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Category: Gaming

  • Esports will be new path to Olympic glory after Paris campaign

    Esports will be new path to Olympic glory after Paris campaign

    Mumbai: Esports moved from being just a hobby or leisure activity after gaining official recognition as a multi-sport event by the Government of India in December 2022. The sport has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors in India, attracting millions of players and viewers and generating significant revenue.

    Esports has also gained acceptance in prestigious international competitions, where Indian athletes not only participated but made a significant impact. In a country still finding its place on the global stage, securing a bronze medal in DOTA 2 at the Commonwealth Esports Championships and reaching the quarterfinals to secure a fifth-place finish in League of Legends at the Asian Games against top teams is a notable achievement.

    Now, India has the opportunity to build on this success at the Olympic level. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently entered into a 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia, announcing that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2025.

    As the nation observes National Sports Day to honour hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and highlight the importance of participation in sports, it is essential to recognize the modern-day discipline of esports. Now part of the Olympics, it has the potential to produce its heroes who can lead India to glory on the global stage.

    India’s performance at the Paris Olympics, where the country secured six medals, highlighted its strength in traditional sports. The upcoming Olympic Esports Games in 2025 offer Indian athletes a fresh chance to excel and bring home glory in the virtual arena.

    While the specific game titles are yet to be confirmed, Indian players have already shown their strength in various national and international competitions.

    The recently concluded Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) season 3 and the Valorant Challengers South Asia Split have showcased fierce competition among the country’s top esports teams. These tournaments, organised by NODWIN Gaming provide the ideal stage and high-pressure environment for India’s athletes to hone their skills and prepare for major international multi-sport competitions.

    “We are proud to provide a platform for talented esports athletes to shine through our large format IPs like BGMS and grassroots initiatives like the OMEN Valorant Campus Quest. These events feature open-for-all qualifiers, where aspiring players can compete with established teams, and offer significant prize pools that empower gamers to pursue their dreams. By providing a pathway from recreational gaming to a career in esports, NODWIN Gaming is committed to supporting Indian gamers to succeed locally and globally,” said NODWIN Gaming Co-founder and MD, Akshat Rathee.

    SuperGaming, a game developer based in Pune, has also played a crucial role in building a sustainable ecosystem for Indian esports by organizing the nationwide grassroots tournament, Indus Inferno. Their upcoming game, Indus Battle Royale, which recently entered open beta, provides players with the opportunity to sharpen their esports skills in a game deeply rooted in Indian culture.

    “Building world-class games requires teamwork, passion, and a belief in what is possible. With Indus, we’re not just creating a game; we are creating a platform for players to hone their skills, compete at a global level, and take pride in something made right here in India. As we set the stage for the next generation of esports athletes, we’re confident that esports in India will continue to rise and become a mainstream sport,” noted SuperGaming co-founder and CEO, Roby John.

    As new talent and innovative games emerge, equipping athletes with the right tools is crucial. CyberPowerPC, a US-based gaming PC brand that recently entered the Indian market, aims to equip Indian gamers with high-quality custom and pre-built gaming PCs to help them achieve their goals.

    “By merging the intensity and discipline of traditional sports with technology, esports has redefined competitive sports in the modern era. Success in esports relies as much on skill as it does on having the right tools to perform at the highest level. Therefore, it is essential that Indian gamers have access to the latest technology to break through barriers in esports. That is why we are committed to providing Indian gamers with the best hardware to pursue their ambitions. India has already made waves on the international stage in PC titles like DOTA 2 and League of Legends, and we anticipate similar success, potentially at the Olympic Esports Games,” commented CyberPowerPC India, chief operating officer, Vishal Parekh.

  • AIGDF releases white paper on age-rating framework for gaming content in India

    AIGDF releases white paper on age-rating framework for gaming content in India

    Mumbai: The All-India Game Developers’ Forum (AIGDF), in partnership with the Indian Governance and Policy Project (IGAP), has released a pioneering report titled “India’s Gaming Industry: Time For Age & Content Ratings?”. This report underscores the critical need for a structured age and content rating system tailored to the unique cultural and regulatory landscape of India’s rapidly expanding gaming industry.

