Asia
NEAR Protocol Completes Gaming Ecosystem by Onboarding Vortex Gaming
NEAR Foundation announced that the onboarding of Vortex Gaming, a Web3 subsidiary of a leading game industry INVEN, into the NEAR ecosystem has been confirmed through a strategic partnership. INVEN is the largest game media community in Korea, with a monthly active user (MAU) count reaching 7.2 million
In addition to onboarding content on NEAR Protocol, NEAR Foundation and INVEN plan to collaborate in supporting the growth of Vortex Gaming and strengthening the NEAR game ecosystem. Moreover, establishing an active collaboration system to enhance brand awareness and business network such as conducting offline hackathons and events to foster developer talent.
INVEN is the largest game media community in Korea. For over 20 years it has served as a leading company in the game industry, driving development as the top online game media platform. Based on content generated in-house, INVEN innovatively continues to expand to industries such as entertainment and Web3.
Vortex Gaming is a content-based game community that builds services optimized for Web3 games and provides a global social media platform and features such as Gaming Guild. Vortex Gaming aims to break stereotypes of current Web3 games by offering specialised content such as thorough analysis of in-game economy and the completeness of the game. By leveraging its successful experience in building Web2 communities, Vortex Gaming plans to establish a robust user base by incorporating both high quality content and INVEN’s existing wide pool of users.
NEAR Protocol is a global Layer 1 blockchain that focuses on usability and scalability. NEAR is also the Blockchain Operating System (BOS), an OS that allows Web2 companies and developers to effortlessly build decentralised apps and experiences for the open web. With BOS features like FastAuth, Web2 companies and developers can experience and onboarding process similar to login via email. These features facilitate the entry barrier present in the current Web3 game industry, and will play a pivotal role alongside Vortex Gaming in popularising the NEAR ecosystem for gaming.
Vortex Gaming CEO HOON JAI LEE said: “The ultimate goal is to build an integrated gamer community that encompasses both Web3 and traditional Web2 gamers by providing high quality Web3 and Web2 content alike.”
LEE added: “Gamers and their communities are the most crucial components of the game ecosystem. In addition to offering game content for gamers and their communities, Vortex Gaming envisions to establish a sustainable cycle by incentivizing gamers’ production of content such as character builds and game guides.”
Marieke Flament, CEO of NEAR Foundation, said: “Following the leading companies in the gaming industry such as Kakao Games, Wemade, Netmarble’s Marblex, we expect our sustainable game ecosystem to be further enhanced through this partnership with INVEN and look forward to making further inroads in this dynamic space.”
Scott Lee, Co-CEO of NEAR Korea, said: “While the strong content competitiveness of leading companies plays a crucial role in attracting many users to the NEAR ecosystem, community is the key driving force in maintaining this competitiveness.”
He added: “The synergy effects resulting from the onboarding of Vortex Gaming will further strengthen NEAR’s position as the optimal mainnet in the Web3 game ecosystem, accelerating ecosystem development.”
2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards
QTech Games wins Innovation of the Year at the 2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards
QTech Games, the leading game aggregator for emerging markets, has been named Innovation of the Year 2026 at the prestigious SPiCE South Asia Awards, held at the iconic Shangri-La Colombo in Sri Lanka, overcoming strong regional competition.
The award celebrates the South Asian iGaming innovator that has demonstrated groundbreaking technological innovation, delivering tailored solutions over the past 12 months while excelling in user engagement and sustained growth.
QTech’s recognition follows the successful launch of QTech Hybrid, a platform that enables players to seamlessly transition between retail and digital gaming environments. The solution combines QTech Games’ AI-powered casino lobby, QTech Play, with a retail management system and a state-of-the-art Agent Management System (AMS), allowing operators to scale brick-and-mortar operations online. QTech Hybrid represents a next-generation omnichannel solution, bridging the gap between physical and digital casino experiences.
“We’re thrilled to be recognised for Innovation of the Year in South Asia,” said Philip Doftvik, CEO of QTech Games.
“This award reflects the collective effort of our team and our network of innovative suppliers. From QTech Hybrid to QTechLabs and our Value Added Services, we continue to deliver solutions that drive revenue and engagement for our partners worldwide.
“Being acknowledged for our innovation, market impact, and operational results validates our strategic direction. It underscores QTech’s commitment to setting the gold standard in emerging markets and shaping the future of online casino gaming across Asia and beyond.”
