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Tag: eSports

  • Skyesports Masters 2024 India Qualifier gets underway

    Skyesports Masters 2024 India Qualifier gets underway

    Mumbai: Skyesports, an esports tournament organiser, is set to host the Skyesports Masters 2024 India Qualifier from 28 to 31 March. Eight of the country’s best teams will be competing for the title and a slot in the Skyesports Masters Main Event. The prestigious main event of the tournament will see teams from Europe and India, competing for a share of the $350,000 prize pool.

    Here’s everything you need to know about the Skyesports Masters India Qualifier.

    Eight teams will be competing in the closed qualifier. Six of these have been directly invited while two have made it through the open qualifier.

     .  2ez Gaming

     .  Carvinal Gaming

     .  Gods Reign

     .  Grayfox Esports

     .  Marcus Gaming

     .  True Rippers

    .   Crescent

     .  Frag Theory

    Coming into the tournament, Gods Reign is one of the favourites to win, having previously won the India Qualifier for the Skyesports Grand Slam. The team also secured an impressive second-place finish at the Skyesports Grand Slam Main Event in Pune earlier this month. However, with a formidable lineup from the other teams, including a newly-signed roster from Carnival Gaming, the India Qualifier is set to feature intense Counter-Strike 2 esports action.

    The eight teams will lock horns in a double-elimination bracket, with the winner advancing to the Skyesports Masters Main Event. All matches will be live-streamed on the Skyespors YouTube and Twitch channels.

    The India champion from the Qualifier will face Aurora Gaming, BIG, ENCE, Ninjas In Pyjamas, OG, Forze Esports, and BetBoom Team in the Skyesports Masters Main Event. Scheduled to take place from April 8 to 14, the eight teams will be fighting for a share of the $350,000 prize pool.

    Skyesports, headquartered in Chennai, has been on an aggressive international expansion strategy. The Skyesports Masters is the second event in Skyesports’ 2024 Counter-Strike 2 esports roadmap which features a total prize pool of $1 million. 

  • International Women’s Day: Female gamers carving their niche in Indian esports

    International Women’s Day: Female gamers carving their niche in Indian esports

    Mumbai: Esports, which was once a male-dominated domain, is witnessing a significant shift as female gamers are carving their own space within the landscape by challenging stereotypes. With talent, resilience, and a supportive community, women are proving that esports is a platform where skill and passion determine success, regardless of gender.

    According to the ‘Female Gamers in Asia’ report by Nikoartners, the female gamers market in Asia represents 37 per cent of total gamers, with an annual growth rate of 11 per cent, nearly double that of new male gamers. Female gamers contribute about 23.5 per cent of total revenue in the Asian games market and have the potential to double in size in the coming years.

    Brands are increasingly recognising the unique appeal and reach of female gamers and teaming up with them to tap into their considerable influence within the gaming community. The increasing presence of gaming streamers and collaborations between in-game advertising and fashion brands, such as Burberry x Minecraft, Balenciaga x Fortnite, and Gucci x Roblox, are proving to be lucrative ventures, driving higher ROI and engagement across diverse audiences.

    8Bit Creatives and co-founder of S8UL founder and CEO Animesh Agarwal shared his thoughts on this trend by saying, “In the budding years, the Indian Gaming Industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in Female Gamers fostering the growth of the industry as a whole. With the number of women increasing in Esports, gaming content creation, and streaming, brands recognize the immense potential and capitalize on the ability of female content creators to connect authentically with diverse audiences. At 8Bit Creatives, we align brands with our female gamers and empower aspiring gamers at the grassroots levels. This growth not only showcases the talent and expertise of female gamers but also reflects a shift in the industry.”

    As more women step into roles as developers, CEOs, designers, writers, and coaches, there is a noticeable increase in female representation across various facets of the video games industry. The latest FICCI-EY report titled ‘#Reinvent: India’s media & entertainment sector is innovating for the future’, forecasts an increase in the female fan base of the overall Esports audience, rising from 23 per cent in 2023 to 25 per cent by 2024.

