Esports | Business Upturn

Nazara Technologies announces investments worth Rs 196 crores to strengthen gaming and entertainment portfolio

Matrika Shukla — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 12:23:45 +0000

Nazara Technologies Limited, India’s only listed diversified gaming and sports media company, has announced a series of five strategic investments totaling INR 196 Crores aimed at strengthening its position in the gaming and entertainment ecosystems.

The company has expanded into physical entertainment with a significant acquisition of a 60% stake in Funky Monkeys Play Centers Pvt. Ltd., an indoor soft play center operator for children. This investment, worth INR 43.7 Crores, will allow Nazara to tap into the growing market for family-oriented recreational centers. Funky Monkeys currently operates 11 centers across India, offering interactive play experiences for children. Co-founders Binita Putcha and Sanjay Ghadiali expressed their excitement about the partnership, emphasizing the synergy between Nazara’s digital products and Funky Monkeys’ physical offerings.

Additionally, Nazara has invested INR 4.2 Crores for a 4.7% stake in Learntube.ai, an AI-powered platform that is revolutionizing education through gamified and interactive learning. With over 20 lakh learners, Learntube is one of the world’s largest personalized learning platforms, providing affordable, interactive educational experiences for professional skilling.

Nazara has also increased its stake in several of its existing subsidiaries. The company will invest INR 64 Crores in Nodwin Gaming, a leading esports platform, to further enhance its intellectual properties and expand in emerging markets. Furthermore, Nazara will invest INR 69 Crores in Absolute Sports (Sportskeeda), purchasing shares from management to make it a wholly-owned subsidiary. An additional INR 15 Crores will be invested in Datawrkz, a digital ad tech company, to support its ongoing growth.

Speaking on the investments, Nitish Mittersain, Managing Director of Nazara, stated, “Nazara is committed to building the largest diversified gaming and entertainment platform out of India. These investments are a strategic move to propel profitable growth in gaming, esports, and entertainment.”

EA announces F1 24: Release date, platforms, and driver lineup revealed

Eesha Chakraborty — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:04:32 +0000

Electronic Arts has officially announced the release date and details for their upcoming racing simulation game, F1 24. This highly anticipated title promises to build upon the success of its predecessor, F1 23, by introducing a host of new features and improvements designed to further immerse players in the thrilling world of Formula One racing.

Scheduled for release on May 31, 2024, F1 24 boasts a comprehensive offering, catering to players across various platforms. The game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through the Epic Games Store, EA App, and Steam. To cater to a wider audience, particularly those still utilizing previous generation consoles, EA has ensured F1 24’s accessibility on both current and last-gen platforms.

F1 24 comes in two distinct editions: the Standard Edition and the Champions Edition. The Standard Edition retails for $69.99 on consoles and $69.99 on PC (with a slight regional price difference in the UK). The Champions Edition comes at a premium of $89.99 on consoles and $89.99 on PC (again, with a slight regional price difference in the UK). The Champions Edition offers additional in-game benefits, including early access to Time Trial challenges featuring new 2024 cars, providing players with a chance to test their skills against the clock before the official release date.

One of the most anticipated aspects of any F1 game is the inclusion of the latest drivers and circuits. F1 24 delivers in this regard, featuring all the official drivers from the 2024 season, including those from the newly christened “Kick Sauber” team, which replaces the previous Alpha Romeo team. Additionally, the game boasts all 24 official circuits of the 2024 F1 season, including the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix and the returning Chinese Grand Prix. This comprehensive roster of drivers and tracks promises to offer players an authentic and immersive F1 racing experience.

While details regarding the specific in-game improvements and “more realism” promised by EA are yet to be revealed, the upcoming full reveal of the game in April is sure to generate excitement among fans.

The Finals update 1.10.0 introduces new events and gameplay improvements

Eesha Chakraborty — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 15:04:32 +0000

Embark Studios’ popular first-person shooter, The Finals, recently received a significant update, version 1.10.0. This update ushers in a new era for the game, introducing fresh content, addressing player-reported issues, and offering a glimpse into the future.

