Esports Business

Game Music Festival Vol. 5 SOLD OUT in record time!

written by John

Baldur’s Gate 3 “The Symphony of the Realms” concert sold out within 24 hours! The Last Of Us “The Sounds of the Fireflies” concert also sold out in record time!

London, UK – 21st November 2023 – The Game Music Foundation is excited to announce the fifth edition of the universally acclaimed Game Music Festival has sold out in record time. On 4th May 2024, Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall will host a celebration of video game music with two live concerts featuring music from The Last of Us and Baldur’s Gate 3 to a packed house of videogame music fans.

Additionally, an educational programme scheduled for the same day will allow music enthusiasts and aspiring composers to join masterclasses, panel discussions, and provide an opportunity to meet the brilliant minds behind the featured soundtracks. More info on these panels will be announced in due course.

Game Music Festival 2024 will begin with The Sounds of the Fireflies, a musical journey through the unforgiving yet hopeful world of The Last of Us. With 80 awards, over 17 million copies sold and the TV adaptation being HBO Max’s most-watched project in history, both parts of Naughty Dog’s masterpiece left a strong imprint in the hearts of gamers all over the world. BAFTA-nominated original scores, composed by Oscar-winning guitar virtuoso Gustavo Santaolalla perfectly resonate with the emotional landscape of the game. From haunting, life-threatening situations to sombre, melancholic moments and gut-wrenching decisions – his music amplifies each scene, creating a synergistic, emotional spectacle. To enhance the show even further, Gustavo Santaolalla himself will appear on stage alongside the Philharmonia Orchestra in a performance set to captivate hearts and minds.

Taking the gaming world by storm, applauded by critics and loved by fans – Baldur’s Gate 3, makes its epic musical debut with The Symphony of the Realms, the second concert of Game Music Festival 2024. A beautifully crafted world, captivating cast of characters, engrossing story, and freedom of choice accompanied by Borislav Slavov’s mesmerising music undoubtedly contributed to the staggering success of Baldur’s Gate 3. Different facets of player’s adventures are perfectly reflected in the soundtrack, likely to charm the listeners with delicate melodies as well as inspire them with monumental battle themes. This performance by the Philharmonia Orchestra, joined by Hertfordshire Chorus, will take the audience on an unforgettable adventure through Forgotten Realms. Borislav Slavov himself will be a special guest during the event.

Game Music Festival is not exclusively about the concerts, it also features multiple educational events. Between the shows on Saturday 4th May, the GMF 2024 educational programme will take place, hosting masterclasses and various sessions. Participants will be able to meet industry professionals, improve their skills, and learn tips and tricks from the field of game music production. Attending these events will be invaluable for anyone planning to dive into composing or designing sound in games. Further details of the educational programme will be unveiled later.

“We are excited to present the Game Music Festival in London again.” commented Marta and Mateusz Pawlak, founders of Game Music Festival. “The previous editions of GMF clearly show that it is the perfect spot to showcase what our festival is all about – celebrating the art of video game music. Like previous editions, we fully dedicate ourselves and spare no effort to deliver a remarkable musical experience to our audience. The very core of our mission is promoting the video game music genre, and with the programme we have this year, we aim to gather the attention of gaming communities and fans of illustrative music alike. We hope that both our regular audience as well as newcomers will be pleased with the result at London’s Southbank Centre”.

For the latest updates, be sure to follow the event’s Facebook page and subscribe to the official newsletter.

Tickets:
All tickets are now SOLD OUT!

Venue:
The Royal Festival Hall is a truly impressive artistic venue located within Southbank Centre in London. With an impressive history of over 70 years of hosting prominent musicians, it stands among the world’s leading concert halls. The stunning interior design of the Royal Festival Hall is matched only by its crystal-clear acoustics. The concert space itself is renowned worldwide for its crisp sound.

Artists:
The famous Philharmonia Orchestra will perform both The Sounds of the Fireflies and – joined by the Hertfordshire Chorus – The Symphony of the Realms, displaying their mastery over music from diverse genres. They are no strangers to such arrangements, having performed the Symphony of the Spirits during the 2022 edition of Game Music Festival. Gustavo Santaolalla, the brilliant mind behind each of The Last of Us soundtracks, will join the stage to demonstrate his proficiency with guitar during The Sounds of the Fireflies. Both concerts will be conducted by maestro Robert Kurdybacha, a long-time associate of GMF who has arranged and conducted several fan-favourite symphonies for previous editions of the festival.

