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Tag: Akshat Rathee

  • Indian indie games get their big boss moment in global Steam sale spotlight

    Indian indie games get their big boss moment in global Steam sale spotlight

    MUMBAI: Gamers, ready your wallets—and your wishlists. The great Indian gaming uprising has officially begun. No dragons to slay here (unless one’s coded in a pixel dungeon), but there’s fire nonetheless. Indie Game Utsav and Comic Con India have teamed together to drop the largest-ever sale of Indian-made and Indian-origin PC games on Steam. This is not a drill. It’s up to 80 per cent off, and it’s live.

    The Comic Con X Indie Game Utsav Steam Sale kicked off on 10 April at 11 pm IST and will run until 20 April. But here’s the real power-up: from 18-20 April, this curated sale of over 110 desi games will grace Steam’s global front page—a first for Indian games. That’s like walking into a LAN party and finding you are the main event.

    “This Steam Sale is our way of giving Indian games a wider audience,” said Nodding Heads Games co-founder & game director and Indie Game Utsav project director Avichal Singh. “I’m grateful for Nodwin’s and Valve’s support to surface Indian games to the world.”

    And it’s not just online. Indie Game Utsav will make its on-ground debut at Mumbai Comic Con 2025 on 12–13 April at the Jio World Convention Centre. Over 40 high-quality indie titles will be showcased to thousands of fans at Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Mumbai Comic Con powered by Crunchyroll. Because who says you can’t cosplay and code?

    The Utsav has major backing too—from Intel, Xbox, Xsolla, Specter, and Nodwin Gaming. The International Game Developers Association (IGDA) India joins as community partner, ensuring this isn’t just a flash in the digital pan.

    NODWIN Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee didn’t mince words, “We’ve always believed that Indian indie game creators have something truly special to offer, and their games deserve to be in the hands of more players. This is just one step in a larger effort to support that ecosystem.”

    Sale highlights include solo-developed sleeper hits like Bao Bao’s Cozy Laundromat, the cult-favourite episodic series Fears to Fathom, strategy-heavy Kurukshetra, the acclaimed Raji: An Ancient Epic, slice-of-life gem The Palace on the Hill, and horror surprise Kamla. These titles are more than just games—they’re passion projects from local devs putting India on the global map, one pixel at a time.

    And it’s not just the usual suspects. Upcoming games like Abashed, Appa, Cosmic Race Galactic Showdown, Detective Dotson, Fishbowl, Frontier Paladin, Mukti, Sojourn Past, and Spook-A-Boo are also elbowing their way onto international wishlists.

    You can browse the full lineup at Steam’s event page or dive into the complete catalogue via this spreadsheet. Don’t forget to wishlist your favourites – every click counts.

    For now, India’s indie developers are levelling up hard. From chai-sipping code sprints to standing proud on Steam’s global stage, it’s a journey worth celebrating. And judging by the excitement, it’s only the beginning of a glorious, glitch-free era.

  • India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    India gears up for Esports Conclave 2025 to shape gaming future

    MUMBAI: India is levelling up in the esports arena, with the Esports Conclave 2025 set to take centre stage on 1 April in New Delhi. Organised by the Physical Education Foundation of India (PEFI) in partnership with Krafton India and supported by Invest India as the knowledge partner, the conclave is poised to redefine the future of competitive gaming in the country.

    Bringing together senior government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, and esports professionals, the event will tackle crucial topics like international tournament readiness, investment opportunities, job creation, and esports infrastructure development. The discussions will also contribute to an Esports framework recommendation for the government, charting a course for esports regulation and industry recognition.

    With the theme “Forging the Path to Global Leadership”, the conclave will explore ways to integrate esports into Aatmanirbhar Bharat, positioning India as a powerhouse in the global gaming ecosystem.

    The need for a structured regulatory framework has become more pressing as esports gains momentum. With its inclusion in major sporting events like the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, the industry is no longer just a niche digital phenomenon, it’s a legitimate competitive sport with global stakes.

    PEFI secretary Piyush Jain said, “The upcoming Esports Conclave 2025 will mark a historic milestone in establishing India as a global powerhouse in the world of esports. Esports has evolved into a dynamic and competitive sporting industry with immense potential of growth. This conclave will serve as a catalyst, bringing together industry leaders, gamers, and policymakers to shape the future of esports in India. It will facilitate crucial discussions on policy frameworks, infrastructure, and opportunities for Indian talent on the global stage. PEFI is dedicated to making India a frontrunner in this digital sports revolution and is fully prepared to embrace this new era of competitive gaming.”