One of the most exciting additions in this update is the “Smoking Guns” event. This event takes the form of a Single Round Tournament, offering players a unique and potentially fast-paced competitive experience. Additionally, the update introduces the game’s first Collaborative Community Event, tasking players with working together to achieve a specific collective goal: cashing out a staggering $250,000,000,000 in one week. Reaching this ambitious target will unlock special rewards for the entire player base, fostering a sense of community and shared accomplishment.

Beyond the new events, the update brings a plethora of gameplay improvements. Players will encounter several bug fixes, including issues with the “play again” button, emote cancellation, and the tournament screen. The update also addresses user interface (UI) inconsistencies, such as a disappearing mouse cursor and the squad member indicator displaying only a blue dot. Furthermore, players can now equip items directly from the store and equipment page, streamlining their loadout management.

The update doesn’t stop at bug fixes and UI improvements. It also implements various map and animation enhancements. The update refines the collision detection of the ground mesh on the Monaco map, ensuring smoother player movement and interaction with the environment. In terms of animation, the update tackles instances of character deformation appearing visually incorrect, particularly in squad lineups. These improvements contribute to a more polished and visually appealing gameplay experience.

The Finals update 1.1.0 also prioritizes security and performance. The development team implemented general security updates to safeguard the game’s integrity and player data. Additionally, the update addresses specific console-related crashes, particularly impacting Xbox Series S models. Furthermore, the update offers overall performance optimizations, including system memory usage improvements.

While the update brings a wave of positive changes, it also acknowledges some lingering issues. The anti-virus program “CrowdStrike” might still prevent some players from launching the game. The developers are aware of this issue and are working on a solution. Additionally, the “Glint Tint” weapon skin currently appears darker than intended, and the Smoking Guns event splash screen displays an incorrect end date. Finally, the Las Vegas map’s sandstorm version has been temporarily disabled due to reported spawning problems.

In conclusion, The Finals update 1.1.0 marks a significant step forward for the game. It introduces new events, addresses player concerns, and lays the groundwork for future improvements. While some known issues remain, the update demonstrates the development team’s commitment to providing a continually evolving and enjoyable gaming experience.

Overwatch 2 season 9 levels up competitive play: New currency, rewards, and gameplay enhancements

Eesha Chakraborty — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 03:35:15 +0000

Overwatch 2’s ninth season has arrived, ushering in a wave of changes to the competitive landscape. While some aspects of the previous format remain, significant adjustments have been made to currency, rewards, ranking systems, and even fundamental gameplay mechanics. Understanding these modifications is crucial for players venturing into the competitive fray this season.

One of the most noticeable alterations is the introduction of a new currency system. Competitive points earned in prior seasons have been converted into “Legacy Competitive Points,” still usable for purchasing the coveted Golden Weapon skins. However, acquiring new Competitive Points, the currency for acquiring the season’s exclusive Jade Weapon skins, presents a different challenge. These points are currently unavailable to earn directly, with their acquisition limited to a one-year window before they too transition into Legacy points. This temporary system creates a sense of urgency for players eager to unlock the season’s unique cosmetic rewards.

Beyond currency, the ranking system itself has undergone significant revisions. Updates to your rank are now displayed after every match, providing real-time feedback on your performance and progress. Additionally, a fresh start has been implemented, resetting all players’ ranks and introducing a new “Champion” tier for the highest performers. These modifications aim to foster a more transparent and dynamic ranking experience, allowing players to track their progress more closely and strive for the pinnacle of competitive achievement.

The most impactful changes, however, lie within the core gameplay itself. Blizzard has implemented adjustments designed to enhance shooting feel and consistency. Projectile and hitscan hitboxes have been expanded, offering a more forgiving margin for error while simultaneously affecting enemy hitboxes. This change aims to create a more balanced and rewarding shooting experience for all players.

Furthermore, the role of healing has undergone a significant shift. All heroes now possess a passive health regeneration ability, activated after a short period of avoiding damage. This change reduces the reliance on dedicated healers and encourages a more self-sufficient approach to gameplay. Additionally, damage heroes now possess a passive ability that reduces the healing received by enemies they damage. This introduces a new layer of strategic depth, allowing players to counter healing-heavy compositions and create offensive opportunities.

