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Tag: gaming

  • HeadFlicker, RusherwOw, and PitajiPlayz join forces to boost S8UL’s GTA RP roster

    HeadFlicker, RusherwOw, and PitajiPlayz join forces to boost S8UL’s GTA RP roster

    Mumbai: Leading esports and gaming organisation, S8UL announced the onboarding of top three gaming creators, Sunny Jha, Adil Maniar, and Arpit Wadhawan to spearhead the GTA RP (Grand Theft Auto Role-Play) roster. This strategic move will not only strengthen S8UL’s hold in promoting GTA RP; prioritising role-play, collaboration, and narrative-driven interactions among players and also revolutionising the multiplayer experience of “Grand Theft Auto V” and fostering the growth of the Grand Theft Auto role-play community in India.

    Sunny Jha, also known as pitajiplayz, is a resilient figure in the streaming scene, who despite losing his original channel to hackers, bounced back stronger with a 15,000-strong subscriber base within just seven months and currently sitting at 60 thousand plus subscribers on his channel. His unique approach to GTA RP, combining humour with engaging gameplay, has made him a beloved figure in the community.

    While, Adil Maniar, known online as rusherwow, started his career in esports with competitive games like CSGO and Fortnite before making a name for himself in GTA RP. With over 19 million views amassed over 1513 videos on his YouTube channel, Adil’s dedication to showcasing his competitive edge has captivated a steady following.

    Arpit Wadhawan, operating under the gamertag headflicker, blends his analytical skills as a national chess player with creative roleplay storytelling. His engaging character narratives in GTA RP have propelled his channel to a rapid growth, resulting in over 50,000 dedicated followers on his YouTube.

    S8UL co-founder Lokesh Jain aka 8Bit Goldy, commented on this integration, stating, “The addition of Sunny, Adil, and Arpit to S8UL is more than a natural extension of our already robust GTA roster. It’s a testament to S8UL’s commitment to nurturing and promoting top-tier talent within India’s gaming landscape. Their dedication to delivering an excitement packed live stream experience align perfectly with our vision to expand and enrich the GTA RP community with meaningful narrative and quality storytelling.”

    Since its launch in 2013, GTA V has sold over 190 million units worldwide as of November 2023, making it the second best-selling video game of all time. In December 2023, its user engagement reached 30.8 million monthly active users across PCs and consoles, following the release of its highly anticipated sequel.

    The GTA series has been a game-changer for the Indian gaming landscape and it has helped build the careers of streamers within the country. SoulCity RP, S8UL’s dedicated GTA V RP server, has been instrumental in fostering this vibrant community and bringing a more interactive experience to engage with the streamers.

    Arpit Wadhawan aka headflicker expressed his happiness on being part of S8UL’s dynamic roster said, “For a 21-year-old national chess player from Ferozpur, Punjab and having four years of role-play experience, joining S8UL feels like the perfect next move in my gaming career. Stepping into the vibrant world of GTA RP has opened up a new avenue for me, offering a platform where I can elevate the gaming experience for fans. With S8UL, I’m excited to bring my thoughtful approach to an even larger stage, where we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in role-play games together.”

    The integration of Sunny, Adil, and Arpit into S8UL’s roster is expected to further enhance the server’s popularity and attract a wider audience, thereby reinforcing S8UL’s role as a pioneer in the gaming industry in the country.
     

  • “OEM ecosystem advertising helps reach scale and find new audiences efficiently & confidently”: Ashwin Shekhar

    “OEM ecosystem advertising helps reach scale and find new audiences efficiently & confidently”: Ashwin Shekhar

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile advertising and app monetisation,  AVOW is at the forefront, pioneering innovative strategies to maximize client outcomes.

    Leveraging mobile OEM advertising has become a cornerstone of their approach, especially amidst the surge of sports marketing and festive seasons in India. AVOW’s mastery of intricate monetization strategies tailored to diverse geographical areas, coupled with their proprietary technology like AVOW Intelligence, sets them apart in the market.

    As regulations like the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and India’s Digital India Act (DIA) reshape the industry, AVOW anticipates and adapts, fostering collaborative innovation and embracing the opportunities presented by alternative app stores and OEM partnerships. With a focus on sectors like fintech, gaming, OTT, and e-commerce,

    Indiantelevision in conversation with  AVOW, co-founder Ashwin Shekhar shed light on AVOW’s approach to mobile OEM advertising, particularly focusing on its utilisation during significant sporting events and festive seasons, collaborative innovation initiatives, adaptation to regulatory changes, and future business strategies.

