Asia
BACARDÍ NH7 WEEKENDER IS BACK THIS FEBRUARY IN PUNE, DELHI AND KOLKATA WITH THE COUNTRY’S MOST UNIQUE INDIE ARTIST LINE-UP
Experience an all-star Indian line-up with Anuv Jain, Kayan, Kayoben, Raja Kumari, Ritviz, The Local Train, and Taba Chake along with top comics performing at the happiest festival.
BACARDÍ and NODWIN Gaming are bringing back the 12th edition of BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender, India’s Happiest Music Festival, to its fans across Pune, Delhi and Kolkata in February 2022. The festival has announced its much-awaited line-up of top Indian artists who will perform live across multiple stages set up at the festival grounds. This year, the multi-genre festival will include comedy, art and for the first time, esports and gaming.
The festival will kick-off in Pune with artists like Anuv Jain, Bombay Brass, Raja Kumari, The Yellow Diary, and Ritviz, to name a few, who will take the stage on February 5 & 6, 2022. The festival then travels to Kolkata – ‘The City of Joy’ on February 12 & 13, 2022, with another stellar lineup of artists that includes Peter Cat Recording Co., Karshini, Kamakshi Khanna, Taba Chake and Tejas. BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender wraps up in Delhi NCR giving fans a chance to enjoy electrifying performances by Ankur Tiwari, Kayan, Kamakshi Khanna, Arjun Vagale & Hanita Bhambri amongst others. The audience in Pune, Delhi and Kolkata will be privy to some never seen before performances by artists created specially for the BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender.
For over a decade now, India’s Happiest Music Festival along with BACARDÍ have brought together some of the best and most diverse performances by regional and global artists. This year, the festival will have a predominantly Indian line-up because of the current global travel situation, and homegrown indie artists will feature at the forefront of the festival. Upcoming as well as established artists from different parts of the country will bring their unique sounds and culture to this mega platform.
Right from ferris wheels & photo opportunities to the food & drinks available at the venues, BACARDÍ NH7 Weekender has something for everyone! Grab your tickets for the festival now. Tickets go live in all three cities today (December 21,2021) on Insider.in. Get a sneak peek into the festival here: @nh7dotin (Instagram).
The festival will prioritize all necessary safety and hygiene protocols and checks. Social distancing, entry for only fully vaccinated fans, mandatory use of masks and sanitizers, thermal scanning check points, temperature checks, etc., will ensure a safe and secure atmosphere where fans can enjoy the festival.
The event is subject to permissions being procured which will only be known closer to the event date based on the regulations at the time. However, NODWIN Gaming will refund all ticket money in case of any cancellations due to regulations on account of the pandemic.
Here is a quick glimpse into what’s in store this year:
Indian performers:
Ankur Tewari: A man of many talents – best known as a singer – songwriter, he is also a composer, music supervisor & a poet. He has made music as an independent artist since 1998. His debut album, Jannat, was released in 2008 and ruled the charts. His work ranges from a double album Side A/ Side B, a children’s album with Sony Music and many other singles.
Bombay Brass: India’s top-horn players perform their reinvention of classic Indian and western hits. Their music is styled around wind instruments as the lead element that unites nostalgia with a vibrant and energetic performance.
The Yellow Diary: The Mumbai-based alternative rock outfit has made a name for itself in the Indie music scene in less than half a decade. The band has released six songs in two EPs in addition to performing hundreds of live shows across the country.
The Local Train – They are a Hindi Rock Band from New Delhi that makes use of Hindi and Urdu lyrics delivering an amalgamation of ideas that they wish to express through their music.
Ritviz : He is an Indian singer songwriter, electronic musician and record producer from Pune known for his song ‘Udd Gaye’. The hit featured on A.I.B.’s official YouTube channel after becoming the winner of the 2017 BACARDÍ House Party Sessions — a talent hunt competition organized by A.I.B.
