedings for the Playoffs on 26 Jan 2025, where the eight teams will compete in a knockout round system to crown the champion.

    The prize pool for the Pokémon Unite ACL 2025 India League is an impressive $40,000, distributed as follows:

    ●    First place: $16,000
    ●    Second place: $8,000
    ●    Third place: $6,000
    ●    Fourth place: $4,000
    ●    Fifth place: $2,000
    ●    Sixth place: $2,000
    ●    Seventh place: $1,200
    ●    Eigth place: $800

    The Pokémon Unite team at The Pokémon Company said: “We are thrilled to bring the first-ever partnered PUACL League to India, marking a historic step in the evolution of the Indian Pokémon Unite community. With this tournament and our dedicated roadmap, we’re spotlighting the incredible talent within the country. This format provides a pathway for Indian teams to showcase their skills on a global stage in Japan, underscoring our commitment to building a vibrant, competitive future for Pokémon Unite in India.”

    Skyesports, which has been working with The Pokémon Company since 2022 to develop Pokémon Unite esports in India, has been selected as the esports partner for the event.

    Additionally, an open-for-all tournament for Indian players, the winter open, is also coming soon. More information about it will be announced at a later date.

    Skyesports founder & CEO Shiva Nandy commented: “Since 2022, we have been diligently working with The Pokémon Company to grow Pokémon Unite in India. Now, with a clear roadmap that ensures sustainability and offers a path to represent the country on an international stage, we’ve successfully brought India’s top esports organizations into the game, establishing it as a leading title in the country. The open-for-all Winter Open further gives every player a chance to earn their spot at PUACL Final in Japan, creating a truly inclusive and unprecedented opportunity for the Indian gaming community.”

  • Nodwin Gaming partners with Konami for ‘eFootball Diwali Showdown’

    Nodwin Gaming partners with Konami for ‘eFootball Diwali Showdown’

    Mumbai: The ‘eFootball Diwali Showdown,’ a special influencer tournament organised by Nodwin Gaming and Konami Digital Entertainment, concluded with S8UL Aman as the champion.

    Eight prominent Indian gaming personalities, including Dreamboy, Yes Smarty Pie, Ezio18Rip, Sid, Senpai Spider, K18, Binks, and Aman, competed in group and knockout stages.

    To celebrate Diwali, Konami announced special in-game rewards for Indian gamers. Players can log in to eFootball and earn exclusive Diwali-themed rewards, including unique player packs featuring stars from the Indian football team and special Diwali-themed jerseys available only during the festive period.

    Tournament participants K18, Senpai Spider, and Yes Smarty Pie will stream matches for fans on their individual YouTube channels. These initiatives demonstrate Konami’s commitment to India’s growing mobile gaming market. As a free-to-play title, eFootball provides open access to gamers of all backgrounds.

    Recently, eFootball was selected by FIFA as an official title for the FIFAe World Cup, with India among 18 participating countries. Additionally, eFootball will be featured in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s WAVES Esports Championship 2025 (WESC), enhancing its relevance in India’s gaming landscape. Earlier this year, Konami announced that eFootball has surpassed 700 million total downloads worldwide.

  • FAU-G: Domination playtests uncover India’s FPS game demands

    FAU-G: Domination playtests uncover India’s FPS game demands

    Mumbai: Fearless and United Guards (FAU-G): Domination, the made-in-India first-person shooter (FPS) team deathmatch mobile game, recently held its latest playtests in Gurgaon and Mumbai. With enthusiastic participation, the playtest provided valuable insights into what Indian gamers seek in a homegrown FPS experience.

    The key takeaways from the playtest include:

    1.    Around 85 per cent of players felt the visuals were an upgrade over the last playtest held in July 2024

    2.    Nearly 90 per cent of players believed the Indian environments and themes in-game are a standout feature

    3.    55 per cent of players preferred the team deathmatch over other modes such as arms race, deathmatch, and search and destroy

    4.    Approximately 70 per cent felt the gunplay was in the range of ‘good’ to excellent’

    5.    24 per cent felt their devices were overheating indicating the team has some way to go in terms of optimisation

    6.    Versus the last playtest held in July, the overall quality has improved by about 23 per cent

    Developed by Mumbai-based Dot9 Games and published by Nazara Publishing, FAU-G: Domination recently crossed over one million pre-registrations on the Google Play Store for Android.