    Edited Excerpts

    On AVOW leveraging mobile OEM advertising to facilitate gaming monetization strategies for brands and app developers, especially amidst the rise of sports marketing with OEM players

    Smartphones have seamlessly connected sports lovers to apps. During the IPL 2023, roughly 70 per cent of digital viewers engaged with their smartphones for various activities, including checking match updates, participating in online discussions about the IPL, ordering food online, playing fantasy cricket and exploring related promotions. This engagement demonstrates the seamless connection between sports enthusiasts and mobile apps, providing a rich environment for focused advertising campaigns. Moreover, sports betting and games app downloads increased by 53 per cent and 14 per cent respectively during the IPL 2023 season. (Source: Adjust Mobile App Trends)

    This kind of outreach demands advertisers to master intricate monetization strategies and show remarkable flexibility in adopting diverse business models tailored to different geographical areas. On the other hand, developers must balance their approaches while implementing a mixed model of In-App Purchases (IAP) and In-App Advertising (IAA). Interestingly, over 80 per cent of mobile gamers are interested in in-game ads and 30 per cent of all the Gen Z and millennial gamers spend money on IAP.  

    The emergence of several gaming centres such as Xiaomi Game Centre signifies the growth of on-demand gaming, along with an upsurge in alternative payment ecosystems. By uploading to OEM native app stores with their corresponding payment services, opening their shops, and marketing their offerings directly to their user base, game and app developers are edging away from the monopolistic shadows of Google and Apple.

    On AVOW’s strategies around trends in app downloads during significant sporting events versus India’s festive seasons to maximize client outcomes

    India is a land of festivals where all the sporting events are celebrated with increasing enthusiasm year after year. Consumer trends reach new heights during important festivals and major sporting events.

    D2C brands, gaming developers and mobile marketers plan to go big with Mobile OEM advertising during festive and sports seasons. The D2C segment along with e-commerce players made Rs 76,000 crore in sales during the festive season of 2022. where tier II and III cities outperformed, accounting for a significant share of purchases made through digital devices and smartphones.

    Sports streaming via mobile apps is growing annually. In 2022, a record-breaking 32 million global users viewed the FIFA World Cup Final 2022 on JioCinema. Last year, it was estimated that over 550 million viewers engaged during the IPL 2023, with 61 per cent of IPL viewers doing so via smartphones. Revenue from digital ads climbed by 33 per cent in 2023, peaking at Rs 20 billion, or more than US$241 million.

    Some of the largest RMG apps do a bulk of their advertising during the IPL season, with dream11 a sponsor of the IPL. My11Circle —another major app that has utilized mobile OEM advertising to its fullest– runs promotions on their app during the IPL season, providing daily prizes of up to Rs 3 crore for participating customers.

    With over 1.5 billion untapped daily active users, OEM platforms such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme Transsion and Vivo, represent a vast resource for mobile app marketers seeking to draw in new users and boost app downloads, Alternative app stores are a viable option for brands from all verticals, from D2C brands to e-commerce and mobile gaming. Mobile OEMs ought to be a default part of businesses’ marketing mix in 2024 and beyond.

    Advertisers looking to create more personalised and engaging campaigns can employ display ads, full-screen videos, splash ads, and appographic marketing. For apps looking to stand out in a crowded app market Dynamic Preloads, which leverages Mobile OEMs’ ability to recommend apps to users during the setup of a new mobile phone, is an extremely successful user acquisition strategy. Capitalizing on Private Marketplace (PMP) deals can provide new avenues for user acquisition and generate incremental ROAS from advertising campaigns that are action-driven. PMPs allow advertisers to bid on specific ad inventories for specific times during major sporting events.

    Advertisers need to pay only for installs (CPI), rather than clicks (CPC), making it a prime advantage of mobile OEM advertising. Thus, mobile app developers can reach millions of people without spending much, making mobile OEM advertising a trustworthy source to connect with quality users. Additionally, as all the layers between users and advertisers get eliminated, mobile OEM advertising fosters a fraud-free environment to run ad campaigns.