Lojal: Shillong bred and Bengaluru-based musician Lojal’s creations are an ever-growing world of emotions and music created in and around the spaces of the artist himself.
Parikrama:One of India’s iconic rock ‘n’ roll bands, Parikrama, still active after 30 years is known for their highly energised and infectious performances. Probably one of the few Indian bands who are also known for their artworks and pyro works. The band will be performing a special set that will be a tribute to the late member of the band – Sonam Sherpa.
Parvaaz: The four membered band comprising Khalid Ahamed (Vocals & Guitar), Mir Kashif Iqbal (Guitars & Vocals), Sachin Banandur (Drums & Percussion) and Fidel Dsouza (Bass Guitar) have assimilated several international progressive/psychedelic rock influences but their own expression has a rootedness that makes their sound unique. Parvaaz’s sound has often been described as one that transcends musical genres taking the listener into spaces that traverse folk, blues and psychedelia, wrapped in an ambient sound that is familiar yet elusive
Raja Kumari: Indian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer Raja Kumari is a force of nature. She’s a fearless, charismatic personality and natural-born storyteller whose mission is to create art that blends her Indian roots with her American upbringing.
Taba Chake: A Nyishi finger-style guitarist and singer-songwriter based in Mumbai. His debut EP titled ‘Bond with Nature’ was released in 2016 followed by a 10-track album ‘Bombay Dreams’ in 2019.
Sunflower Tape Machine: Is the pseudonym and experimental solo project of full-time indie/psychedelic rock, bedroom pop, and shoe-gaze musician, Aryaman Singh.
Drum Ani Bass: The brainchild of bass player Nathan Thomas and drummer Dhir Mody, Drum Ani Bass evolved out of improvised jungle/drum n bass jams at 1403.
Kamakshi Khanna: She is a Delhi-based singer/songwriter who gained recognition with the release of her EP, Much Mellow (2014), and her full-length album, Cakewalk (2017). Having established herself in the Indie music scene with numerous live performances across the country and collaborations, in 2020 Kamakshi released her first Hindi single, Qareeb, a song about a girl who grows and learns to love herself.
International performers:
Yung Raja: Singaporean breakthrough artiste Yung Raja has been dubbed as Southeast Asia’s next avant-garde bilingual hip hop artiste, known for his tasteful unification of Western and Tamil culture in his lyrics.f
Powered by WPeMatico
Asia
Former Thai Police Chief Torsak Faces Investigation for Bribery
Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has initiated an investigation into former Royal Thai Police commissioner-general Pol General Torsak Sukvimol and seven others for alleged bribery linked to illegal gambling operations.
According to Thai media, this decision follows accusations that Torsak demanded money and assets from 18 gambling websites and other illicit businesses during his tenure as national police chief from October 2023 to September 2024.
NACC secretary-general Sarote Phuengramphan stated that sufficient evidence, including witness testimonies, has been gathered to justify the investigation, with the commission overseeing the inquiry.
In addition, the NACC is examining separate allegations against former deputy national police chief Pol General Surachate Hakparn, who is accused of accepting bribes from gambling sites and involvement in money laundering. Sarote indicated that more information is needed before proceeding with this case.
Torsak had been suspended in March due to conflicts with Surachate but returned to duty in June until his replacement by Pol General Kitrat Phanphet on October 1. Surachate, known as “Big Joke,” was removed from his position by royal command.
The post Former Thai Police Chief Torsak Faces Investigation for Bribery appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
DigiPlus Celebrates Double Victory at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
DigiPlus Interactive, the brand behind popular gaming platforms BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, announced its double recognition at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2024. DigiPlus was honoured with the Corporate Excellence Award and the Fast Enterprise Award, reinforcing its role as a leader in digital entertainment.
The awards ceremony, held on December 11 at Hilton Manila, celebrated businesses and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership and innovation. The Corporate Excellence Award recognises DigiPlus’ commitment to sustainable growth, innovative leadership and exemplary business practices. The Fast Enterprise Award acknowledges the company’s rapid growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving and competitive market.
