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Category: Gaming

  • NODWIN Gaming announces Android carnival at BGMS Season 3 finale

    NODWIN Gaming announces Android carnival at BGMS Season 3 finale

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, a global new-age youth gaming, esports, and entertainment company, in collaboration with Android has unveiled an experiential one-day carnival to celebrate the final of the third consecutive year of Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS). Designed to bring the community together for a memorable experience, the event is set to take place on August 11, which is Day 3 of the finals of the tournament, at Kicksal, Osho Drive in Chhatarpur, New Delhi.

    The highlight of Android BGMS Carnival will be the view party of the Android BGMS Season 3 finals Day 3 alongside a live performance by music artist Garv Taneja, better known as Chaar Diwaari. The event will also feature ‘AndroidLand’ comprising a range of gamified activities and immersive experiences for attendees. Additionally, there will be several other community experiences including expo stalls and food and beverage stalls from notable brands such as Garnier Men and Red Bull.

    The high-voltage action of Android BGMS Season 3 finals, featuring the nation’s top 16 esports teams will be broadcast on Star Sports from August 9 to 11.

    “So far, Android BGMS Season 3 has showcased the pinnacle of esports action in India. With the introduction of the impact player and bounty system, teams and athletes have consistently delivered outstanding performances and intense moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. To elevate the excitement even further, we are announcing this experiential carnival in collaboration with Android to create an unforgettable experience for the youth. We are merging the best of esports with live entertainment, and interactive activities. We also want to extend our gratitude to our partners, who have been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life. This carnival is our way of thanking our incredible community and ensuring they have a blast while celebrating the spirit of gaming with us,” said NODWIN Gaming co-founder and CEO Gautam Virk.

    Chaar Diwaari’s live performance aligns perfectly with NODWIN Gaming’s focus on youth entertainment and providing an all-around experience for the community. Being a well-renowned name among the youth for his experimental hip-hop music makes him the perfect choice to elevate the excitement of the event.

    “Gaming has always been one of the things I have enjoyed, so being part of the Android BGMS Carnival is really exciting for me. I have been following the tournament closely and can’t wait to watch the finals. It is going to be an incredible experience to perform live and then join the crowd in cheering on the top teams as they battle it out for the championship. I’m looking forward to amping up the excitement at the Carnival!,” commented Garv Taneja a.k.a Chaar Diwaari

    After an intense league week, Reckoning Esports, Global Esports, Carpediem, and Gods Reign were the first four teams to have secured their spots in the finals of Android BGMS Season 3. They were later joined by WSB Gaming, Team X Spark, Raven Esports, MOGO Esports, Team Tamilas, Team 8Bit, Godlike Esports, Team Orangutan, OneBlade, IQOO Soul, Carnival Gaming and Entity who emerged victorious during the playoffs.

    Fans can catch all the action of the Android BGMS Season 3 finals live on Star Sports 2 (HD & SD) in English and Star Sports First in Hindi starting at 6:30 PM. Additionally, viewers can also experience the finals in Tamil and Hindi commentary on SS2.

    The finals will also be streaming on the YouTube channels of Star Sports and NODWIN® Gaming.

    The entry for Android BGMS Carnival is free for everyone. Registration is open at: https://insider.in/android-bgms-carnival/event

  • Skyesports reveals Skyesports Championship 2024 trophy

    Skyesports reveals Skyesports Championship 2024 trophy

    Mumbai: The Skyesports Championship 2024 is entering its Playoffs stage with only six teams left in the fray for the prestigious trophy and the lion’s share of the humongous $300,000 prize pool. After an intense group stage from 24 to 26 July, the playoffs brackets have now been locked in.

    From group A, Aurora Gaming, The Mongolz, and ENCE have qualified, while Eternal Fire, 3DMAX, and Amkal Esports have made it to the Playoffs from Group B.

