Mumbai: The popular online multiplayer game Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), has released its first ad film in Malayalam, recreating the iconic “Pennukaanal” scene from the superhit movie Sandesham.
Not only does the ad recreate the set and the shots exactly, but it goes one step ahead – the film was directed by Anoop Sathyan, son of Sandesham director Sathyan Anthikad while actor Dhyan Sreenivasan takes over the role of Kottappalli Prabhakaran, portrayed by his father, the legendary Malayalam film actor Sreenivasan, in the original film.
Maitri Advertising, Kochi created this ad for Krafton, the company that owns BGMI. Maitri Advertising is also the only independent advertising agency to win the Grand Prix, the highest honour in the Indian advertising industry.
The ad film has already achieved remarkable organic numbers, garnering over three million views and tens of thousands of comments across platforms.
Mumbai: It’s ‘Winner Winner Chicken Lunch’ for all BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI) players this summer, as KFC India collaborates with KRAFTON India, makers of India’s most-loved battle royale game for a crispy, crunchy, finger clickin’ good partnership!
As a part of this limited-time collaboration, KFC and BGMI have a crunchy surprise for chicken lovers and gamers. With the purchase of the KFC Zinger Box, fans have a chance to get their hands on exciting in-game BGMI rewards.
The strategic partnership brings together two of Gen-Z’s top passion points, food and gaming. It comes at a time when gaming is increasingly gaining popularity amongst young Indians, with the audience base expected to grow to 750 million users by 2025.
With the KFC Zinger Box, consumers can enjoy finger lickin’ good crispy chicken, and exclusive in-game rewards. Available for Rs 299/- on dine in or takeaway, the box includes KFC favourites like the Classic Zinger Burger, and two-piece Hot Wings, along with fries and a refreshing beverage.
The KFC Zinger Box comes with a unique code, which can be unlocked on the BGMI website. The exclusive code gives fans a chance to collect exciting rewards such as parachutes, bags, hats, jackets, and more to enhance gameplay with friends.
Speaking about the collaboration, KFC India CMO Aparna Bhawal said, “KFC is a brand with culture at its core. We’re always exploring distinctive, cutting-edge and culturally relevant partnerships. The idea for a collaboration with BGMI was born when we introduced KFC’s Lunch Specials recently. We thought gamers often celebrate a win with a ‘Winner, Winner Chicken Dinner,’ so why not give it a KFC twist, and do it over lunch? It’s an epic partnership, and we’re confident that our Gen-Z consumers are going to find it finger-clickin’ good!”
KRAFTON India head of business development Seddharth Merrotra added “As gaming continues to captivate a growing audience in India, our collaboration with KFC brings an exciting opportunity for BGMI players to enjoy their favorite game alongside a delicious KFC meal. This partnership not only enhances the gaming experience but also underscores our commitment to creating unique, immersive experiences for our players. With BGMI and KFC being standout brands in their respective fields, uniting them goes beyond a mere partnership; it’s a memorable journey where every bite and every gaming moment come together to redefine how fans indulge in their favorite pastimes.”
To claim the exclusive in-game KFC rewards, consumers can scan the QR code which comes with the purchase of the KFC Zinger Box OR visit www.battlegroundsmobileindia.com/redeem.The KFC Zinger Box with BGMI rewards is available in restaurants across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune till 30 August 2024 only.
So, what are you waiting for? Rush to the nearest KFC restaurant, or order online through the KFC app or website (www.online.kfc.in) while the offer lasts.
Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s gaming and esports company has announced the highly anticipated third edition of India’s premier esports event – BGMI Masters Series (BGMS). The tournament will be televised live on India’s leading sports broadcaster Star Sports for the third consecutive year.
BGMS Season 3 will witness India’s top 24 teams competing in one of the nation’s biggest Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) tournaments scheduled from July 19 to August 11.
Sharing his enthusiasm, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee expressed, “Being the biggest esports IP in India, BGMS has been a cornerstone of esports action in the country since its inception two years ago. This edition marks a significant milestone for us as BGMS returns to a major sports TV network like Star Sports, for the third time, offering unparalleled visibility to esports talent & associated brands on mainstream television. Our team has always strived to deliver top-tier esports experiences and will leave no stone unturned in leveraging our years of expertise in the production and broadcast space to bring the best of the best esports action on television once again. Together, with the incredible team at Star Sports, we are committed to cementing esports’ status as a mainstream sport amongst the masses, and eagerly anticipate an exciting season ahead.”
