Asia
AESF Seals MoU with South Korea’s Game Ratings and Administration Committee (GRAC)
The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Games Ratings and Administration Committee of South Korea (GRAC) which will further bolster the preparations for esports at the AESF Game Title Selection Pool Program for future Esports events.
This MoU which comes into effect on 29th of July 2021 will remain valid for the next three years.
Known by many to be the birthplace of esports, the Korean esports scene is highly regarded to be at the forefront of the industry and the official organization tied to the Korean government and affiliated with the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) is responsible for providing approval of games for local use while playing a significant role in shaping the gaming industry and esports culture in Korea.
In 2017, GRAC signed an agreement with the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC), making it the newest and only rating authority in Asia to participate in the global rating system for digital games and mobile apps.
This puts GRAC on-par with the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in North America, PEGI in Europe, ClassInd in Brazil, USK in Germany and the Classification Board in Australia in utilising the streamlined IARC system to ensure that today’s digital consumers have consistent access to established and trusted age ratings across game devices.
Along with the GRAC, early this year the AESF has formed an internal Task Force to oversee game selection called the ‘Game Title Selection Pool Program.’ Composed of industry experts and professionals, the Task Force is formed to ensure fairness, accessibility, legitimacy of contents and transparency in selection of esports titles played at all AESF-sanctioned tournaments in the future.
By working closely with industry experts and relevant stakeholders, this Task Force aims to uphold the integrity and maintain the high professional standards of esports.
Through this agreement, the GRAC, represented by Chairperson, Mr. Lee Jae Hong, will share its knowledge and expertise and act primarily as reference for the matters pertaining to game contents evaluation of all applied titles for the ‘AESF Game Title Selection Pool Program’ in the future. The evaluation process will be mainly related to the suitability of content for esports in accordance with established criteria for game contents assessment.
With the aim of creating a transparent and fair outcome, the games selection process for future AESF and Olympic competitions will also adhere to the highest standards introduced and implemented by the AESF and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Commenting on the momentous occasion, GRAC Chairperson, Mr Lee Jae Hong said “We are very excited to be part of this initiative which plays a huge role in ensuring the integrity of esports at future competitions. Alongside our counterparts at the AESF, I look forward to a fruitful collaboration which will, in the long term, pave the road for esports in being recognized on-par with other traditional sports on the biggest sporting stage.”
“We will cooperate with AESF to create a healthy esports culture and invigorate this scene for many years to come. We will also try to enhance our national status and extend the collaboration fields in game related ecosystems by promoting the international standardization of game rating classification,” he added.
AESF Director General, Mr. Sebastian Lau echoed the sentiment, saying “This partnership with GRAC is in-line with our focus in ensuring the highest standard for all continental and regional esports tournaments under the administration of the AESF. Not only does it show transparency in the esports titles selection, but it also hopefully sets a benchmark which all future tournaments follow.”
Esports have experienced a massive growth in Asia through official participation in various regional sporting events, most notably as a demonstration game at the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. In 2019, at the Southeast Games in Manila, esports was included as a full-fledged medal sport. The momentum continues as Esports will feature as an official medal sport at the 2021 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand and the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China PR.
Fun88, a leading company in sports and entertainment, has announced its official title sponsorship with the Vizag Warriors for the Andhra Premier League (APL).
The partnership shows Fun88’s ongoing support for regional cricket leagues in India. By supporting the Vizag Warriors and the APL, Fun88 strengthens the future of Indian cricket. Fun88’s dedication to enhancing sporting experiences aligns well with the Vizag Warriors’ goals for success.
Dr. Narendra Ram, co-owner of the Vizag Warriors team and founder of Lifespan Pvt Ltd, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Fun88 News as the official title sponsor of the Vizag Warriors. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for our fans and aligns with our vision to support the growth of cricket in the region.”
The Andhra Premier League, recognised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been key in encouraging cricket in Andhra Pradesh since its beginning in 2022 by the Andhra Cricket Association. The Andhra Premier League (APL) 2024, is currently underway. This year’s tournament, featuring six teams, kicked off on Sunday, June 30, and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, July 13. The Vizag Warriors, co-owned by Lifespan Pvt Ltd, is a strong team in the Andhra Premier League. They are known for their competitive spirit and dedication to cricket.
As the Andhra Premier League continues, the support from Fun88 is expected to provide a significant boost, enhancing the Vizag Warriors’ resources and capabilities. Both organisations are enthusiastic about the opportunities this partnership brings, promising fans an exciting and competitive season ahead.