    The first-placed teams from each group, Aurora Gaming and Eternal Fire, have directly secured a bye to the second round of the playoffs, which is the semifinals. Therefore, the quarterfinals schedule on 27 July 2024 is as follows:

    ●    Mongolz vs. Amkal: 4 pm IST

    ●    3DMAX vs. ENCE: 8 pm IST

    The winner of the Mongolz vs Amkal match will go on to face the Turkish powerhouses Eternal Fire. This team has a unique accolade in the Skyesports Championship as they have gone undefeated so far. If they manage to win the trophy on Sunday, they will have gone through the entire tournament without losing a single series.

    The playoffs will follow a single-elimination bracket with each match being a best-of-three series.

    Commenting on the playoffs, Skyesports’ project manager Sudarshan S said, “We ran into some technical issues on day one of the Skyesports Championship 2024; however, our team was able to address them and put up a good show throughout the group stage. Now, as we make our way to the Playoffs, the Skyesports Championship 2024 will make its way to the main stage at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai, with a true LAN spirit. There is a lot at stake – as besides the $300,000 prize pool – teams are fighting for a gorgeous trophy.”

    Skyesports also revealed the Skyesports Championship 2024 trophy, with a blue color scheme and crystals to embody the essence of excellence and prestige. The design, featuring a striking blue hue and intricate crystal accents, reflects the championship’s grandeur and the competitive spirit of the esports athletes.

    Fans can catch all the action live on the Skyesports YouTube and Twitch channels.

  • Aurora Gaming and 3DMAX advance to Skyesports Championship 2024 playoffs

    Aurora Gaming and 3DMAX advance to Skyesports Championship 2024 playoffs

    Mumbai: The Skyesports Championship 2024, a $300,000 international Counter-Strike two esports tournament, is taking place at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai from July 24 to 28. As the Group Stage nears its conclusion, two teams have advanced to the prestigious Playoffs, where they will battle for glory and a shot at the lion’s share of the prize pool.

    Serbia’s Aurora Gaming and France’s 3DMAX Vie for Glory: First teams to reach the playoffs

    Aurora Gaming and 3DMAX have earned this accolade with flawless records so far in the Group Stage.

    The 11 participating teams, which include prominent esports organizations from Mongolia, France, Turkey, India, and Russia, have been split into two groups: A and B.

    In Group A, Aurora has secured their spot in the Playoffs after convincing victories against Parivsion, ENCE, and True Rippers, standing first in their group with a 3-0 record. With their advancement to the next stage, Aurora is eyeing a consecutive third trophy in Skyesports’ IPs, having previously won the $350,000 Skyesports Masters 2024 and the Skyesports Grand Slam 2024 in Pune, India.

    All eyes are still on Group A as teams like The Mongolz and ENCE have to battle it out on Day 3 to make it to the Playoffs.

    In Group B, 3DMAX has triumphed over Amkal, DMS, and Revenant Esports, securing a 3-0 record at the top of the group.

    The action continues in the Skyesports Championship on Day 3, as the final day of the Group Stage will decide who will join 3DMAX and Aurora Gaming in the Playoffs. Fans can catch all the action live on the Skyesports YouTube and Twitch channels.

    Unlike the Group Stage, the Playoffs will take place on the main stage at the prestigious 5-star hotel, the Taj Lands End in Mumbai, India.

    Group A Standings

    Group B Standings

  • Global Kartel partners with Ampverse DMI for College Rivals season two

    Global Kartel partners with Ampverse DMI for College Rivals season two

    Mumbai: Global Kartel, a marketing and advertising agency, has joined forces with Ampverse DMI for the second season of their innovative IP College Rivals, an Indian esports and entertainment college talent hunt.

    Positioned as India’s largest esports talent hunt, College Rivals seamlessly blends music, pop culture, and comedy to create a unique experience. With Global Kartel and its youth marketing arm, BoomPanda on board, the IP will benefit from comprehensive marketing expertise and innovative strategies tailored to engage the youth demographic.