    “As a female gamer, witnessing the progressive influx of female talent across various domains within the video game industry fills me with immense pride. Women choosing their passion over societal norms play a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative around gender representation in gaming. With more female gamers continuing to assert their place in this dynamic industry, they will inspire budding gamers and create an inclusive and welcoming space for players of all backgrounds to thrive,” noted Payal Dhare aka PayalGaming who is a part of 8Bit Creatives and stands one of India’s leading female gamers with more than three million followers on Youtube.

    The emergence of more female protagonists in games is gradually reshaping narratives and broadening the appeal to a wider audience. Historically, female video game protagonists were scarce, with characters like Lara Croft and Samus Aran standing out as exceptions. However, the gaming landscape is gradually becoming more diverse, with numerous upcoming titles featuring strong female leads, including Wonder Woman, Star Wars: OutLaws, Grand Theft Auto 6, and many others.

    Krutika Ojha, also known as KrutikaPlays, another well-renowned female gamer of 8Bit Creatives expressed her optimism by stating, “With this certainly evolving gaming industry, women are thriving in their ways to break the stereotype and make their mark in the community. Women lead in video games not only serve to attract more female gamers to the medium but also provide them with relatable and empowering role models within virtual worlds. Initiatives like these are instrumental in paving the way for a more diverse and welcoming gaming community.”

    The presence and influence of women in the Indian Esports industry is undeniable and with each achievement and contribution, they pave the way for a vibrant future for the community.

  • Acer brings esports,Filipino entertainment at Asia Pacific Predator League 2024

    Acer brings esports,Filipino entertainment at Asia Pacific Predator League 2024

    Mumbai: The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 came to a close on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Philippines with the crowning of new DOTA 2 and VALORANT esports champions and electrifying performances from some of the Philippines’s most talented artists. This year’s edition of the Asia Pacific Predator League was a major success with sold-out arenas and online spectators tuned in via the Predator social media channels during the two-day event. From the 26 teams competing for top honours in the Dota 2 and VALORANT, Blacklist Rivalry and Team Secret emerged victorious and lifted the prestigious Predator Shield in their respective categories.

    Acer pan Asia Pacific operations Andrew Hou said, “The success of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 is indicative of the strength of the region’s growing esports community and the Predator brand devices’ ability to support intense gaming sessions when playing the most popular titles, I would like to extend my congratulations to the tournament winners and my heartfelt appreciation to all the players, fans, and staff who make this yearly event possible.”

    Dota 2 Highlights

    Blacklist Rivalry prevailed over fellow Filipino team execration in the Dota 2 grand finals. Abed “Abed” Yusop was in incredible form, averaging 8.5 kills and 14 assists in the series to spearhead the offense of his team. They were successful in shutting down Execration’s star Mark “Bob” Urbino, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat for team Execration and another second-place finish in the Predator League grand finals for two consecutive years.

    As this year’s DOTA 2 Champions, Blacklist Rivalry will be going home with a cash prize of Rs 65,000, while Execration will receive $20,000. Third and fourth finishers in China’s Team Aster and IHC Esports from Mongolia will also receive Rs 7,500 each for their impressive showing.

    VALORANT Highlights

    Team Secret came into the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 as the favourites and exceeded all expectations. They were in full control of the Japanese side FAV gaming during the final, with Adrian “invy” Reyes continuing to be the brightest spot for the team. Team Secret, also known as the “The Adobo Gang” among its fans, has won its first LAN trophy and Predator shield since the inception of its VALORANT team.

    Team Secret goes home with the Rs 65,000 prize pool, while FAV Gaming wins Rs 20,000 for their performance. Third and fourth placers BOOM Esports from Indonesia and Team Flash from Vietnam also receive Rs 7,500 each.

    Intel MVP Award

    Merits were given to exceptional players who stood out amongst the competition during the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024. For Dota 2, it was awarded to carry player Polo “Raven” Fausto while in VALORANT it was awarded to duelist player Jeremy “Jremy” Cabrera. Both players take home an extra Rs 10,000 prizes as well as the Intel MVP Award Trophy for their individual performances.