The post Fun88 Announces Title Sponsorship of Vizag Warriors for the Andhra Premier League appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Zitro, a leading global player in the gaming industry, is proud to announce a significant expansion in the Philippines, with its top-performing slot games now live at three of Manila’s leading Integrated Resorts: Newport, Okada, and Solaire North. The addition of Zitro’s slot games at these prestigious gaming destinations marks a major milestone for the company. Newport, Okada, and Solaire North players can now experience the company’s innovative and engaging products, renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stunning graphics, and captivating gameplay. The positive reception in the Philippines positions Zitro for even greater success in the region, with future installations already in the pipeline.
The company is also actively expanding its footprint across other key Asian markets. New installations are planned for jurisdictions such as Laos and Cambodia. Recognizing the unique preferences of each market, Zitro is strategically adapting its products to ensure successful integration and resonate with local players.
Nadège Teyssedre, EMEA Sales Director at Zitro, commented on this significant achievement: “We are incredibly excited about our recent installations in the Philippines, which reflect our ongoing commitment to expanding our footprint in Asia. The positive reception of our games at these prestigious resorts is a testament to the quality and appeal of Zitro’s gaming offerings. This expansion solidifies our presence in Asia and sets the stage for continued growth in the continent.”
The post ZITRO EXPANDS ASIAN PRESENCE AT MANILA’S INTEGRATED RESORTS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Inaugural Esports World Cup is a global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom, with a record-breaking prize pool of over $60 million (500 Cr.)
Star Sports Network and the Esports World Cup Foundation (“EWCF”) today announced the acquisition of broadcasting rights for the Esports World Cup (“EWC”) 2024. The tournament, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 3rd to August 25th, will unite the global gaming communities and deliver premier competition in a unique format at an unprecedented scale. Over eight weeks, the EWC will feature the world’s top Esports clubs competing in 21 of the most popular game titles, making it the largest multi-game Esports tournament ever. As the official broadcaster, Star Sports is set to deliver comprehensive coverage of the tournament, offering viewers and fans an unparalleled Esports experience with in-depth commentary in English and Hindi. The Esports World Cup will be streamed on Star Sports’ YouTube channel and broadcast on linear TV via Star Sports First and Star Sports 2.
In 2022, BGMI Masters became the first Esports franchise to be broadcast in India by the Star Sports Network, drawing in millions of viewers over its linear television debut. Highlighting the immense popularity of the online multiplayer battle royale game, Star Sports has been instrumental in bringing esports to the mainstream Indian gaming audience.
Vikram Passi, Head Marketing – Sports, Disney Star, stated, “Esports is rapidly emerging as a significant force, fuelled by India’s burgeoning gaming culture and its recognition on the global stage. The BGMI Masters’ Series, in just a few seasons, has firmly established itself as a premier tournament in India, demonstrating the immense potential for world-class Esports competitions. With the upcoming Esports World Cup broadcast, we aim to expand our audience base, energize the gaming community, and foster greater acceptance of Esports among non-gamers. This event will not only captivate dedicated Esports enthusiasts but also engage a younger demographic across our platforms, driving a broader appreciation for the competitive gaming landscape.”
Ralf Reichert, CEO Esports World Cup Foundation, said “Our partnership with Star Sports brings the Esports World Cup to India’s massive and passionate gaming audience. Having witnessed this firsthand, I’m thrilled to nurture India’s growing esports scene and inspire future champions. With the world’s best competing in Riyadh, we hope to spark a new wave of esports fandom in India, and maybe even see an Indian team claim victory.”
The EWC will offer the largest prize pool in esports and feature the most popular esports titles across all major gaming genres. It will welcome a new cross-game competition format, awarding prizes for individual game titles and club performances. This will be a first ever Esports World Cup with a prize pool of more than $60 million (INR 500 crore)
The eight games to be broadcasted on Star Sports Network are Call of Duty: Warzone, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Fortnite, EA Sports FC 24, and PUBG Battlegrounds .
Specific highlights include:
- Opening Broadcast: Week 1 July 3rd at 10 PM on SS First and SS YT Channel with Call of Duty: Warzone in Hindi.
- Weekly Schedule: From Week 3, starting July 18, EWC will be broadcast at 9 PM on SS2 and SS First along with SS YT Channel
- Hindi Commentary: Call of Duty: Warzone (Week 1) and Counter-Strike 2 (Week 3) will be shown with Hindi commentary on SS First along with and SS YT Channel
The Esports World Cup broadcast on the Star Sports Network will further solidify esports as one of the fastest-growing sports in India, bringing the best of global esports action to India. The Esports World Cup Foundation is pleased to share Star Sports’ vision in bringing esports to a broader audience as they continue to pave the way for the future of competitive gaming in India
The post STAR SPORTS NETWORK ACQUIRES BROADCASTING RIGHTS FOR ESPORTS WORLD CUP 2024 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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