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Category: Gaming

  • Xsolla launches Forward Night Driving Game Development and Innovation in India

    Xsolla launches Forward Night Driving Game Development and Innovation in India

    Mumbai: The multi-city event is scheduled to take place in three prominent cities across India, including Delhi/NCR, Bangalore and Pune.

    Xsolla, the leading global video game commerce company, announces it’s first-ever event in India – Forward Night. The multi-city event, in collaboration with the India Game Developers Conference (IGDC), is scheduled to take place in Delhi/NCR on May 8 at PHD-CCI, Gurgaon. Bangalore will follow it on May 10 at NASSCOM Warehouse, HSR Layout, and Pune on May 14 at MIT World Peace University.

    Forward Night brings together game developers worldwide to connect, learn, and inspire one another. It serves as a platform that empowers the gaming industry’s future by uniting diverse perspectives.

    The initiative will feature daily presentations where game developers and industry executives discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the Indian game industry. Moreover, it will be followed by an interactive networking session, offering professionals a platform to connect, exchange ideas, and pave the way for innovative partnerships to drive the industry forward.

    The event will conclude with a Gaming Gourmet, catering to executives from leading gaming companies, forging meaningful connections, sharing insights, and exploring the numerous opportunities unfolding within the dynamic gaming market landscape.

    Forward Night is hosted by IGDC and co-sponsored by Com2us Platform, Nazara.

    Xsolla president David Stelzer said, “We are excited to bring Forward Night to India, which marks a significant milestone in our mission to empower and uplift the rapidly growing gaming landscape. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting game developers and fostering growth and innovation within the industry. We look forward to the insightful discussions and cutting-edge solutions the event has to offer and engage with the vibrant and dynamic gaming community. We are sure to impact a rapidly evolving gaming ecosystem positively.”  

  • Balancing act: Exploring the intersection of AI advancements and job security in the gaming sector

    Balancing act: Exploring the intersection of AI advancements and job security in the gaming sector

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, the emergence of AI stands as a transformative force, reshaping the way games are developed, played, and experienced. As AI technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace, game developers find themselves at a critical juncture, facing a delicate balancing act between harnessing the power of AI for innovation and ensuring the preservation of job security and human creativity within the sector.

    The intersection of AI advancements and job security in the gaming industry presents a complex tapestry of opportunities and challenges that demand careful consideration and strategic navigation. From revolutionising gameplay experiences to potentially displacing traditional roles, AI’s impact on the gaming sector is profound and multifaceted.

    The main focus is on the intricate dynamics at play as developers explore the vast potential of AI in game development while grappling with concerns surrounding job security, ethical implications, and the need to strike a harmonious balance between technological advancement and human ingenuity. By examining these critical issues through a lens of innovation, sustainability, and ethical responsibility, we aim to shed light on the evolving landscape of gaming in an AI-driven world.

    Changing the Game Development Landscape

    Gaming executives recognise the potential of generative AI to revolutionise the video game industry over the next 5 to 10 years, with expectations that it will contribute significantly to the development process. However, concerns linger about job displacement and the impact on talent models as AI technologies evolve within the sector.

    AI’s influence extends beyond gameplay enhancements to optimising monetisation strategies in games, offering both positive outcomes and potential challenges. The adoption of AI in game development introduces opportunities for streamlining processes, such as automating tasks like content generation and testing, which can lead to more efficient game launches and higher customer satisfaction. AI-driven algorithms are not only enhancing graphics and realism but also enabling personalised storytelling experiences tailored to individual player preferences.

    Current State of AI in the Gaming Industry

    The current state of AI in the gaming industry is characterised by a significant transformation driven by the integration of artificial intelligence technologies. AI is revolutionising gameplay experiences, enhancing graphics and realism, streamlining game development processes, and redefining the role of game designers. Here are key points highlighting the impact of AI in the gaming sector:

    1   Revolutionising Gameplay: AI is enabling more immersive and engaging gameplay experiences by creating dynamic and personalised content, such as intelligent NPCs, adaptive environments, and enhanced player interactions.

