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Nazara Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telangana government to establish an AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE) focusing on gaming and digital entertainment on Thursday.

According to the gaming and esports company, "The Nazara AI CoE will drive research, development, and innovation in areas such as gaming, interactive media, gamified learning, and other digital content," and added that it would leverage on technologies like AI, VR/AR, blockchain, and Web 3.0.

"Telangana’s proactive approach in fostering industry growth through public-private partnerships and policy development has created the ideal ecosystem for this initiative. This collaboration will enable Nazara to further our mission of integrating AI and emerging technologies across our diverse portfolio, positioning us as a leader in AI-driven innovations in gaming and digital entertainment," Nitish Mittersain, Jt MD & CEO, Nazara Technologies, said.

"The Nazara AI CoE will empower startups, enhance skills, and attract cutting-edge technology investments, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem. By joining forces with Nazara, we are committed to driving economic growth and setting new standards in responsible AI applications in gaming and beyond," Telangana IT minister D Sridhar Babu said.


Nazara Technologies partners with Telangana govt to launch AI Center of Excellence

Amid discussions of paid PR awards, S8UL won the Content Group of the Year at the Esports Awards 2024, considered one of the most recognized awards in international circuits. Game of the Year was awarded to Valorant, published by Riot Games. The Lifetime Achievement Award was granted to ESL Chief Jens Hilger, a well-respected figure in the industry who also initiated esports development in India.

Surprisingly, Naman Mathur, also known as Mortal from India, lost to several international talents like Tarik and Nadeshot. From 2022 to 2024, S8UL has won the Esports Content Group of the Year award. However, despite being nominated for Esports Personality of the Year again this time, Mathur failed to make a mark.

Interestingly, Riot was named Game Publisher of the Year, and Mobile Legends was awarded Mobile Esports Title of the Year. Valorant, being the Game of the Year, competed against titles such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, and Dota 2.

An industry leader from a prominent esports team commented, “We received an invitation for the same esports award, but they asked for money, and we declined. This has been the trend for the past two years now. We do not believe in paid PR and awards. We believe in the performance of our esports teams rather than this kind of paid spectacle.”

It is interesting to watch if esports events are turning into  paid opportunities for influencers and agencies like it did during Oscars. 

Esports awards 2024: S8UL wins content group award, Mortal loses

In a significant shift in global cricket governance, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to assume the role of Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) this December. Shah, who enjoys substantial support from key cricketing boards, including those of England and Australia, will replace the current chairman, Greg Barclay, whose tenure concludes in November.

Barclay, who was first appointed as ICC Chairman in November 2020 and re-elected in 2022, informed ICC directors, including Cricket Australia's chair Mike Baird, during a recent video conference that he would not seek a third term. This decision aligns with Shah's intentions to take over the position, a move that has been met with widespread backing within the cricket community.

Shah's appointment marks a historic moment as he will become the third Indian to hold this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997-2000) and Sharad Pawar (2010-2012). At just 35, Shah will also become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC.

"Current directors are now required to put forward nominations for the next chair by 27 August 2024, and if there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new chair commencing on 1 December 2024," stated a media report.

The election process involves 16 votes from ICC members, with a simple majority of nine votes required to win, as per the revised rules. Shah's broad support base among the voting members puts him in a strong position to secure the role.

Shah's tenure as BCCI Secretary is set to continue for another year before he must enter a mandatory three-year cooling off period, as dictated by the BCCI constitution. However, his move to the ICC would provide him with an additional four years of influence within the BCCI, even after assuming the global role.

Jay Shah set to become youngest ICC Chairman, replacing Greg Barclay

The government of Meghalaya has officially announced its support for an Indian esports team, Jubilant Divine Esports. This makes Meghalaya the first Indian state to officially sponsor an esports team. Additionally, Telangana is likely to be the first state to introduce comprehensive esports policies.

Wanshankupar Suchiang, CEO of Jubilant Divine Esports, told StoryBoard18, “We are extremely proud that the Meghalaya government believed in our vision and supported us. We aim to grow esports in the state. Our goal is to prepare for medal events in the Olympics and to compete in esports titles globally.”

Suchiang further stated, “Currently, we have our Battlegrounds Mobile India roster, but we are planning to expand into other game titles such as Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and Dota, among others. It always benefits the ecosystem when the government shares the same vision of growing esports in the country.”

