Asia
Esports World Cup 2024: Indian Esports Industry Reacts to its Potential as Game-Changer for Country’s Video-Gaming Ecosystem
In a landmark announcement, Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia declared the creation of the Esports World Cup, set to kick off in the summer of 2024 in Riyadh. The event promises to reshape the Esports landscape and enable the sport to usher in a new era of opportunity and competition for gamers worldwide.
The Esports World Cup will be replacing Gamers8, a renowned Esports festival held in Saudi Arabia. In this year’s edition of Gamers8, there were 20 different competitions across titles such as League of Legends, Fortnite, DOTA 2, FIFA 23, Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG Mobile and Starcraft II amongst others.
Furthermore, the event boasted an unprecedented prize pool of $45 million, marking the largest in the history of Esports tournaments. While the titles for the Esports World Cup are yet to be announced, the tournament will include the most popular games in the world across all genres and have the largest prize pool in Esports history, as per the official announcement.
The recently published “India Games Market Report 2023” by Niko Partners states that India is predominantly a mobile-first market, with 96.8% of total gamers playing on smartphones or tablets. With the opportunity to compete in such a high-profile tournament with substantial prize pools, Indian Esports athletes are expected to diversify into various gaming titles that are not that popular within the community, in order to secure a spot at the tournament. This, in turn, will contribute to the growth and diversity of the Esports industry in the country.
Lokesh Suji, Director of Esports Federation of India and VP of Asian Esports Federation, said: “The announcement of the Esports World Cup is indeed a historic moment for the global Esports community. This tournament will serve as a catalyst for change and growth, both on the global Esports map and in India. For a country with a predominantly mobile-focused gaming culture like ours, this event’s massive prize pool and diverse title offerings will undoubtedly motivate our Esports athletes and aspiring gamers to broaden their horizons and branch out to different titles. We see the Esports World Cup as an exciting platform that not only celebrates Esports but also unites the industry’s stakeholders on a global scale.”
According to data from Gamers8, the 2023 edition of the tournament recorded a cumulative viewership of 1.3 billion, with peak concurrent viewers reaching 1 million. The total views reached 2.09 million, and the impressions stood at 3.8 billion. The event also roped in prominent names such as Adidas, Pepsico, Aramco, Razer and many more global brands as official sponsors.
The Esports World Cup’s magnitude is expected to surpass these numbers, providing high visibility and prestige to Indian athletes participating in the tournament. This will undoubtedly lead to attracting more investments from sponsors, legacy brands, and venture capitalists, which will bolster Indian players and the community.
“Esports has always transcended borders and united passionate gamers from around the globe. With the announcement of the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, the Indian Esports ecosystem is on the verge of a transformative journey. The tournament will not only serve as a platform for our incredibly talented players to showcase their skills on the world stage but also foster international collaboration, promote the growth of Esports in India, and inspire a new generation of gamers to chase their dreams. The Indian Esports community is ready to make its mark and this opportunity is the catalyst we’ve been waiting for. Let’s rise, break boundaries, and redefine what it means to be a part of the global Esports family,” said Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug, Co-founder of S8UL and Founder & CEO of 8Bit Creatives.
Esports in India has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with notable achievements in international competitions. In the Asian Games 2022, the nation fielded a historic 15-member contingent, competing in titles like DOTA 2, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, League of Legends and EA Sports FC Online. Prior to that, Esports also made an appearance at the Commonwealth Esports Championships in Birmingham 2022 where India’s DOTA 2 team even clinched a remarkable bronze medal.
In the 141st session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) held in Mumbai recently, IOC President Thomas Bach announced their plans regarding the creation of the Olympic Esports Games. With Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Esports World Cup, India’s Esports talents will have another global platform to showcase their skills.