    On the role of collaborative innovation in AVOW’s approach in 2024

    Privacy regulations including the App Tracking Transparency framework and Android’s Privacy Sandbox have a profound impact on the industry, leading to a reduction in the average mobile advertiser’s ROI and diminishing the target capabilities of publishers.

    Considering such privacy changes by giant players in the industry, mobile OEMs are increasingly inclined towards collaborative innovations such as creating and adopting a new tracking standard, similar to that of the Open Anonymous Device Identifier (OAID) introduced by the Mobile Security Alliance (MSA), rather than coming up with individual proprietary solutions. These collaborations are strategic endeavours to safeguard the prospects of mobile OEMs against the depreciation of Google Advertising ID (GAID), or in places where GAID cannot be used. MMPs and mobile OEMs will work hand in hand to ensure that this new tracking standard and the subsequent attributions are carried out accurately, so the advertisers know the “where, what and how” of the campaign success. They aim to offer an efficient solution, helping maintain the efficacy of advertising campaigns while limiting the performance drop experienced by lost targeting capabilities.

    On  AVOW anticipating the impact of regulations like the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital India Act (DIA) on its operations in India’s advertising and marketing sector

    Under the EU DMA law, industry gatekeepers like Apple and Google are now required to allow users to download alternative app stores on iOS and Android. Furthermore,  they’ll have to let consumers select the default apps on new smartphones. I believe this marks the beginning of a new era in the smartphone and apps space. Eventually, it’s all about consumer choice and allowing competition so that there can be more successful companies—not fewer. Undeniably, the industry needs big brands, but it is smaller companies that help achieve scale so that industry and technology make headway. This felt like a dream previously. However, with the DMA’s support, and the Indian Digital Competition Act, hopefully, it will turn into a fairer competitive environment for all.  We can start to see the foundations of these alternative app stores being laid in India, with the launch of the Indus App Store by PhonePe. An App store made in India, for India, with apps in 12 distinct Indian languages. This is the sort of innovation and competition that these regulations are meant to foster. An App Store that takes no commissions for in-app payments and freely allows the integration of any payment solution is precisely the freedom of choice that mobile OEMs and alternative app stores provide.

    On AVOW adapting to the changing landscape of media buying in mobile OEM advertising, and it uses data and technology to ensure successful strategies for its clients

    The award-winning, global app growth company, launched its proprietary technology called AVOW Intelligence to help mobile marketers overcome one of their biggest challenges- the limitation of buying OEM advertising inventory individually from different OEMs. Purchasing from each OEM platform is not only cumbersome but also lacks in providing complete views of one’s marketing campaign performance. Another challenge is optimizing the campaigns across multiple OEM platforms without being able to merge them into one tool.

    A first-of-its-kind tool, AVOW Intelligence processes enormous amounts of data from multiple OEMs and mobile measurement partners (MMPs), bridging the gap between media buyers and data and offering critical insights and analysis to support real-time data-driven decision-making. The tool offers actionable insights by combining different data sources for a cohesive strategy. These insights result in a highly focused yet cost-effective campaign that gradually reduces acquisition expenses.

    At AVOW, we leverage our team and technology to optimize for down-funnel events. We focus on the outcomes beyond the initial install, such as in-app purchases, sign-ups, and/or subscriptions. With a deeper understanding of the user journey, we help create campaigns that are optimized for meaningful, long-term results.

    On  AVOW’s business and marketing strategies for 2024-25, and it aims to seize emerging opportunities while addressing potential challenges

    We provide an innovative solution for mobile OEM aggregation that enables app discovery on several alternative app stores and facilitates a higher return on advertising spend (ROAS). Our unparalleled access to the mobile OEM user base combined with our unmatched customer-centric approach has led to our faster and more steady growth.

    We will continue raising awareness around the tremendous potential that mobile OEMs offer and its many benefits to mobile marketers and app developers. Our team’s extensive experience in performance optimization allows us to assist clients as they get to grips with OEM marketing. It has become indispensable for mobile marketers to include mobile OEM advertising in their marketing mix by default. Since India is our largest inventory market, we will focus on on-device display ads delivery, retargeting, and Dynamic Preload services as major strategic areas.

    On the changing mobile marketing landscape and legislation front, the EU’s landmark Digital Market Act (DMA) aimed at breaking the tech’s big players’ monopoly has an impact on similar legislation in India and other countries. With DMA in effect, users can not only download alternative app stores on iOS and Android but are also free to choose the default apps on new smartphones. This will help foster fairer competition and support startups.

