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FANDOM EXPLORES THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF GAMING & SELF-EXPRESSION IN 2024 INSIDE GAMING REPORT

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Study Provides New Insights Into How Brands Can Authentically Engage With Gamers to Help Them Express Their Best Selves Off-Screen.

KEY FINDINGS

Gaming has exploded over the past decade, becoming one of the most dynamic and expansive industries across the globe. Fandom, the world’s largest fan platform, dives into the heart of the gaming community to uncover the evolving motivations behind why people game in its 4th annual Inside Gaming report. The 2024 Inside Gaming report – a proprietary study coupled with Fandom’s first-party data from its 350 million monthly unique visitors, 45 million pages of content and 250k fan-powered wikis – captures a notable shift: gaming is increasingly seen as a means for personal expression, exploring one’s identity and providing empowerment and confidence in one’s real life.

Dominant Gaming Motivations

  • While stress relief remains the top reason people turn to games, a striking 46% of gamers list creation, imagination, and self-expression as their main motivations for gaming, up 10% from last year.

Influence on Gaming Habits

  • People who are gaming for self-expression, creation & imagination are 30% more likely to increase their gaming time, feeling more drawn to the gaming world than ever before.

Games Driving Self-Expression

  • 60% of gamers claim that self-expression through gameplay is more important to them than ever before. Titles like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Roblox lead in enabling personal expression through extensive customization options, open-world exploration, and other game updates

Exploring Gamer Identity

  • The report also highlights a significant gap between players’ in-game identities versus their real-life personas, with 80% of respondents feeling their gaming identity differs from their real-life identity.
  • However, half of respondents claim they’d prefer to be more like their in-game personality IRL and 72% would feel more favorably towards brands that help them achieve this.
  • This is especially true of 18-34 year olds, multicultural (specifically African American & Hispanic) audiences as well as women and non-binary audiences.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR MARKETERS

Emphasize Self-Expression:

  • Self-expression is a key driver for gaming engagement. In fact, 32% of gamers want their physical appearance to be more like their in-game appearance.
  • Brands that align with this motivation can enhance their connection with gamers. For example, this represents an opportunity for fashion & beauty brands to explore dedicated product extensions for gamers looking to explore this self-expression.

Create Brand Safe Spaces:

  • 64% believe that gaming communities are vital safe spaces where they can truly be themselves, presenting opportunities for brands to foster and cater to these communities.

Align with Gamers’ IRL Aspirations

  • Many gamers wish to integrate their gaming and real-life personas. Brands that help facilitate this integration can achieve deeper consumer relationships.
  • The study found that 48% of gamers want their IRL skills to be as strong as their gaming skills, opening up an opportunity for brands to explore how they can create ways to provide gamers with products that enhance IRL skills and provide a sense of accomplishment & achievement they get while playing.

 

“From character customization to cosplay and content creation, video games have empowered gamers to explore, express and enhance their identity – nearly two thirds of gamers claim it’s easier to be themselves with a controller in their hands,” said Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom. “With the growing significance of gaming as a means for self-expression and personal evolution, it’s crucial for brands to connect to these motivators to help players bring their gaming personas to life in the real world.”

For an interview with a Fandom executive to discuss the study in more detail, please contact Rachelle Savoia at [email protected].

Methodology:

Fandom surveyed 5,000 entertainment and gaming fans globally to understand the ever changing entertainment landscape. The insights from the study were joined with proprietary insights from Fandom’s first-party platform data of over 350MM users, 45MM content pages across 250K wikis.

 

G2 Esports

G2 Esports Announces Global English Launch of Webcomic “Red Aura” on WEBTOON

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G2, one of the world’s leading entertainment and esports brands, announced the upcoming English-language launch of its original fantasy-action series, Red Aura, on WEBTOON, a leading digital comics platform. Launching on Saturday, 6th June under the platform’s WEBTOON Originals label, the series marks the next step in G2’s expansion into digital-first entertainment. Inspired by the defining moments and competitive spirit behind G2’s rise, Red Aura reimagines the organisation’s legacy through bold shonen-inspired storytelling.