    Key findings of report:

    ●    Regulatory Vacuum: Despite an estimated 425 million gamers, the increasing consumption of gaming content, India currently lacks a standardized age-rating framework, unlike other digital content sectors such as OTT platforms, and frameworks in other nations/regions.

    ●    International Best Practices: The report examines leading global age-rating systems, including the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America and the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system, providing valuable insights for the development of a domestic rating model.

    ●    Proposed Indian Framework: The report also outlines features for a proposed age-rating framework for gaming in India, emphasizing the need for categories and descriptors that reflect the cultural sensitivities and legal requirements unique to the Indian context.

    Commenting on the release, AIGDF spokesperson Roland Landers said, “As India’s gaming industry continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, it is imperative to establish a robust framework to protect our younger gamers.  This report provides a blueprint for industry leaders and policymakers to ensure that gaming in India is not only entertaining but also safe and responsible.”

    Landers further added, “The gaming industry will continue to have the fastest growth in the Media & Entertainment sector over the next few years, and a substantial chunk of this growth will come from the Free to Play segment. We’ve recently seen proposals for time and spending limits, and previously there have even been bans. While the intent to protect is clear, these measures often feel like ad-hoc, knee-jerk reactions that could stifle the industry’s potential rather than nurture it. Instead, we believe in a collaborative approach. Let’s engage in a conversation about the best ways to regulate and support this dynamic industry. By looking at global best practices, such as parental controls and age verification systems, we can find solutions that protect players without hampering growth. This is just the beginning. We are committed to working closely with all stakeholders—players, parents, developers, and regulators—to ensure that the gaming industry in India continues to flourish in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

    The report aims to foster a dialogue between stakeholders, including government bodies, industry leaders, and consumer groups, to implement a framework that ensures a secure and enjoyable gaming environment for all, especially our younger players.

  • Smaaash launches industry-first web-based booking engine

    Smaaash launches industry-first web-based booking engine

    Mumbai: Mumbai: Smaaash Entertainment Pvt Ltd has announced the launch of its new web-based booking engine, a first in the industry. This platform allows customers to book slots for the bowling alley or cricket simulator from their phones or laptops. The launch has been successful, generating approximately Rs 10 million in sales and registering over 11,000 active users within the first three months, with more than 400,000 visitors across India. Of the active users, 27 per cent have booked games, bowling, and other activities more than twice. The platform also offers weekly deals and promotions on gaming, bowling, cricket, Go-Karting (exclusive to Mumbai and Barnala centres), and F&B (available at select centres).

    “Smaaash is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gaming and entertainment. Our new booking engine provides unparalleled convenience, allowing customers to book their favourite activities from anywhere. We’re thrilled with the positive response and are committed to continuously enhancing the Smaaash experience,” said, Smaaash Entertainment Pvt Ltd head of sales and operations Divyamaan Shekhawat.

    Smaaash continues to redefine the entertainment landscape with its novel and exciting offerings. Smaaash remains committed to delivering never-before-seen gaming experiences. With cutting-edge multiplayer VR, carnival games, and redemption games, Smaaash consistently introduces new gaming formats across its 12 centres nationwide.

    Leveraging influencer tie-ups, Smaaash has collaborated with a diverse range of influencers, including mom, food, lifestyle, kid, and travel influencers. This broad spectrum of partnerships has amplified its immense popularity. Additionally, Smaaash is the preferred gaming destination for legendary cricketer Brett Lee and renowned Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. They are frequent visitors who have graced the Mumbai centre located at Utopia City, Lower Parel, experiencing the thrill of bowling, GoKarting, and cricket. These high-profile visits further establish Smaaash as the premier destination for entertainment.

    Smaaash’s format of adult & kids gaming entertainment centre combines games with delectable F&B, catering to a plethora of audiences. At Smaaash, customers can experience what they never thought possible, all under one roof. This branding direction highlights Smaaash’s ability to offer diverse entertainment experiences tailored to different audience segments. For the daylight community, it offers perfect settings for birthday parties, school picnics, family outings, and college student hangouts. The moonlight community can enjoy match screenings, ladies’ nights, kitty parties, dance events, and various corporate gatherings such as RnR, dealer meets, team outings, distributor meets, office parties, team bonding events, quarter-end celebrations, and financial year-end celebrations.