    Given that the Indian shooter market comprises nearly 500 million players, the development team at Dot9 aims to ensure transparency and implement meaningful improvements for FAU-G: Domination through close collaboration with the community. Pre-launch playtests like these are essential to help made-in-India games thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

    Pre-registrations for FAU-G: Domination are now live on the Google Play Store for Android, with iOS and iPadOS pre-registrations coming soon. Players who pre-register will receive the Beast Collection, a limited edition set of in-game cosmetics inspired by the Tiger.

    The collection includes six accessories: frame, banner, avatar, sticker, spray, and charm, along with six gun skins: sawed-off shotgun, USP, Scout rifle, M4, Uzi, and Kabar. The Beast collection will only be available to players who pre-register and will not be offered after launch.

  • National Poker Series India 2025 unveils Rs 100 crore prize pool

    National Poker Series India 2025 unveils Rs 100 crore prize pool

    Mumbai: The National Poker Series India (NPS) in its fifth edition in March 2025, promises to elevate India’s poker landscape to newer heights. Exclusively hosted on PokerBaazi, NPS 2025 boasts an unprecedented ₹100 crore prize pool, positioning it as the biggest and most prestigious poker event in the country’s history.

    Baazi Games founder & CEO Navkiran Singh commented, “The National Poker Series India is a platform that transcends mere competition; it is a movement that recognizes poker as a serious skill-based mind sport in India. Each edition is designed to emphasize strategy, precision, and mental endurance, enabling players to refine their abilities while promoting the sport across the nation. We are proud to host the National Poker Series India for its fifth edition with a ₹100 crore prize pool—the biggest our country has seen yet. We aim to deliver an unparalleled experience at PokerBaazi, to empower the talent of poker players across India.”

    Building on the overwhelming success of the 2024 edition, which drew over 2.25 lakh entries and offered a prize pool of ₹62.5 crore and 450 medals, NPS 2025 is set to raise the bar even higher. Players can anticipate an event of extraordinary scale in 2025, making the fifth edition the most competitive and rewarding yet.

    Since its inception, the National Poker Series India has attracted over 5.33 lakh entries, hosted 404 high-stakes tournaments, and awarded 1,221 players with medals, solidifying its position as India’s premier platform for competitive poker. In the 2024 edition, Deepak Singh from Delhi emerged as the overall champion with three gold, one silver, and one bronze medals. The competition was fierce, with Abhishek Sonu from Bihar and Samay Modi from Maharashtra also securing podium finishes. Maharashtra led the medal tally with over 100 medals, closely followed by Delhi with 83, illustrating the regional pride and intense rivalry that NPS has come to symbolize.

    The schedule of the tournament series that surpasses the rewards of some of the country’s largest sports leagues is expected to follow soon.

  • Playground S4 on Amazon MX Player elevates reality gaming

    Playground S4 on Amazon MX Player elevates reality gaming

    Mumbai: Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free video streaming service, has continued to deliver the highest quality gaming entertainment in India with the reality show Playground, currently streaming its fourth season. The show aims to unite contestants from diverse regions and backgrounds. It drew over 14 million viewers across India in the first three weeks of its launch, a 50 per cent increase over season three.

    As India’s first ever reality gaming show, Playground S4 continues its search for the next ‘New Age Star’, with a more dynamic and enhanced experience. Featuring top-notch gaming content, tougher challenges, and an innovative format, Season 4 has surpassed expectations, capturing the attention of major brands in the country. The show’s blend of gaming, drama, and entertainment has brought in major sponsors like Hero MotoCorp and Tecno mobile for the second time and MAAC for the fourth consecutive year. In a further big win, Zupee, one of India’s leading skill-based gaming apps, has come on board as the ‘co-powered’ sponsor, cementing the show’s reputation and success.

    Amazon MX Player director & head Karan Bedi, shared his excitement about the show’s success, “Playground S4 has set new benchmarks in the gaming entertainment space. The positive response from viewers and advertisers is a testament to our vision of providing premium, free entertainment to our audiences across India. The show’s high engagement comes from its mix of unique gaming challenges and reality television drama, making it a top choice for young adult viewers. We have even more exciting challenges and mentors lined up as we progress towards the finale!”

    Zupee COO Akanksha Dhamija says, “We’re excited to partner with Playground S4, as it perfectly aligns with our commitment to innovative, skill-based gaming. At Zupee, our focus is on creating meaningful engagement and delivering joyful experiences through games that are relevant to all gamers, which makes this collaboration an ideal fit.”

    Presented by Hero MotoCorp and co-powered by Tecno mobile and Zupee, Official Gaming Partner, Playground S4 streams exclusively on Amazon MX Player, with episodes airing daily at 12 pm, available through its apps on mobile, Amazon shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV and Connected TVs.