“DigiPlus was born from a vision to redefine digital entertainment in the Philippines. This recognition is a celebration of the incredible passion, ingenuity, and dedication of our team. It is also a tribute to our stakeholders, whose trust empowers us, and the communities we serve, who inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and elevating entertainment experiences for all,” said Celeste Jovenir, VP of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications and Sustainability.
The post DigiPlus Celebrates Double Victory at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Government support, medals, and global recognition define a landmark year for Indian esports and video gaming in 2024
The Indian video gaming and esports industry witnessed exponential growth in 2024, breaking into the mainstream. According to the recently published ‘India Gaming Report,’ the Indian pure-play gaming industry is valued at INR 6,715 crore and is on track to grow at a CAGR of 24%, reaching INR 10,487 crore by 2026. With a staggering 13.85 crore gamers and an annual growth rate of 11.82% projected until 2026, the sector shows no signs of slowing down.
This year was marked by several historic milestones. India showcased its esports prowess on the global stage by securing a silver medal in Tekken 8 at the BRICS Esports Championship and a bronze medal in eFootball at the Asian Esports Games 2024. Adding to the excitement, the International Olympic Committee’s announcement of the Olympic Esports Games 2025 has opened new doors for India to achieve further international acclaim in esports.
Government and state support for the industry also saw remarkable growth. The Union Cabinet announced the establishment of the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR in Mumbai, while the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is backing the inaugural WAVES Esports Championships 2025. States like Bihar introduced esports tournaments in schools, and Meghalaya became the first Indian state to sponsor an esports team. Nagaland also joined the momentum by hosting its first esports tournament, reflecting the growing grassroots movement across the country.
In addition to government initiatives, one of the industry leaders driving this transformation was NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports whose initiatives elevated Indian gaming to new heights. The company’s flagship esports IP, the BGMI Masters Series, not only brought esports to national television for the third consecutive year but also facilitated the entry of high-profile brands like Garnier Men and Android into the Indian esports ecosystem.
NODWIN Gaming also created one of the nation’s biggest youth entertainment events of the year by hosting DreamHack India alongside Hyderabad Comic Con. Internationally, the company acquired leading European esports company Freaks 4U Gaming and Turkey-based esports firm Ninja Global, while also partnering with the Global Esports Federation. Domestically, NODWIN Gaming expanded its footprint by acquiring Trinity Gaming and Comic Con India and collaborating with JSW Sports, reinforcing its position at the heart of youth entertainment.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming believes that in 2024, games became an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist, with creators and influencers amplifying their appeal among youth. The year witnessed significant strides in institutional support, with government recognition playing a pivotal role in legitimising esports as a sport.
“This rapid growth of gaming and esports has allowed NODWIN Gaming to evolve into a holistic youth-focused entertainment company. By focusing on curating entertainment platforms that go beyond esports, we have managed to build a comprehensive ecosystem that includes content production, event management, and community engagement, enabling us to connect with youth across multiple touchpoints. We believe that our philosophy of timeshare of mindshare has driven our strategy to reach audiences where they live, play, and engage, ensuring sustained growth and relevance,” he explains.
A significant highlight this year was the acknowledgment of the gaming industry by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For the first time ever, the PM met with leading Indian gamers like Animesh Agarwal (8Bit Thug), Naman Mathur (Mortal), and Payal Dhare (PayalGaming) to discuss the sector’s various aspects and its potential.
Creating even more history, S8UL Esports, India’s leading esports and gaming content organization, co-founded by Mortal and Animesh, completed a hat-trick of awards at the global Esports Awards, with Mortal also winning ‘Esports Content Creator of the Year.’ S8UL secured back-to-back victories at MOBIES 2024, with PayalGaming becoming the first Indian female to win ‘Streamer of the Year,’ further elevating India’s global esports reputation.