    2   Enhancing Graphics and Realism: AI-driven algorithms are improving graphics quality, generating lifelike textures, environments, and characters, and simulating realistic interactions between objects and characters.

    3   Streamlining Game Development: AI automates various tasks in game development, such as generating procedural content like terrain and levels, optimising monetisation strategies, and enhancing pre-production planning processes.

    4   Challenges and Concerns: While AI offers numerous benefits to the gaming industry, challenges include ensuring ethical AI use, managing player expectations, balancing innovation with responsibility, addressing job displacement concerns due to automation, and navigating data privacy and security issues.

    Job Security in the AI Era

    In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the evolving technological landscape raises significant questions and concerns about job security across various industries, including the gaming sector. As AI technologies continue to advance and integrate into different aspects of game development, there is a growing apprehension about the potential impact on traditional job roles within the industry. Automation and AI-driven processes can streamline tasks, optimise workflows, and enhance efficiency, but they also pose a risk of displacing human workers who traditionally perform these functions.

    The gaming industry, like many others, faces the challenge of balancing the benefits of AI adoption with the preservation of job security for its workforce. There is a valid concern about the displacement of jobs that rely on manual or repetitive tasks. Developers and industry stakeholders must navigate this delicate balance by exploring ways to upskill employees, restructure job roles to align with AI integration and prioritise human creativity and innovation in game design.

    Addressing job security in the AI era requires a proactive approach from both companies and individuals within the gaming industry. Embracing AI technologies while simultaneously investing in employee training and development can help mitigate job displacement risks and foster a more sustainable workforce. By maintaining a culture of continuous learning, adaptability, and collaboration between humans and AI systems, game developers can harness the full potential of AI advancements while safeguarding job security and promoting a thriving ecosystem where human creativity remains at the forefront of innovation.

    Why Creativity Cannot Be Automated

    While AI can enhance many aspects of game development, it cannot replace the human element – creativity and emotional intelligence. Storytelling, character development, and world-building are aspects where the human touch is irreplaceable. These elements of game design require empathy, cultural understanding, and emotional depth, traits that AI currently cannot replicate.

    The gaming sector must recognise and value these uniquely human contributions, ensuring that while AI is used to augment development, it doesn’t become a substitute for the creative minds that drive the industry’s innovation and appeal.

    Collaboration Between AI and Human Talent

    Collaboration between humans and AI is reshaping industries, including gaming, by deploying the unique strengths of both entities to achieve better results. The interaction between humans and AI is crucial as each possesses distinct capabilities that, when combined, lead to enhanced outcomes. Humans contribute creativity, empathy, and critical thinking skills, while AI excels at processing vast amounts of data and performing repetitive tasks efficiently. By working together, humans can provide context and decision-making abilities, while AI offers data-driven insights that enhance decision-making processes.

    The fear that AI will replace human jobs is a common concern; however, the reality is that AI is not meant to replace humans entirely. While some jobs may become obsolete due to automation, new roles will emerge as a result of AI integration. Many tasks still require human input, creativity, and empathy, highlighting the importance of human-AI collaboration in optimising costs, improving decision-making processes, and maintaining competitiveness in evolving markets. Human-AI collaboration is a trend that is gaining momentum across various industries as companies recognise the value of combining human expertise with AI capabilities to achieve better results.

    Conclusion

    As the gaming industry navigates the intersection of AI advancements and job security, the focus should be on balance and adaptation. While AI offers incredible opportunities to revolutionise game development, it is essential to approach these changes with an understanding of their impact on jobs and the irreplaceable value of human creativity. By fostering a symbiotic relationship between AI and human talent, the gaming sector can continue to flourish and innovate in an AI-augmented future.

    The author of this article is GameCloud Technologies CEO Laxmikant Thipse.

  • S8UL partners with KRAFTON for official launch of Bullet Echo India

    S8UL partners with KRAFTON for official launch of Bullet Echo India

    Mumbai: S8UL, an esports organisation has partnered with KRAFTON, the creators of the popular battle royale game – Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), for the official launch of their latest game, Bullet Echo India.

