ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Honor of Kings is the world’s most-played mobile MOBA with 100 million daily players

    Honor of Kings is the world’s most-played mobile MOBA with 100 million daily players

    Mumbai: As per the recent development, Honor of Kings, one of the world’s highest-grossing and most popular Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games will potentially be launched soon in India as part of its phased global release.

    The official Instagram handle of Clash of Titans (which is the Indian version of Arena of Valor – the international adaption of Honor of Kings), published by Actoz Singapore, has been rebranded as Honor of Kings India and has posted this announcement on their page.

     

     

    Here are some key information and statistics about the game:

    – Honor of Kings is the world’s most-played mobile MOBA with 100 million daily players.

    – Honor of Kings will be part of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with a $3 million prize pool to 12 competing teams.

    – Sensor Tower store intelligence data shows that in February 2024, Tencent’s “Honor of Kings” attracted US$248 million in the global App Store and Google Play, ranking first in the global mobile game best-selling list.

    – Esports serves as a central strategy for Honor of Kings with the game’s developers organizing tailored local and global tournaments across various regions with lucrative prize pools.

    In regards to the potential launch of one of the biggest MOBA games in the world in India, please find below the reactions of the Esports industry stakeholders:

    8Bit Creatives and co-founder of S8UL  founder & CEO Animesh Agarwal:

    “The release of Honor of Kings in India can be a game-changer for the country’s mobile gaming market. With its massive player base and global popularity, the game’s potential entry into India will attract a new segment of players and drive growth within the MOBA gaming community. The entire industry is anticipating the game’s official launch.”

    Esports Federation of India director &  Asian Esports Federation (AESF) vice president Lokesh Suji:

    “The introduction of Honor of Kings to the Indian video gaming landscape can play a crucial role in catalyzing the growth of Esports in our nation. With the game well renowned for placing a strong emphasis on Esports tournaments with lucrative prize pools, we anticipate a surge in competitive gaming in the country. Its release will also elevate the competition within the MOBA genre in India which will contribute to creating a sustainable Esports ecosystem based on multiple games. We are eager to witness the positive impact of the game on the country’s Esports community.”

    Mrinmoy Lakhar a.k.a. 8Bit_Beg4Mercy, a prominent gamer of S8UL:

    “Honor of Kings marking its official launch in India will provide our Esports players with the opportunity to enhance their gameplay by competing against their international counterparts. With the game having laid out a well-structured roadmap for other regions, we hope that the Indian market will be prioritized in a similar fashion to grant our players ample opportunities to showcase their skills. Concurrently, gaming creators will find a fresh canvas in Honor of Kings. By curating unique content, creators will be able to cater to the game’s passionate audience and expand the reach of gaming in the nation.”

    Rohit Agarwal, founder & director, Alpha Zegus, the next-gen marketing agency specializing in the domains of gaming & lifestyle:

    “One of the biggest mobile MOBA games ever, Honor of Kings very recently made its entry into the (MENA) region, and its entry in India is going to be very warmly welcomed, considering India loves MOBA. It’s going to go head-on with the likes of BGMI, which is currently the biggest MOBA game in India, and that would be quite interesting to watch. But I’m glad that the players as well as the audience will have more MOBA titles to try apart from BGMI, and if all goes well, our country might be represented at the Riyadh Esports World Cup. Fingers crossed that there are no pushbacks from the government on any compliances.”

  • ONDC gets a shout-out in Shark Tank India Season 3

    ONDC gets a shout-out in Shark Tank India Season 3

    Mumbai: During the third season of Shark Tank India, Anupam Mittal, the entrepreneurial force behind Shaadi.com (People Group) and a distinguished Shark on the panel, cast a spotlight on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Mittal’s compelling elucidation of the Open Network’s potential to democratize digital commerce could help India’s startups to harness the vast opportunities of the Open Network.

    During the Kiko Live pitch segment in Episode 47 of Shark Tank India Season 3, Mittal drew parallels between the ONDC Network and the revolutionary Unified Payments Interface (UPI) initiative by the Government of India. He emphasized ONDC Network’s pivotal role in fostering inclusive digital commerce for all kinds of players in the market.

    “We would like to extend our gratitude to Anupam for educating the audience about a seemingly complex subject like ONDC in a clear and well-articulated manner,” said ONDC MD & CEO T. Koshy. “Mention of the ONDC Network on Shark Tank India, underscores the importance of the Open Network as a catalyst for innovation, essential for startups to thrive. For startups aiming to grow seamlessly, join our vast Network where opportunities are limitless.”