While some aspects of the familiar format remain, the introduction of new currencies, a revamped ranking system, and fundamental gameplay changes create a fresh and dynamic environment for players to test their skills.

Riot’s fighting game, “Project L” officially named 2XKO, will be releasing in 2025

Eesha Chakraborty — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 17:24:08 +0000

The highly anticipated fighting game from Riot Games, formerly known as Project L, has finally received its official moniker: 2XKO. This announcement coincides with exciting news for gamers eager to experience the unique tag-based combat firsthand, as Riot reveals plans for playable demos and potential at-home playtesting throughout 2024.

The prospect of iconic League of Legends champions battling it out in a new format, coupled with the innovative 2v2 tag-based gameplay, has sparked anticipation for a title that could potentially shake up the competitive scene. While developers have previously shared intriguing gameplay footage and development insights, the official name remained a mystery, leaving players eagerly awaiting further information.

Now, with the name revealed and a roadmap for 2024 unveiled, Riot has further fueled the excitement surrounding 2XKO. The game itself promises a distinct experience within the tag-based fighting genre. Its core mechanic revolves around 2v2 team-based combat, emphasizing communication and cooperation between players. This unique approach has garnered significant interest, with fans eager to see the dynamic esports scene that might emerge from such a collaborative gameplay style. Additionally, 2XKO offers flexibility, allowing players to compete solo, in pairs, or in any combination thereof, catering to diverse preferences.

While the official launch is slated for 2025 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC, Riot is offering eager players a chance to experience the game firsthand much sooner. Playable demos will be available at Evo Japan in April, providing a glimpse into the mechanics and competitive potential of 2XKO.

Calling all gamers: Dubai international gaming exposition and festival 2024 awaits!

Eesha Chakraborty — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:40:11 +0000

Dubai is about to level up its game with the highly anticipated Dubai Esports and Games Festival (DEF 2024), scheduled for April 19th to May 5th. This year’s edition promises to offer an unmatched celebration of all things gaming, catering to both seasoned professionals and casual enthusiasts alike.

Building upon the resounding success of its 2023 predecessor, DEF 2024 aims to solidify Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for the gaming industry. The festival is sponsored by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflecting the Emirate’s commitment to fostering the growth and development of this dynamic sector.

Gamers of all stripes can expect to be enthralled by a smorgasbord of exciting activities. Visitors can expect an expansive showcase of over 50 games, including 11 highly anticipated unreleased titles. Cutting-edge technology features will further enhance the immersive experience, while the festival’s programming has been meticulously curated to captivate gamers of all stripes and skill levels.

The GameExpo, scheduled for May 3rd to 5th, takes centre stage as the public event at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Here, attendees can delve into the latest gaming releases, meet and interact with industry luminaries, and unleash their competitive spirit in various tournaments. The Expo caters to all gaming preferences, offering dedicated zones for new releases, retro classics, exhilarating shopping experiences, and even a family-friendly area for shared enjoyment.

For those seeking the thrill of elite competition, Play Beyond promises an unforgettable spectacle. Witness the world’s top esports stars clash in a heart-pounding showdown, showcasing their mastery and pushing the boundaries of their skills. Industry professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs can delve deeper into the business side of gaming at the GameExpo Summit, powered by Pocket Gamer Connects. This two-day event (May 1st-2nd) provides a platform for networking, learning about the latest trends, and staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

DEF 2024 recognizes the importance of education and its role in shaping the future of the industry. Dedicated educational programs cater to students, offering them opportunities to hone their gaming skills, gain valuable industry knowledge through insightful talks from experts, and participate in exciting school tournaments and challenges. Special “School Days” at the GameExpo further enhance the experience, providing an immersive environment for students to learn and grow within the gaming community.

Beyond its entertainment value, DEF 2024 aligns with Dubai’s broader economic strategy, aiming to elevate the city’s gaming sector as a key contributor to its overall growth. With its expansive offerings and global ambitions, the festival solidifies Dubai’s position as a must-visit destination for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.