    Bullet Echo India is a multiplayer PvP tactical top-down shooter game, that invites players to form teams, devise strategies, and engage in adrenaline-fueled battles to emerge as the last team standing, similar to a battle royale.

    S8UL’s lineup of renowned creators, including Mortal, Scout, Regaltos, Snax, JokerKiHaveli, PayalGaming, KaashPlays, and others, will create engaging content for their YouTube audiences during the official launch of Bullet Echo India. This collab is a mark of how S8UL and KRAFTON are always working together for bringing more life to the gaming experience in India. They had also collaborated for the launch of ‘Road to Valor : Empires’ early last year.

    S8UL co-founder Lokesh Jain aka 8Bit Goldy, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, “We are delighted to partner with KRAFTON for the launch of Bullet Echo India, as this gives us another chance to bring new & enriching gaming experience to the community. With KRAFTON’s expertise and our deep understanding of the Indian gaming community, we are confident that Bullet Echo India will excite players across the country. I also look forward to it opening new avenues for esports athletes trying to make a mark in the competitive landscape”.

    This partnership will enable KRAFTON to leverage the widespread, passionate fanbase, as well as the unique content of the organizations’ popular creators, to attract users across all demographics to the game.

    Developed by KRAFTON in collaboration with ZeptoLab, Bullet Echo India is designed to captivate the Indian gaming community. Since its soft launch on 4 April, the game has rapidly ascended to the top of the charts on the Google Play Store, showcasing its immense popularity among Indian gamers.

    “We are excited to join forces with S8UL for our Bullet Echo India. S8UL’s innovative approach has consistently set them apart, and their synergy is perfectly aligned with KRAFTON to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience that fans have been eagerly anticipating,” said India publishing advisor and KRAFTON India incubator programme head Anuj Sahani.

    “The partnership between S8UL and KRAFTON for Bullet Echo India showcases our credibility and equity in the industry. As a player, I am particularly excited about the prospect of introducing Indian gamers to a unique gaming experience, offering a perfect blend of strategic gameplay and action-packed battles. I believe it is a must-play title for every gaming enthusiast and will make a significant impact in the Indian gaming market,” commented Tanmay Singh aka ScoutOP, an ex-Esports athlete who is currently a gaming creator of S8UL.

    With S8UL’s co-founder Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), alongside its creators PayalGaming, and Mortal recently engaging in a groundbreaking discussion with the honorable Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, about the Esports industry, the organization continues to make waves for the development of the community. Their partnership with KRAFTON serves as a testament to their efforts to propel the growth of the Esports sector in India.

    According to the FICCI-EY report titled ‘#Reinvent: India’s media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future,’ shooting games hold a prominent position in India, generating substantial in-app purchase revenues. Also, the rising popularity of gaming influencers has contributed to the expansion of the gaming ecosystem, attracting new cohorts of players.

  • Crunchyroll Games launches Retro-Styled JRPG “Bloodline: The Last Royal Vampire” in India

    Crunchyroll Games launches Retro-Styled JRPG “Bloodline: The Last Royal Vampire” in India

    Mumbai: Crunchyroll Games, the interactive division of the ultimate home for anime, has launched the retro-styled JRPG Bloodline: The Last Royal Vampire in India. The popular Chinese graphic novel turned mobile game is available on iOS and Android in India on the  App Store and  Google Play.  

    Don’t miss out on a tasty limited-time event! At launch, Crunchyroll Games will serve up a special crossover that allows players to dig into Cuisine Dimension Spacetime Dungeons to collect delicious rewards or cook up a whole new party by summoning food-themed Cuisine Dimension characters.

    Bloodline: The Last Royal Vampire follows the Last Royal Vampire Lilo and her companion Ren in their quest to save their loved ones from a militaristic order called the Holy Land. Players build their squad of warriors, heroes, and fantastical creatures to defeat exorcists, hunters, as well as vicious demons, and many powerful beings pulling the strings from the shadows. The anime-styled mobile role-playing card game features hundreds of characters and customization, allowing for a roster of heroes that is distinctly unique to each player.