    Mittal said “What UPI did for payments, ONDC Network offers the same transformation for digital commerce. It’s about creating an inclusive Network where every business, no matter its size, can thrive online. This initiative is a powerful step towards ensuring that growth and opportunities are not confined to the few but are accessible to all.”

  • Radio City presents “Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar”

    Radio City presents “Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar”

    Mumbai: Get ready to witness the ultimate cricketing spectacle as Radio City, has proudly announced the return of “Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar” for the 2024 season! After the incredible success of last time’s event, we’re back and ready to make this years’ experience even better. Cricket aficionados will witness a terrific journey where every moment is filled with excitement and adventure.

    Once again, the legendary Sanjay Manjrekar, is on board, bringing his charm and expertise to the event. Renowned for his insightful commentary and deep understanding of the game, Sanjay will add a touch of magic that elevates the entire experience. With 39 stations spanning the nation, Radio City is set to deliver a mesmerizing 70-day cricket showdown, fascinating fans through a multitude of touchpoints, both on-air and on digital platforms. Let’s gear up to celebrate the spirit of cricket like never before.

    Radio City CEO Ashit Kukian expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “We are super excited to present ‘Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast Sattar with Sanjay Manjrekar’ for another exhilarating cricketing voyage. Radio City has always been at the forefront of delivering exceptional cricket content, and this year is no different. With Sanjay Manjrekar’s unmatched insights and our innovative programming, we aim to make this season an unforgettable experience for cricket enthusiasts nationwide.”

    Sanjay Manjrekar also shared his excitement, saying, “I am delighted to be a part of ‘Cricket ka Blockbuster’ once again. Cricket has always been my passion, and I am eager to engage with fans through my lens and behind-the-scenes stories. Together with Radio City, it is an endeavour to make this season even more thrilling and entertaining for cricket lovers across the country.”

    This year’s campaign promises a bundle of engaging activities, including the launch of the Blockbuster Anthem, capturing the celebratory spirit of the event with foot-thumping beats. Additionally, fans can look forward to “Match with Manjrekar,” offering in-depth analysis and exclusive insights into ongoing matches. The RJ-led segment, “RJ aur CRICKET Ki Jodi,” will provide score updates, interesting trivia, and exciting contests, enhancing audience engagement both on-air and on digital platforms.

    Other highlights include “DRINKS BREAKS per Laughter,” injecting humor into the game with cricket-themed jokes, and “GAME POINT,” a weekly Sunday show revealing the tournament’s highlights. Moreover, “Gaano ki Hat-trick” will indulge listeners with back-to-back musical hits, merging entertainment seamlessly with cricketing fervor.

    With a diverse range of engagement opportunities, “Cricket ka Blockbuster: Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar” provides brands with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with audiences from all demographics, ensuring maximum visibility and connection. Stay tuned!!!

  • Narayana Health launches InsidER medical docu-series with Jio platforms

    Narayana Health launches InsidER medical docu-series with Jio platforms

    Mumbai: Narayana Health, a healthcare provider, in association with streaming platform Jio, proudly unveiled India’s first medical docu-series “InsidER” – an innovative initiative on Emergency Awareness. Viewers will witness the intense efforts of clinicians, the profound struggles of families, and the amazing efforts of clinical teams fighting to save lives.  All ten episodes feature patients and their families, giving a deeply personal perspective on these powerful stories.

    “The ‘InsidER’ campaign was born from a deep-rooted desire to honour the extraordinary courage of patients and the often-unseen daily struggles of families coping with medical emergencies,” said Narayana Health chief marketing officer Dr Ashish Bajaj. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Jio for the launch of this pioneering series added Dr Bajaj. “Their vast reach on Jio TV, Jio Cinema, and Jio TV+ maximizes the impact of this groundbreaking initiative.”

    https://bit.ly/4arOy7W

    https://bit.ly/NarayanaHealth

    https://rb.gy/12jodi

    “Over ten months in the making, our teams overcame production challenges across India to authentically portray the gripping reality of the ER. This collaboration with the clinicians, patients & their families paints a powerful picture of those critical moments between life & death and their lasting impact. This series, a first by any healthcare group in the country, is a tribute to those moments, a testament to the strength we hold within, and a reminder of the incredible work done on the frontlines of healthcare. With real patient stories from across India, we have showcased the heart-stopping urgency of the ER, the split-second decisions, and the unbreakable human spirit. The series highlights the clinicians’ preparedness and underscores the importance of knowing the ER number for immediate assistance. Something as simple as knowing your ER number and having it on speed dial could be the difference between life and death.”, he added.

