Asia
IESF to Host Two-Day World Esports Academia Seminar in Busan
The International Esports Federation will host the World Esports Academia Seminar, a two-day event at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center in Busan, from November 28 to 29, 2023. The theme of this year’s Seminar is “Socio-cultural challenges in the World of Esports Education” and will support the development of the World Esports industry through academic knowledge and research.
The Seminar will feature keynote speeches from knowledgeable members of the World Esports Family, including Del Rosario University esports professor Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, Chinese University of Hong Kong Professor Peichi Chung, Chair of IESF Equity Committee Diana Tjong, NASEF Executive Director Gerald Solomon and more.
NASEF Executive Director and Chair of IESF’s Education Committee Gerald Solomon said:
“IESF could not be more excited to host the World Esports Academia Seminar once again. Together with esports stakeholders from all corners of the world, we will revitalize the relationship between esports researchers and educators. This year’s theme will inspire us all to think outside of the box and unite the World Esports Family. We look forward to the insightful discussions that will take place in Busan.”
The first day of the Seminar will feature four keynote speeches representing different regions around the world. Day one will conclude with a panel discussion entitled “How Can IESF’s Approach to Esports Competition and Education Be Socially and Culturally Sensitive To Global Differences,” moderated by Solomon with panelists Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, James Fraser-Murison and more to be announced.
The second will include four workshops to share the value of esports education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The full schedule can be found below.
Day 1 Keynote Speeches and panel discussions:
- Esports Education in Asia: A Digital Solution and Paradigm Shift: Peichi Chung, Associate Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Esports in Africa: Challenges, Opportunities and the Emerging Trends
- How Esports are helping to solve Colombia’s problems through education: Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, Esports Professor at Del Rosario University
- European Esports Education: Introducing Essentials Skills for the Modern-Day Workplace: James Fraser-Murison, Director at Fraser Esports
- How Can IESF’s Approach to Esports Competition and Education Be Socially and Culturally Sensitive To Global Differences: Gerald Solomon, Mario Andrés Agudelo Padilla, James Fraser-Murison and more.
Day 2 workshops:
- The IESF x NASEF Scholastic Esports Model: Integrating Competition, Learning and Career Development: Gerald Solomon and Jorrel Batac
- Breaking Barriers – Advancing Equity and Inclusion in Esports: Diana Tjong, Chair of IESF Equity Committee, and Debora Imanuella, Global Senior Vice President & Founder at UniPin & Luna Nera
- Leveling the Playing Field – Addressing Disparities in Esports Opportunities: Diana Tjong, Chair of IESF Equity Committee, and Debora Imanuella, Global Senior Vice President & Founder at UniPin & Luna Nera
- Creating a Safe and Inclusive Esports Environment – Combating Toxicity and Bullying: Diana Tjong, Chair of IESF Equity Committee, and Debora Imanuella, Global Senior Vice President & Founder at UniPin & Luna Nera
IESF continues to use education as a tool to unite the World Esports Family and contribute to the overall growth and development of the industry. IESF recently announced the details for the third annual WE Academia Competition, which called for members of the World Esports Family to submit research papers related to the two chosen research subjects: “Esports Toxicity: The Challenge, Evidence, and Solutions” and “Managing Harassment in Esports – The Role of Accountability and Standards to Address the Harassment.”
Asia
SA Gaming partners with EGT Digital to offer extraordinary gaming experiences
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SA Gaming is delighted to announce our new partner, EGT Digital, one of the largest gaming platforms in Europe. This agreement will see our games available on EGT Digital’s platform.
This collaboration marks an important milestone for both of us as it enhances our brand visibility and allows us to reach a broader audience. This alliance is also bringing elevated gaming experience to players on the platform of EGT Digital.
As one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe, EGT Digital has an extensive network and a comprehensive product portfolio that attract a diverse player base from numerous markets around the world. As players of EGT Digital now have access to our wide range of Live Games, which are certain to attract players – this new partnership certainly fulfills the business objectives of both EGT Digital and SA Gaming.
EGT Digital’s spokesperson commented, “For us at EGT Digital, the priority number 1 is always to give our customers the best gaming experience. That is why we are very pleased to have the opportunity to offer them SA Gaming’s titles, standing out with great thematic diversity, highly engaging mechanics and captivating bonuses. We believe that this partnership will both enrich our platform and enhance the game developer’s reach, while providing players with access to the high-quality gaming content they are looking for.”
As we continue to provide top-notch entertainment, this agreement creates new room for both of us to grow and flourish. We are eager to embark on this journey together and look forward to the infinite possibilities that would deliver exceptional value to all players.
The post SA Gaming partners with EGT Digital to offer extraordinary gaming experiences appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Max Level wins PR & Communications mandate for LVL Zero Gaming Incubator
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Max Level, a leading marketing and PR agency built by gamers, has been appointed as the official PR and communications partner for LVL Zero, a first-of-its-kind incubator program spearheaded by ChimeraVC in partnership with MIXI Global Investments and Nazara Technologies. The initiative aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage gaming startups in India through a 100-day structured program combining mentorship, product acceleration and capital access.