Suchiang said, “The government sponsoring the team is a positive sign for the Indian gaming ecosystem. We truly believe that India has a huge potential in not only gaming but in esports as well.” 

Meghalaya-based Jubilant Divine Esports announced on its social media platforms, “In a landmark move for the esports community in Meghalaya, Shri Kyrmen Shylla, Minister of Excise, along with Meghalaya Sports Minister Shri Shakliar Warjri, have publicly shown their support for esports for the first time ever.”

“Shri Kyrmen Shylla has extended his support to Jubilant Divine Esports, the only team representing Meghalaya in the ongoing BMPS Tournament. The ministers emphasized that this is just the beginning, as they plan to work closely with the Meghalaya government to transform the state into a hub for esports.”

Meghalaya's vision includes developing esports infrastructure, hosting tournaments, and providing comprehensive support to players, with the aim of bringing them to the forefront and representing Meghalaya, and India, on the global stage, including in future esports Olympics.

The team will be participating in Krafton’s third edition of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2024. BMPS is set to kick off on August 20th, featuring 128 invited teams competing for a massive prize pool of Rs 2 Crore. The tournament will unfold over a month, with the league phase played online and the Grand Finals taking place offline in Kochi, Kerala, from September 27th to September 29th, 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech at the Red Fort on Thursday, urged India’s young generation to concentrate on creating world-class products such as semiconductors and gaming experiences. He emphasised the nation’s skill and potential to emerge as a global frontrunner in these fast-evolving industries.

However, it should be noted that there was no respite given to Real Money Gaming players in the market. After the finance budget, this is a secondary blow to RMG players, as they have been ignored in the gaming space. There is a lot of rejoice in gaming developer ecosystem and are for now acknowledging government’s effort towards game development. 

Harish Chengaiah, Founder of Outlier Games, "We welcome Modi's statement. We as game developers are willing to want to grow India's gaming economy. For now it should be noted that gaming holds a very huge potential in export." 

In his speech, the Prime Minister Modi said, “There should be a shift from manufacturing to design. “We should aim to design in the country for the world. The Indian standards should become international standards. The country has the necessary talent for achieving this goal.”

Talking about India’s efforts to become a global leader in semiconductor production, PM Modi said, “There was a time when we used to import mobile phones but today, we have created a manufacturing ecosystem in the country and India has emerged as a big manufacturing hub.”

PM Modi noted that the country is currently training a skilled workforce of nearly 85,000 professionals in semiconductor chip design across 113 academic institutions. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the industry’s growth by providing the necessary infrastructure and resources.

Asserting that those who create and produce games are largely foreigners, he said that he sees that a huge market has emerged in the world of gaming. "India has a rich heritage, and we can bring talent into the gaming world. We should attract everyone to our gaming sector, and I want Indian children and youth to lead the gaming industry," Modi said.

"I want the country's youth to lead the gaming industry, not just in playing but also in producing games. Indian games must reach the world," he added.

PM Modi acknowledges game devs, ignores RMG players

Founded in 2016, Entity Gaming, one of the oldest esports organization in India, has shut down its business operations. Sources have told StoryBoard18 that Entity Gaming was not able to generate adequate revenue to sustain business operations, leading to the shutdown.

Entity Gaming was associated with multiple top brands in India, such as HP, Intel, Oppo, and HyperX, among others. The gaming organization worked closely with multiple gaming streamers and was a key player in the esports ecosystem in India.

“Esports in India is on the decline. The cost of operations and maintaining an esports roster is difficult, especially when we cannot even break even. Harsh truth, but we have to shut operations,” said a source. Entity Gaming is likely to make an official announcement around its exit from the Indian esports scene. 

In July, Entity Gaming sold its Dota 2 roster to North American esports organization Cloud9, marking Cloud9’s re-entry into Dota 2 esports. Entity had multiple game title rosters, including Counter-Strike, Battlegrounds Mobile India, Dota, and Valorant.

Recently, Entity Gaming secured second position in the ongoing BGMS 2024 tournament held by Nodwin Gaming. The team won a prize pool of Rs 15 Lakh. Team Soul won the BGMS Season 3 title winning prize pool of Rs 55 Lakh. 

Storyboard18 reached out to Entity Gaming for an official statement. Story will be updated after a statement is released from the organization. 