Mayank Prajapati aka MiKeYROG, who represented India in Street Fighter V: Champion Edition at the recently concluded Asian Games 2022, said: “As an Esports athlete, I see this as a window of opportunity for every gamer across India to proudly represent the country and make a name for themselves on the global stage. Much like in traditional sports World Cups where previously lesser-known athletes rise to prominence and lead their nation to glory, this could be the moment for Esports athletes to shine. The Esports World Cup has the potential to motivate Indian players to push their limits in various titles, thus expanding the talent pool and propelling the entire sector to newer heights.”
Asia
NODWIN Gaming joins forces with ICONiQ White to headline NH7 Weekender 2026 as Title Sponsor; to be ‘Powered By’ Mastercard
NODWIN Gaming, a leader in youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, has announced ICONiQ White as the Title Sponsor and Mastercard as the ‘Powered By’ Sponsor for NH7 Weekender 2026, reinforcing the festival’s status as one of India’s most influential live music events.
Scheduled from March 13–15, 2026, at Mahalakshmi Lawns, Pune, this year’s edition promises a vibrant celebration of music and culture, featuring an eclectic lineup including Talwiinder, Prateek Kuhad, Aditya Gadhvi, Raftaar x Kr$na, Faheem Abdullah, Aditya Rikhari, KING, Indian Ocean, Nucleya & Friends, among others. Comedy highlights will include performances by Aaditya Kulshreshth, Rahul Subramanian, Varun Thakur, Rohan Joshi, and Urooj Ashfaq, ensuring plenty of laughs alongside the music.
Representing Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited, India’s largest domestic spirits company by volume, ICONiQ White resonates with a generation that values individuality, confidence, and self-expression. As Title Sponsor, ICONiQ White will curate a social and experiential hub at the festival, offering attendees a space to pause, reset, and reconnect with art, community, and the festival experience.
Alok Gupta, Managing Director at Allied Blenders and Distillers Limited, said:
“Today’s generation creates the culture they consume. ICONiQ White celebrates individuality and bold self-expression – values that define NH7 Weekender. This partnership is about being present where our consumers discover new voices and create unforgettable memories. We look forward to fuelling these experiences and inviting everyone to ‘Be ICONiQ’ this March.”
Mastercard joins as the ‘Powered By’ Sponsor, supporting music and entertainment experiences globally. The festival will feature HDFC Bank Mastercard Credit Card presales followed by general Mastercard presales, providing exclusive access and curated benefits to enhance the live event experience.
Lavani Agarwal, VP Marketing & Communications, South Asia at Mastercard, said:
“NH7 Weekender embodies creativity, inclusivity, and self-expression—values at the heart of Mastercard. We are thrilled to connect with youth and Gen Z through exclusive presales and on-ground engagements. As India’s live entertainment scene grows, Mastercard remains committed to creating culturally resonant and unforgettable experiences.”
The partnerships coincide with a period of strong growth in India’s live events industry. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the organised live events segment grew by 15% in 2024, generating an incremental INR 13 billion, as India aims to be among the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030.
Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome ICONiQ White and Mastercard as partners for NH7 Weekender 2026. What began as a platform for independent talent has evolved into one of India’s most recognised cultural properties. As the sector grows, building partnerships that enhance the audience journey and support sustainable expansion is essential. Together, these collaborations strengthen Weekender’s identity and propel the festival into its next chapter.”
Leading up to the festival, the Road to Weekender campaign will activate across Mumbai and Pune, extending the festival experience through interactive, community-driven events. Participants will have opportunities to win passes and access exclusive on-ground experiences.
Tickets are available via the District by Zomato app, the festival’s official ticketing partner. NH7 Weekender is a NODWIN IP, curated by Big Bad Wolf, with Exceed Entertainment as the revenue partner and EVA Live as the event partner.