    InsidER is backed by extensive research to ensure its medical accuracy. Careful consideration was made to keep each episode under 10 minutes to keep the viewer’s attention without wearing them out.  InsidER promises an unforgettable journey into the world of emergency awareness.

    With its launch on March 27, “InsidER” stands poised to inform and inspire audiences across the nation, fostering a deeper understanding of emergency medicine, the criticality of the Golden Hour, the importance of knowing CPR, and the unwavering dedication of those who safeguard lives.

  • Hitwicket partners with Harsha Bhogle for innovative cricket gaming experiences worldwide

    Hitwicket partners with Harsha Bhogle for innovative cricket gaming experiences worldwide

    Mumbai: Strategy-driven cricket gaming startup, Hitwicket partners with iconic cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle to enhance the cricket gaming experience of fans worldwide. Harsha Bhogle will play the role of a strategic investor and infuse his expert insights to craft first-of-its-kind cricket content with Hitwicket, merging his extensive cricketing knowledge with the virtual world of mobile gaming. With over five million downloads globally, Hitwicket is a virtual world where every user plays the role of an owner, coach, and captain of a cricket team, ensuring enduring engagement. Harsha Bhogle’s involvement is expected to enhance Hitwicket’s global outreach to 50 million downloads within the next two years.

    Harsha Bhogle is a renowned figure in the global cricket broadcasting industry with over 40 years of experience as a cricket commentator. His extensive knowledge and passion for the game have solidified his status as “The Voice of Cricket”. Hitwicket’s vision of revolutionizing mobile cricket gaming and its potential to enhance the sport in new markets around the world led to Harsha’s involvement with the brand. Hitwicket aims to leverage Harsha’s unparalleled cricketing expertise to co-create unique gaming experiences for cricket fans around the world.

    Hitwicket has evolved over the years introducing new segments through technology gaining recognition for developing a game that strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and depth. On average an Indian gamer spends 3.4 hours per week on mid-core games, while Hitwicket’s users spend 4.9 hours per week on the app, showcasing its strong appeal to cricket enthusiasts worldwide. 19 per cent of Hitwicket’s user base is women, one of the highest for any sports game, and its interface and gameplay cater to ages 10 to 60 making it simple to play. Hitwicket is played in 109 countries around the world with India, Australia, UK, and USA being the top four markets. Cricket is slowly gaining recognition in the USA with Major League Cricket and the country will also be hosting the upcoming T20 Cricket World Cup in June 2024. Notable franchise owners like Satya Nadella, Shah Rukh Khan, and Mukesh Ambani are among those backing the sport’s growth in the region. Hitwicket has managed to create a gateway for American audiences to understand the sport as they have grown 2X in the last three months in the market, with 40 per cent of the users experiencing cricket for the very first time with Hitwicket.

    Commenting on the investment, Harsha Bhogle stated, “I’m thrilled to join Hitwicket as an investor and contribute to the evolution of mobile cricket gaming. Hitwicket’s innovative approach and commitment to delivering an immersive gaming experience make it a standout player in the industry. Hitwicket’s potential to build a global gaming franchise is truly inspiring. I’m looking forward to Hitwicket’s potential to be the Made in India cricket game that unites India with the rest of the world and elevates the country’s profile in mobile cricket gaming. Its global promise signifies that a game from India can indeed touch the world.”

    Hitwicket co-founders Keerti Singh and Kashyap Reddy, expressed their excitement about Mr. Bhogle’s involvement, stating, “We are thrilled to have Mr. Bhogle on board. His extensive experience, insights into cricket, and passion for the game will be invaluable assets for us. Having met Mr. Bhogle last month and discussed the vision and potential of Hitwicket, we are even more excited to have him join us as an investor. With Mr. Bhogle’s guidance, we are confident that Hitwicket will continue to scale new heights and establish itself as a global leader in the gaming industry.”

    As Hitwicket continues its exciting journey, the company remains committed to shaping the future of mobile gaming as a leading cricket brand from India, engaging users worldwide. In a landscape dominated by international titles, Hitwicket stands out as a unique Indian game, recognized for its innovation and immersive gameplay experience. It is well-positioned to become the first Made in India game for India and the world, captivating sports enthusiasts from both domestic and global markets.

  • Cricket.com unveils ‘Asli Fantasy’

    Cricket.com unveils ‘Asli Fantasy’

    Mumbai: Cricket.com, a platform for cricket news, updates, analytics and videos announced the introduction of ‘Asli Fantasy’ to its mobile application. This latest addition brings back the original and highly competitive format of cricket fantasy, promising users an unparalleled experience of their favorite sport.