    Bloodline: The Last Royal Vampire key game features include:

    Retro-Style Mobile JRPG – The Last Royal Vampire is a tactical turn-based card game in a modern fantasy setting with sharp, 16-bit graphics.

    Over 400 characters to collect – from valiant knights to minigun-toting waifus, there’s legions of heroes to unlock and level up.

    Character Growth & Progression – Take your characters into battle and feed them powerful upgrade materials to unlock their true powers.

    Real-Time Guild Battles – Destroy opposing forces in Real-Time Guild War battles with friends and guild mates.

    Bloody Competition – Claw your way through other players in a multitude of PVP features like the Arena, Tower of Fate, as well as giant Guild Battles!

    Play more, grind less –  With features like Auto Battle, Raid, and Auto-Mine, Bloodline allows you to devote more of your time to managing your squad and fighting the Holy Land. Clear stages and progress effortlessly while earning all the items and materials to level up your fun!

    Game Details:

    Title:         Bloodline: The Last Royal Vampire

    Publisher:    Crunchyroll Games  

    Developer:     Shanda Shengqu Games

    Genre:     Retro-JRPG

    Platforms:     iOS, Android

    Price:         Free (In-App Purchases)

    Crunchyroll Games’ free-to-play titles for anime fans is an offering that complements Crunchyroll Game Vault, which grants Crunchyroll premium members unlimited access to a growing library of premium mobile titles available exclusively to Mega and Ultimate Fan Premium Memberships, including River City Girls, Thunder Ray, Hime’s Quest and more. 

  • Mumbai Comic Con wraps up with a bang!

    Mumbai Comic Con wraps up with a bang!

    Mumbai – The city of dreams, Mumbai witnessed an exhilarating weekend of the year for all things pop culture. Comic Con India brought pop culture enthusiasts from across the city for its last of this season’s event. The event served as a haven for cosplay enthusiasts and spectators alike, offering a gateway to a world where fantasy and reality collide. The weekend was filled with interactive activities, games, and an array of merchandise, keeping the spirit of Comic Con soaring high.

    Presented by Maruti Suzuki Arena, powered by Crunchyroll and in association with Android, Mumbai Comic Con 2024 treated every attendee to an exclusive copy of Spiderman-India (No.1 Issue) comic book, in collaboration with Marvel Comics. The event showcased comics in a big way with a slew of upcoming publishing houses and Indian artists like Indusverse, Holy Cow Entertainment, Acid Toad, Garbage Bin, Bullseye Press, Bakarmax, Art of SAVIO, and Abhijeet Kini  and many more along with International guests Jason Loo and GUY Delisle graced the event. The event saw immense love pouring in for popular movies, games and comic book characters like Itachi, Luffy, Goku, Deadpool & Wolverine, Spidermans, Batman, Viper (Valorant), Victor (Pubg shooter), Subzero (Mortal Kombat), Franklin (GTA), Xiao, Zhongli (Genshin Impact), Brimstone (Sage) and so much more.

    The venue buzzed with excitement as new comic book launches took center stage, including Karejwa by Bakarmax, Monday To Friday by Corporat Comics, Ghosts of South India by Abhijeet Kini, Minnal Murali by Tinkle Comics, and the announcement of Suppandi’s birthday by Google Android. Art Guy Rob conducted a captivating session igniting nostalgia among audiences.

    A special panel on Demon Slayer, featuring voice-over artist Natsuki Hanae, stole the spotlight, while the dynamic duo Rohan Joshi and Sahil Shah delivered yet another hilarious session of Binge-O-Clock. Popular rapper MC Altaf set the stage on fire with his rap, and the cast of Lakadbaggha also made an appearance. DJ Kazu and Shahrule kept the crowd grooving with their electrifying beats and rap. The talented comedian Harsh Gujral brought laughter to everyone with his wit.