The tournament has 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.
“We are thrilled to announce the third season in partnership with a plethora of remarkable brands, who share our collective vision to nurture esports talent across the country. The involvement and support of leading brands highlights the growing youth base of this new-age sport, and how BGMS is positioned to reach out and capture the largest market share of this growing audience.” he further added.
The previous season of BGMS garnered a remarkable viewership on the Star Sports Network, underscoring its growing popularity and appeal amongst audiences throughout the nation. As the tournament returns for a third consecutive year on Star Sports, it reaffirms its position as a linchpin of India’s esports calendar.
“Star Sports has always been committed to bringing the best of sports entertainment to its viewers. The rapid rise of esports in the country has made it an exciting addition to our portfolio, tapping into a wide demographic of tech-savvy younger generations. Having accumulated monumental viewership for the past two seasons, BGMS has not only helped us showcase the best of esports action but also to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports in India. With the invaluable support of NODWIN Gaming, we look forward to another high-octane season this year, offering unparalleled BGMI action to our viewers,” said Star Sports Network head of marketing Vikram Passi.
NODWIN Gaming, alongside each of the partner brands, will play a pivotal role in making BGMS Season 3, a premium esports experience for fans across the nation, setting new benchmarks in Indian esports.
Mumbai: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), the popular online multiplayer game, is celebrating Father’s Day uniquely and unforgettably. Known for its intense battles and competitive spirit, BGMI is now turning the tables by immortalizing fathers’ favourite roasts and insults.
For BGMI players, in-game music sets the mood, but this Father’s Day, the ultimate motivation comes from transforming dad’s desi taunts into an epic gaming anthem as players battle it out on the virtual battlegrounds. Imagine hearing your dad’s witty lines as you engage in virtual combat!
“Father’s Day is about celebrating the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make our Indian dads special,” said Krafton senior marketing manager Prateek Kole. “Our ‘BaapGMI Anthem’ is a heartfelt tribute to the dads who add flavour to our gaming experience. It’s a gift to celebrate the humour and love that dads bring to our lives, virtual and otherwise.”
“Game music is a big deal for BGMI players—it sets the mood and gets them pumped while gaming. But let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like your dad’s shudh desi taane to get you going. This Father’s Day, we asked our fans to share their actual tanaas from their dads as voice notes, and we turned them into an epic anthem. Talk about motivation!”, added Creativeland Asia executive creative director Shyam Nair.
Mumbai: Gaming has evolved beyond mere entertainment; it is a vibrant community. BGMI offers an immersive experience as Ranveer Singh returns to the battlegrounds with style and swag! Prepare to elevate your game as the powerhouse takes center stage in BGMI. It is time to play pure!
Every gamer needs the right look for the lobby in BGMI, and the ‘Ranveer Swag Crate’ has you covered! Enhance your experience with exclusive gear designed to make you stand out in the Battlegrounds. Unlock the all-new Ranveer Singh special skins and finish your enemies with style!
Unleash your inner IGL with the RS special voice pack, featuring Ranveer Singh’s dialogues! Rank push with your squad, have fun with friends, and rush for that chicken dinner! Bring on the swag with the RS helmet, backpack, parachute and stun your enemies with the grenade skin.
Use UC’s to open the crate & get epic rewards at milestone spins. Do not miss this final opportunity to bring the charisma and style of the powerhouse to your BGMI gameplay. Grab the crate today and dominate the battlegrounds.
Mumbai: Gods Reign, an Esports organization based in Bangalore, has signed the nation’s leading BGMI team as its official roster on a three-year contractual agreement. With a wealth of talent, success, and expertise under their belt, the team is all set to take over the country’s BGMI landscape this year.
Led by their in-game leader (IGL) Ammar Khan (Destro), the star-studded roster comprises notable entry fraggers Justin Nadar (Justin), and Parth Garg (DeltaPG), alongside prominent support/assaulter Pavan Kumar (Shogun). Furthermore, Gods Reign has also appointed Vedang Chavan (Vedzz) as the team coach and Dharmdipsinh Zala (Code), as the team’s Analyst.