    Responding to a huge demand from its users, Cricket.com is proud to reintroduce the ‘Asli Fantasy’ format, known for its high competitiveness and thrill. In this format, teams are locked in one hour before the commencement of the match, elevating the anticipation and strategic element for participants. ‘Asli Fantasy’ allows users to curate their teams, devise strategies, and play against peers in a competitive environment. Seasoned fantasy players can choose to play from the three contest types – rumble, head to head and winner takes all available on the app. The app also offers a ‘Criclytics Team’ where users can choose from four different fantasy teams generated by  Cricket.com’s proprietary AI engine.

    “Our decision to reintroduce ‘Asli Fantasy’ stems from the commitment to meet the evolving needs of our users and remaining relevant amidst shifting consumption patterns. With a user-friendly interface, we are excited to see our platform’s foray into another revenue stream.” said SVP- business strategy head digital works Siddharth Sharma.

    In conjunction with the launch of ‘Asli Fantasy,’ Cricket.com is unveiling a set of brand films that capture the essence of using one’s skills and knowledge of cricket to make fantasy teams on cricket.com. This film underscores the expertise and passion for cricket integral for success on the fantasy cricket experience offered by Cricket.com. The films went live on major OTT, OLV and social channels.

  • ESFI opens registrations for National Esports Championships 2024

    ESFI opens registrations for National Esports Championships 2024

    Mumbai: Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has opened the registrations for the highly anticipated National Esports Championships (NESC) 2024, marking the start of the journey towards the 16th World Esports Championships (WEC) which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Organized by the International Esports Federation (IESF), the WEC 2024 will witness a total of 609 teams representing their countries across five game titles – Counter Strike 2 (Open and Female), Dota2, eFootball™ series, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (Open and Female), and PUBG MOBILE. The prestigious tournament will kick off on November 11 and feature a whopping prize pool of $1 million prize pool being distributed among the top eight teams in each game title and category for the first time.

    The NESC 2024 will provide a platform for players across India to demonstrate their prowess in DOTA 2 (Open), eFootball (Open), and Counter-Strike 2 in the open and female categories. The winners will advance to the regional qualifiers where they will compete against other Asian countries to secure their berth for the global finals of the WEC 2024.

    Commenting on the commencement of the NESC 2024, Esports Federation of India president Vinod Tiwari stated, “After a historic 2023, where India made its debut at the Asian Games 2022, we are excited to embark on a new year of opportunities with the NESC 2024. Last year, we hosted the country’s inaugural female CS:GO qualifiers, where the winning team made it all the way to the Asian qualifiers. This time, we anticipate even greater achievements from our country’s talented female athletes. Overall, we are looking forward to witnessing the talent and passion of all Esports players throughout the qualifiers.”

    One of the country’s top sports & Esports communication agencies, Artsmith-Concepts & Visions, will continue its support to the Esports Federation of India as its official communication partner.

    The registrations for NESC 2023 are now open and will continue until 15 April. All details about the registrations will be available on ESFI’s discord server – https://discord.gg/esfi

    The online qualifiers will kick off from 18 April and will be played in a double-elimination format. The exciting action from the Championships will be streamed live on ESFI’s official YouTube and Facebook pages.

    — 

  • Prime Video introduces Jaggu Dada mode in April Fool’s Day campaign

    Prime Video introduces Jaggu Dada mode in April Fool’s Day campaign

    Mumbai: Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today unveiled a Jaggu Dada Mode, a faux feature that allows users to watch their favourite shows and movies in the iconic vocabulary of the legendary Jackie Shroff a.k.a Jaggu Dada. The playful hoax planned for April Fool’s Day, gave the audiences a glimpse of what their favourite shows and movies would sound like with this mode turned on, with Jaggu Dada’s dub lending a hilarious touch to each scene. Featuring the evergreen Jackie Shroff, the campaign is written and conceptualised by Bare Bones Collective.

    In a parody of a traditional feature ad, B-Town’s beloved Bhidu or Jackie Shroff himself showcased how he would dub over fan-favourite and iconic shows like Pataal Lok and The Family Man, infusing them with his trademark slang. The outcome? Cult dialogues got Bhidu-fied, just like everything else he does.