    Speaking about the thrilling weekend celebration, Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma said, “The excitement and enthusiasm that the celebration brings along with boundless creativity and passion of pop culture enthusiasts at Comic Con, fills me with immeasurable joy. Each edition of Comic Con has been a rewarding journey, and Mumbai, as the final stop, embodies the vibrant spirit of our community. The infectious energy witnessed at our shows creates memories that last a lifetime. I am grateful to our audience for their unwavering support and participation and eagerly anticipate more unforgettable moments in the editions to come.”

    MC Altaf shared, “Mumbai Comic Con is very close to my heart as it’s my home turf.  Performing here was a memorable experience that I will always cherish.”

    Comedian Harsh Gujral said, “This is my first Comic Con experience. I think the energy in the audience was exceptional. I was scared in the beginning to perform in the open, but I was really surprised. People were enjoying the entire event while also paying attention to all the various performances happening and that’s what I loved the most. The vibe and energy of the audience was commendable.”

    Comic artist and cartoonist Jason Loo said, “Working with Marvel comics is always a dream.  I’m always amazed at every project I do, I get to draw or write this character today like Thor or Captain  America; this is awesome, and Mumbai Comic Con has been overwhelming. It has exceeded all my expectations with the high energy and enthusiasm of all the fans. I’ve never been shown this kind of love before in any kind of show. I would definitely like to be back for another Comic Con in India.”

  • Maharashtra govt rewards state’s Asian Games 2022 e-sports athletes with Rs 10 lakhs

    Maharashtra govt rewards state’s Asian Games 2022 e-sports athletes with Rs 10 lakhs

    Mumbai: In a groundbreaking move, the directorate of sports and youth services of the Government of Maharashtra has rewarded a significant amount of Rs 10 lakhs to each Esports athlete of the state who represented India in the Asian Games 2022, held in Hangzhou. This marks a historic moment for Indian Esports, as it is the first time any state has included Esports alongside mainstream sports in prize money rewards for its state players in a major tournament.

    The recipients of this monetary reward include Darshan Bata, captain of the DOTA 2 team, along with his teammates Krish Gupta, Ketan Goyal, and Shubham Goli, as well as League of Legends athlete Samarth Trivedi.

    Expressing his gratitude, Darshan Bata, the captain of the DOTA 2 team who hails from Mumbai, said, “I would like to express my sincere thanks to ESFI and the Maharashtra government for honoring us and recognizing and supporting Esports.”

    Esports made its debut as a full-fledged medal event at the Asian Games 2022, where a total of 476 athletes from 30 different countries competed for gold medals across seven titles. India participated in four of these titles, including DOTA 2, EA Sports FC Online, League of Legends, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition.

    “It has been a great experience at Asian games, I am grateful for the support I received from the Maharashtra government and I really appreciate the efforts ESFI has contributed to our journey,” stated Ketan Goyal of Pune who was a part of the DOTA 2 team at the Asian Games 2022.

    The talented Indian contingent for the Asian Games was sent by Esports Federation of India (ESFI), who had organized open for all nationwide online qualifiers to select the best and most deserving athletes to compete for the nation at the tournament.

    “Really happy to see that Esports is getting recognized and we are being aided by the government. Thank you for the support to Maharashtra Government and a big shoutout to ESFI for giving us this opportunity to represent India in the Asian games,” highlighted Krish Gupta of Pune, a member of the Indian DOTA 2 team.

    The League of Legends team, in particular, achieved a historic fifth-place finish at the 19th Asian Games after competing against top-tier teams from around the continent.

    “I am really grateful to the Maharashtra government for providing us with the financial support. It is amazing to see Esports being recognized by the Government. A huge shoutout to ESFI for giving us the opportunity and platform to compete at the Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou,” commented Samarth Trivedi of Thane who played a pivotal part in the country’s performance in League of Legends at the tournament.

    Prior to the 19th Asian Games, India had also secured a remarkable bronze medal at the Commonwealth Esports Championships in DOTA 2, showcasing the country’s prowess in video gaming on the international stage.

    “Thank you ESFI and team for all you support throughout Asian games 2022. We are really blessed and honored by Maharashtra Government for supporting Esports players and considering Esports in events like Commonwealth and Asian Games,” noted Shubham Goli, a resident of Pune who represented India at both the Commonwealth Esports Championships as well as the Asian Games 2022 in DOTA 2.