  • S8UL Esports wins ‘Content Group of the Year’ at Esports Awards 2024

    S8UL Esports wins ‘Content Group of the Year’ at Esports Awards 2024

    Mumbai: S8UL Esports, an esports and gaming content organization, further solidified its position as a global leader in gaming content creation by winning the ‘Content Group of the Year’ award for the third consecutive year at the Esports Awards 2024 on Saturday night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    This unprecedented achievement, which makes S8UL the first-ever esports organization to win this award three times in a row, stands as a testament to S8UL’s commitment to excellence in content creation in the global gaming and esports landscape.

    Founded by industry veterans Naman Mathur, popularly known as ‘Mortal’, Animesh Agarwal, aka ‘8Bit Thug’, and Lokesh “Goldy” Jain, S8UL Esports has made history by winning in this award for the third consecutive time. This year, they were competing in this category against global gaming content powerhouses like OfflineTV, G2 Esports, Karmine Corp, Sentinels, Fnatic and T1 Esports.

    In his award acceptance speech, S8UL and 8Bit Creatives co-founder Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug encapsulated the significance of this win by saying, “The first time could have been lucky, the second time was a charm, and the third time firmly means that the best content group of India is the best in the world. This award belongs to our entire team of S8UL whose belief in our vision and relentless contributions have made this achievement possible.”

    Adding to their accolades, S8UL Esports also received the ‘Fan Engagement’ badge in the ‘Ones to Watch Class of 2024’ category, further cementing its reputation among one of the most popular content organisations in the world. This badge recognizes S8UL’s outstanding efforts in building a strong, loyal and interactive community.

    Since its inception, S8UL has been a trailblazer in the Indian gaming landscape. By bringing together some of the nation’s most talented content creators under one banner, S8UL has consistently delivered top-notch content and provided a plethora of brands a medium to connect to the youth audience.

    Speaking on the momentous occasion, S8UL and 8Bit Creatives co-founder Lokesh Jain aka Goldy said, “We are beyond thrilled to receive this award for the third time. It is a testament to our entire team’s hard work, dedication and passion. Over the past four years, we have collaborated with around 560 brands and this financial year alone, we are close to closing deals with over 120 brands, both endemic and non-endemic. We are continuously working towards shaping the future of Indian esports and gaming creators’ economies on a global scale.”

    Naman ‘Mortal’ Mathur, co-founder of S8UL and widely regarded as the ‘Face of Indian Gaming and Esports,’ was also nominated for the ‘Esports Personality of the Year’ category for the third consecutive time. Mortal’s fifth straight nomination at the global Esports Awards highlights his global influence and contribution to the esports community.

    Reflecting on the journey, Mortal said, “Being nominated alongside the world’s top esports personalities is an honour. Our focus at S8UL has always been on pushing the boundaries of what gaming content can be. We strive to deliver messaging that resonates with our audiences and this award is the perfect recognition of that effort.”

    The Esports Awards are a prestigious annual event that celebrates and honours the best of esports all across the world including the players, teams, media, hardware providers, games, events, and personalities. This year’s edition which was streamed live on Twitch, YouTube, and Kick, witnessed a peak viewership of 92.3K, with 8bit Goldy’s live watchalong with S8UL members on his channel drawing the highest individual viewership at 43.2K PV.

    Animesh Agarwal added, “This victory belongs to our fans as much as it does to us. Their unwavering support motivates us to keep raising the bar.”

  • Rajasthan Royal & Real Cricket partner for unique cricket esports experience

    Rajasthan Royal & Real Cricket partner for unique cricket esports experience

    Mumbai: JetSynthesys’ Nautilus Mobile, renowned for its globally popular Real Cricket series, is thrilled to announce a pioneering partnership with the Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural champions of India’s premier T20 league. This landmark collaboration marks the introduction of a new, officially licensed mobile cricket simulation game that will feature the dynamic presence of Rajasthan Royals players and iconic team branding.

    From 25 August, Real Cricket fans can get the chance to play with the Rajasthan Royals cricketers in an exclusive mobile game. The game will have star players from the team including their mercurial captain Sanju Samson, T20 World Cup-winning captain Jos Buttler, spin magicians Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, ace pacer Trent Boult, young Indian stars Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel along with their other teammates, making the game as realistic as it will be entertaining to all cricket fans around the world. This partnership will include the official logos of the team, the iconic pink and blue team kits, and the players’ images, which will aim to indulge cricket aficionados playing the game with a realistic look and feel.