“2024 was a landmark year for S8UL, filled with milestones that cemented our position as leaders in global esports. In the past year, esports has solidified its position as a mainstream cultural phenomenon. The distinction between competitive esports and gaming became clearer, helping audiences and stakeholders better understand the ecosystem. At the same time, esports, traditional sports, and influencer-driven content began working more cohesively, creating synergies that enhanced fan experiences and industry growth. Brands now view esports not just as a sponsorship opportunity but as a platform for deep, authentic engagement with Gen Z and Millennials. This evolution underscores the industry’s maturity, making esports a dynamic and indispensable part of modern culture,” states Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder, S8UL Esports.
While India has long been a mobile-first gaming market, 2024 saw developments aimed at diversifying the landscape, with CyberPowerPC, a global leader in custom gaming computers, making its debut in the Indian market. Along with its groundbreaking configurator tool, the company introduced the EZPC module, allowing gamers to build PCs tailored to their favorite titles.
CyberPowerPC recently demonstrated its commitment to expanding the PC gaming community by awarding two premium gaming PCs, each valued at over INR 1 lakh, to two gamers at one of India’s largest gaming festivals in Mumbai. The initiative aimed to showcase the potential of custom gaming PCs while fulfilling the dreams of these gamers for an unparalleled gaming experience.
Vishal Parekh, Chief Operating Officer, CyberPowerPC India, notes “2024 has been a year of unprecedented growth for the Indian gaming and esports ecosystem. Gaming has evolved into a mainstream cultural phenomenon, fueled by India’s expanding digital economy and government initiatives like ‘Digital India,’ which have provided fertile ground for the industry’s growth. The focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has unlocked new demographics, driving demand for high-performance gaming rigs. At CyberPowerPC India, we have strengthened our engagement with the gaming community through partnerships with esports organizations, and our focus remains on delivering systems that combine high performance with affordability.”
Another notable development in the Indian gaming sector was 88 Pictures, the Indian animation and VFX studio behind Emmy-winning shows launching its game development division called 88 Games. With three premium titles in development, the studio aims to showcase India’s rich folklore and history to a global audience. This aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day call for Indian developers to make their mark internationally, positioning 88 Games as a leader in India’s growing presence in the global gaming landscape.
“In 2024, we witnessed a surge of homegrown studios and games, including our own, highlighting the immense potential for the industry’s growth. The rapid growth of gaming and esports has transformed them into viable career paths. Awareness has increased, not just about being a gamer or creator but also about the wide array of roles in the industry. While the industry is currently mobile-centric, there’s a massive opportunity in PC and console gaming. At 88 Games, we aim to fill this gap by focusing on premium titles for these platforms, contributing to a more balanced and diverse gaming ecosystem,” says Milind D. Shinde, Founder & CEO of 88 Games.
As the year closes, it is evident that Indian esports and gaming have not only grown but transformed into a cultural and economic powerhouse. Given the rapid pace of growth, the industry is all set to shape the future of entertainment both at home and on the global stage.
The post Government support, medals, and global recognition define a landmark year for Indian esports and video gaming in 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Australia5 days ago
AUSTRAC Takes Ladbrokes and Neds’ Operator – Entain – to Federal Court Over Serious Non-compliance with Australia’s Money Laundering Laws
-
Africa6 days ago
Altenar obtains National Manufacturer licence in South Africa
-
Australia6 days ago
Christine Howlett Appointed as New Commissioner of NSW Independent Casino Commission
-
Balkans6 days ago
Evoplay joins forces with Slotino to expand Bulgarian reach
-
Latest News5 days ago
Join the Danish Problem Gambling Committee’s Online Conference: A Critical Conversation on Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
SYNOT Games Officially Certifies Over 140 Games in Brazil
-
eSports6 days ago
ComeOn Group and Astralis unite to drive esports engagement in the Nordics
-
FreezeNova3 days ago
10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)