MEDIA CONTACT
Decibel-PR
sam.brace@decibel-pr.com

About Game Music Foundation:
The Game Music Foundation is formed by a group of individuals passionate about the music of video games. Our team created gamemusic.net which has been one of the most active and comprehensive portals dedicated to game audio since 2006. GMF is based in Poland, but its mission is international. GMF also run Gamemusic Records, a label releasing game music on vinyl, such as the Frostpunk and Heroes of Might & Magic soundtracks, as well as Gamemusic Magazine, the first-ever paper magazine devoted entirely to video game music.

27 November 2023 0 comment

Arenas Esports Business FIFA Investment Sponsorship Sports and Esports Streaming

VIFA Project Manager

written by Mohamed Mokhtar

Baku, 25/11/2023 – Saturday, VIFA (Virtual International Football Arena) powered by 1996, proudly announces its ambitious venture into the dynamic realm of virtual sports, marking a revolutionary chapter in esports. With a passion for gaming at its core, VIFA aims to transform the esports landscape, creating a global platform that unites virtual football enthusiasts, e-sport players, and future gaming influencers.

Key Highlights:

Powered by Passion: VIFA is not just a project; it’s a passion-driven initiative dedicated to fostering a vibrant virtual football community.

Global Reach: Headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan, VIFA is poised to transcend borders, targeting countries worldwide to establish a dynamic and inclusive esports federation.

Building the Future: VIFA proudly announces the successful formation of its inaugural team – 16 skilled e-sport players who represent the first wave of future gaming influencers. This diverse team hails from Azerbaijan, with plans to expand its footprint to nurture talent globally.

Challenges and Solutions:

Funding the Future: VIFA acknowledges the financial challenges ahead and is excited to announce the launch of a crowdfunding campaign at [ https://gogetfunding.com/vifa/ ], inviting supporters, gamers, and potential investors to contribute to the future of virtual football.

Investment Opportunities: VIFA is actively seeking investors for its Azerbaijan site and eagerly exploring partnerships on a global scale. The project welcomes collaboration with visionary individuals and organizations who share a passion for shaping the future of esports.

VIFA invites the global community to join the virtual revolution. For more information or to support the project, visit [link].

About VIFA:
VIFA is more than a project; it’s a vision to redefine the gaming experience. With a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and the power of virtual sports, VIFA is set to become the ultimate destination for esports enthusiasts worldwide.

Media Contact:
Mohamed mokhtar
VIFA Project Manager
+994 50 66 44 987
mokhtar@1996az.com

Follow VIFA on Social Media:
https://linktr.ee/1996aze
( NOT: Due to fund challenges we would not be able to start phase 2 and the project dead line December 23rd before we shutdown )

27 November 2023 0 comment

Esports Business Mobile Esports PUBG

KRAFTON achieves 3Q23 sales of £279.8M

written by John

Sales and Operating Profit climb to 42% as KRAFTON claims highest Operating Profit Margin among listed game companies in S. Korea for Q323

November 7, 2023 – KRAFTON Inc. (CEO CH Kim) announced its 3Q23 preliminary earnings on November 7.

KRAFTON recorded its 3Q23 sales at £279.8M GBP, Operating Profit at £117.6M GBP and Net Profit at £131.4M GBP in accordance with the Korean International Financial Reporting Standards (K-IFRS). Sales and OP both climbed 16% QoQ and 44% QoQ, respectively, which translates to 4% YoY and 31% YoY, respectively. KRAFTON posted its 3Q23 cumulative sales at £855.1M and OP at £375.2M GBP, claiming the highest OPM among the listed game companies in Korea.

This achievement in sales and OP is largely attributed to the stable revenue generated across all platforms by PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS IP. On PC/Console, PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS updated its classic maps Miramar and Erangel and introduced new weapon Dragunov, all of which offered new gameplay experiences for users in 3Q23. Engaging in direct communication with users and actively gathering feedback through the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Director Live Talk since August, the company has achieved sales of £82.8M GBP on PC/Console.

As for Mobile, sales picked up 26% QoQ and 9% YoY to £192.0M GBP driven by PUBG MOBILE’s Dragon Ball Super collaboration and the resumption of BATTLEGROUNDS MOBILE INDIA (BGMI) services. In India, hosting large-scale Esports competitions and providing localized content helped sales and traffic return to previous levels while BGMI has further solidified its position as the most popular game in the Indian market with a steady inflow of new users.

With its strategic direction of “Scale-Up the Creative” since early-2023, KRAFTON has been enhancing its publishing capabilities and focusing on new IP acquisition, thereby gaining a foothold to take another leap forward. This year, up until the third quarter, KRAFTON has made equity investments in a total of 13 global studios, focusing on strengthening publishing capabilities and acquiring new IPs. As such, the number of global studios in which KRAFTON has invested since going public has increased to 21.