    The latest FICCI-EY report titled ‘#Reinvent: India’s media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future, India is expected to have 20 international teams by 2024.

    The Maharashtra government’s recognition and support of Esports signals a significant milestone in the journey towards mainstream acceptance of competitive gaming as a legitimate sport in the country.

  • NODWIN Gaming partners with the Global Esports Federation

    NODWIN Gaming partners with the Global Esports Federation

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, the South Asian gaming and esports company, announced the agreement with the Global Esports Federation (GEF) to become the Portfolio Management Company (PMC) for key global emerging markets across South and Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in NODWIN Gaming’s ambition in driving the growth of gaming and esports globally, by leveraging its expertise and leadership position in emerging markets worldwide.  

    The GEF convenes the dynamic, ever-evolving esports ecosystem including the adjacent industries and diverse network of global impact partners. Established in 2019, GEF has flourished to over 155 member federations engaging billions of #worldconnected athletes, players, and fans.

    Firmly dedicated to its mission and universal values, the GEF has evolved to become an authentic voice of the esports community, elevating the industry’s legitimacy and credibility at a global scale. Furthermore, the GEF plays a pivotal role in cultivating emerging technological development, and user, fan, and brand experiences that enable innovation in gaming while ensuring sustainable growth for esports and limitless opportunities that inspire the world’s hyper-connected youth.

    With strategic partnerships with industry giants and a proven track record of organizing gaming events and lifestyle festivals, NODWIN Gaming has now acquired exclusive rights to create and market GEF-licensed esports events in more than 20 countries such as India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Dubai, Bahrain, Jordan, Thailand, Vietnam, in addition to the entire continent of Africa.

    As a PMC, NODWIN Gaming also secures non-exclusive rights to host GEF-licensed events globally, which paves the way for synergistic collaborations amongst the company’s subsidiaries and strategic partners worldwide. NODWIN Gaming’s recent acquisition of the Turkey-based Ninja Gaming readies the company for endeavours in Turkey, the Middle East, and North Africa, while its Singapore-based experiential marketing powerhouse Branded focuses on the Asia Pacific region. With its equity investment earlier this year into Freaks 4U Gaming, a leading full-service gaming and esports agency in Germany, NODWIN Gaming will tap into potential opportunities in developing GEF-licensed events in non-exclusive regions through the agency’s European as well as endemic and non-endemic network.

    NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee shared his insight on the partnership with GEF: “The world of esports is evolving towards a true global celebration of esports titles across the world. GEF truly epitomizes the hopes and aspirations of all the developing world markets that NODWIN seeks to develop. We believe our partnership with GEF will bring the best of esports opportunities to the youth of the emerging world.”

    GEF chief operating officer Mario Cilenti commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to have NODWIN Gaming on board as our Portfolio Management Company for the South Asia, Central Asia, and Africa markets. Their capabilities and extensive experience make them ideal partners to advance the Global Esports Federation’s mission and further engage with esports communities across key growth regions.” 

  • Modi collaborates with leading gamers to boost India’s esports industry

    Modi collaborates with leading gamers to boost India’s esports industry

    Mumbai: In a bid to drive forward the development of India’s burgeoning Esports industry, the country’s notable gaming personalities convened in a groundbreaking dialogue with PM Modi and discussed the growth of the nation.

    The roundtable discussion featured Animesh Agarwal (8Bit_Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal) and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) of 8BitCreatives, India’s leading gaming influencer management agency alongside Ganesh Gangadhar (SKRossi), Anshu Bisht (GamerFleet), Mithilesh Patankar (MythPat) and Tirth Mehta.

    Esports in India has grown from a pastime activity to a new-age ‘multi-sport’ event, officially recognised by the government. The latest FICCI-EY report titled ‘#Reinvent: India’s media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future’, states that participation in Esports tournaments surged to 1.8 million in 2023, across various prominent titles and competitive levels, with an estimated increase to 2.5 million in 2024. Additionally, game streamers witnessed a notable rise in viewership of 20% to 25%, particularly in Tier-II cities.