After debuting in Japan on LINE MANGA in October 2025, where it reached #9 in New Series on the opening weekend, Red Aura now launches on WEBTOON’s English-language platform as an Originals series. With 20 episodes available immediately, including 15 free episodes and 5 Fast Pass chapters, Red Aura offers readers expanded access to the series from day one, ahead of weekly releases across a planned 42-episode first season.

At the centre of the series is Asa, a young girl who dreams of becoming the greatest Nomad who ever lived. Driven by the same pursuit of greatness at the heart of G2, Red Aura unfolds in a fantasy-action world shaped by rivalry, perseverance and competition, where Asa must learn to master her abilities while facing dangerous enemies and the brutal consequences of ambition.

Red Aura was brought to life through collaboration with KISAI Entertainment, the studio behind the webcomic adaptations of AVATAR: The Last Airbender and The Beginning After the End, alongside Japanese Art Director Runbel, who works on the previously #1 action fantasy series in Japan and Korea – Skill Master Levels Up. Designed specifically for WEBTOON’s vertical-scroll format, the series also experiments with platform-native creative techniques, including a chapter that visually integrates music into the reading experience.

To celebrate the launch, G2 creator and VALORANT streamer Shanks will host a live reading of Red Aura, with further details to be announced soon.

“Red Aura was created as a way to reimagine the ambition and competitive spirit that have defined G2 over the last decade. Following the response to the Japanese launch, we’re excited to now bring the series to a global audience through WEBTOON. Expanding into original entertainment has been a major focus for G2, and Red Aura is only the beginning of what we want to build,” said Sabrina Ratih, COO of G2.

“The world of Red Aura is fresh and original, which made it really enjoyable to work on. It was a lot of fun working with producer Daniel using camera work to create cool action panels that have never been seen before, and I was always inspired by his passion to try new things. I am very honored to have been a part of it. I hope you enjoy it.”

Since its inception over a decade ago, G2 has expanded beyond esports through ventures across entertainment, culture, and original content. From collaborations with Smiley and Solo Leveling, to the launch of G2’s 62 media house and expansion into Gerard Piqué’s Kings League, Red Aura represents G2’s continued investment in anime-inspired entertainment and original storytelling designed for digital-first audiences.

The post G2 Esports Announces Global English Launch of Webcomic “Red Aura” on WEBTOON appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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NODWIN and Nodding Heads launch India Games Showcase with Summer Game Fest

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NODWIN Gaming and Nodding Heads Games are launching the inaugural India Games Showcase (IGS), a digital event set to premiere on June 8 as an official partner showcase of Summer Game Fest. The broadcast will feature 40 curated Indian indie games across trailers, reveals, gameplay segments and announcements.

The India Games Showcase will be accompanied by a dedicated Steam event aimed at helping players discover, follow and wishlist participating titles. The event is scheduled for 10 AM PT / 10:30 PM IST and will stream on YouTube and Twitch.

NODWIN Gaming Co-founder and Managing Director Akshat Rathee said: “There is a raw, untapped creative energy in the Indian indie ecosystem right now that is completely unique. We are seeing developers blend world-class mechanics with incredibly rich, localized storytelling that the global gaming community hasn’t experienced before. We want to make sure that a brilliant game built in India doesn’t just stay a local secret, but gets the global eyeballs, distribution, and recognition it rightfully deserves.”

Nodding Heads Games Co-founder and Game Director Avichal Singh added: “The debut of India Games Showcase proves that Indian indies are making strides as they arrive and make a presence internationally. The rise of quality and genre variety titles in recent years is very promising. Our partnership with the world’s biggest showcase, Summer Game Fest, is another mark of approval for the country. We’re excited for the times ahead.”