    Beyond the live esports action, the audience was also treated to world-class entertainment composed of the Philippines’ brightest stars, including Acer ambassadors SB19 and Sarah Geronimo. There were also meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao.

    Felip and Ylona Garcia were the opening acts for Day 1, exciting the crowd with their exhilarating performance. This was followed by numbers from Urbandub and Al James, and with a special appearance by TV personality Donny Pangilinan. Day 2 was just as impressive with amazing performances from Josh Cullen, Sandwich, Spongecola, Pablo, and KZ Tandingan, who sang the Predator anthem, “It Lies Within.”

    Asia Pacific Predator League 2025 Host Announced –

    The next Asia Pacific Predator League will be held in Malaysia, with the qualifiers starting in late 2024 and the grand finals to be held in early 2025.

    For more information and updates about the Predator League, visit the official website www.predator-league.com.

  • Acer host the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 grand finals

    Acer host the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 grand finals

    Mumbai : Acer culminates in an action-packed season of esports tournaments with the hosting of the Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on 13 and 14 January 2024. Fans from across the region are eager to witness exceptional gameplay and the crowning of the next Predator League champions during the grand stage, with 6,000 tickets in the VIP section to the highly anticipated event being sold out within just 48 hours after opening ticket sales.

    The Asia Pacific Predator League 2024 Grand Finals will feature 26 of the best Dota 2 and VALORANT esports teams across the region to battle it out to bring home the Predator Shield and their share of the Rs 200,000 prize pool. The top four teams from the Dota 2 and VALORANT competitions will take home their share of the prize pool as follows: winners Rs 65,000, second-place Rs 20,000, third and fourth places Rs7,500 each.

    Acer pan-Asia Pacific operations Andrew Hou said, ‘ The Asia Pacific Predator League tournament helps Acer connect with all types of players in the region. This year’s grand finals is unlike any other as it celebrates the spirit of competition and adds the excitement of music and entertainment, allowing more enthusiasts to be a part of the thriving esports community.”

    The Predator League has been the home ground of up-and-coming esports talents every year. Thousands of teams across the region have signed up for a chance to join and live out their dreams of winning on the big stage since the tournament started in 2018. Aside from action-packed matches, esports fans will be treated to top-notch Filipino entertainment from the country’s top artists, including Acer ambassadors Sarah Geronimo and SB19.

    The two-day spectacle will be filled with live-action games, meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors, and performances by iconic Filipino artists. For day 1, fans will be treated to epic performances by Urbandub, Al James, Ylona Garcia, UPeepz, and Felip.Day 2 features KZ Tandingan, Sandwich, Franco, Spongecola, Manila Symphony Orchestra, Daloy Dance Company, Josh Cullen, and Pablo at centerstage. There will also be meet-and-greet sessions with Predator ambassadors Cong TV and the Team Payaman boys, burg, KuyaNic, Chibiby, Maggiekarp, amaratv, Een Mercado, Kang Dupet, and Alodia Gosiengfiao.

  • Vi and Team Vitality forge a strategic esports partnership in India Sub

    Vi and Team Vitality forge a strategic esports partnership in India Sub

    Mumbai: According to the State of India Gaming Report 2022, the Indian esports industry is expected to grow to Rs 140 million by 2027. Over the last few years, esports as a category gained recognition as a mainstream sport especially after being debuted as an official medal sport at various international sports platforms. To capitalise on this growing consumer category, Vodafone Idea (Vi), one of India’s telecom operators and Paris based Team Vitality, international esports organisation, have announced a long-term union to boost the esports ecosystem in India.

    With this first of its kind collaboration, the two brands jointly aim to create opportunities and exposures to esports fans and gaming enthusiasts alike. The partnership encompasses many aspects such as brand sponsorship, content partnerships, gaming events and unique experiences at a never-seen-before scale. This will enable Vi customers to participate in esports and allow exclusive access to some of the popular Team Vitality tournaments and teams. This partnership will create opportunities for budding esports talent from across the country to have access to professional players, master classes, meet & greets with esports talent and many other opportunities.