    “Partnering with the Rajasthan Royals marks a significant milestone in Real Cricket’s journey and our broader ambitions for the Indian esports industry,” said JetSynthesys founder and CEO Rajan Navani. “This collaboration with one of T20’s most iconic teams is a game-changer for our player community, strengthening our vision of making Real Cricket India’s esport export. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation and our passion for cricket, and we’re excited to see how it will shape the future of mobile gaming.”

    JetSynthesys’ Nautilus Mobile founder & CEO Anuj Mankar added, “We are thrilled to introduce Rajasthan Royals into the Real Cricket world. The aim was always to provide the most realistic cricket simulation experience and by associating with one of the premium teams of the leagues, we are setting the benchmark in mobile cricket gaming ahead of all others. This is not just going to add to the charm of the game but will also give the fans a chance to play with some of the most popular players from the Rajasthan Royals team.”

    Rajasthan Royals chief business officer Alok Chitre commented on the team’s latest approach into e-gaming, “At the Royals, we believe that our fans are the team’s heartbeat and we are always looking at elevating the experience for our loyal fans across the globe, bringing them closer to their team in every way possible. Real Cricket presents an opportunity for our fans to connect with their favorite team in an exciting, new way, we are thrilled to collaborate with Nautilus Mobile to deliver this engaging experience.”

    Since its launch in 2014, the Real Cricket series has been a phenomenon, garnering over 350 million downloads, over one million active daily downloads worldwide, and 6.8 million monthly active users. This allows the gamer to play basic matches, tournaments, and even career modes, which makes the game a complete and interesting package for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

  • Samantha joins World Pickleball League as Team Chennai owner

    Samantha joins World Pickleball League as Team Chennai owner

    Mumbai: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) – owned by Natekar Sports and Gaming, today announced actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the owner of the Chennai franchise. Widely respected for her acting prowess, Samantha’s foray into the World Pickleball League marks her exciting debut as a sports entrepreneur.

    As the owner of the Chennai franchise, Samantha will play a pivotal role in shaping the league’s future and promoting pickleball’s popularity in India. Her involvement underscores her commitment to India’s evolving sports ecosystem, with a particular focus on increasing women’s participation as athletes as well as entrepreneurs.

    “Love at first sight — that’s exactly how I’d describe my feelings for pickleball. It caught my attention from the moment I was introduced to it. Today, I’m thrilled to be the owner of the Chennai franchise in the upcoming World Pickleball League. I’ve always wanted to be a part of India’s growing sports ecosystem. In recent years, our country has made great progress towards becoming a multisport nation, with a significant increase in women’s participation in sports. My goal is to encourage more women and young girls to get involved in sports, and I’m eager to work with Gaurav Natekar and AIPA to drive participation in the sport.” said Prabhu.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Samantha Ruth Prabhu as one of the team owners of the World Pickleball League. When I first met her a few months ago, she was very clear about her desire to play a hands-on role in promoting a sport and owning a team, and building communities in Chennai, especially by creating more opportunities for women and girls to play. With 40% of pickleball players being women, Samantha’s involvement is a perfect fit for the league. ” said WPBL founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar. “We’re crafting an experience that is at the confluence of pop culture. From exceptional food and engaging content to captivating music, and with the star power of owners like her, the WPBL will be a sensory feast that goes far beyond just the sport itself.

    “Pickleball is the fastest growing sport globally, and WPBL is set to be an unmissable event where the world’s top players will showcase their talents on Indian soil. Samantha is particularly passionate about increasing female participation in sports and creating opportunities for young women and girls. We at AIPA are excited to collaborate with her to further popularize pickleball across the country.” added All-India Pickleball Association and President, International Pickleball Federation president Arvind Prabhoo.

  • PM Modi urges India’s gaming talent to shift from consumer to producer economy

    PM Modi urges India’s gaming talent to shift from consumer to producer economy

    Mumbai: In a landmark moment for the Indian gaming and esports industry, prime minister Narendra Modi highlighted the potential of India’s gaming sector during his Independence Day address at Red Fort.

    By speaking about the emergence of gaming as a significant market, he noted that the industry is still heavily influenced by foreign producers and revenue sources.