With this accolade, QTech Games reinforces its position as a pioneer in emerging market aggregation, demonstrating that innovative technology and omnichannel solutions are key to scaling operations and enhancing player experiences across the globe.
The post QTech Games wins Innovation of the Year at the 2026 SPiCE South Asia Awards appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been named an Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). GLI is the first gaming testing company to achieve the accreditation and is now authorised to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines.
GLI will bring its global and unsurpassed expertise to the Philippines, helping to ensure PAGCOR meets its policy and regulatory objectives as set out in its rules. GLI’s presence and its GLI-19 Standard will also help suppliers who wish to successfully and compliantly enter the marketplace.
Submissions will be tested against “GLI Standard Series GLI-19: Standards for Interactive Gaming Systems,” which has been widely accepted and adopted by jurisdictions around the world.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said: “Regulated gaming markets ensure a safer and more sustainable gaming industry for all to participate in. A regulated market enables compliance to responsible gaming standards and the provision of tax revenue for reinvestment back into the community. PAGCOR now requires all iGaming B2B suppliers operating in the Philippines to be accredited to ensure they comply to the rigorous requirements needed to protect iGaming players. We are pleased to acknowledge GLI as the first testing and game certification provider to be accredited in the Philippines under this new framework. GLI is a global leader in regulatory advisory, iGaming and EGM testing / certification, and data security.”
GLI President and CEO James R. Maida said: “We are grateful to PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and to the entire PAGCOR team for the trust they continue to place in GLI. Under the Chairman’s skillful leadership, the market in the Philippines has improved steadily, and we are honored to be the first company to be accredited for iGaming testing and certification, and we look forward to working side- by-side with PAGCOR to meet their policy objectives.”
The post GLI Becomes the First Company Accredited by PAGCOR to Test and Certify iGaming Platforms in the Philippines appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai
Team India and Türkiye won Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai, delivering electrifying performances in front of a packed arena and thousands more tuning in online worldwide. India’s Anuhith Gosala edged Kazakhstan 3–2 in a thrilling Clash Royale Grand Final, while Türkiye secured a commanding 3–1 victory over Mongolia in the Dota 2 Grand Final. With a Gold in Clash Royale and a Bronze in Dota 2, Team India was crowned Overall Champion.
India stormed into the Clash Royale Grand Final with a 2–1 win over the USA in a tense lower bracket decider, setting up a rematch with Kazakhstan. Having fallen 0–2 in the upper bracket, India turned the tables when it mattered most, as Anuhith Gosala delivered a clutch performance to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory and the Gold medal.
In Dota 2, Team India secured Bronze after falling to Mongolia in the lower bracket. Mongolia advanced to the Grand Final, where Türkiye asserted its dominance with a composed 3–1 victory to take the title.
Sharing his thoughts on the victory, Team India’s Clash Royale gold medallist, Anuhith Gosala, said: “This moment is surreal. To win the Grand Finals here in India, in front of a home crowd, makes it even more emotional. The preparation was relentless, the pressure was intense, and every match tested my limits—but that’s what makes this victory so special. Hearing the cheers, feeling that energy, and lifting this title for the country is an indescribable pride. This is for India, and for everyone who believes in us. I hope this win inspires many others to follow in our path.”
Sir Paul J. Foster, President & CEO, Global Esports Federation, said: “As the Global Esports Games Mumbai comes to a close, we celebrate not only the incredible performances of our athletes, but the spirit of unity and connection that defines our global community. Mumbai has delivered exceptional energy, passion, and hospitality, reinforcing our belief that esports transcends borders and brings the world together. We are deeply grateful to our partners in India for setting a new benchmark for excellence—and we now look ahead with excitement to Los Angeles, where this journey continues on an even greater stage.”
Shripad Ashtekar, Founder of Eflag Corp, said: “Over the past few days, we have witnessed not just world-class competition, but the coming together of talent, innovation, and community on a truly global stage. We hope to keep delivering such platforms and strong foundations for future growth by unlocking new opportunities for Indian players, creators, and the broader AVGC ecosystem. We are proud to have played a key role and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Organized by the Global Esports Federation in partnership with Eflag Corp, with the support of Maharashtra Tourism, the Global Esports Games Mumbai was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis. Over four days, Mumbai welcomed 48 elite athletes from 19 countries, emerging from a global field of 78 nations in the Regional Qualifiers.
The post Team India and Türkiye Win Gold at the Global Esports Games Mumbai appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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