Breaking: Entity Gaming shuts business operations in India

Revenant Esports formally announced their partnership with the Danish sportswear brand Hummel as their kit sponsor on Wednesday. Storyboard18 first reported about this partnership deal on July 31. PUMA had partnered with Revenant Esports as their kit sponsor in 2022, but the contract was not renewed this year.

This deal with Revenant Esports is considered one of the largest kit sponsorship deals for an Indian esports team. It also marks Hummel's entry into the Indian esports scene. Soumava Naskar, Managing Director of Hummel India and Southeast Asia, told Storyboard18, "The Indian esports scene is exciting, and we are in talks with a few teams to understand the space and how we can contribute."

Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, Hummel designs, produces, and markets high-quality clothing and sports equipment. The company offers a range of fashion and leisure sportswear for both adults and children. Hummel is privately owned and part of the Thornico Group.

Recently, Hummel also partnered with Sreenidi Deccan Football Club from Hyderabad. Hummel has a history of associating with multiple sports teams. Notably, in 2020, Hummel entered sponsorship agreements with Everton F.C. (football club), Astralis Group (esports organization), and the European Handball Federation.

Revenant Esports had previously signed a deal with global sports brand PUMA as their official kit partner in 2022. As part of that deal, Revenant Esports' creators and esports roster wore exclusive kits produced by PUMA. The collaboration between Revenant Esports and PUMA aimed to enhance their visibility within the Indian esports community.

Rohit Jagasia, Founder and CEO of Revenant Esports, confirmed the development. Official social media handles of Revenant Esports posted an announcement of the deal.


Revenant Esports announces partnership deal with Hummel

The Danish sportswear brand Hummel has made its debut in the Indian esports scene with a sponsorship deal with Revenant Esports. Sources close to the development claimed that Hummel will serve as the kit sponsor for Revenant Esports. This deal is being considered as one of the largest deal for an Indian esports team till date. Previously, PUMA had partnered with Revenant Esports as their kit sponsor in 2022 but has not renewed the contract this year. 

Hummel, founded in 1923 and headquartered in Aarhus, Denmark, designs, produces, and markets high-quality clothing and sports equipment. The company offers a range of fashion and leisure sportswear for both adults and children. Hummel is privately owned and is part of the Thornico Group.

Soumava Naskar, Managing Director, Hummel India and Southeast Asia did not comment on signing of the deal. He said, "Indian Esports scene is exciting and we are in talks with few teams to understand the space and how we can contribute."

The brand has a history of associating with multiple sports teams. Notably, in 2020, Hummel entered sponsorship agreements with Everton F.C.(football club), Astralis Group (Esports organization), and the European Handball Federation.

Hummel entered the Indian market in 2018, earlier with its online presence the brand gained huge traction and later extended its retail presence.

Revenant Esports had previously signed a deal with global sports brand PUMA as their official kit partner in 2022. As part of that deal, Revenant Esports’ creators and esports roster wore exclusive kits produced by PUMA. The collaboration between Revenant Esports and PUMA aimed to enhance their visibility within the Indian esports community.

A source close to the development stated, “PUMA has not renewed the contract with Revenant and has continued its association with the Indian esports team Orangutan. The two-year contract with team Orangutan is set for renewal next March.”

The source further added, “Hummel is a global player in the esports industry. Their investment in the Indian esports scene is considered a significant development as a kit sponsor.”

Storyboard18 reached out to Rohit Jagasia, Founder and CEO of Revenant Esports, and Puma India for comments. This story will be updated if we receive any statements.


Exclusive: Hummel enters Indian esports scene, signs deal with Revenant

KRAFTON India announces its partnership with the Paralympic Committee of India for the upcoming Paris Paralympics 2024. 
 

KRAFTON India will sponsor training kits, bags and caps. 

 

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India, said “We are thrilled to partner with the Paralympic Committee of India for the Paris Paralympics 2024. At KRAFTON India, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and unite communities and we are dedicated to supporting the growth of traditional sports. Our para-athletes are a source of national pride, and we look forward to supporting them and witnessing their remarkable performance.”

 

Devendra, President, Paralympic Committee of India, said, “The support from KRAFTON is a significant boost for our athletes as they gear up for the Paris Paralympics. We are grateful to KRAFTON for their commitment to Indian sports and for believing in the potential of our Paralympians.”