    Moreover, Global Kartel has a rich background of collaborating with over 100 plus clients on more than 1000 projects, including prominent brands like Paytm Insider, Zomato, Nodwin Gaming, Groww, EatClub, ZEE Entertainment, Rapido, Amazon Pay, and Colors Infinity. Their contributions to the success of major events such Dreamhack, NH7 Bacardi Weekender, Zomaland and Sunburn featuring Martin Martin Garrix India tour showcase their ability to drive large-scale initiatives and pioneering the student ticket category in the Indian entertainment industry.

    By leveraging the expertise of Global Kartel, Ampverse DMI looks to ensure maximum participation, enhance audience engagement, and boost brand visibility for College Rivals season two.

    Commenting on their partnership, Global Kartel CBO & co-founder Adesh Kolhe stated, “We are excited to join hands with Ampverse DMI for the second season of College Rivals. At Global Kartel, we have always believed in the power of innovative and immersive experiences, and College Rivals is a shining example of this. With our extensive experience in brand, commerce, content, and creativity, we aim to bring an unparalleled level of excitement and engagement to the IP. The synergy of gaming, pop culture, and entertainment in College Rivals offers a unique format that we are excited to amplify through our strategic marketing efforts. We look forward to enhancing this landmark event and contributing to the discovery of the next generation of esports talent in India.”

    Since its inception, College Rivals has connected college students’ passion for gaming with their aspiration to become professional players. Its first season garnered over 100 million views and attracted 92,000 plus participants across five cities and 25 colleges.

    Season two promises to be even more spectacular, with Global Kartel designing and executing on-ground activations and youth marketing campaigns across 50 plus colleges in 20 cities to ensure high levels of participation and excitement. Players will compete in popular games such as BGMI, Valorant, and EAFC 24, vying for a total prize pool of Rs 50 lakhs.

    “College Rivals Season 2 is poised to ignite and empower collegiate rivalries, and our partnership with Global Kartel’s youth marketing arm BoomPanda is pivotal in aiming to unite and enhance impact through shared passion and purpose. Together, we are pioneering new avenues of collaboration across campuses in India, catalyzing innovation and cultivating camaraderie that transcends traditional competition, while innovating in-ground activations,” said Ampverse DMI country head Ashwin Haryani.

    With College Rivals season two already underway, the partnership between Global Kartel and Ampverse DMI promises to set new standards in collegiate esports and entertainment.

  • Zoreko launches their latest brand anthem

    Zoreko launches their latest brand anthem

    Mumbai: When newest gaming centre Zoreko stumbled upon up-and-coming rap star Shubham Tripathi, little did they know that their vibes would be a perfect match and the ensuing authenticity would lead to Shubham being signed on to create and launch their latest brand anthem. Interestingly, Shubham is a real-life ‘Gully Boy’ and was a delivery executive at a national food delivery app. Tripathi and Zoreko’s match is worthy of all the internet praise it is getting.

    “This collaboration with real-life Gully Boy Shubham Tripathi is a stroke of luck for Zoreko – collaborating with someone who understands the energy and brings the right mood and aesthetic is rare, and our brand anthem strikes the right chord for us and our audiences. Zoreko is a premier gaming arena that aims to provide an unparalleled experience for all. This anthem is a testament to that fact.” said Zoreko consulting CMO Avanish Agarwal.

    From making videos online to collaborating with Zoreko on this brand anthem, Tripathi is living his dream – rapping, recognition, and rizz. His arc and astronomical rise are testaments to how he has made a margarita from the lemons life has thrown at him.

    Shubham Tripathi expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating, “My journey from delivering food to becoming a part of the Zoreko family has been nothing short of a dream come true. This opportunity allows me to showcase my passion for music and inspire others who may be chasing their dreams.”

    Recently, Zoreko unveiled its flagship centre in Elan Town centre in Gurugram. With this new space and brand new anthem, Zoreko looks forward to revolutionising the gaming scene with its unparalleled array of games for all. It is the ultimate gaming destination for enthusiasts of all ages, accommodating diverse interests and preferences.

