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The All India Gaming Federation reinforces its resolve towards responsible gaming

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  • AIGF strengthens its advisory panel with the induction of three new experts including Justice Vikramajit Sen, Fatema Agarkar & Jhulan Goswami
  • The gaming industry fueled by technology is the biggest past-time globally and India is the next frontier
  • As millions of players get on gaming platforms, AIGF emphasizes on Player Protection & Responsible Gaming

 The COVID-19 outbreak and the nationwide lockdown have had a pronounced impact across industries. Besides stalling economic activity and lowering consumption, the pandemic has also led to behavioral and lifestyle changes in people.

The time as well as the average spends per user (ARPUs) for online gaming is rising significantly making gaming the biggest past-time globally as quoted by top economist Ruchir Sharma from Morgan Stanley, in January this year. The online transaction based skill gaming industry in India grew at a robust rate of 30% while the ARPUs went up by a whopping 41% in 2019, as per the FICCI Frames 2020 report compiled by Ernst & Young. In view of these trends the importance for self-regulation for this Industry cannot be emphasized enough.

Mr. Roland Landers, CEO, All India Gaming Federation states, “Since its inception over four years ago, the objective of AIGF was centered around bringing recognition to the sunrise sector of transaction based online skill gaming. One of the key deliverables for us was to set up a robust self-regulation mechanism that would serve the needs of the Industry by means of good governance”.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Landers mentions,AIGF skill games charter was released in 2018 and was based on the four foundations of integrity, legality, global best practices and good governance. The charter focusses entirely on player protection, responsible gaming including guidelines for advertising.”  Through the adoption of principles and the disciplinary process, the AIGF seeks to build a self-regulatory community and facilitative ecosystem for the offer of online transactional games of skill in a transparent and fair manner, with due regard for consumer and stakeholder interests.

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With the surge in the transactional based online skill ecosystem and the addition of newer business verticals like digital eSports, the AIGF felt the need to strengthen its Advisory Board and has onboarded eminent experts from diverse backgrounds of the judiciary, education and sports.

On welcoming the new advisory Board members, Mr. Landers professes, “We are privileged to have strengthened our advisory panel at AIGF and are very honored to have eminent Justice Vikramajit Sen, a Former Judge of the Supreme Court & Ex – Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Ms. Fatema Agarkar, leading educationist & Founder of the Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE) combing sports and education, and Ms. Jhulan Goswami, Indian International Cricketer and the former captain of the Indian National women’s cricket team join us and offer their expert guidance to us and the industry.”

Justice Vikramajit Sen states, “As online transaction based gaming has grown by 30% over last year, self-regulation for this ever expanding Industry is extremely important. To overcome the blurred lines, the AIGF Skill Games Charter provides the very foundation for responsible gaming, user integrity, player protection, and best practices for member operators to ensure ethical practices to safeguard the consumer interest.

To further contribute to the process, I am excited to be on the advisory panel of the AIGF, which has vetted the charter and play a role in guiding the Industry body and its stakeholders forward as the sector grows.”

Elaborating on the importance of Digital sports gaming, Ms. Fatema Agarkar states “I am glad to be a part of AIGF’s advisory panel and for me, the sheer potential that e-sports enjoys lies in its reach, bringing communities together, enabling an alternative to physical sports, working with key life skills such as decision making, critical thinking and logic not to mention attitudes of discipline, responsible digital citizenship!”

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“There’s cognitive development and participation avenues that open up given its tech base and therefore obvious reach beyond the four walls, and when structured with science and responsible protocols, the sheer scale of possibilities it opens up cannot be emphasized enough. With AIGF’s well-structured Responsible Gaming Charter, we will put the right checks in place and treat it with the respect it deserves!” Ms. Agarkar further added.

Elated to be part of AIGF’s advisory board, Ms. Jhulan Goswami said, “It is heartening to see that millions of gamers are participating in online formats including cricket and that this ecosystem is growing rapidly. It is an honor to be on the board alongside such eminent people

And makes me extremely happy to see the industry come together to adopt the guidelines of the AIGF charter to ensure best practices and player protection for the online Skill Gaming Industry.”

 

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Fun88 Announces Title Sponsorship of Vizag Warriors for the Andhra Premier League

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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.”

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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.

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ZITRO EXPANDS ASIAN PRESENCE AT MANILA’S INTEGRATED RESORTS

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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.”

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STAR SPORTS NETWORK ACQUIRES BROADCASTING RIGHTS FOR ESPORTS WORLD CUP 2024

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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.

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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:

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  • 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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