Good Morning. It's Monday, August 26. In today's edition, we explore the rising momentum behind video game preservation, S8UL Esports' record-breaking third 'Content Group of the Year' win at the Esports Awards, Real Cricket's collaboration with IPL teams, and Meghalaya becoming the first Indian state to sponsor an esports team. Plus, more key stories from the gaming and esports world.
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The Fight to Preserve Games in an Industry Built on Planned Obsolescence
Ubisoft's decision to delist The Crew on December 14, 2023, has sparked outrage among fans, highlighting the growing concerns over planned obsolescence in the gaming industry. The game, once a flagship title, will become unplayable across all platforms by March 31, 2024, due to server shutdowns. This move has raised alarms within the gaming community, with many calling out publishers for erasing digital assets that players invested time and money in.
The issue underscores the broader problem of game preservation in an industry driven by constant technological upgrades and shifting licensing agreements. As more games fall victim to server closures, calls for initiatives like Stop Killing Games have gained momentum. This European Citizens’ Initiative aims to protect players' rights by ensuring that games remain playable even after official support ends.
Our feature story delves deep into this matter, exploring the legal complexities, the initiatives fighting for video game preservation, and the broader implications for digital heritage. We examine the growing movement to address planned obsolescence in the gaming industry and the steps being taken to ensure that consumers retain access to the games they've purchased.
S8UL Esports Wins Third Consecutive Content Group of the Year at The Esports Awards
Indian esports and gaming content organization S8UL Esports secured its third consecutive ‘Content Group of the Year’ award at the Esports Awards 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The win cements S8UL’s place as a global leader in esports content creation, distinguishing the organization from competitors such as OfflineTV, G2 Esports, and Fnatic.
Founded by Indian gaming veterans Naman Mathur, Animesh Agarwal, and Lokesh Jain, S8UL has become a dominant force in both domestic and international gaming content. This third win at the Esports Awards sets a new record, making S8UL the first esports organization to achieve this streak.
The group's rise to prominence reflects a broader trend of India’s growing influence in the global gaming ecosystem. In addition to their award, S8UL received recognition in the ‘Ones to Watch Class of 2024’ category for their engagement with a loyal fanbase. However, the industry’s competitive nature continues to raise the bar, putting pressure on content groups like S8UL to innovate continuously.
Quick Bytes
Real Cricket Collaborates with Three IPL Teams
Nautilus Mobile's Real Cricket has expanded its collaboration with Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, adding Mumbai Indians to its roster alongside Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals. Players can now experience playing with stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and others within the game. The partnership brings official team logos, kits, and player likenesses, offering a more authentic experience for cricket fans. This move highlights Real Cricket’s ongoing effort to merge real-world cricket excitement with gaming, creating opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite IPL teams and players in a virtual setting.
Meghalaya Becomes First Indian State to Sponsor Esports Team
The government of Meghalaya has become the first Indian state to officially sponsor an esports team, Jubilant Divine Esports. This historic move reflects the state's commitment to nurturing esports talent. Wanshankupar Suchiang, CEO of Jubilant Divine Esports, expressed pride in the government's support, emphasizing plans to expand into titles like Valorant and Counter-Strike 2. Additionally, Telangana is poised to introduce comprehensive esports policies, further signaling India's growing focus on the sector. Meghalaya’s vision includes developing infrastructure and hosting tournaments, aiming to position the state as a hub for esports and prepare athletes for global competitions, including future esports Olympics.
Riot Games India Hosts Bengaluru Watch Party for VCT Seoul 2024 Finals
Riot Games India recently hosted a watch party in Bengaluru for the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) International Champions Seoul 2024 finals on August 25, 2024. Held at the UB City Amphitheatre, the event saw fans participate in treasure hunts, activities, and trivia challenges, with prizes for both offline and online attendees.
NetEase Posts Strong Q2 Growth with $3.5 Billion in Revenues
NetEase reported net revenues of $3.5 billion for Q2 2024, a 6.1% increase year-over-year. Games and related value-added services accounted for $2.8 billion, up 6.7%. Online games contributed 96.1% of the segment's net revenues, driven by the success of titles like Naraka: Bladepoint, which quickly climbed the iOS grossing charts in China. Mobile games made up 76.4% of online game revenues. CEO William Ding highlighted the company's commitment to innovation, crediting its strong R&D capabilities for the growth. Despite a slight dip in gross profit from the previous quarter, NetEase's portfolio continues to expand globally.
Did You Know
Neuralink’s brain-computer interface (BCI) technology has enabled its second participant, Alex, who has a spinal cord injury, to play Counter-Strike 2 purely through thought. Using the implanted "Link" device, Alex can move and aim in the game by simply thinking about it, providing a level of control that was previously impossible for him.
Before Neuralink, Alex relied on a mouth-operated device called the Quadstick, which limited his ability to navigate games effectively. With the Link, he can now perform complex movements and actions simultaneously, creating a much more intuitive and immersive gameplay experience.
This achievement demonstrates the transformative power of Neuralink’s technology, which is designed to help people with physical disabilities regain control over digital devices. Alex’s experience highlights how BCI could revolutionize gaming accessibility, allowing physically challenged players to engage with games like Counter-Strike 2 in ways they never could before.
Quote of the Day
from AFK Gaming https://ift.tt/2EJPUBn
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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