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International Red Cross launches initiative to promote the laws of war with partners from the gaming community
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has launched an initiative aimed at promoting the laws of war within the gaming community. With billions of gamers worldwide, the ICRC sees the gaming community as a powerful supporter in building awareness and support for the rules of war in real life. The initiative aims to create a community of supporters around the globe who will help spread knowledge about the rules of war and help ensure that the neutral, impartial, and independent nature of humanitarian activities is understood by a broader audience.
There are about 100 armed conflicts being fought globally, involving about 60 states and more than 100 non-state armed groups. Despite progress made to reduce civilian harm on the battlefield, massive suffering in conflicts continues, though it’s clear that greater respect for international humanitarian law helps preserve a minimum of humanity during armed conflict.
The initiative recognizes that gamers can be powerful supporters in achieving a better understanding of the importance and value of the laws of war. Gamers are current or future fighters, members of the military, CEOs, and politicians. Video games can influence users’ perceptions about what soldiers are permitted to do during war and may also influence the way combatants behave during today’s armed conflicts.
To show support for the initiative and to promote respect for the laws of war, gamers can:
- Sign the ICRC petition to signal interest in promoting the laws of war in video games.
- Follow the live stream about the rules of war on 15 April.
- Play Arma 3 Laws of War DLC, and our new Laws of War Fortnite mode (Code: 1685-6108-3920)
As part of the initiative, the ICRC will host a live stream on 15 April in which streamers from around the globe will follow a new set of rules in existing first-person shooter games and play by selected rules of war. Gamers can also play a new Fortnite capture-the-flag creative mode that has incorporated basic rules of war ideas into the game. Additionally, the ICRC will explore innovative ways to harness the power of using video games to fundraise for its operations around the globe.
“We’re working to create a shift in the way players want to experience first-person shooter games. We want them to learn something about the importance and real-life meaning of the Geneva Conventions without spoiling the fun of the game,” said Christian Rouffaer, the head of project for Arma 3 at the ICRC.
The ICRC previously partnered with the gaming studio Bohemia Interactive for its Arma 3 Laws of War DLC in 2017, and created the first-ever “Liferun” mode on Fortnite creative mode in 2020 to inject gameplay and messaging about international humanitarian law.
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Eagerly anticipated release now confirmed following a highly successful exclusivity period with Rush Street Interactive
Play’n GO has today announced the official US release of its hit title Colt Lightning Firestorm, following a three-week period of exclusivity with Rush Street Interactive brands BetRivers and SugarHouse.
Colt Lightning Firestorm was released in Europe and other jurisdictions in May 2024, and its release in the US comes with much fanfare following the game’s rave reviews in its short exclusivity period. The game is a sequel to the wildly popular Colt Lightning game which was released early last year, and indications at this stage suggest that this sequel may prove even more successful.
This announcement sees Colt Lightning Firestorm available to players in each state and operator with whom Play’n GO is licensed. Play’n GO first entered the online casino market in the US in 2022, and has reiterated its commitment to becoming active in every regulated market around the world.
Magnus Olsson, Chief Commercial Officer at Play’n GO said: “We’re excited to unveil Colt Lightning Firestorm to the wider online casino gaming community in the US, and have been very pleased to see its strong performance during its exclusivity period with Rush Street Interactive. We had high hopes for the game following the success of its predecessor, and we’re confident that these robust results will continue now that the game is available to an even bigger audience.”
Esports entertainment company BLAST has announced plans to host two popular esports events in Singapore in 2024 and 2025.
BLAST will bring both world-class Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournaments to the heart of Southeast Asia, marking a major step in Singapore’s emergence as an esports and gaming hub. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), these high-profile events will bring the world’s best esports teams and players from all across the world to compete in Singapore.
BLAST has teamed up with AEG Presents Asia, one of the world’s largest live entertainment entities to bring these events to Singapore. The partnership forms part of BLAST’s ambition to create the best esports experiences by working closely with premier destinations and the biggest and best live entertainment partners.
More than half of global esports views (57%) are estimated to come from the Asia Pacific region, 47% more than any other region in the world with the global market valued at $1.6 billion.
By bringing the top-tier Counter-Strike and Dota 2 tournaments to Singapore, BLAST aims
to attract global esports talent, foster local growth, and elevate Singapore’s status as a destination for world-class esports entertainment.
James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring two of the biggest esports titles to this vibrant destination. Over the coming 18 months, Singapore will become a major hub for esports in Southeast Asia, and with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board, we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences for fans while helping to build a thriving esports ecosystem in the region. Bringing the first BLAST arena event to Singapore is an exciting first step in this journey. The World Final will see the world’s best Counter-Strike players and teams fighting for a $1,000,000 total prize pool.”
Ms Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Sports and Wellness, Singapore Tourism Board, said, “We are excited to host the BLAST Premier World Final and the BLAST Dota Slam in Singapore. The Counter-Strike event marks the first BLAST-branded event in Southeast Asia and the inaugural Counter-Strike tournament series in the region, solidifying Singapore’s position as a world-class esports destination. We are confident that the international participants and their legions of fans will have a memorable experience in Singapore, immersing themselves in the diverse and dynamic offerings of our city.”
The World Final 2024 will take place from 30th October – 3rd November and will be the first BLAST event to take place in Singapore, followed by the BLAST Dota Slam in 2025. The World Final will be the biggest Counter-Strike event to take place in Singapore, where the world’s best eight Counter-Strike teams will compete for a massive prize pool of $1,000,000 and the chance to claim bragging rights as the best team around.
Qualified World Final teams: NAVI, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, FaZe Clan and G2 Esports.
Fans can sign-up for the pre-sale window by registering with BLAST.tv, where they will also receive updates and information on tickets.
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