    Krafton India CEO Sean Hyunil Sohn said, “Esports is the future of competitive entertainment. With its official recognition in premier sporting events such as the Asian Games and the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2027, Indian athletes now have the opportunity to compete on the world’s biggest stages. At Krafton India, we are committed to fostering a structured, sustainable, and internationally competitive esports ecosystem that empowers players and drives industry growth. Esports Conclave 2025 is a defining moment in this journey, bringing together policymakers, industry pioneers, and esports professionals to shape a long-term vision for India’s Esports industry.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said, “With esports now finding a place in major international sporting events, India has a real shot at becoming a global contender. Esports Conclave 2025 is an important step in that direction – it’s where the right conversations can happen between the industry, government, and other key players. Whether it’s building grassroots programs, improving tournament ecosystems, or integrating esports into initiatives like Khelo India, this platform gives us a chance to align on what the future should look like. The goal is simple: create the structure and support needed for Indian esports talent to thrive on the world stage.”

    The Indian gaming industry is projected to hit 7.5 billion dollars by FY28, growing at a staggering CAGR of 20 per cent. As one of the fastest-growing esports markets in the world, India is not just playing the game, it’s setting new rules.

    By bringing together visionaries from policy and industry, Esports Conclave 2025 is more than just a conference; it’s a game-changing moment for India’s digital economy. With strategic vision, investment, and collaboration, India is gearing up to not only participate in the global esports arena but to dominate it.

  • Nodwin Gaming secures Rs 64 crore from parent Nazara for growth & global expansion

    Nodwin Gaming secures Rs 64 crore from parent Nazara for growth & global expansion

    Mumbai: Youth entertainment, gaming and esports company  Nodwin  Gaming announced that its parent  Nazara Technologies has approved an investment of Rs 64 crores in it.

    As per the press release, Nodwin  Gaming’s board has approved plans to initiate a private financing round to accelerate the company’s vision of becoming the No 1 new-age youth media, gaming and esports firm across emerging markets. As the first investor backing this investment, Nazara and Nodwin boards have both ratified this investment that is in the form of convertible preferred stock.

    The funds raised in this round will be primarily allocated to fuel Nodwin Gaming’s ongoing expansion momentum, focusing on enhancing its capabilities, growing its portfolio of intellectual properties (IPs), and strengthening its presence in emerging markets.

    Nodwin  Gaming has been growing organically and inorganically through acquisitions. In the recently announced quarter results of Q2 FY24, revenue grew 91 per cent on a QoQ basis and 111 per cent on a YoY basis. Nodwin  has recently announced the investment and scaling up of ComicCon India and the acquisition of Trinity Gaming.

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder &  MD Akshat Rathee said, “As we continue on our growth and expansion journey, we remain fully committed to building a truly global company coming from India that leads with innovation, expanding our capabilities in new age media in emerging markets. Our focus is on capturing the attention and mindshare of the global youth.”

    The press release highlights Nodwin Gaming’s global expansion, noting that the company manages a range of intellectual properties, including notable tournaments, festivals, and conferences in esports, gaming, music, comedy, pop culture, and live experiences that resonate with young audiences.

    Recently, Nodwin has enhanced its portfolio through several strategic acquisitions, such as the German esports and gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming.

  • Comic Con India returns for three days in Hyderabad

    Comic Con India returns for three days in Hyderabad

    Mumbai: Comic Con India is returning to Hyderabad for the first time over three days—15, 16, and 17 November 2024. The event promises an exciting experience for anime, gaming, and pop culture fans, offering a bigger and better celebration of all things geeky.

    Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Hyderabad Comic Con 2024, powered by Crunchyroll, where every attendee will receive number one issue of Radiant Black comic, along with Special Solo Levelling poster by Yen Press & a commemorative Comic Con India Bag.

    Comic Con India founder Jatin Varma said, “We are thrilled to bring the biggest pop-culture celebration, Comic Con India, back to Hyderabad, and this year, we’re taking it up by a notch by extending the festival to three days. The overwhelming passion from fans has fueled us to expand the event, bringing more thrilling experiences with a wider range of activities for everyone to enjoy this season. This will be our biggest event in Hyderabad to date, showcasing the very best in Indian comics, immersive fan activities, cosplay, gaming, geeky shopping, and so much more. I am beyond excited to welcome everyone to what is set to be an epic celebration.”