    Vi is known for its presence in the mobile games segment, offering a wide range of hyper casual mobile games to users via Vi Games on Vi App. Through this association with Team Vitality, Vi now aims to deepen its focus on esports in India. Vi Games in the recent past forayed into the esports segment by hosting popular free-to-play tournaments across games like Call of Duty: Mobile, Free Fire Max, Asphalt 9, Clash Royale, etc.

    Commenting on the association, Vi CMO Avneesh Khosla, said, “Gaming has always been our strategic focus area and we have continuously strived to strengthen our gaming portfolio with right partnerships and relevant offerings. Over the last few years, esports has revolutionized the mobile gaming arena especially with younger audiences, and hence, deepening our focus in this space was a natural progression for Vi Games. We are excited to partner with one of the leading esports organizations of the world – Team Vitality. Together, we aim to drive and democratize access to the esports ecosystem in India. In the coming months, we will introduce some exciting esports and other youth centric content for our consumers to experience.”  

    Speaking on the occasion, Team Vitality India managing director Randall Fernandez said, “We are exhilarated to announce our partnership with Vi. We are at a juncture where technology will catapult gaming to the next level and eagerly look forward to our journey together. We will unlock new horizons searching for aspiring gaming talent across the length and breadth of the country, set new precedents and create indelible marks within the esports industry.”

    Locally, Team Vitality’s all Indian Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) team were among the top 16 teams globally who qualified and competed in the CODM World Championship 2023 that was held in Atlanta, US between 15 and 17 December. The organisation previously roped in popular gaming content creators Nischay ‘Live Insaan’ Malhan, Rachit ‘Rachitroo’ Yadav, Nitin ‘Classified YT’ Chougale, Shagufta ‘Xyaa’ Iqbal and Pratik ‘Aurum’ Mehra who have a cumulative YouTube base of 20 million subscribers.

    To capitalise on this upward growing industry and to build a deeper connect with consumers, Vi and Team Vitality plan to launch various gaming contests and events.

  • India’s digital media: $12B to $36B by 2030, driven by OTT, gaming, ads – Redseer

    India’s digital media: $12B to $36B by 2030, driven by OTT, gaming, ads – Redseer

    Mumbai: India’s current landscape of Internet users is dominated by a 450-500 million strong cohort of explorers, followed by 300-320 million transactors and 35-40 million mature users. Redseer’s Research estimates that India’s volume of mature users will outpace that of the USA by 2030 as the digital media and entertainment landscape, which is currently valued at US$ 12 bn, will triple in size. Non–Real Money Gaming (Non-RMG) and the rise of OTT across audio and video are among the contributors to the sector’s current growth trajectory despite the slowdown in digital ad spending and regulatory changes affecting the RMG space.

    As the sector looks to chart its way forward, three key factors will prove to be critical to its growth: a) the continued increase of paid users across OTT video, audio and gaming, b) the rise of regional content, c) the growing share of digital ad spend across new-age and traditional brands. The following are a few important trends that have taken over the Indian Digital Media and Entertainment (M&E) landscape in the last two years.

    OTT Video, OTT Audio, RMG and non-RMG gaming saw a rise in paid users and expanding Average Revenue Per Paying Users (ARPPU)

    In FY23 alone, the media and entertainment landscape saw accelerated growth in the paid user base and in turn the Average Revenue Per Paying Users (ARPPU). Across M&E segments, paid user growth went up to 90% in FY23. Subscription bundling, low-cost packs, micro-payment and pay-per-views were the key factors propelling this growth. However, the sector continues to face significant challenges regarding higher Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC) and low user retention. Finding creative solutions to overcome these challenges will place the sector on the path toward profitability in the next 3-5 years. Typically, it takes 2 years for OTT Video platforms to break even on CACs for individual customers. Long-term solutions such as innovative monetization models, localized and regional content for Tier-2+ demographics, and models such as keeping the first episode of original properties free could work in the favor of OTT platforms.