The post NODWIN Gaming joins forces with ICONiQ White to headline NH7 Weekender 2026 as Title Sponsor; to be ‘Powered By’ Mastercard appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Asia
CreedRoomz Expands Localized Portfolio with “Lucky Colors”: A High-Volatility Digital Reimagining of Philippine Gaming Culture
CreedRoomz, a global leader in live casino solutions, has officially launched Lucky Colors, a premium game designed to appeal to the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market. Drawing inspiration from a beloved part of Philippine street culture and game show history, the title transforms the familiar energy of local carnivals into a high-performance digital experience, giving operators a winning combination of recognizable gameplay and engaging payouts.
Game Concept
Lucky Colors brings the traditional “Perya” to life using a realistic, smart engine. Players watch three multi-colored cubes tumble down a sloped path, delivering the dynamic action that has made these carnival games so popular. CreedRoomz has enhanced the experience for digital casino audiences, creating an engaging, fast-paced gameplay environment.
Key Features
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Dual-Mode Gameplay – Designed to maximize Player Lifetime Value (PLV) by catering to two distinct player types within a single interface:
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Classic Mode (Acquisition Tool): A 6-spot layout focused on single-color outcomes, optimized for high-frequency rounds. Perfect for casual players entering the game.
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Advanced Mode (Revenue Driver): An 18-spot strategic layout for experienced players, offering complex betting and higher stakes to boost spending and retention.
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Proprietary Multiplier Dynamics: The Dynamic Multiplier Engine assigns random multipliers to betting spots in real-time, enhancing big-win potential for marketing campaigns.
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Scalable Volatility: Advanced mathematical modeling allows payouts of up to 1111x a player’s stake.
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Special Round Trigger: All 18 advanced spots can simultaneously receive multipliers, creating “hero moments” and powerful promotional opportunities.
Arturs Fjodorovs, Chief Product Officer at CreedRoomz, said:
“Lucky Colors connects traditional fun with modern gaming tech by keeping the real energy of Philippine game shows alive. By combining big multipliers with two ways to play, we give partners a powerful tool to attract more players and keep them coming back.”
CreedRoomz delivers cutting-edge casino entertainment and online gaming solutions, helping operators stay competitive and appeal to diverse audiences. All solutions are fully customizable to align with a business’s scale, region, and player preferences.
With 30+ engaging games in 12+ languages, 1000+ strong partnerships, and 200+ dynamic tables, CreedRoomz provides the infrastructure for seamless, high-impact player experiences across the globe.
The post CreedRoomz Expands Localized Portfolio with “Lucky Colors”: A High-Volatility Digital Reimagining of Philippine Gaming Culture appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
PG Soft, the world-class digital mobile games company, has been confirmed as the Title Sponsor of Global Game Connect 2026 (GGC), which will take place from 16–17 March 2026 at the prestigious Cinnamon Life venue in Sri Lanka.
Organised by HUIDU, Global Game Connect has quickly established itself as a key event within the iGaming industry. The conference brings together global leaders from across the sector, including platforms, operators, API integration providers, payment solution suppliers, and compliance specialists.
The sponsorship highlights PG Soft’s ongoing investment in emerging markets and its commitment to supporting the development of the industry at a regional level. With Sri Lanka identified as a strategic expansion market in 2026, the partnership strengthens the company’s brand presence while contributing to the continued growth of the country’s iGaming ecosystem.
As part of the agreement, PG Soft will receive prominent brand visibility throughout the event, including across promotional materials, exhibition entrance archway displays, and the registration area. The sponsorship also includes a comprehensive HUIDU advertising package, covering membership promotion, press exposure, and targeted digital marketing support.
Spanning two days, Global Game Connect 2026 will feature a forward-looking conference agenda covering a range of key industry topics. Discussions will explore emerging market trends, growth strategies, player data and analytics, regulatory compliance, as well as the evolving role of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence within modern gaming ecosystems.
A PG Soft spokesperson said:
“Global Game Connect 2026 provides an ideal platform to encourage meaningful discussions around innovation, regulation, and the future of the iGaming industry. Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly important as a regional iGaming hub, and we’re proud to support the event alongside HUIDU.”
The post PG Soft revealed as Title Sponsor for Global Game Connect 2026 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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