    Comic Con India will feature panels and exclusive sessions with Amar Chitra Katha, Raj Comics, Crunchyroll, and top creators. Fans can enjoy stand-up performances by comedians Harsh Gujral, Azeem Banatwalla, Ravi Gupta, and Sayed Bashaar, along with live shows by Daisuki Cosplay Band, Geek Fruit, and hip-hop artist Karan Kanchan. Attendees in Hyderabad will also experience Maruti Suzuki Arena, Crunchyroll, Penguin Random House India’s comic book store, and an exclusive Yamaha experience zone.

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & MD Akshat Rathee said, “Bringing DreamHack and Hyderabad Comic Con together represents the ultimate fusion of gaming and pop culture—a ‘best of both worlds’.  True to Nodwin Gaming’s vision of crafting experiences that own a significant timeshare of mindshare among today’s youth, this powerful integration aims at immersing audiences in vibrant, dynamic entertainment touchpoints.  We are looking forward to an epic weekend packed with immersive activations, thrilling competitions, and nonstop fandom excitement- making this an unparalleled celebration for every gaming and pop culture enthusiast.”

    DreamHack, India’s largest gaming festival, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with an exciting new lineup. Known for LAN tournaments, cosplay, tech expos, meet-and-greets with top content creators, and BYOD zones, the festival’s partnership with Nodwin Gaming enhances its appeal. DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2024, a three-day event, will be the city’s largest youth entertainment attraction, featuring comics, gaming tournaments, esports competitions, and more.

    The event will showcase upcoming Indian publishing houses and artists like Indusverse, Yali Dreams Creations, Prasad Bhat, and others, along with international artist Josh Blaylock. Key partners include Maruti Suzuki, Crunchyroll, Yamaha, and Lenovo.

    Join us at Hyderabad Comic Con 2024, from 15-17 November at the HITEX Exhibition Centre, from 11 am to 8 pm. Get your passes at www.comiccon.in and BookMyShow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Nodwin Gaming appoints Atin Suri as global head of experiential marketing

    Nodwin Gaming appoints Atin Suri as global head of experiential marketing

    New Delhi: Nodwin Gaming has announced the appointment of Atin Suri as global head of experiential marketing. With a track record of delivering disruptive, immersive brand experiences across diverse markets, Atin brings a wealth of expertise to help further  Nodwin Gaming’s mission to engage and excite audiences across all ages, worldwide.

    Atin will be responsible for leading Nodwin Gaming’s worldwide expansion efforts in experiential marketing and continued growth while handling the company’s white-label events and activations. His ability to  formulate marketing strategies and well-crafted market messaging for a global audience ties in seamlessly with Nodwin Gaming’s vision as the company continues to expand its footprint in the industry and deepen its engagement with audiences.

    A key focus for Nodwin Gaming is providing holistic entertainment to the global youth with its diverse range of intellectual properties that spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy. Atin’s extensive expertise in crafting bespoke and immersive on-ground experiences will be key in enhancing consumer experience and brand recall.

    “For me, experience is everything, and I’ve always wanted to push the envelope when it comes to the intersection of technology and immersive experiences,” said Atin. “At Nodwin Gaming, I see endless opportunities when it comes to experiential marketing especially when the company is expanding further towards youth-focused experiences across the world.”

    Before joining Nodwin, Atin founded The Experiential Hub, a disruptive agency known for crafting innovative brand events and activations. His experience as a pioneer in experiential marketing includes leading several landmark campaigns.

    A decade ago, Atin recognised the untapped potential of esports in India, a foresight that led to his successful collaboration with Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee. Together, they worked on Dew Arena and made it India’s Largest Offline Gaming Championship.

    Building on this partnership, they went on to bring DreamHack, the world’s largest gaming festival to India. This groundbreaking project won the award for Best Intellectual Property at the prestigious WOW Awards Asia 2019. Atin also played a pivotal role in organising major esports events with the Nodwin Gaming team in India including ESL One, PUBG Club Open, PMPL South Asia and many more.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Atin to Nodwin Gaming”  commented Rathee. “Having worked with Atin on previous projects, we have always admired his ability to bring fresh and bold ideas to the table. His passion for tech-driven, experiential events makes him the perfect fit for our vision of creating unforgettable gaming experiences globally.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • NODWIN Gaming ropes in Android as title partner for BGMS Season 3

    NODWIN Gaming ropes in Android as title partner for BGMS Season 3

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, a gaming and esports company has announced Android as the title partner for India’s premier esports event Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGMS) Season 3. Additionally, the tournament will be powered by men’s skincare brand, Garnier Men, marking the first time that Android and Garnier Men have partnered with an Indian esports tournament.