    Audio series and Audiobooks draw in more paying users for the OTT Audio sector

    Leading players in India’s Audio series and Audiobooks grew ~9X in FY2022-23 fueled by a growth in paid users, engaging content with immersive experiences as well as sachet payment options. The increased supply of both immersive entertainment and non-entertainment regional content and the competitive price points of subscription models can be credited to the growth of the audiobook category.

    The rise of core gaming, eSports and live streaming places India’s gaming industry in good stead

    India is currently looking at a 150 Mn-strong community of mid-core/ core gamers in 2023 alone, a significant portion of which have graduated from casual gameplay. With components such as in-gaming payments opening access to costumes and accessories, the gaming segment is seeing ~40% paid user penetration. The levelling up of gamers from casual to mature gaming is also spurring an increase in the viewership of live streams and has opened multiple possibilities for the development of a vibrant domestic eSporting ecosystem. 2022 saw Nodwin Gaming, a leading eSports organizer, conduct a one-of-its-kind eSporting tournament ‘Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) Masters Series’ which was live-streamed on a mainstream TV channel.

    Short-form video platforms emerge as media of interest for brands for Tier-2+ access and monetisation

    India’s Short-Form Video (SFV) platforms boast a sizeable user base of 250 million, of which 2/3 hail from Tier-2+ cities. ~40 per cent of the use base was also observed to be online transactors thereby providing brands and advertisers with ample scope for monetization, and an unprecedented opportunity to reach out to a larger volume of Tier-2 audiences. Monetization is relatively nascent on Indian SFV platforms and it is currently restricted to ad revenue and influencer marketing.

    The growth of ‘Made for India’ content is oiling the wheels of India’s vibrant digital media and entertainment industry. The increased uptake of core gaming also adds to the sector’s growth potential. Creatively solving the challenges of CAC, user retention and subscriptions can enable the sector to grow exponentially in the years to come. 

  • Indian Gaming League (IGL) in partnership with Bingo! Nachos announces Gameon Cup 2023

    Indian Gaming League (IGL) in partnership with Bingo! Nachos announces Gameon Cup 2023

    Mumbai: Indian Gaming League, one of India’s leading organizations in the gaming sector, in collaboration with ITC Bingo! Nachos, has launched Gameon Cup 2023, an exciting gaming tournament set to captivate the nation’s gaming community. This gaming extravaganza will feature a range of popular titles, including BGMI, Free Fire Max, New State, Call of Duty Mobile, and comes with an impressive prize pool of 11 lakhs (approximately $13,000).

    In the last two years, esports has gained immense popularity in India. A burgeoning youth population, tech-savviness, and increasing internet accessibility have contributed to the growth of esports. Bingo!, a fun and youth-oriented brand, has always been at the forefront of promoting gaming and esports events and campaigns while providing a seamless snacking experience to its young target audience. Through Bingo Nachos! Gameon Cup, the brand aims to foster a sense of camaraderie with a dynamic and enthusiastic gaming community, reinforcing Bingo’s commitment to fun and shared experiences.

    The tournament will span over 60 days and will kick off with an open format starting on 9th November providing both amateur players and teams an opportunity to display their gaming prowess and compete at a professional level. Winners from the initial stage will earn the privilege of participating in the invitational section, where they will go head-to-head with some of the top professional gamers in the country. The tournament aims to showcase not only fierce competition among players but also offers significant opportunities for recognition and advancement within the gaming fraternity.

    ITC Foods,  VP & head of marketing, Snacks, Noodles, and Pasta Suresh Chand said, “We are thrilled to launch the Bingo! Nachos Gameon Cup in association with IGL. This initiative will provide a platform for all e-gaming enthusiasts to showcase their skills while having a fun-filled experience with Bingo! Nachos. As a brand with a young TG, our partnership with IGL seamlessly aligns with our brand’s ethos, and we eagerly await the exciting gameplay it will bring.”