  • Ampverse DMI & Orangutan enter multi-year partnership deal

    Ampverse DMI & Orangutan enter multi-year partnership deal

    Mumbai: India’s collegiate esports and gaming IP, College Rivals, owned by Ampverse DMI, has forged a strategic alliance with Orangutan, a leading esports organisation in India. College Rivals, remains committed to offering professional gaming prospects to college students and has awarded its inaugural professional gaming contract to Sahil Nagpal, a student from Jalandhar, Punjab.

    He demonstrated his prowess during season one representing the potential and caliber that this College IP aims to tap, cultivate and unearth as part its commitment to foster grassroot esports talents and provide them with a life changing platform and experience Joining Orangutan’s Academy BGMI team, Sahil Nagpal’s achievement not only fulfills his dream of becoming a professional player but also serves as inspiration for millions of others.

    While College Rivals will continue to empower college gamers, paving their path towards professional success in season two, the chosen players will also get a shot at playing for Orangutan as part of this strategic multi year partnership.

    Ampverse DMI, India country head Ashwin Haryani revealed the importance of the partnership, “Ampverse DMI and Orangutan are embarking on a holistic partnership. They understood the concept of us building a talent hunt and making sure the top winners are given a platform to perform at a national and international stage. Beyond competition, our alliance also aims to enrich the esports ecosystem with an exclusive BGMI Team, a merchandise line and brand presence on the jersey of the team, every time they step out to play.”

    As part of this partnership, Ampverse DMI and Orangutan will jointly co-own Rivals Ape X, a youth team beginning with a BGMI lineup that will include at least one player from every College Rivals season moving forward. Rivals Ape X, featuring some of the nation’s exciting up and coming players will aim to dazzle nationally and internationally in BGMI tournaments.

    As part of the selection process, Orangutan had tried out all the eight BGMI College Rivals finalists, from season one through a trial and Sahil was chosen on the basis of his in-game skills, game sense and overall team work.

    Orangutan co-founder Jai Shah expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, “I am incredibly excited to introduce Rivals Ape X, our Academy Esports Team, in collaboration with Ampverse DMI and College Rivals. This collaboration marks a significant step in our mission to nurture and develop young, hungry talent, providing them with a bigger platform to showcase their skills. Together with Ampverse DMI, we aim to create a pathway for the next generation of esports champions and build a community where passion, skill, and ambition can thrive. Together, we’re setting the stage for the future of competitive gaming.”

    College Rivals season two will see 50 plus colleges participating across 22 cities in both offline and online competition format. Any college student from pan India can register and compete as the preliminary competitions have already been rolled out from 15 July along with diverse entertainment experiences tailored for college students including opportunities to become college ambassadors, purchase exclusive College Rivals merchandise and other interesting initiatives in a groundbreaking gaming format never seen before in India

    The competitions will take place for three gaming titles – BGMI, Valorant, and EA FC 24- with the grand finale being played in February, 2025. The winners from monthly qualifiers will compete in a grand finale for the ultimate battle and a prize pool of up to ₹50,00,000 along with the contract.

  • India boasts 442 million online gamers: Thornton Bharat & E-Gaming Federation report

    India boasts 442 million online gamers: Thornton Bharat & E-Gaming Federation report

    Mumbai: A report by Thornton Bharat and the E-Gaming Federation, titled “Guardians of Safe Play: Ethical Gaming for Vibrant Bharat,” revealed that India now boasts 442 million online gamers, making it the second-largest gaming market globally, just behind China. The industry is anticipated to grow by 20 per cent by FY25, reaching Rs 253 billion. This report showcased the importance of a strong code of conduct and self-regulation for the sustainable development of the gaming sector.

    The real money gaming (RMG) segment is highlighted as a major revenue driver, with users spending an average of 8.5 hours per week in FY22. Despite facing challenges in 2023 due to the government’s 28 per cent GST implementation, investor sentiment in the RMG sector remains positive.