    On AVOW’s partnerships with players in sectors such as OTT, fintech, and e-commerce leverage OEMs to enhance customer acquisition and specific strategies that AVOW use in these collaborations

    AVOW provides access to over 1.5 billion daily active users (DAUs) and over 10 million monthly downloads for its clients. Advertising within the OEM ecosystem helps reach scale and find new audiences efficiently and confidently. We leverage dynamic preloads to help brands become the users’ first choice when they start the device for the first time. We aim to increase the LTV and install rates of these apps with dedicated placements.. All these together open up avenues for larger customer acquisition.

    For instance, Fintech services across verticals such as digital payment services, crypto trading, Buy Now Pay Later (short-term financing), lending, and personal finance, and insurance apps have been growing at an unprecedented rate. Notably, the fintech sector in India is expected to generate $400 billion in value creation by 2030, indicating a 4X increase from its level in 2023.

    Giant Indian fintech apps, such as Navi and ACKO have used alternative app stores and mobile OEM advertising to drive incremental user growth and maximize ROAS (Return On Ad Spend) for their apps. Investing in mobile OEM alternative app stores has helped these fintech apps tap newer audiences, resulting in a more viable revenue stream.  

    On the sectors that AVOW identifies  as having significant growth potential, and its intention to seize upon these opportunities

    We believe fintech, gaming, mobility, OTT, and e-commerce are some of the sectors which present a huge scope to address the needs of players. We are dedicated to making mobile OEM advertising accessible for brands and apps while remaining performance-oriented in the Indian market.

    On AVOW scaling its team to support business growth and expand its range of services/products

    With Melissa Bohlsen as chief marketing officer and Guenole Le Gall as the new vice president of client strategy, we are all geared up for our next phase. Melissa’s acumen in mobile marketing and impressive leadership experience together with Guenole’s extensive experience and expertise in mobile advertising and digital marketing empowers the AVOW team to fulfill its ambition of revolutionizing the mobile OEM market in India and other global markets. With both of them on board, I’m confident that we will continue our growth trajectory and set new benchmarks in the industry.

    On factors contributing to AVOW’s success in India, and what insights can you share regarding its response and achievements in the market

    AVOW has observed a remarkable 6-year track record of exponential year-on-year growth in the mobile OEM marketing space. AVOW is the only company holding strong partnerships with all premium mobile OEMs such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, Transsion and Vivo, accounting for over 62 per cent of the India market share.

    In a dynamic market like India, we have successfully collaborated with leading industry players including Amazon Prime, Navi, Zupee, Unacademy, Paytm, Swiggy, JioMart, MPL, Byju’s and Matrimony.com providing incremental user growth and engagement for their mobile apps. To deliver exceptional value to our clients and strengthen our roots in the country, we welcomed Meliisa Bohlsen and Guenole Le Gall in our leadership team. From launching apps on multiple mobile OEMs to fine-tuning user acquisition campaigns for maximum results, our client services team in India functions as an extension of our client’s internal growth teams, offering a holistic 360-degree service experience throughout their mobile business growth journey.

    With the launch of our proprietary technology, AVOW Intelligence, we aim to revolutionize mobile OEM advertising by giving a smart and holistic view of media inventory across premium mobile OEMs, in one platform. This empowers us to provide clients with a competitive advantage when running user acquisition campaigns on alternative app stores.

  • Communications for esports and online gaming in India

    Communications for esports and online gaming in India

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

    Building bridges with mainstream media

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

    Educating audiences on iGaming

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

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

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

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

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

  • College Rivals ropes in Acer and Sony to enhance the grand finale experience

    College Rivals ropes in Acer and Sony to enhance the grand finale experience

    Mumbai: College Rivals, Esports talent hunt, has partnered with gaming giants Acer as the co-powered sponsor and Sony as the official gaming headset partner for its highly anticipated grand finale, set to take place on  3 March at Nesco, Mumbai.

    College Rivals, the pioneering intellectual property (IP) of Ampverse, Asia’s largest gaming communities, and IPs, in collaboration with DMI Finance, has harnessed the vast talent pool within college campuses nationwide by offering students an innovative platform to display their gaming skills

    Being one of the world’s top ICT companies, Acer will elevate the stature of the LAN finale, contributing to its experiential appeal. Meanwhile the association of Sony, the multinational conglomerate brings an immersive gaming experience with their cutting-edge gaming headphones, Sony Inzone, elevating gameplay for all participants.