    A recently released report by Sandsoft reveals that 81 per cent of experienced mobile game developers are currently working on at least one new title. The report, based on research conducted among game developers in the United States, France, and Spain, states that 83 per cent have raised capital to develop or market these games. This surge in activity indicates that global gaming developers are ready to take the next leap forward.

    For India to make a substantial impact on the global market, it needs to transition from being a consumer to becoming a leading producer. The Prime Minister also emphasised that India, with its rich heritage, has the potential to bring its talent into the gaming world. He expressed his desire for India’s gaming products and animators to establish a strong international presence and called for collective efforts to achieve this vision.

    One game that is poised to assert India’s dominance on the global stage is Indus Battle Royale, being developed by Pune-based SuperGaming. Inspired by the nation’s rich cultural history, the game will help India carve its niche in the global market to develop culturally rich games.

    SuperGaming co-founder and CEO Roby John expressed his enthusiasm for the Prime Minister’s message by stating, “With his inclusion of providing opportunities to Indian game developers in this exponentially growing market, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided a major boost to the Indian gaming industry in his Independence Day address. Gaming is an expression of your art and culture, and Modiji is the first Prime Minister to recognize, encourage, and inspire an entire industry by stressing on the fact that we should not just be an economy of consumers but also of producers. At SuperGaming, we have been building games with Indian art and culture, such as Battle Stars, MaskGun, and our newest game, Indus Battle Royale, which showcases it in the best possible manner. Thank you, Modiji, for inspiring this nation on this very special day!”

    India’s gaming industry has seen exponential growth in the last few years which is driven primarily by the mobile gaming sector. With nearly 500 million gamers, the country is on the path to becoming the largest mobile gaming market in the world.

    “We are deeply encouraged by Prime Minister Modi’s consistent support for the video gaming industry. We believe that gaming will be a cornerstone of India’s $1 trillion digital economy, driving innovation and opportunities. However, beyond the numbers, it is essential to recognize and support the people behind the screens. By providing them with the right resources and a supportive community, we can turn gaming into a credible and sustainable career path. ‘Make in India’ is more than just a slogan; it’s a movement, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee.

    Beyond the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment, the Indian government has been proactively promoting esports, with states collaborating with esports organisations and hosting official tournaments. Similar efforts to support game developers through appropriate policies, funding, and infrastructure can help build a sustainable ecosystem and enable the nation to thrive on the international stage.

    “Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi talking about gaming is a big motivation for young people who want to build their career in the industry. Game development (in India) is on the rise, and we are hoping to see game titles that are played not just in the country but make their mark globally. More titles mean more players and more spectators, and that is how the industry is going to grow. We at CyberPowerPC look forward to this growth story and play our role in bringing the best possible hardware to the country,” commented CyberPowerPC India chief operating officer Vishal Parekh.

    With the right support, India has the potential to lead the global gaming industry. As the nation continues to innovate and create, the dream of seeing Indian games make a mark on the world stage is not far from becoming a reality.

  • ASUS unveils ROG Academy Season 10 to empower esports stars in CS:2

    ASUS unveils ROG Academy Season 10 to empower esports stars in CS:2

    Mumbai: ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) has announced the launch of the highly anticipated Season 10 of the ROG Academy to nurture India’s top talents in Counter Strike 2 (CS2) and offer them a platform to excel.

    ROG Academy is the longest-running esports incubator program designed to help aspiring esports professionals succeed by providing the resources, infrastructure, and expertise needed to turn their passion into a career. The program features a detailed curriculum created by industry experts that covers essential areas like communication, individual skills, and teamwork.

    Registration for Season 10 has begun. After this, shortlisted candidates will undergo tryouts, which include in-game assessments, expert interviews, and psychometric tests. Six chosen players will join the program, where they will sign contracts with the ROG Team and receive a monthly stipend, compensation for internet bills, and high-end ROG gear for remote practice.

    Players will receive intensive training from a dedicated coach, focusing on game mechanics, teamwork, and competitive play. Upon successful completion, they will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh.

    The ROG Academy also hosts guest sessions on an array of topics. Some of these have been sports psychology, PR, and esports management during the previous seasons. Additionally, players will gain competitive experience through tournament participation, enhancing their exposure and opportunities in the gaming community.