Ahead of the broadcast, the organisers named the first set of participating games, including Raahi (Kalp), Dodo Duckie (BornMonkie), Loop : Beginning Of Never Ending Journey (Pravin Nikam), Rakshasa (Odd Compass Studio), and Silkgrove (Gallic Entertainment). The showcase is spearheaded by Nodding Heads Games, the studio behind Raji: An Ancient Epic.

The post NODWIN and Nodding Heads launch India Games Showcase with Summer Game Fest appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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XSOLLA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO ATLANTIC CANADA’S GROWING GAME INDUSTRY WITH EXPANDED EVENT PRESENCE

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Global Video Game Commerce Company To Support Industry Growth Through Panels, Workshops, And Community Engagement Across Atlantic Canada

Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, today announced its participation in two major gaming industry events taking place across Atlantic Canada from June 3-5, 2026, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting regional game development ecosystems and fostering industry collaboration.

Xsolla will participate in both Game Invest East and XP Game Connect Atlantic, joining developers, publishers, investors, and industry leaders for discussions centered on the future of game development, investment, and innovation in the local area.

At Game Invest East, held in partnership with Scaffold, Xsolla will contribute to conversations around funding, growth opportunities, and the evolving business landscape for game studios.

Featured on the panel titled “If You Can Make It Here,” Xsolla’s Manny Hachey, Senior Director of Developer Success, joins Kate Edwards, CEO and Principal Consultant of Geogrify, and Amir Satvat, Business Development Director at Tencent Games, founder of Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), and a 2026 GamesBeat Visionary Award honoree, to explore how new regions and new entrants can survive and thrive in disruptive times.

Hachey, a native of Atlantic Canada, was personally requested by Scaffold to represent Xsolla at the event — a homecoming that adds a personal dimension to the panel’s central thesis. Having built her career and made her mark in Germany’s games industry, she returns with a firsthand perspective on what it takes to leave, build something meaningful abroad, and come back with proof of concept.

Xsolla will continue its Atlantic Canada engagement at XP Game Connect Atlantic in Halifax on June 5. John Nguyen, Regional Vice President, Canada at Xsolla, and Ted DiNola, Developer Evangelist at Xsolla, will host a workshop titled ‘Full Picture to Fast Lane: Xsolla Ecosystem Overview & Live SDK 3 Integration’, providing practical insights and actionable strategies for developers navigating today’s rapidly evolving gaming market.

Nguyen will also host a panel titled, ‘What Does the Future of Game Development Look Like in Atlantic Canada?’ where he will be joined by industry experts, including Ryan Filsinger from Iron Fox; Shawn Woods, CEO at Alpha Dog and VP of Interactive Society of Nova Scotia; George Greer, Founder of Besszong; and Jade Yhap, President of Interactive NB. The panel will explore the region’s growing role in the global games industry and the opportunities ahead for studios, talent, and ecosystem partners.

John Nguyen, Regional Vice President, Canada, at Xsolla

“Atlantic Canada continues to emerge as an exciting hub for game development talent and innovation,” said John Nguyen, Regional Vice President, Canada, at Xsolla. “Xsolla is proud to support these events and contribute to conversations that help empower developers, build ecosystems, strengthen industry connections, and accelerate growth across the region.”

Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla

“Events like Game Invest East and XP Game Connect Atlantic are critical for building stronger connections across the games industry,” said Berkley Egenes, Chief Marketing & Growth Officer at Xsolla. “Atlantic Canada has a growing community of talented developers, creators, and industry leaders, and we’re excited to be part of conversations that help to shape the future of gaming in the region while supporting studios at every stage of growth.”

Through its participation in these events, Xsolla aims to deepen relationships within the Atlantic Canadian game development community while supporting knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and long-term ecosystem growth.

For more information about Xsolla’s participation in these events across Atlantic Canada, visit: xsolla.pro/Atlantic-Canada

 

The post XSOLLA STRENGTHENS COMMITMENT TO ATLANTIC CANADA’S GROWING GAME INDUSTRY WITH EXPANDED EVENT PRESENCE appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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