    Sharing his perspective on discussing the exponential growth of Esports in India with the prime minister, 8Bit Creatives founder and co-founder of S8UL & CEO Animesh Agarwal stated, “It was truly an honour to discuss the rapid rise of Esports in India with our prime minister Modi and share our vision about revolutionising the future. I was personally awed at the PM’s understanding of the nuances of the industry, especially when he mentioned that the industry right now needs to grow with support, and not regulation from the government. We also discussed ease of business around gaming and literally voiced our aspirations at the highest possible forum. Gaming is now a mainstream sport and with the government’s support we will be able to take it to the next level.”

    S8UL co-founder & CMO of 8Bit Creatives Naman ‘Mortal’ Mathur called the experience surreal and said “Being in the presence of the PM, discussing the topic closest to my heart, was indeed surreal. Who thought I would be playing with the PM & personally walking him through the nuances of one of the games around the theme of Indian mythology. I hope this moment is an inflection point for gaming & esports in India.”

    Payal Dhare looked back at the interaction and mentioned “Discussing prospects for female gamers in India with the PM made my journey so much more worthwhile. I realized that he is a great listener, and perfectly paraphrased the difference between esports & gaming content creation, something we now hope everyone will be able to understand. His vision for game development in India around Indian culture, environmental issues, etc is something I felt very strongly about, and I hope it helps take Indian games to the global stage. Thanks to sir for gifting us a lifetime memory.”

    8Bit Creatives co-founder Lokesh ‘Goldy’ Jain expressed his pride and said, “This is bound to have outcomes for the industry which I look forward to, but as of now I am focussing on the happiness I am feeling. Having three of my own sit with the PM and discuss gaming & esports, reminds me of why I do what I do. I am completely aligned with the PM’s vision, and hope to work towards it with my team, to the extent we can.”

    During the discussion, the gamers delved into various aspects of gaming, including esports, game development, impact on youth, the global presence of India in the industry, and more. The gamers also shared their individual journeys, struggles & wins. 

  • Communications for esports and online gaming in India

    Communications for esports and online gaming in India

    Mumbai: India’s Esports and online gaming sector is experiencing explosive growth. With hundreds of millions embracing online gaming and the esports sector experiencing explosive growth, the potential for Esports brands and online gaming companies is undeniable. However, reaching this massive and diverse audience effectively presents a unique challenge. Gone are the days of generic marketing messages. Navigating the vast digital ecosystem, navigating evolving regulations, catering to regional preferences, and fostering genuine connections are all crucial for brands to resonate with India’s increasing gaming community. In this article, we’ll look at the different aspects of establishing communication strategies for India’s rapidly expanding e-sports and online gaming scene.

    Building bridges with mainstream media

    A persistent challenge for esports and online gaming PR is the disconnect between the industry’s thriving reality and its portrayal in mainstream media. Despite Esports’ explosive growth and dedicated communities, outdated stereotypes paint gaming as a solitary, even harmful, activity. These misrepresentations, often perpetuated by mainstream media outlets, hinder efforts to attract broader audiences and secure positive attention. Bridging this gap requires strategic PR campaigns that showcase the true depth of the gaming experience. Highlighting the social aspects – teamwork, communication, and collaboration within vibrant online communities – can dismantle the “loner gamer” stereotype.

    Educating audiences on iGaming

    The last year has seen an explosion in iGaming companies. However, audiences need more education on playing for real money and the rules associated with the same.

    Furthermore, engaging in industry events and panel discussions allows brands to showcase their commitment to these positive developments. These open dialogues with stakeholders, media representatives, and gamers provide a platform to address concerns directly and promote a more positive narrative for the industry as a whole.

    Additionally, catering to regional preferences adds another layer of complexity to brand communication strategies. India has a varied gaming population with a broad spectrum of different regional preferences. Catering to these preferences is essential for success. Creating content and marketing materials in regional tongues like Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi demonstrates a genuine commitment to the Indian market. Promoting local pro-gamers and using local references in communication tactics helps to establish a stronger bond with the target audiences. This shows the gaming companies understand and value the specific interests of Indian gamers.