    Expressing his excitement ahead of the new season, ASUS India vice president, consumer and gaming pc, system business group Arnold Su said, “ASUS ROG Academy has consistently been at the forefront of nurturing esports talent in India. Our extensive training program, combined with industry expertise and competitive opportunities, has effectively prepared participants for successful careers in esports over nine consecutive seasons across various titles. We are delighted to continue this tradition with Season 10, providing a robust platform for aspiring gamers to refine their skills in Counter Strike 2. As esports continues to grow in India and make its way into the Olympics, we eagerly anticipate witnessing the next generation of esports professionals emerge from this initiative in the future.”

    Since its launch, ASUS ROG Academy has garnered over 15,000 registrations and trained 54 players across nine seasons. Over 15 of these players have secured positions with top-tier organisations. Last season, the academy’s players competed in 21 tournaments, including the Dust2 India – 1xBet Cup Open Qualifier, Sky Championship India Qualifier, and ESL Challenger Jonkoping – Asia Qualifier, achieving quarterfinal and semifinal placements in several events.

    Additionally, talents like Gourav “Rayzer” Panwar and Anirudh “ChAmP” Aurange secured placements in the prominent team Victores Sumus (formerly 2EZ Gaming). The season also included insightful guest sessions from Dr Michelle Pain, a sports psychologist with Global Esports, and Peter “casle” Ardenskjold, coach of Gaimin Gladiators, who shared valuable expertise on mental fitness, gameplay enhancement, and communication.

    As ASUS ROG Academy continues to pave the way for the future of esports in India, aspiring gamers are encouraged to register for Season 10 and take the first step towards a professional esports career.

    Interested candidates can register at: https://asus.in/ROG-academy/

  • iQOOSouL reigns supreme at Android BGMS Season 3 final

    iQOOSouL reigns supreme at Android BGMS Season 3 final

    Mumbai: After three days of intense competition, the finale of Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) Season 3, India’s premier esports event culminated with iQOOSouL being crowned champions and solidifying their place at the pinnacle of the nation’s esports landscape.

    Organised by NODWIN Gaming, a global new-age youth gaming, esports, and entertainment company, Android BGMS Season 3 brought together the nation’s top esports teams showcasing the best of BGMI talent in action. The finals, featuring 16 teams, took place at the Android Arena in Chhatarpur, New Delhi, from 9 to 11 August.

    iQOOSouL, a distinguished team in Indian esports, delivered a stellar performance across all of the 12 matches. Under the leadership of in-game leader (IGL) Mohammad Raja (Manya), and comprising Khush Singh (Jokerr), Manpreet Singh (Rony), Nakul Sharma (NakuL), and Saumay Anand (Saumay), the team began the finals with a solid start on Day 1, amassing 34 points to secure fifth place in the table. On Day 2, they added 49 points to move into second place.

    In a dramatic finish to the tournament, iQOOSouL narrowly edged out Entity by just two points on the final day to capture the coveted trophy. The team recorded three Winner Winner Chicken Dinners (WWCD) and 40 points, which brought their total to 123 points, while Entity finished as runners-up with 121 points. Team Tamilas secured third place with 113 points.

    Sharing his excitement after winning the tournament, iQOOSouL IGL Mohammad Raja aka Manya expressed, “Winning the Android BGMS Season 3 title is beyond words. I’m incredibly proud of my team for their unwavering dedication, countless hours of practice, and the strategic planning that brought us to this level. It’s the team’s love for the sport and sheer hard work that propelled us to the top spot. This victory is even more special because it’s shared with our fans. Given the intense competition we faced, this win is truly special. Team iQOOSouL is back, stronger than ever and we promise – this is just the beginning.”

    With an overall prize pool of Rs  1 crore, iQOOSouL walked away with a well-deserved Rs  55 lakhs, while Entity secured Rs  15 lakhs, and Team Tamilas earned Rs  7.5 lakhs. Ankit Shukla (AKOP) of Team Orangutan was honoured with the TVS Raider Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament award as well as the Most Wicked Player award for his outstanding individual performances and claimed Rs one lakh in prize money. Moreover, Harshit Yadav (Beast) of Global Esports was awarded the Audience Favorite Raider award for his remarkable displays.