    The report mainly dug deeper into the regulatory framework governing the real money gaming (RMG) sector, clearly distinguishing between games of skill and games of chance. It offers an overview of key legislative milestones, such as the Public Gambling Act and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code), which have influenced current RMG policies. This highlights the pressing need to update laws and create clear, cohesive guidelines to effectively manage the complexities of the RMG sector.

    Despite the challenges faced by the government’s implementation of a 28 per cent GST, which resulted in the closure of several niche gaming startups last year, the gaming industry has experienced significant growth. To understand the reasons behind this surge, Indiantelevision.com reached out to STAN CEO & founder Parth Chadha who provided detailed insights.

    He explained, “The Indian gaming industry has stood firm despite the challenges posed by the 28 per cent GST on the real money gaming sector. Several factors contribute to this boom:

    Digital infrastructure expansion in India: India has witnessed rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, including widespread access to smartphones that has significantly bolstered the growth of the Indian Gaming industry providing people the flexibility and ease of playing games on their phones like never before. It has significantly increased growth & engagement.

    Advent of gaming communities: The presence of vibrant gaming communities has always been a true game changer for the industry. For example, STAN, the fastest-growing community startup in India provides a chance to hang out, watch videos together, play games, and win rewards at STAN clubs. These social communities foster rapid growth and expansion by appealing to a broad audience.

    Government support: Government Initiatives like Digital India to transform India into a digitally empowered society & knowledge economy have been an instrumental part of the industry growth. Additionally, as per the Invest India Report,  The Indian government allows 100% FDI in the online gaming sector, making it an attractive proposition for investors. This support is crucial for the industry’s development and expansion.

    With these factors in play, India holds significant potential to become a hub for developing and providing platforms for online gaming.”

    He further elaborated, “We at Stan fully support the recent Thornton Bharat and EGF report, which highlights the importance of regulatory mechanisms to protect players from cyber threats, fraud, and other unfair practices. In the gaming sector, ensuring player protection and upholding consumer rights are the most important factors to the integrity and future growth of the gaming industry.  With 442 million online gamers, India now stands as the second largest country with such a massive gaming user base. It is truly a proud moment for all the gaming community stakeholders. We are on the path of rapid expansion, and implementing a code of conduct and self-regulation becomes paramount for the gaming industry. We believe that gaming communities in India are the key driving factor to further bolster India’s gaming system altogether at a new extent.

    Gaming in India has become one of the popular sources of income for youth that was considered as a mere timepass earlier.  Gaming communities foster a sense of belonging among players, enhancing social interactions, and encouraging collaboration and competition. We are proud to share that our platform has recorded an impressive 10 million+ downloads of the STAN app within just two years, making STAN India’s fastest-growing gaming community startup in India,” he concluded.

  • Sony LIV celebrates success of UEFA Euro 2024 with 30 advertisers

    Sony LIV celebrates success of UEFA Euro 2024 with 30 advertisers

    Mumbai: Sony LIV, a streaming platform, announced a lineup of partners for the ongoing UEFA Euro 2024. Onboard 30 advertisers, including one co-presenting, one co-powered by & eight partner sponsors as the tournament progresses to the finals, Europe’s largest football tournament is set to offer some thrilling contests, with England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands going head-to-head for the crown of Champions of Europe.

    As the home of football in India, Sony LIV celebrated with partners such as Johnnie Walker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Acko, Black & White, Coinswitch, AMFI, Myntra, Disney Cruises, Rado, Amul, BMW, Redbull, Motorola, Jameson, LIC, Apple, Haier, GSK, Volvo, Apollo Tyres, Amazon, Ultratech, Seiko & Jim Beam amongst others.

    With the Finals of the Euro scheduled to take place on Monday, 15 July at 12:30 am IST, the platform will also broadcast three premium properties in the coming weeks, namely, the India Tour of Zimbabwe from 6 to 14 July 2024, India’s tour of Sri Lanka from 27 July to 7 August 2024 & Australia’s tour of England from 11 September to 29 September 2024.