    In conclusion, navigating the Indian Esports and online gaming landscape requires a multifaceted approach. By embracing digital innovation, staying informed about regulations, tailoring content for diverse audiences, and fostering genuine connections with gamers, brands can unlock the immense potential of this burgeoning market. Moreover, strategic PR efforts that bridge the gap with mainstream media by highlighting the social, competitive, and cultural aspects of gaming are crucial for achieving mainstream acceptance and shaping a positive narrative for the industry as a whole. As India’s Esports scene continues its meteoric rise, innovative communication strategies will be the key to fostering a thriving ecosystem that benefits both gamers and brands alike.

    The author of this article is Pepper Communications Group senior manager – PR Karishma Maindan.

  • Linebat News partners with cricket legend Dawid Malan

    Linebat News partners with cricket legend Dawid Malan

    Mumbai: Linebat News, an esteemed international sports gaming company, has made a significant announcement that is poised to make waves within the cricketing community. The company proudly declares its exclusive partnership with the esteemed England cricket star, Dawid Malan.

    Originating from England, Dawid Malan is a name synonymous with excellence in cricket. With an impressive career extending across different game formats, Malan has made a lasting mark in cricket history. Known for his prowess as a top-order batsman and astute fielder, Malan’s strategic gameplay and his consistent dedication have led to recognition in both local and global arenas. His achievements on the field and charismatic persona make him the perfect fit for this prestigious role.

    By teaming up with Dawid Malan, Linebat News boosts its global presence in cricket. Malan, as ambassador, brings his expertise and passion to endorse Linebat News, showing their dedication to top-notch betting. This partnership aims to raise Linebat News’s profile and engage cricket fans worldwide, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted betting platform. Through strategic marketing and collaboration, Linebat News aims to offer innovative solutions that serve cricket enthusiasts globally.

    Deeply humbled to have Dawid Malan on board, Linebat News family in a statement shared, “We are thrilled to have Dawid Malan join us as our brand ambassador. Dawid’s exceptional talent, integrity, and dedication to his sport perfectly align with Linebat News’ values of excellence and trustworthiness. We believe his association with Linebat News will not only enhance our brand visibility but also strengthen our bond with sports enthusiasts. Together, we look forward to reaching new heights and delivering unparalleled experiences to our customers.”

    Excited about the latest association, renowned cricketer Dawid Malan shared, “I am pleased to become a brand ambassador for Linebat News, a platform offering sports fans endless fun in a secure environment.”

    Speaking more about his ardent passion for cricket, Dawid shared, “I have built my career on passion, dedication, and learning when to take a risk and when to play safe and I see all these elements in Linebat News and I am looking forward to an exciting partnership”

    Among Dawid Malan’s notable accomplishments is his setting of the record for the highest total score (129) in a single series in Twenty20 international cricket in 2019. He was also honored as the best player in Twenty20 International cricket by the ICC in 2020 and became the first to top the Twenty20 International cricket player rankings, surpassing luminaries such as Virat Kohli and Babar Azam.

    Assuming the role of Linebat News ambassador, Malan brings forth his expertise and fervor to endorse the platform, underscoring Linebat News’ commitment to delivering unparalleled gaming experiences. This partnership aims to amplify Linebat News’ visibility and engage cricket enthusiasts worldwide, consolidating its standing as a premier gaming platform.

    Malan’s achievements also transcend international cricket, as he actively contributes to various club teams and tournaments worldwide, showcasing his strategic acumen and exceptional batting technique.

    In essence, the partnership between Linebat News and Dawid Malan ushers in a new era of excitement and innovation in sports gaming. As Linebat News continues to push boundaries and redefine the gaming landscape, Dawid Malan’s involvement underscores the brand’s unwavering dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction. Together, they are poised to make a substantial impact, captivating audiences and heightening the allure of sports gaming to unprecedented levels.