    Sharing his thoughts on onboarding prominent Esports names for the one-of-a-kind finale, Ashwin Haryani, Country Head of Ampverse, India said, “We are delighted to join forces with Acer and Sony, whose shared vision of transforming India’s Esports landscape through College Rivals resonates with ours. College Rivals, as an impactful IP of Ampverse, is committed to establishing a sustainable ecosystem for the nation’s burgeoning gamers. With the backing of these industry leaders, we will be able to deliver an unparalleled experience for not only our finalists but for all attendees.”

    TP-Link, the reliably smart global networking provider has joined the grand finale as the official Networking Partner. The brand’s expertise in providing top-notch networking solutions will ensure seamless connectivity and smooth gaming experience for all finalists.

    The event boasts an impressive lineup of partners, including, Nostra as the Associate Partner, Jio Games as the Media Partner, Radiocity 91.1 FM as the Radio Partner, and Crepdog Crew as the Streetwear Partner.

    This one-of-a-kind experiential event will feature 24 finalists selected from colleges nationwide, competing across five titles including BGMI, Road to Valor, Valorant, Tekken7, and FIFA 23 on three different platforms.

    Distinguished Esports personalities including Naman Mathur (Mortal), Payal Dhare (PayalGaming), Tanmay Singh (ScoutOP), and others will grace the event, engaging with attendees.

    In addition, prominent Esports organizations like Revenant Esports, Orangutan Esports, and Entity Gaming will be present at the finale, offering fans a chance to interact and learn from the best in the industry.

    Adding to the excitement, music artists Seedhe Maut, Muhfaad, and Char Diwari will deliver electrifying live performances.

    Attendees will also be able to enjoy arcade gaming zones, a cosplay competition, racing simulators, and various food and beverage options.

    Fans can avail their tickets for the grand finale on BookMyShow, the event’s official ticketing partner.

    For those who are unable to witness the action live, the grand finale will be streamed live on Youtube, Facebook Gaming, Twitch, Kick, Glance, JioGames, JioTV, Loco, and Rooter.

    The production of the College Rivals grand finale will be handled by Gently Altered.

  • “Smaaash has played a pivotal role in popularising VR entertainment in India” : Avanish Agarwal

    “Smaaash has played a pivotal role in popularising VR entertainment in India” : Avanish Agarwal

    Mumbai: SMAAASH, where sports, virtual reality, music, and dining converge to create an immersive social experience unlike any other. Established in 2012 by the visionary Shripal Morakhia, SMAAASH has become synonymous with cutting-edge gaming and entertainment in India.

    From state-of-the-art sports simulation technology to thrilling virtual reality experiences like Walk the Plank and Finger Coaster, SMAAASH captivates guests of all ages with its innovative attractions.

    With 32 centers spanning 16 cities, including its acclaimed launch at the Mall of America, SMAAASH is a powerhouse of entertainment both at home and abroad. Whether you’re a family, a group of friends, or a child at heart, SMAAASH invites you to indulge in a plethora of activities that promise excitement and fun for everyone.

    Indiantelevision caught up with  SMAAASH CMO Avanish Agarwal  to talk about the core concepts behind SMAAASH, its unique offerings, its contribution to the growth of virtual reality entertainment in India

    On SMAASH launching, is it a pure Indian thought process or an International concept

    Smaaash was launched in 2012, blending Indian creativity with international standards, making it a unique fusion of both. Our core concept revolves around combining sports, entertainment, and innovative technology to create memorable experiences. We are the pioneers in twilight bowling, there are other places at the time that offered just simple bowling and we took it to the next level.

    On the core concept behind SMAAASH, and On the differentiating itself from other entertainment centres

    Smaaash stands out by offering a mix of virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive technology, enhancing traditional gaming experiences. This differentiation provides customers with immersive and engaging entertainment options not found elsewhere. Also, all the VR games that we have are developed in-house from concept to execution.

    On SMAAASH utilising virtual reality technology to create immersive gaming experiences, specific examples of popular VR games offered

    We leverage virtual reality extensively to offer cutting-edge gaming experiences. Popular VR games like ‘Finger Coaster’ and ‘Vertigo’ exemplify how we immerse players in thrilling virtual environments, enhancing their gaming encounters.