Vedang, who brings vast experience from representing India in the PUBG PC Acer Predator League in Tokyo, Japan, and Dharmdipsinh, the team’s Analyst, credited for instrumental contributions in 2023, will together provide strategic guidance to help the team formulate effective strategies and analyze numerous data to enhance the team’s prowess.
Speaking on the thought process behind onboarding the roster and their vision for the year, Gods Reign K.R. Rohith, CEO K.R. Rohith stated, “At Gods Reign, our commitment to excellence is evident. Acquiring the nation’s top BGMI team reinforces our dedication to building a formidable organization for success in 2024. With a proven track record in Star Sports-televised events and official tournaments, this team embodies exceptional skill and a relentless drive for victory. Gods Reign is confident that this well-balanced lineup is poised to achieve new heights in the competitive BGMI circuit in 2024. As we set our sights on upcoming tournaments, we aim to showcase the indomitable spirit that defines Gods Reign as an Esports powerhouse.”
In 2023, the team secured a total of approximately USD 2.80 lakhs (INR 2.5 crores) in prize money by showcasing their dominance and prevailing in tournaments. This included emerging victorious in official tournaments such as BGMI Master Series Season 2 (BGMS), which was televised on Star Sports, Battlegrounds Mobile India Series 2023 (BGIS), and third-party tournaments, including Nodwin BGMI Champions Cup: Champions and the country’s largest online third-party BGMI tournament India Today League Invitationals.
They almost completed an unprecedented hattrick of official tournament triumphs but unfortunately fell short, finishing as runners-up at the Battlegrounds Mobile Pro Series 2023 (BMPS). Beyond leading their team to victory, the individual brilliance of the team’s stars has consistently shone through, with Justin earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title in BGMS Season 2, and DeltaPG securing the MVP title in the BGIS 2023, as well as the India Today League Invitationals.
“I am honoured to join Gods Reign, an epitome of Esports excellence. My track record reflects a commitment to success, aligning seamlessly with the organization’s dedication to excellence. With immense pride and confidence, I take on the responsibility of representing the prestigious name of Gods Reign. In unity, I’m convinced we will transcend boundaries, achieving unparalleled success and adding to the ongoing legacy of greatness,” stated BGMI Esports Athlete at Gods Reign Ammar “Destro” Khan.
To fulfil its commitment to providing its players with an unparalleled support structure, Gods Reign will be providing its brand new BGMI roster with its cutting-edge BootCamp facilities that offer an optimal environment for practice, skill refinement, and strategic planning. Complementing these facilities is top-tier coaching, ensuring that players receive expert guidance and mentorship to elevate their individual and collective performances.
By creating an environment conducive to both physical and mental well-being, the team is focused on a holistic approach to player development and aims to bring out the best of their squad to replicate their extraordinary performances in the upcoming year.
Mumbai: In a breathtaking display of top-notch gameplay and riveting action, the grand finale of the Skyesports Championship 5.0 BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) tournament, organised by Skyesports, Esports tournament organiser, came to a thrilling conclusion with Blind Esports emerging as the champions.
The event, powered By AMD with Zebronics as its gaming partner, was held at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bangalore from 3 to 5 November where over 12,000 people witnessed the finest BGMI squads in the country battle it out for a total prize pool of Rs 1.25 crore. Loco, the world’s leading independent gaming, and Esports streaming platform was the Broadcast Partner for the event who live-streamed the final exclusively in English, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam. Tecno POVA 5 Series was the smartphone partner.
With four Winner-Winner Chicken Dinners (WWCD), Blind Esports amassed a total of 170 points to secure the first position. Revenant Esports, with 160 points, secured second place, while OR Esports clinched the third spot with 150 points.
“Coming into this tournament, we knew we had what it took to win it all despite the high calibre of teams playing in the Skyesports Championship 5.0. It’s great to see that our countless hours of dedication and hard work paid off and kudos to my entire team who put their all into lifting this trophy. It is awesome to see that our first LAN Esports trophy came at the prestigious Skyesports Championship and we are more motivated than ever to continue with this momentum going into future tournaments. I also want to thank our fans who have supported us through thick and thin. This trophy is dedicated to them,” commented Blind Esports’ 16-year-old player Rudra “Spower” Banswani who was among the youngest players to attend the LAN finals.