 
The Paris Paralympics are scheduled to take place from August 28th to September 8th, 2024.



<strong>Read More:</strong> <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/kraftons-bgmi-rolls-out-a-campaign-integrating-gaming-into-indian-culture-20171.htm">Krafton's BGMI rolls out a campaign integrating gaming into Indian culture</a>

KRAFTON India partners with Paralympic Committee of India for Paris Paralympics 2024

In the recent past, esports organizations in India have faced multiple challenges in maintaining their rosters. There have been several instances of contract breaches and poaching of esports athletes, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem. Many organizations believe that the ego battles between team owners have contributed to the poaching of athletes within the industry.

Recently, esports team owners have raised concerns about the poaching of esports athletes by other organizations offering higher salaries, which violates existing contracts between team owners and players. Dr. Rushindra Sinha, Co-founder and CEO of Global Esports, previously called out a rival esports organization for attempting to poach one of Global Esports' athletes.

When asked if similar incidents of contract violations and player poaching continue, Sinha said, "I believe that no governing body or group of organizations can stop the poaching of players. This should be the direct responsibility of publishers. Publishers should put some guidelines in place."

Global Esports is one of the franchise teams for Riot’s game title Valorant. Sinha noted, "Riot has all the anti-poaching rules and legalities in place, which are signed directly between the players and Riot. So, players or any organization do not violate those mandates. This can only happen if the teams are in a franchise-based model with the publishers."

He further explained, "Honestly, we don’t often fall prey to such situations due to our relationships with other teams and our players. But other organizations do not have this leverage, and players get swayed by offers from other organizations."

When asked about a recent joint meeting by team owners regarding the issues in the esports industry, Sinha said, "Many people have tried to form such organizations earlier but have failed. Now, many of us have lost hope. Like any other sport, esports is an ego contest between team owners who like to flex their power, money, and audience reach. There are various ways team owners try to showcase their strength."

Sinha explained, "A few teams have mutual understanding and relationships with each other, while others, lacking such relations, end up trying to outbid each other, pay exorbitant salaries to their players, and breach contracts. Such incidents continue, and many team owners violate contracts and try to poach players from rival organizations."

It should be noted that team owners had come together to resolve the issue of inflated salaries of esports players in the country. Today, multiple organizations have adjusted the salaries of esports athletes to market standards.

Sharang Naicker, CEO and Founder of Yuvin Esports (Reckoning Esports), said, "We definitely need an association and an anti-poaching body to stop these activities. We have ourselves been victims of such things. Honestly, if all team owners unite, be professional, and respect other competitors, we will see a decline in these activities."

He added, "But unfortunately, everyone wants to do what they feel will benefit them and resort to unprofessional antics. Game developers also need to create proper rules and regulations that protect the organizations as well. The industry will only grow if there is a push and pull effect from the game developers/publishers."

Naicker said, "There have been multiple such initiatives in the past, but unfortunately, people love to talk about professionalism and then falter on the most basic things. Some of these individuals themselves resort to such antics. We have seen enough examples in the industry."

Elaborating on the issue, Naicker said, "Poaching of esports players is an equally big issue, and the players are also at fault. There has to be a uniform contract that every team must follow, and the players themselves need to vet the organizations they are signing with. Don’t just run to the teams offering absurd amounts of money; be smart about whom you sign with."

The mobile and computer game industry’s growth in six ASEAN countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam) is reportedly forecast to reach $7.2 billion by 2027, with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 5.4 percent from 2023 to 2027, according to Niko Partners.

Jai Shah, Founder of Orangutan, said, "When we look at the contractual bindings between organizations and esports players, there are often multiple loopholes that both parties exploit. We have often seen esports organizations never getting into contracts, leaving players vulnerable to being fired from the roster at times without paying their salaries."

Shah added, "One good thing is that team owners have a similar mindset of growing the ecosystem. When esports team owners have built good relationships, they never indulge in poaching players. There are a handful of teams that have mutual unwritten pacts with each other."

Shah said, "The situation is completely different in other countries such as Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam, or other regions globally. There are much stricter norms for esports compared to India. There is still room to grow in the country for both players and organizations, which will slowly and steadily evolve as the industry adheres to professionalism."

ESPORTS