LVL Zero offers an equity-free grant pool worth USD 100,000, open to all startups across the gaming ecosystem. Each cohort will see 10 startups receive a USD 10,000 equity-free grant. The program is designed to help startups accelerate product development through targeted mentorship, access to funding opportunities, and connections with publishing networks. Over the next five years, LVL Zero aims to empower more than 100 promising startups to build sustainable businesses and compete globally.
Speaking on the partnership, Krish Anurag, Managing Partner at ChimeraVC and Founding Partner at LVL Zero said: “LVL Zero is our commitment to catalysing the next generation of gaming founders from India and Asia. We’re thrilled to have Max Level on board as our communications partner. Their deep understanding of the gaming ecosystem, narrative expertise, and proven network within the media landscape make them the ideal agency to help us amplify this initiative and the founders who will shape the future of gaming.”
As the PR and communications partner for LVL Zero, Max Level will lead the initiative’s storytelling and thought leadership strategy, spotlighting the success stories emerging from each cohort to highlight the program’s impact on the gaming startup ecosystem. With a proven track record as the communications partner for some of India’s leading gaming and esports brands, including NODWIN Gaming, S8UL Esports, Riot Games, and CyberPowerPC India, Max Level brings deep industry insight, strategic narrative expertise, and an authentic understanding of the gaming community to help LVL Zero achieve its vision and amplify its influence across the region.
Siddharth Nayyar, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Max Level, added: “LVL Zero is an incredible incubator program for gaming startups in India, and we’re excited to help tell its story. The program is perfectly aligned with our mission to support the growth of India’s gaming and creator economy, and we look forward to driving awareness around the founders, ideas, and innovations emerging from LVL Zero’s cohorts.”
In addition to PR and communications, Max Level provides gaming and esports brands with an array of services, including campaign management, brand building, production, video editing, social media marketing, influencer programs, and consultancy. The agency’s portfolio spans leading names such as NODWIN Gaming, S8UL, Riot Games India and South Asia, CyberPowerPC India, KRAFTON, the Saudi Esports Federation, ESL FACEIT Group, The Esports World Cup, ASUS ROG, Jio Games, TVS, and HyperX, among others.
This partnership marks another milestone in Max Level’s mission to power narratives that elevate India’s gaming, esports, and tech ecosystem globally.
The post Max Level wins PR & Communications mandate for LVL Zero Gaming Incubator appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Absolute Sports Pvt.
Nazara’s Subsidiary Absolute Sports Enters Pickleball, Acquires Mumbai Franchise in Indian Pickleball League
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Absolute Sports Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Limited and the parent company of Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network, has announced its entry into the fast-growing global sport of pickleball through the acquisition of the Mumbai franchise in the inaugural Indian Pickleball League.
The franchise rights agreement has been executed with PWR Indian League and Tour Private Limited, organizers of the league and strategically backed by The Times Group, one of India’s largest media conglomerates.
Pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Globally, the market is projected to expand from USD 1.5 billion in 2023 to USD 4.4 billion by 2033. In India, participation has surged 159% between 2019 and 2022, driven by increased adoption across sport, fitness, and community recreation centers. The launch of the Indian Pickleball League is expected to propel the sport into mainstream fan culture and open meaningful commercial opportunities across media, merchandising, and grassroots engagement.
With exclusive rights to the Mumbai territory, Absolute Sports will build and operate the team, including its digital identity, brand, website, social channels, athlete marketing, and fan engagement programs. The franchise strengthens Absolute Sports’ mission of bridging digital fandom with on-ground sporting experiences and aligns with its expansion strategy into high-growth sports ecosystems.
Ajay Pratap Singh, Director & CEO of Absolute Sports, said: “Our mission at Absolute Sports is simple, be where the fans are. Pickleball is no longer an emerging trend. It’s a global movement and is rapidly becoming a lifestyle and competitive sport in India. Securing the Mumbai franchise allows us to deeply engage with this growing community and leverage our expertise in content, storytelling, and fandom to build a team that the city can rally behind. This investment is perfectly aligned with our strategy of targeting high-engagement sports assets.”
Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nazara as the owners of the Mumbai franchise in the Indian Pickleball League. Nazara has been a pioneer in gaming and digital sports entertainment, and their entry into IPBL is yet another signal of the exciting future of this sport. With their innovation-driven mindset and deep understanding of young India, we believe they will play a transformative role in shaping the league, inspiring fans, and building a strong and passionate pickleball community in Mumbai. Together, we look forward to taking the sport to new heights and creating a league that India will be proud of.”
With the Asia-Pacific region projected to be the fastest-growing pickleball market through 2029, this move positions Absolute Sports and by extension, Nazara Technologies — at the forefront of a new and rapidly scaling sports category.
The post Nazara’s Subsidiary Absolute Sports Enters Pickleball, Acquires Mumbai Franchise in Indian Pickleball League appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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