Team Soul, with 137 points, finished fourth followed by Gods Reign, with 133 points claimed the fifth position, rounding off the top five. Ritesh “Fierce” Nawandar was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophy for his remarkable gameplay throughout the three-day finals.
Alongside the thousands of gaming enthusiasts, the high-profile event was also attended by N. A. Haris, an honorable member of the Karnataka legislative assembly who voiced his support for the growth of Indian Esports by saying, “Seeing so much crowd is really very impressive and I can see that so many people are interested. I think Bangalore should have better infrastructure for Esports and we should make it a happening place. This is the step ahead and as the representative of people I am with you.”
Being India’s longest-running homegrown Esports IP, this was the fifth year of the Skyesports Championship. The total prize pool for the tournament was a staggering Rs 2,12,00,000 split between three Esports titles, one of which was BGMI.
Mumbai: Enhancing the excitement for one of the country’s biggest Esports tournaments, Skyesports, the Esports tournament organiser, has announced that the tickets for Skyesports Championship 5.0 – BGMI Finale are now available for free on BookMyShow.
The electrifying LAN final will be open to a live audience and will witness the nation’s top 16 BGMI teams battling it out for the title of champions and a share of the Rs 1,25,00,000 prize pool at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bengaluru from November 3 to 5. Tickets are currently open for the BGMI Esports extravaganza for free on BookMyShow on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Skyesports Championship 5.0 is Powered By AMD. Loco, the world’s leading independent gaming and Esports streaming platform, is the broadcast partner for the event, while Zebronics is the gaming partner. Tecno POVA Five Series is the smartphone partner.
Commenting on the finals of the Skyesports Championship 5.0 BGMI, Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are excited to announce that the tickets for the BGMI Finale for Skyesports Championship 5.0 happening at Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru are now live on BookMyShow. The fact that more than 3,000 teams signed up for the open qualifiers shows the power of highlighting a direct #PathtoPro for esports athletes from the grassroots. We are all set for one of the biggest Esports events of the year, and it’s even better because we’re welcoming a live audience to witness the action in person. This event reflects our commitment to growing Esports and recognizing the amazing talent in the gaming community.”
Being India’s longest-running homegrown Esports IP, the Skyesports Championship is in its fifth year and has become larger than ever. The total prize pool for the tournament stands at a staggering Rs 2,12,00,000 split between three Esports titles, one of which is BGMI.
For BGMI, Skyesports held open-for-all qualifiers which saw more than 3,000 teams from across the country sign up. From here, the teams competed across a series of rounds providing a #PathtoPro to the BGMI LAN Finale at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, Bangalore.
Data from Interpret’s New Media Measure: Global Profiles shows that growth in the Indian Esports market over the past couple of years has led to India surpassing Brazil, South Korea, and other nations as an Esports superpower. Around 28% of the general population in India watches professional Esports, whether on TV or via online streaming, second only to China’s 36%. This is more than Western countries such as the US and UK which are exhibiting less interest in Esports, with 16% and 14%, respectively, of the population watching.
For the fans who are unable to attend the event live, the Skyesports Championship 5.0 BGMI Finale will be live-streamed in English, Hindi, and Tamil exclusively on Loco.
Mumbai: The Skyesports Championship, India’s longest-running esports IP, is set to make a triumphant return with its fifth annual edition, Skyesports Championship 5.0. This year’s championship promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring a staggering Rs 2.12 crore Prize Pool, grassroots-level qualifiers, and adrenaline-pumping esports action. Notably, the BGMI Finals will unfold at the prestigious Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bangalore, offering a live spectacle to esports fans for free from 1 to 5 November.
Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live-streaming platform has partnered with Skyesports Championship, India’s most esteemed esports intellectual property for their fifth edition. With an aim to offer the best viewing experience to fans across India, the tournament will be broadcast live on Loco in English, Hindi, and Tamil, ensuring that fans everywhere can immerse themselves in the action.
Additionally, the Skyesports Championship 5.0 is powered by AMD, an innovator in high-performance graphics, computing, and visualization technologies. The event, split across PC and mobile games, and spanning gamers from India, South Asia, and the Middle East provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the power of AMD’s graphical prowess.