    The high-voltage action of Android BGMS Season 3 is being broadcast on Star Sports for the third consecutive year as the nation’s best BGMI squads battle it out for glory. The entire tournament will be played on high performance Android devices.

    Moreover, Crunchyroll, a destination for anime and manga, has also joined forces with Android BGMS Season 3 as the anime partner while energy drink brand Red Bull has been onboarded as the official energy drink partner of Android BGMS Season 3. By leveraging the prominence of the tournament, partners will aim to engage with its widespread audience, while also elevating the overall experience for players and fans alike.

    Garnier, L’Oréal India – general manager, marketing Anshuman Wanchu said, “We are delighted to partner with the BGMI Masters Series 2024. It is an incredible opportunity for us as this collaboration allows us to connect with the dynamic and passionate gaming and youth community in a meaningful manner. As a brand committed to innovation and excellence, we look forward to some incredible showcases in season 3 of BGMS. With this partnership, we aim to empower gamers to elevate not only their game, but also their skin care routine, and inspire them to achieve their best, both in the arena as well as in their daily lives.”

    The tournament has also continued its association with TVS Raider, the sporty commuter motorcycle from TVS Motor Company as the official mobility partner and Philips OneBlade, the male grooming product of Philips India as the competition’s official styling partner.

    Commenting on the partnership, SVP (marketing) – commuters, media and corporate brand Aniruddha Haldar commented, “We at TVS Motor company had Collaborated previously with Nodwin Gaming to help us develop a close connect with the Gaming audience – we are pleased to share that this collaboration has helped us to gain brand love, better connect to the gaming audience during and post the previous season. We are back again to announce yet another collaboration with Nodwin Gaming for the BGMI Master Series 3, this is in view to further strengthen our connect and engagement with the gaming audience.”

    “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Android, Garnier Men and Redbull for the highly anticipated third season of BGMS. Having such notable partners whose vision for the growth and development of competitive gaming in India mirrors our own, is a tremendous asset. Their involvement not just highlights the emergence of esports as a mainstream sport but also the massive potential of youth engagement in this field. Together, we are confident in our ability to provide the necessary resources and visibility required to nurture and promote esports talent nationwide,” stated NODWIN Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee.

    The opening weekend of Android BGMS Season 3 was a resounding success, recording peak concurrent viewership exceeding 140,000 on digital platforms. The tournament commenced with a three-day Opener Week, where all 24 teams—20 invited and four qualified— were in action at the Android Arena in Chhatarpur, New Delhi.

    The top 18 teams led by table toppers team 8Bit, and consistent performers OneBlade, IQOO Soul and Team X Spark  progressed to the League Week. They were joined by team Z and Godlike Esports who were selected through audience voting from the bottom six. Meanwhile, Team Limra, Gujarat Tigers, Viking Esports and FS Esports were eliminated from the competition.

    During the league week from 22 July to 4 August, the 20 teams will compete in the survival week and domination keague stages. The top four teams will secure direct qualification for the finals, while the remaining 16 teams will participate in the playoffs scheduled for 6 and 7 August. In the grand finale from 9 to 11 August, the top 12 teams from the playoffs, along with the four best teams from the league week, will compete to fight for the BGMS Season 3 title.

    Adding a touch of innovation, this season also includes three exciting formats –

    1.   Powerplay (active throughout the tournament) – Squads will earn double points for each finish they achieve in the first circle of every match.

    2.   Bounty (active during the league weeks – survival week and domination week) – The top four squads from the overall standings of league week one, followed by the top four in each subsequent match will carry a bounty. Teams can earn bonus points only by eliminating an entire squad with bounty on them, with 10 points per squad.

    3.   Impact player (active during the weekend matches of the league stage:  27-28 July and 3-4 August) – The in-game leader (IGL) of each squad will conduct a random draw to designate an Impact Player who will earn double points for each finish they achieve. Teams will earn four points for every finish by the Impact Player during Powerplay.