    On SMAAASH contributed to the growth and popularity of virtual reality entertainment in India

    Smaaash has played a pivotal role in popularising virtual reality entertainment in India by introducing innovative VR attractions and consistently upgrading our offerings to match global standards

    On SMAAASH balance offering high-quality, cutting-edge entertainment with keeping prices reasonable for its customers

    We strive to strike a balance between offering high-quality entertainment and maintaining affordable prices for our customers, ensuring accessibility without compromising on the experience.

    On the significance of SMAAASH’s in-house research and production capabilities in the development of their games and experiences

    Our in-house research and production capabilities allow us to constantly innovate and develop unique games and experiences tailored to the preferences of our diverse customer base.

    On SMAAASH caters to different age groups and interests within its diverse range of offerings

    Smaaash caters to various age groups and interests through a wide range of offerings, including arcade games, sports simulations, VR experiences, and family-friendly attractions.

    On the standout features and attractions at SMAAASH, particularly those related to sports simulation technology

    Our sports simulation technology, including cricket, football, and racing simulators, provides an authentic and thrilling experience for sports enthusiasts, enhancing their visit to Smaaash.

    On the efforts that SMAAASH has made to ensure safety and comfort for visitors while using advanced gaming technologies like virtual reality

    We prioritize the safety and comfort of our visitors by implementing stringent safety protocols and guidelines, particularly concerning the usage of advanced gaming technologies like virtual reality

    On SMAAASH incorporating elements of music and dining into the overall experience and sets its approach apart from traditional entertainment venues

    Smaaash integrates elements of music and dining into the overall experience by offering themed restaurants, live music events, and interactive dining options, creating a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere

    On the future planning or expansions in the works for SMAAASH that visitors can look forward to

    We are continuously exploring opportunities for expansion and innovation, with plans to introduce new attractions, enhance existing offerings, and expand our presence to new locations both domestically and internationally.

    On feedback or testimonials that you have received from visitors that underscore the uniqueness and special qualities of SMAAASH

    We receive positive feedback and testimonials from visitors highlighting the unique and special qualities of Smaaash, particularly praising our immersive experiences, innovative attractions, and vibrant ambience. We are also a part of people’s celebrations and have celebrated more than 10,000 social events since the inception

  • Best games to learn about sports

    Best games to learn about sports

    Mumbai: Sports games have revolutionised both the gaming and sports industries, enabling enthusiasts to engage in their favourite sporting activities anytime, anywhere, without the need for elaborate sporting gear and equipment. Beyond immersive gameplay, these games serve as valuable tools for beginners, providing insights into the nuances of the respective sports they play.

    Below is the list of the top-rated games across different platforms that offer an unparalleled experience of stepping onto the field and learning the ropes of various sports.

    ●      EA Sports FC 24 (football):

    EA Sports FC 24 not only allows players to experience the excitement of football but also provides a platform to understand strategic gameplay. Users can learn about positioning, passing techniques, and effective strategies to outmanoeuvre opponents. The game’s realistic graphics and physics contribute to a genuine football learning experience.

    ●      Hitwicket Superstars Cricket (cricket):

    Hitwicket Superstars Cricket offers an immersive cricket experience, allowing users to become the owner, coach and player of a virtual cricket team. The game helps learn cricketing strategies, player roles, and the dynamics of the sport. Users can don the captain’s hat, make strategic decisions, and experience the thrill of cricketing action. The game’s engaging gameplay and strategic depth offer valuable insights into the world of cricket.

    ●      NBA 2K24 (basketball):

    NBA 2K24 provides a realistic basketball simulation where users can grasp the fundamentals of the game. From dribbling techniques to offensive and defensive strategies, players can learn the nuances of basketball. The game’s detailed animations and strategic AI contribute to a comprehensive learning experience.

    ●      Top Spin 4 (tennis):

    Top Spin 4 offers an authentic tennis experience, allowing users to learn about different strokes, court positioning, and strategic shot selection. Players can understand the importance of timing and precision in tennis, making it an effective tool for both beginners and tennis enthusiasts.

    ●      Madden NFL 24 (American football):

    Madden NFL 24 serves as an educational tool for American football enthusiasts. Users can learn about offensive and defensive plays, player roles, and strategic decision-making. The game’s realistic simulations and strategic depth offer an engaging way to understand the complexities of American football.