    Prime Video is on a mission to be the entertainment destination of choice for every Indian customer, and the latest campaign cranks up the fun quotient. The Juggu Dada faux feature campaign pays a subtle nod to the fun and carefree spirit of legendary ‘Bhidu’ a.k.a Juggu Dada, perfect for April Fool’s Day, an occasion reserved for laughter, pranks and playful trickery. The campaign comes on the back of incredible consumer love for Juggu Dada’s latest cinematic project – Prime Video’s Mast Mein Rehne Ka, where he plays the role of a widower.

    Speaking about the campaign, Jackie Shroff said, “Life is all about having fun and living to the fullest. And what better day than April Fool’s Day to practice this philosophy. When I was approached for this campaign, I absolutely loved the idea. The thought of dubbing my favourite shows and movies and giving them a new twist was an opportunity too hard to miss. I am glad to have had the chance to bring a smile on people’s faces this April Fool’s Day. Sab bhidu log ko mast rehna chahiye…that is all I wish for and that is all I want to say through this campaign.”

    Written by Anuya Jakatdar, Girish Narayandass, Manaswi Mohata, Rahul Nair and Astle Fernandes, the campaign went live on Prime Video’s YouTube and Instagram.

    Sharing her thoughts on the campaign, Bare Bones Collective co-founder Anuya Jakatdar said, “We had a blast writing this campaign. The entire writing team was in Jaggu Dada Mode for two weeks. A big thank you to the team at Prime Video for letting us channel our inner Bhidu. And of course the man himself, Jackie Sir, for being a total delight to work with.”

  • Wynk Studio acknowledged for enabling independent artists in India

    Wynk Studio acknowledged for enabling independent artists in India

    Mumbai: In recognition of its outstanding contribution to the Indian independent music industry, the Indian Independent Record Labels Association (IIRA) has awarded Wynk Studio team for its efforts and significant contribution towards supporting and recognising the Indian independent music industry.

    Wynk Studio has been organising workshops, sessions and across the country with an aim to engage with independent artists and onboard them on Wynk Studio. Wynk Music has also created a special playlist with the songs of these artists to drive their discovery and streams. This has led to an increase in the number of independent artists from across the region joining the platform and finding a wider audience for their music.

    In addition to this, Wynk Studio had five of its independent women artists perform at the Hornbill Music Festival. These women artists got an opportunity to showcase their talent at the prestigious music platform where the festival audience enjoyed the popular hits of these artists. Wynk Studio artists who featured at the music festival are – Raveena Paul, Reena, Sugandha Garg, Himani Kapoor and Bawari Basanti.

    Wynk Studio now has over 2000 artists. Wynk helps drive discoverability for their songs, enabling the artists to monetize their music and build thriving careers in the music industry. The Wynk Music app functions as a great enabler to offer these artists a creative outlet while solving monetisation and discovery issues for them.

    Wynk Rewind 2023 placed artists like Aditya Rikhari in Hindi, Mali in English, Harsha Prawin in Telugu, AR Anandh in Tamil, Dheemusix in Kannada and Raj Burman in Bengali as some of the leading indie artists of the year who have been trending on the app.

    In 2023, Wynk supported the distribution of independent singles such as “Love Token” from Manj Music and Anusha Dandekar, “Billo” from Vishal Dadlani and Nikhita Gandhi’s single “Pyaar mein Pagal”, along with helping independent producers build scale such as LGF Studios whose movie “Love All” starring Kay Kay Menon and Swastika Mukherjee was promoted on the platform.

    Wynk continues to endeavor towards driving language and artists diversity on its music app and has been consistently adding independent artists and music from across languages to its platform. This year, 55 per cent of sign-ups on Wynk Studio have been from non-metro cities including smaller towns of the North-East highlighting how the platform has been a great enabler for independent artists from all over the country, especially tier 2 and tier 3 cities. This also enables Wynk to deepen its content library with diverse languages that these artists champion.

  • Pocket FM brings audio series for the animal world

    Pocket FM brings audio series for the animal world

    Mumbai: This April Fool’s Day, Pocket FM has something wild in store – an audio series made exclusively for animals!

    Yep, you heard it right. They have cooked up an audio series that will have animals roaring with laughter or sitting on the edge of their seats – depending on the scene, of course. Their tech team has made it possible with cutting-edge technology and advanced AI capabilities.

    They have just released a snippet to tease you with. It’s a crime thriller where a detective, a suspect, and a mysterious character have a tense discussion about a murder. Trust us, it’s going to be a howl!

    And don’t worry, humans. There will be subtitles so you can follow along with the furry drama. Also, no animals (or humans) were harmed in the making of these series. It’s all in good fun!

    So, get ready for a wild ride.

    To listen to the audio series, click here. Happy listening!

    https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7180413746765336576