    “Going beyond traditional tournament formats, our new concepts are designed not only to heighten the intensity of the tournament for players and viewers but also to set a new standard for esports in India. These innovations aim to push the boundaries of competitive gameplay, and I am incredibly excited to see this new format unfold. Similar to traditional sports tournaments, Android BGMS Season 3 will produce memorable, nail-biting moments and games decided by the smallest of margins. We will witness players rise to the occasion, carrying their teams to victory,” added Akshat Rathee.

    The teams who will be  advancing to the League Week of Android BGMS Season 3 are as follows: Team 8Bit, OneBlade, IQOO Soul, Team X Spark, REVENANT, Entity, Gods Reign, Team Forever, Reckoning Esports, Carnival Gaming, Raven Esports, WSB GAMING, VASISTA ESPORTS, TEAM ORANGUTAN, Global Esports, MOGO eSports, Team Tamilas, Carpediem, Team Z and Godlike Esports.

    Fans can catch all the action of Android BGMS Season 3 on Star Sports 2 (HD & SD) in English and Star Sports First in Hindi from Monday to Saturday from 7:00 pm. On league week Sundays, playoffs and finals, the broadcast will be from 6:30 pm. Fans will also have the option to switch to Tamil & Hindi commentary on SS2 using the blue button.

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

  • 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.

  • NODWIN Gaming to acquire full ownership of Freaks 4U Gaming in Rs 271 crore share swap

    NODWIN Gaming to acquire full ownership of Freaks 4U Gaming in Rs 271 crore share swap

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming Pvt Ltd (A material subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd, BSE:NAZARA) announced that its Singapore based subsidiary, NODWIN Gaming International Pte Ltd, (NODWIN Pte) has signed definitive agreements to increase its existing 13.51 per cent stake in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH, a Berlin-based Global full-service gaming and esports agency to 100 per cent in tranches through a share swap valued at upto Rs 271 crore (Euro 30.3 million)

    NODWIN Pte will initially increase its existing stake in Freaks 4U Gaming to 57 per cent and the remaining 43 per cent held by the founders Michael Haenisch, Matthias Remmert and Jens Enders will be swapped at a later time at its option. Existing investors of Freaks 4U Gaming (co-investor FRE and Game.Fin S.R.L) will become shareholders of NODWIN Pte.

    Freaks 4U Gaming offers a multitude of agency services and best-in-case solutions to brands and publishers and generated Rs 223 crores (Eur 26.9 mn unaudited) in 2023.This acquisition will significantly enhance NODWIN Gaming’s capabilities, bringing in the expertise, experience and network of the Freaks 4U Gaming team and is expected to contribute materially to NODWINs revenues going forward.

    Since the acquisition of a minority stake in Freaks 4U Gaming in January 2024, NODWIN has been working with the Freaks 4U Gaming management on integration of the two businesses and evaluating the synergies they present. The two teams have already worked on jointly delivering high-profile projects such as the PUBG Mobile Global Open and Esports World Cup (EWC) and have jointly explored new business vertical opportunities. Based on the outcomes of this exercise and early traction on potential synergies, NODWIN Gaming and Freaks 4U Gaming have decided to proceed with this transaction.

    This move is set to bolster NODWIN Gaming’s access to developed markets, in addition to execution and planning capabilities in PC gaming and publishing support services. The integration of Freaks 4U Gaming’s capabilities, along with its presence in key developed markets, will serve as substantial revenue drivers. This strategic alignment will complement NODWIN Gaming’s strong execution capabilities in emerging markets, enabling the establishment of a global delivery model – a pioneering achievement in the esports sector.

    NODWIN Gaming co-founder Akshat Rathee stated, “This acquisition is a pivotal step in our global growth strategy. By integrating Freaks 4U Gaming’s expertise and resources, we are poised to deliver unparalleled services and expand our global footprint in the gaming and esports industries. In Michael, we have a person who is highly regarded across the world for his wealth of experience and expertise in the sectors. We also welcome all existing shareholders of Freaks 4U Gaming as NODWIN Gaming’s shareholders.”

    Freaks 4U Gaming CEO Michael Haenisch, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to be joining forces with NODWIN Gaming to create a robust network and synergies unprecedented in our industry. Akshat is an incredible visionary and leader, our partnership has been quite the ride so far and we know the best has yet to come. With our shared vision and ambition, we look forward to driving our global expansion while spearheading innovation and growth for gaming and esports.”