    ●      Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 (skateboarding):

    Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 provides a platform for users to learn skateboarding tricks, stances, and navigate through various skate parks. Players can understand the physics of skateboarding and practise different moves, making it an engaging game for those looking to learn the basics of the sport.

    ●      8 Ball Pool (billiards):

    8 Ball Pool is a virtual billiards game where users can learn about the rules, techniques, and strategies of playing pool. With realistic gameplay, players can practise different shots, understand spin control, and improve their overall skills in the game of pool. The multiplayer mode adds a competitive edge, making it an enjoyable learning experience for billiards enthusiasts.

    ●      OK Golf (golf):

    OK Golf provides a serene and realistic golfing experience where players can learn about swing techniques, club selection, and course strategy. With stunning visuals and intuitive gameplay, users can immerse themselves in the world of golf and understand the finer points of the sport.

    ●      Table Tennis Touch (table tennis):

    Table Tennis Touch offers a stunning virtual table tennis experience, allowing users to learn about spin, precision shots, and strategic gameplay. The game’s responsive controls and realistic ball physics provide an engaging way to understand the nuances of table tennis.

    ●      FIE Swordplay (fencing):

    FIE Swordplay provides a unique opportunity to learn about the sport of fencing. Players can understand the techniques of parrying, attacking, and footwork involved in fencing. With realistic swordplay simulations, the game provides an immersive learning experience for those interested in the art of fencing.

  • Sony PIX brings back PIX Arena Bingo Nights for its viewers

    Sony PIX brings back PIX Arena Bingo Nights for its viewers

    Mumbai: Sony PIX is bringing back its most awaited IP in the gaming category ‘PIX Arena Bingo Nights’. Adding a dash of PIX, to the popular Bingo, Sony PIX is the frontrunner in launching a unique live play-along gaming experience on-air in the English movie category. The channel is airing a special line-up of movies complementing the Bingo nights to amp up the excitement and adrenaline rush.

    Giving viewers a strong enough reason to stay amazed, PIX Arena Bingo Nights is back with its third season. The property engages with Hollywood movie fans giving them a chance to win exciting prizes! Keeping in line with the Bingo tradition, the channel has planned exciting giveaways for four corners, three lines, and the full house. The Bingo-special line-up includes interesting titles such as Morbius, Monster Hunter, and Unchartered. The ‘watch and win’ contest gives winners a chance to win exciting prizes such as smart watches, ear pods, and Bluetooth speakers.

    The games are planned on 23 December, 30 and 6 January respectively.

    Sony AATH business operations head and Sony Pictures Networks India head – marketing & insights, English cluster Rohan Jain, “At Sony PIX we believe in creating enriching experiences for our viewers through engaging innovations. We have seen three successful runs of PIX Arena Bingo Nights, and the testament to it is the phenomenal response received from the audience. We aim to make this an enjoyable experience for our viewers as they look forward to such engaging initiatives during festive season.”

    So, what are you waiting for? Log on to www.sonypixbingo.com and let your inner film fanatic go ‘Bingo’!

  • ZBD and Beamable unveil starter kit for secure Bitcoin integration in gaming

    ZBD and Beamable unveil starter kit for secure Bitcoin integration in gaming

    Mumbai: ZBD, a leading fintech company that offers instant Bitcoin rewards for gamers and developers, has announced the launch of the ZBD Beamable starter kit for small development teams and hypercasual developers. This announcement is the latest phase of its partnership with Beamable, a development platform for online games, to simplify the secure integration of Bitcoin transactions into gaming.  

    ZBD’s plug-and-play API is a cost-effective, global payment solution built on the Bitcoin Lightning Network that makes it easy for developers to incorporate real-time microtransactions, rewards, and payments into their games. With the ZBD Beamable starter kit, the integration of Beamable with ZBD’s API adds an additional layer of security by keeping sensitive information separate from the client-side of the game.

    ZBD co-founder and head of gaming R&D Christian Moss commented: “Developing a secure game requires removing some of the logic from the game to the game server. Many developers, however, such as hypercasual mobile game developers, may not have the resources to develop and maintain a game server. Beamable provides these developers with server-like capabilities without the need for a server or any extra skills in addition to their existing game development skills. By integrating the ZBD API into a Beamable microservice, we’ve enabled developers to start building Bitcoin reward games in a secure way.”