    Sports enthusiasts can also revel in a lineup of top-tier sporting events like the US Open, UFC, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and more, only on SONY LIV.

    Digital Business head- sr. vice president of ad sales revenue Ranjana Mangala commented “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the UEFA Euro 2024 on Sony LIV. The passion & engagement of Indian football fans has been truly exceptional. We are grateful for the incredible partnerships we have been able to leverage with sponsors, who made this a truly unforgettable experience for viewers. Looking ahead, we now prepare for a thrilling sports calendar.”

  • Exploring trends in casual gaming and digital content distribution

    Exploring trends in casual gaming and digital content distribution

    The landscape of casual gaming and digital content distribution has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviours have fostered a vibrant ecosystem where innovation thrives. India boasts a colossal gaming audience – a whopping 550 million, projected to reach 650 million by 2027. This optimistic outlook is driven by several key factors, including innovation in monetisation techniques and increasing consumer demands.

    At Gamezop, a leading casual gaming platform, we are witnessing this growth firsthand. Over 20 per cent of our 45 million monthly active users are first-time gamers, highlighting the democratizing power of casual gaming. This explosion in casual gaming translates to a thriving industry. In FY23, India’s gaming market raked in a cool $3.1 billion, marking a significant 19 per cent jump from the previous year.

    Let’s explore the current trends in the casual gaming industry:

    Growth of HTML5

    HTML5 is acting as a game-changer, paving the way for seamless cross-platform gaming. Gone are the days of downloading separate apps for each game. HTML5 empowers players to jump into the action using any device with a web browser, be it a smartphone, tablet, or PC.  

    This not only expands the player base but fosters vibrant gaming communities. Players from various devices can connect and play together, boosting engagement and retention. Additionally, HTML5 streamlines the development process, potentially reducing costs and accelerating game launches.

    Rise of Mobile Gaming

    One of the most significant trends in casual gaming is the rise of mobile gaming. The global gaming industry has a market size of $185 billion, with mobile projected to be the dominant platform. This underlines the need for a mobile-first approach for game developers and publishers.

    Mobile gaming’s success can be attributed to several factors, including the convenience of gaming on-the-go, the proliferation of free-to-play models, and the ease of playing HTML5 games. Furthermore, improved graphics, faster processors, and longer battery life, have enhanced the gaming experience, making mobile devices a preferred platform for casual gamers.

    Marketing dollars vhasing casual gamers

    Gaming platforms are becoming a prime target for advertisers, as casual gamers are the most diverse online demographic – over three billion strong globally! This allows for hyper-targeting that reaches specific audiences based on interests, behaviours, and demographics. This level of precision is unmatched. Whether advertisers aim for brand awareness or sales, including gaming platforms in their media mix is crucial for reaching target audiences effectively.

    Gaming also offers unique interactive advantages in engagement and brand storytelling. This creates a conducive environment for advertising messages to resonate and drive results. Additionally, games allow for non-intrusive placements through formats like rewarded ads, which incentivise players to watch ads in exchange for in-game rewards. This fosters a more positive brand perception compared to traditional advertising methods.

    Game adoption in non-gaming products

    The integration of casual games into non-gaming products is set to rise. Notable digital platforms such as Samsung Internet, Sony News Suite, Tata Play, ixigo, Paytm, and Business Insider now feature dedicated sections for HTML5 games. Utilising games can significantly boost user engagement, exemplified by increasing transactions through the unlocking of exclusive coupons as rewards for in-game achievements.

    Other offerings also built on HTML5 – such as quiz, astrology, and cricket content – enrich digital platforms worldwide. Adding products like Quizzop, Astrozop, and Criczop empower apps and websites to seamlessly integrate diverse and captivating content, thereby boosting user engagement and advertising revenue by 15-40 per cent.

    A look ahead: charting the course for casual gaming

    The future of casual gaming in India is brimming with exciting possibilities. Here are some key trends to watch:

    1  Hyper-casual evolution: The hyper-casual market, known for its fast-paced, addictive games, is expected to mature. Look for deeper gameplay mechanics and a shift towards user retention strategies.