    IGL Indian Gaming CEO Yash Pariani shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament, saying, “We are delighted to partner with ITC Bingo! Nachos for this thrilling event. It is an extraordinary opportunity for amateur gamers to showcase their talents on a national stage and elevate their gaming journey. This tournament aims to unite gaming enthusiasts from all corners of the country, where participants can anticipate an unparalleled gaming experience, featuring top-notch production values and exhilarating gameplay.”

    IGL Indian Gaming Chief Business Officer Nidhish Jain said, “The ITC Bingo! Nachos and IGL Indian Gaming partnership is more than just business; it is a statement of brand relevance in the modern digital age, an embrace of youthful passion, and an investment in the unity and excitement that gaming brings. Considering India is a largely youth-centric country, and gaming is expected to grow exponentially over the next few years, this partnership highlights the importance of this medium for brands to connect with the dynamic, vibrant, youth-centric community for mutual growth.”

  • Creator Fest 2023: Premier gathering of internet creators by STAN

    Creator Fest 2023: Premier gathering of internet creators by STAN

    Mumbai: Esports engagement startup STAN has announced their upcoming flagship mega event for celebrating India’s Internet creators – the STAN Creator Fest 2023, scheduled to be held on Sunday, 5 November 2023, 1 PM onwards, at Enigma The Experience, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.  With this, STAN is all set to host India’s first-of-its-kind, most-anticipated creator networking and mixer event, where more than 150+ leading content creators – predominantly gaming and esports creators – from across the country will be present in-person.

    Among some of the most popular and influential gaming and entertainment personalities who shall attend this year’s Creator Fest include – Lokesh Gamer (the biggest creator of Telangana), AS Gaming, Aditech, Telugu Gaming FF, Ishika Plays, Boss Official, Assasins Army, Black Flag Army, Rahul Gaming, Bakwas Talks, and among others there are few mystery creators who will be attending the event. Notably, these creators have a collective follower base of over 300 Million across various social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, etc.

    The gaming industry in India has been growing tremendously in recent years and is expected to be valued at $5 billion by 2025. On the other hand, as per a report by EY, India’s content industry is set to cross $30.6 billion in valuation by 2023, with a major chunk of digital content creation in our country today being dominated by gaming and esports creators. Offering the best of both worlds, STAN Creator Fest 2023 is aimed at uplifting and providing ample support and encouragement for India’s micro and budding creators, while fostering an environment conducive to networking, meet-and-greet, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across the intersections of the gaming and content creation spaces.

    Speaking about the upcoming event, STAN co-founder & CEO  Parth Chadha said, “We at STAN are stoked and proud to present the Creator Fest, through which our primary intent is to create a super-engaging platform exclusively designed to unite creators, enthusiasts, industry experts, and other ecosystem stakeholders. What sets this event apart is its unique support for India’s micro-creators, providing a rare avenue for them to learn from and interact with the top industry creators, potentially paving the way for their future collaborations and growth. In the long run, we want to establish STAN as a pivotal player and thought leader within the ever-evolving gaming and content creation landscape. By facilitating a recurring event that becomes a landmark in the industry, we aim to solidify our position as an enabling force that continuously supports and nurtures the nation’s creators. The Creator Fest 2023 serves as an initial yet significant step towards shaping our broader vision, and we are now looking forward to experiencing it to the fullest.”

    STAN co-founder & COO Nauman Mulla added, “STAN Creator Fest has been designed by us as a groundbreaking, game-changing event, bringing together gamers, streamers, influencers and creators, innovators, brands, game studios, et al under one roof for an exciting and fun-filled day of networking, learning, and entertainment. We are thrilled to be able to feature some of the nation’s biggest names across the gaming and creator ecosystem at the Creator Fest in a bid to create an atmosphere of collaboration and collective growth. Of course, the underlying objective of this endeavor is fostering a vibrant community of creators in India, including both established and aspiring ones, and thus bolstering the creator ecosystem at large.”