    Beamable CEO Jon Radoff commented: “Our aim has always been to lower the barrier to entry for developers and make it more cost-effective for them to add complex and secure server-side Bitcoin features. Working with ZBD not only makes the implementation of in-game transactions easier than ever, but also adds an all-important extra layer of security.”

    Announced in July 2023, the collaboration between the two companies heralded a significant step in the development of the next generation of Bitcoin-integrated gaming, removing the need for a server or systems operations team and enabling developers to integrate server-side features to games while ensuring superior security.

    The first Bitcoin-integrated mobile game to be built with the ZBD Beamable starter kit is due to be published in late November.

    The ZBD Beamable starter kit is available now on the Beamable marketplace:

    https://beamable.com/marketplace/zebedee-plug-and-play-api

  • Team Top-G wins DOTA 2 NESC 2023

    Team Top-G wins DOTA 2 NESC 2023

    Mumbai: Displaying exceptional teamwork and stellar gameplay, Team Top-G prevailed in the National Esports Championships (NESC) 2023, organized by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), and qualified for the regional qualifiers of the Global Esports Games (GEG) 2023. The team will now battle it out against Malaysia and Mongolia in the regionals to secure their berth in the global finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Under the leadership of Manav Kunte (mnz), the squad comprising Krish Gupta (Krish-), Khaja Hussain (Pinkman), Ketan Goyal (Evil-ash), Vishal Vernekar (Hbk) and substitute Darshan Bata (A35) toppled The Mob by 2-0 in the best-of-three finals. Team Top-G had also represented India in the Asian qualifiers of DOTA 2 for the 15th World Esports Championships earlier this year.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the victory, Top-G team captain Manav Kunte said, “Winning the NESC 2023 for the second time this year is a surreal feeling. Securing our spot in the regional qualifiers for GEG23 is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill set of every team member. We want to express our gratitude to ESFI for providing the platform for us to represent India on the global stage and we are determined to make our nation proud.”

    The first game of the finals witnessed both teams going neck-to-neck with Top-G edging out their opponents by 51-32 to take the lead. The second game however was thoroughly lopsided and Top-G comfortably overpowered The Mob by 24-6 to be crowned champions. The squad’s prominent players Vishal and Ketan were also part of the historic DOTA 2 team that clinched the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Esports Championships in 2022.

    “We congratulate Team Top-G on their brilliant performance in the NESC 2023. By successfully qualifying for the regional qualifiers of two of the biggest Esports tournaments in the world, they have established themselves as the best DOTA 2 team in the country. We are confident that their remarkable talent will help the country ace the regional qualifiers and make their mark in Riyadh,” commented Esports Federation of India director & Asian Esports Federation (AESF) VP  Lokesh Suji.

    The Global Esports Games 2023 (GEG23) is scheduled to take place from  11 to 16 December and will feature a total of four major titles: DOTA 2, Street Fighter, eFootball 2023, and PUBG Mobile with all participants being above the minimum age of 18, to ensure a fair and competitive environment. India will be participating in three of the four titles in the Open category – DOTA 2, eFootball 2023, and Street Fighter 6.

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

    Following the conclusion of the national qualifiers for DOTA 2, the qualifiers for eFootball 2023 and Street Fighter 6 will kick off on 9 September.

    The NESC’23 will be played in a double-elimination format. The exciting action from the Championships will be streamed live on ESFI’s official YouTube and Facebook pages.

  • Doritos launches newly designed packs in partnership with Call of Duty Mobile

    Doritos launches newly designed packs in partnership with Call of Duty Mobile

    Mumbai: Doritos has collaborated with Call of Duty: Mobile to bring a bold new initiative to consumers and gaming enthusiasts. As a part of this partnership, Doritos has launched newly designed promo packs.

    Doritos-loving gamers across India can unlock 100 Weapon XP (experience points) cards by using the 15-digit code printed inside every newly designed promotional pack of Doritos, which is valid till 31 January 2023.

    Talking about the collaboration, PepsiCo associate director of brand marketing Ankit Agarwal said, “We love bringing new and exciting offers for our consumers, and what’s more exciting than one of the world’s boldest brands meeting one of the world’s most popular game franchises? Gaming is something we really want to develop in India. It’s a means for us to deepen our connection with today’s generation through a highly engaging format that is not only booming in the country but has also been successfully leveraged by Doritos globally.”