    “Congratulations to iQOOSouL for their exceptional display on the final day that earned them the prestigious trophy, and to Orangutan’s AKOP for his consistent performance and winning the TVS Raider MVP and the Most Wicked Player award. Android BGMS Season 3 has been a spectacle for viewers and a testament to the incredible growth and potential of esports in India. This year, we have witnessed some of the best talent the country has to offer, and the passion and energy brought by the players and fans alike have been nothing short of extraordinary. Our partners have also played a crucial role in elevating the tournament to new heights,” said  NODWIN Gaming co-founder and CEO Gautam Virk.

    Spanning over 22 action-packed days, Android BGMS Season 3 once again proved to be a monumental event in the Indian esports landscape. The tournament, broadcasted on Star Sports for the third consecutive year, has been instrumental in bringing esports to the mainstream and making it accessible to millions of fans across the country.

    Furthermore, with the introduction of features like Powerplay, Impact Player, and Bounty, the tournament has led the way in redefining competitive esports in India. To elevate the excitement further, NODWIN Gaming also hosted an experiential carnival on Day 3 of the finals which featured various engaging brand experience zones from Garnier Men, Android, and Red Bull, a live performance from hip-hop artist Chaar Diwaari as well as a view party of the finals.

    The final day of the tournament saw a peak concurrent viewership of over 350,000 on YouTube and more than 3.8 million views across the Hindi and English streams. Additionally, the overall tournament accumulated over 4.75 million hours of watch time and an average viewership surpassing 1.8 million.

    “This year’s BGMS was particularly special and innovative which offered a fresh and exciting experience for both players and fans alike. To bring the community together, we organised the Android BGMS Carnival, which became one of the highlights of the season. Through the tournament’s continued presence on Star Sports and its growing viewership, we are proud to see our IP establish new standards for both esports and youth entertainment in India,” further added Gautam Virk.

    This year, NODWIN Gaming joined hands with renowned brands like Android and Garnier Men, marking their entry into the Indian esports scene. Additionally, Crunchyroll and Redbull came on board as partners, while TVS Raider and Phillips Oneblade extended their ongoing support, all contributing to the tournament’s success and enhancing the experience for fans.

  • STAN surpasses 12 million downloads

    STAN surpasses 12 million downloads

    Mumbai : STAN has reached a record download figure of over 12 Million + users. Furthermore, more than 2 million new users joined STAN in June 2024 alone, which makes it one of the key players in the gaming sector. This new user acquisition is as significant as half of Twitch’s and a quarter of Discord’s global growth in the same period.

    A Sensor Tower report reveals that STAN is showing high growth rates that have exceeded all other Indian gaming platforms, indicating the platform’s increasing market leadership. The app has been occupying the place among top 5 applications in Google Play Store since November of 2023 and even topped the list in mid of June 2024. With an impressively high value of satisfaction and engagement, STAN has a 4.7-star rating.

    Specifically, STAN’s platform allows gamers to interact and engage with content creators, and is fostering a community of more than 12 million gamers. The platform focuses on  the creation of genuine connections between individuals with similar interests, which makes the app a global companion for gaming. Through partnerships, STAN works with over 200 games and partners, using its considerable community presence to improve the game-play.

    Mr. Parth Chadha, Co-Founder of STAN, spoke regarding the achievement, “We are more than thrilled to have crossed 2 million new users in a month and achieve 12 million downloads. It’s a testament to the  value we offer to our community. We are committed to offering the platform for gamers and creators, and these figures prove our commitment. We are excited about the future and our continued role in shaping the gaming landscape”

    STAN has a very unique approach toward the user interactions and has features like STAN Clubs which enable micro and nano creators to easily interact with their followers. The platform aims to continuously evolve and already has more features planned for upcoming updates in regard to interactions between creators and gamers as well as monetization aspects.

    STAN’s commitment to providing a dynamic and supportive environment is poised to have a significant impact on the Indian gaming sector. By providing a platform that focuses on creator empowerment, the platform is democratizing creation and distribution of content as more people will be able to enter into the gaming industry and share the benefits of it. It facilitates friendships and gaming groups, helping players find like-minded individuals, and reward them for their contributions, enhancing their experience.

    Additionally, STAN supports developers with effective go-to-market strategies and user testing for game refinement, while offering brands access to a global gaming community, tools for monetizable communities, and actionable insights for strategic decisions.