    Telugu Gaming FF, Gaming Creator said, “Anything that STAN does is a boost to our community and therefore a must-engage for creators like me. So, I am super-excited to be a part of STAN’s upcoming Creator Fest, where I look forward to meeting and interacting with my favourite creators like Lokesh Gamer. I believe this event will offer a fantastic opportunity for creators like us to connect, learn, collaborate, and celebrate the craft.”

    STAN has been engaging with creators since its inception, helping them grow and monetize and thus actively contributing to the growth of the nation’s creators’ ecosystem. Over the past six months, STAN has enabled numerous creators associated with them in generating revenues of more than INR 3 Crores through its platform and various brand integrations. To date, they have successfully collaborated with and supported over 2000 creators pan-India, and going forward, aim to extend this support to an even larger number of creators shortly with ongoing and upcoming initiatives such as the STAN Creator Program. Furthermore, STAN has plans to organize an array of similar mixer and networking events across various Indian cities in the months to come, aiming to foster connections, collaborations, and the establishment of a vibrant ecosystem for creators.

    For an emerging gaming or content enthusiast, STAN Creator Fest 2023 has the following to offer:

    ●    Networking Opportunities: Meet like-minded enthusiasts, and network with a diverse group of gaming creators, industry experts, etc.

    ●    Access to Top Industry Personalities: Get up close and personal with renowned gamers and creators. Get autographs, take selfies, shoot content, connect, interact and chat with the stars.

    ●    Mixer Sessions: Take part in interactive mixer sessions to break the ice and foster collaborations.

    ●    Insightful Panel Discussions: Derive valuable insights from panel discussions focused on the latest trends and growth strategies for the creator economy, and the future of gaming and content creation.

    ●    Live DJ: Lastly for fun and atmosphere to relax, groove with the live DJ performance at the event.

    Interestingly, STAN has revealed a minimum requirement of having at least 3000 followers on any social media platform for a creator to be able to attend the event. This criterion has been set in order to curate a relevant and meaningful environment dedicated to individuals who are passionate about content creation, and ultimately ensure that the event objectives are met.

    To attend STAN Creator Fest 2023, get your event passes now from any of the booking partner platforms like MeraEvents, Paytm Insider,  Townscript, or 10Times. 

  • iTAP’s strategic partnership with Producer Bazaar will deliver more exciting content to users

    iTAP’s strategic partnership with Producer Bazaar will deliver more exciting content to users

    iTAP, the prominent OTT platform offering entertainment, gaming and Esports, has partnered with the online marketplace Producer Bazaar to offer a wider variety of content to its users. Through this collaboration, iTAP users will access premium offerings from Producer Bazaar, including 22 international movies dubbed in Hindi.

    “This alliance aligns with our goal of delivering quality and vivid content that caters to the preferences of our diverse user base. iTAP users can now experience a broader selection including international films, which adds depth and variety to their entertainment options,” said iTAP the content head Masrat Bano.

    She further states that the new pact is also a part of iTAP’s efforts to support innovation in the entertainment industry. “Producer Bazaar connects music producers with artists and licensing agencies, guaranteeing frequent content updates. This will aid us in expanding iTAP’s content portfolio with new additions that traditional channels often miss. We are confident that our users will be the ultimate beneficiaries of this collaboration,” added Masrat Bano.

    Producer Bazaar also provides a platform for music producers to sell and license their beats, loops, and other musical creations. Hence, the mutually beneficial partnership will open new horizons for both iTAP and Producer Bazaar, as the demand for one-stop entertainment solutions is increasing day by day.

  • World Esports Day: Indian stakeholders drive the shift of Video Gaming into mainstream sports.

    World Esports Day: Indian stakeholders drive the shift of Video Gaming into mainstream sports.

    Mumbai: Gone are the days when Esports was stereotyped as a pastime activity. Esports all over the world has now transformed into a mainstream sporting and entertainment phenomenon, drawing in sponsors, athletes, and fans.