    2  Monetization mix: Hybrid monetization models that combine advertising, in-app purchases, and subscriptions are likely to gain traction, catering to diverse player preferences.

    3  Emerging market boom: Regions like India, Southeast Asia, and MENA are expected to experience explosive growth due to increasing smartphone penetration and affordable data plans.

    A final thought

    Casual gaming in India is more than just a leisure activity; it’s a booming industry with the potential to revolutionise entertainment and reshape advertising strategies. As this dynamic market evolves, developers and platforms that embrace innovation and cater to the diverse needs of gamers will be the ones who truly level up.

    The article has been authored by Gamezop co-founder Gaurav Agarwal.

  • Olympic Esports Games to take place in 2025

    Olympic Esports Games to take place in 2025

    Mumbai: In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This decision follows the recent proposal by the IOC’s executive board and will be presented at the IOC session ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    The IOC has entered a 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the Olympic Esports Games. As per the official announcement, minister of sport and Saudi Arabian Olympic and paralympic committee president HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal remarked, “The world is invited to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.”

    Indian esports, already on the rise, stands to gain significantly from this development. Following a bronze medal win in DOTA 2 at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and competing in five titles at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, the nation’s esports landscape is on track for further growth.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the groundbreaking development, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee said, “NODWIN Gaming is thrilled that esports has earned its place in the Olympics with its own standalone event, akin to the Summer, Winter, and Paralympics. This recognition allows countries to develop independent esports programs. Together with our partners in the GEF and the EWC, NODWIN Gaming is eager to build esports in our core growth markets, seizing this opportunity for hope and glory.”

    The IOC launched its first esports pilot, the Olympic Virtual Series, in 2021 followed by the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023. This event brought together over 130 players from around the world, competing in 10 mixed-gender categories, attracting over 500,000 unique participants and six million views, with 75 per cent of the audience aged 13 to 34.

    “The IOC’s embrace of the Olympic Esports Games honors the dedication and skill of millions of gamers worldwide. It goes beyond just competition; it elevates esports to a global platform, encouraging international collaboration and potentially ushering in a new generation of athletes. This initiative truly is a landmark moment for esports, bringing it the global recognition it has long earned. The inclusion of esports in the Olympic movement demonstrates its growing influence and cements its place in the future of sports,” commented SuperGaming CEO and co-founder Roby John.

    The introduction of the Olympic Esports Games is set to further enhance the credibility of esports in India, establishing it as a viable sport and career option.

    “This recognition will further legitimise esports as a career option, more parents will now support their children in pursuing careers in this field, elevating the professional landscape of competitive gaming. We are proud to support the growth of esports in India, giving our players the chance to shine on this prestigious international platform,” further added Roby John.

    With the official announcement of the Olympic Esports Games, work will now begin on selecting the host city and venue, determining the event’s timing, selecting titles, and establishing the qualification process for players. The IOC has emphasised collaboration with International Federations already engaged in e-sports and National Olympic Committees that include esports in their activities.

    While the titles for the Olympic Esports Games have not been officially announced, the potential inclusion of games across diverse platforms is expected to stimulate growth in India’s gaming industry. This could lead to a rise in PC and console gaming, diversifying India’s predominantly mobile gaming market as players aim to represent their nation at the largest international multi-sport event.

    “We are absolutely elated by the announcement of the Olympic Esports Games which is being hosted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This marks a monumental step for the industry and all its stakeholders. The Indian esports sector is on an upward trajectory and this will further empower it. Esports being integrated under the banner of the pinnacle of sports events in the world will bring further legitimacy to this form of sport and encourage a new generation of esports talent to rise from the country. We’re excited and look forward to extending our support to the esports community of India so they make a mark at the global event!” said CyberPowerPC India COO Vishal Parekh.

    Additionally, the IOC will establish a dedicated structure for the Olympic Esports Games, distinct from the traditional Olympic Games model, to address the unique aspects of esports financing and organization.