OpTic Gaming sues Activision over alleged monopoly and forced partnership

Eesha Chakraborty — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 13:53:32 +0000

Two prominent figures in the esports world, Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez and Seth “Scump” Abner, have ignited a legal firestorm by filing a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, the powerhouse behind the popular Call of Duty franchise. The lawsuit, filed in February 2024, accuses Activision of creating a monopoly in competitive Call of Duty, stifling competition, and engaging in unfair business practices that have harmed both OpTic Gaming, the esports organization they represent, and individual players.

At the heart of the lawsuit lies the claim that Activision, through its acquisition of Major League Gaming (MLG) and the subsequent creation of the Call of Duty League (CDL), has established an ironclad grip on the competitive Call of Duty scene. The lawsuit alleges that Activision’s refusal to grant licenses to other tournament organizers effectively eliminated alternative pathways for players and teams, forcing them into the CDL with its hefty $27.5 million entry fee and a 50% revenue share requirement. This, according to the plaintiffs, creates an unfair advantage for Activision, allowing it to dictate terms and extract exorbitant fees, while simultaneously restricting competition and stifling innovation.

H3CZ, the founder and CEO of OpTic Gaming, further claims that Activision’s monopolistic practices extend beyond financial constraints. The lawsuit alleges that Activision pressured him to relinquish control of OpTic Gaming, forcing him to partner with billionaire investors and cede a significant portion of his ownership stake to participate in the CDL. This, according to H3CZ, constitutes a form of coercion and financial exploitation, leveraging his passion for the game and his desire to remain competitive against his will.

Scump, a retired professional Call of Duty player and current content creator for OpTic Gaming, joins the lawsuit with accusations of his own. He claims that Activision’s monopoly extends beyond active players, restricting the revenue opportunities of retired players like himself. The lawsuit alleges that Activision’s control over the Call of Duty ecosystem limits the ability of retired players to capitalize on their skills and brand recognition through sponsorships, merchandise, and other avenues.

Activision, unsurprisingly, paints a different picture. The company vehemently denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit “meritless” and accusing H3CZ and Scump of attempting extortion. They claim that the lawsuit is an attempt to distract from the success of the Call of Duty League and the positive impact it has had on the competitive scene.

However, the accusations raised by H3CZ and Scump have ignited a broader conversation about the potential anti-competitive practices within the esports industry, particularly concerning the dominance of large publishers like Activision.

As the case unfolds, the legal battle between OpTic Gaming and Activision is likely to have significant implications for the future of competitive Call of Duty and the esports landscape as a whole.

MPL is the new startup unicorn of India as it raises $2.3 billion valuations in Series E financing

Sneha Sengupta — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 07:59:31 +0000

Moneycontrol reported that the gaming app, Mobile Premier League (MPL) has emerged as India’s startup unicorn by generating a whopping $2.3 billion valuation price in the Series E financing category.

Legatum Capital in collaboration with the existing investors comprising Sequoia, SIG, RTP Global, Go-Ventures, Moore Strategic Ventures, Play Ventures, Base Partners, Telstra Ventures, and Founders Circle Capital governed this investment wherein the total size wasn’t revealed to the public.

Sai Shrinivas, Co-founder and CEO at MPL said: “This investment is a recognition of the potential of the Indian gaming and esports industry and an endorsement of the capability of MPL to expand globally. MPL’s proven success in India and Indonesia encouraged us to launch in the US, one of the world’s largest gaming markets. Our US operations are off to a promising start and we’re thus fulfilling our resolve to make our platform the esports and gaming hub of the world.”

Established in 2018 by Sai Srinivas and Shubh Malhotra in Bangalore, the startup was valued at $945 million after being financed by Composite Capital and Moore Strategic Ventures. MPL claimed that it consists of more than 70 games across different genres. It permits its users to play tournaments for free or by paying a small amount for wider exposure.

The gaming platform in April, acquired GamingMonk, to augment its profile by introducing ‘Esports Arena’ that organises Esports tournaments on a fortnight basis wherein it involves some basic games like Chess, WCC, and Pool etc.