    So, video gaming enthusiasts converge on the 21 October to celebrate the meteoric rise of this industry’s remarkable progress on ‘World Esports Day.’ This day serves as a reminder of how far the industry has come and how profoundly it has impacted the lives of millions worldwide.

    According to Newzoo’s Global Gamer Study Data 2023, 79 per cent of the total online population engages with video games. The report also states that video games have become important marketing tools for many companies and 50 per cent of players and/or viewers discovered new brands while gaming.

    Sharing his insights on the growth of video gaming and brand deals within the ecosystem, S8UL Esports co-founder and founder & CEO of 8Bit Creatives Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug commented, “The Esports industry, globally and in India, has evolved significantly in its ability to attract sponsors and brands. This transformation is driven by the immersive nature of gaming, allowing brands to connect deeply with their target audience. The response from fans and viewers offers brands a unique opportunity to enhance their visibility and influence. Gaming has become a dynamic platform that enables brands to engage with people in ways beyond traditional advertising, fostering exciting collaborations and an expanded presence in the gaming community”
    The Indian Esports industry is witnessing not just brands but well-renowned mainstream sports athletes get associated with the sector. India’s sporting sensations Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Tokas and Pramod Bhagat recently appeared at the BGMI India Series final LAN event, demonstrating how the lines between traditional sports and Esports are blurring. Even the country’s other sporting icons such as M.S. Dhoni, Sunil Chhetri, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya have all joined the Esports revolution, becoming ambassadors for games such as Free Fire and BGMI.

    Sahil Jakhar, also known as SOUL Omega, captain of Team SOUL, the champions of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2022, shared his thoughts on the impact of traditional sports athletes entering Esports, stating, “Esports and traditional sports share fundamental traits, including discipline, strategy and a competitive spirit. Witnessing cricket, football, boxing, and athletics stars become a part of Esports is truly inspiring for athletes like us. It validates the industry among the broader public who may still be unaware of its remarkable growth. Moreover, it serves as a driving force for players to grind hard with the aspiration of one day reaching the same heights as these legends in their respective sport.”

    After being recognized as an official multi-sport event by the government in December 2022, Esports has been included as a full-fledged medal event at the Asian Games 2022 and has also been confirmed as a medal sport for the 2026 edition of the prestigious tournament.

    Esports Federation of India (ESFI) director of and Asian Esports Federation vice-president of (AESF) Lokesh Suji talks about the increasing visibility of Esports as a new-age sport and its inclusion at the Olympics someday. “After the presence of Esports at the Commonwealth Esports Championships, Asian Games 2022 as well as the introduction of the Olympics Esports Week, we are witnessing the growing visibility of Esports as a new-age sport. Going by the IOC President Thomas Bach’s positive comments at the 141 IOC Session in Mumbai regarding the development of the Olympic Esports Games, it is safe to say that it is not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when’ it will find its place as a medal sport at the Olympics.

    The global reach of Esports and its ability to unite people from different backgrounds make it a powerful contender for recognition on the world’s grandest sporting stage,” said Mr. Suji.
    As Esports makes its way into the mainstream and major international tournaments, it leaves a lasting impact on the video gaming ecosystems of countries all over the world. Akshaj Shenoy, the captain of India’s League of Legends team that achieved a historic fifth-place finish at the Asian Games 2022 sheds light on this aftermath, said, “Esports has started to become a serious and rewarding career option in India. The platforms, support, and recognition that we athletes receive today are unparalleled. Representing the country at the Asian Games in Hangzhou was an honour for me and I can surely say that aspiring Indian video gamers are already dreaming of competing for India in such a competition one day. India’s Esports ecosystem is all set to benefit from this participation through new talent right from the grassroots level that will proliferate the country’s presence on the global stage.”

    Looking ahead, the future of Esports is promising. The integration of cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will offer new dimensions to the gaming experience. With the backing of industry leaders, influential athletes, and a growing fan base, the future holds limitless opportunities for Esports, not just in India but globally.