So far, four teams have qualified for the BGMI LAN Finale. These are as follows:
Big Brothers Esports: Champions of the Skyesports Skirmish Series 2023
Soul Esports and Blind Esports: Top 2 teams of the Skyesports Champions Series (SCS) 2023
Commenting on the return of the Skyesports Championship for a historic fifth edition, Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “From a mere Rs. 3 Lakhs prize pool at the Skyesports Championship 1.0 in 2019, we now proudly present an astounding Rs. 2.12 Crore prize pool, a 70x growth since our first edition and one of the biggest in the history of Indian esports. This tournament is designed to provide aspiring gamers with grassroots-level qualifiers, serving as a #PathtoPro for those who dream of achieving greatness in the esports arena. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Loco and AMD as our partners, as they play an integral role in showcasing the immense potential of India’s longest-running homegrown esports intellectual property. Lastly, with our LAN Finals for BGMI at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium, we look forward to putting on a thrilling show for esports audiences.
Speaking on the announcement LOCO co-founder and vice president of business operations Firasat Durrani said, “We are thrilled to take the stage as the exclusive streaming partner for Skyesports Championship 5.0. This partnership is a testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering a diverse range of content to our viewers, especially in the realm of esteemed esports like BGMI. Our mission has always been to bring the pulse-pounding world of esports to fans far 2
and wide, and this collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey. Through the Skyesports Championship 5.0, we’re also presenting an excellent opportunity for advertising brands to connect with the gaming community through our comprehensive media solutions. Loco is thrilled to be a part of this journey, raising the bar for esports entertainment in India.” ‘
Registrations are open now for the Skyesports Championship 5.0. Aspiring professional players can head over to the Skyesports Discord channel to sign up. Tickets for the LAN Finale in Bangalore will be available for free, the details of which will be announced soon. Stay tuned to Skyesports’ Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter handles for more information.
Mumbai: Spectatr, provider of a plug-and-play Esports fantasy solution, and operator of the largest fantasy Esports platform in India (FanClash) has partnered with GRID Esports to power their fantasy offering with official, in-depth Esports data and boost its global expansion.
Spectatr is the B2B vertical of FanClash, an India-based Esports fantasy operator leading the Esports adoption in the country. Backed by renowned investors such as Alpha Wave Global, Peak XV and Info Edge with a funding of $40 million, the company aims to revolutionise fan engagement solutions worldwide to build a global fantasy Esports network.
This strategic partnership will leverage GRID’s official data to ensure the most entertaining live Esports fantasy experience for Indian fans and power Spectatr’s global expansion in the B2B fantasy space. The unique game-agnostic technology of GRID Data’s Platform will enable seamless integration of live data from games such as CS:GO, DOTA 2, PUBG, BGMI and Valorant while maintaining the same high quality, speed, and granularity of data across all titles.
Commenting on the association and its impact on the Indian Esports landscape, Spectatr co-founder Rishabh Bhansali said, “As the Esports audience in India continues to expand and mature, we at Spectatr are thrilled to collaborate with GRID to usher in an unparalleled era of engaging Esports fans. Together, we aim to craft immersive experiences beyond conventional limits, enabling viewers to participate actively. This partnership is set to elevate the excitement for esports enthusiasts, and we eagerly await its realization!”
GRID Esports is a leading game data platform specialized in sourcing, managing, and distributing live game data and is also the first Esports data company to receive the IBIA Data Standards accreditation. The company takes pride in offering data coming only from official sources through their direct partnerships with high-profile rights holders such as Riot Games, KRAFTON, WePlay, or PGL and powering over 350 commercial clients with official data feeds. These data-driven insights will provide fans with a deeper understanding of the game and its mechanics.
“Esports fantasy is one of the fastest-growing forms of esports fan engagement in the world. FanClash has developed an impressive live Esports fantasy offering over the last two years for which official Esports data is critical to ensure the best experience. We are thrilled to partner with Spectatr and power a global expansion of their state-of-the-art solution with our official live data,” said GRID Esports chief sales officer Mikael Westerling,
According to the ‘Global Fantasy E-Sports Market, Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecast 2022 To 2029’ report by Global Market Vision, the global Fantasy Esports Market is expected to grow from USD 6.45 billion in 2022 to USD 12.87 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 12 per cent.
This partnership between Spectatr and GRID Esports will pave the way for enhanced interactions and propel the growth of competitive gaming in India.