KRAFTON’s self-developed new titles are set to connect with fans starting in 2024. Among these are, ‘Dark and Darker Mobile,’ an extraction RPG independently developed by Bluehole Studio, and ‘inZOI,’ a life-simulation game featuring realistic graphics. Furthermore, the company is poised to bolster its earnings with a lineup of forthcoming releases, including an extraction shooter genre game, ‘Project Black Budget,’ currently being developed by PUBG STUDIOS and scheduled for launch in 2H24.

Dongkeun Bae, CFO of KRAFTON, stated, “KRAFTON is growing steadily based on the ongoing potential of the PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS IP,” and added, “Moving forward, KRAFTON aims to become a company known for launching major new titles and highly anticipated games every year, by expanding our pipeline aggressively with our own game development and second-party publishing.”

	Earnings (3Q23)	Earnings (2Q23)	% chg (QoQ)	Earnings (3Q22)	% chg (YoY)
Sales	£279.8	£240.5	16.3%	£269.5	3.8%
OP	£117.6	£81.7	44.0%	£89.8	30.9%

▲Table: KRAFTON’s 3Q23 (preliminary) earnings on a consolidated basis (unit: 1 million GBP) Original figures in South Korean Won (KRW), converted to GBP using 6 November 2023 exchange rate for this press release.

About KRAFTON, Inc.

Headquartered in South Korea, KRAFTON, Inc. is dedicated to discovering and publishing captivating games that offer fun and unique experiences. Established in 2007, KRAFTON is home to globally renowned developers that include PUBG STUDIOS, Striking Distance Studios, Unknown Worlds, VECTOR NORTH, Neon Giant, KRAFTON Montréal Studio, Bluehole Studio, RisingWings, 5minlab, Dreamotion, ReLU Games and Flyway Games. Each studio strives to continuously take on new challenges and leverage innovative technologies. Their goal is to win over more fans by broadening KRAFTON’s platforms and services.

KRAFTON is responsible for premier entertainment properties, including PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG MOBILE, The Callisto Protocol, NEW STATE MOBILE, Moonbreaker, Defense Derby and TERA. With a passionate and driven team across the globe, KRAFTON is a tech-forward company that possesses world-class capabilities and is set on expanding its business horizons to encompass multimedia entertainment and deep learning. For more information, visit www.krafton.com.

8 November 2023 0 comment

Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL) Announces Grand Finals for Season 7, Offering a Unique Multi-Game Esports Experience

written by Titus Walker

The Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL), under the leadership of CEO Titus, is thrilled to announce the culmination of Season 7 with the Grand Finals scheduled for November 19th at 4:00 PM.

UEL is the world’s largest multi-game esports league, setting a new standard in competitive gaming. With a primary focus on five distinct game genres, including sports, racing, shooters, fighting, and strategy, UEL delivers an unparalleled and comprehensive gaming experience.

In this exciting season, gamers from across the globe have engaged in fierce competition, vying for a prestigious grand prize of $100,000 in cash. The heart of UEL lies in its 7 on 7 format, placing immense importance on teamwork and strategic coaching. Every team within the league is strategically assembled to excel in all game genres, showcasing the versatile skills of its players.

One of the most notable aspects of UEL is its commitment to creating a new category of gamers known as “endgamers.” These individuals transcend the boundaries of casual gaming, becoming true masters of the art of gaming. An endgamer doesn’t merely conquer a game; they possess an in-depth understanding of its mechanics, representing the pinnacle of gaming expertise. The term “endgamer” was coined by UEL to exemplify this level of gaming excellence.

The UEL competition format is a groundbreaking innovation in the world of esports. Each match begins with a four-hour timer, accompanied by a roulette-style wheel featuring 33 diverse game titles. Coaches from each team must strategically select which player to send into the chosen game. Victory in a game rewards the team with one point, and the wheel spins again for the next game selection. Importantly, coaches must tactically manage player rotations, adhering to a rule similar to baseball where consecutive play is prohibited until all players have had their turn. The team with the most points at the end of the four-hour timer emerges as the victor. Furthermore, once a game is played, it is removed from the wheel, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving competition.

UEL has pioneered this innovative style of esports, revolutionizing the art of gaming. By amalgamating strategy, skill, and an immersive gaming experience, UEL has created a platform that venerates the mastery of multiple game genres and celebrates the boundless possibilities of gaming.

Titus, CEO of UEL, stated, “Our vision for UEL has always been to transform esports into an art form. We’re proud to witness the growth of endgamers and see players from all backgrounds and preferences compete in diverse games. UEL isn’t just a league; it’s a revolution in the world of gaming.”

The Grand Finals on November 19th at 4:00 PM mark the pinnacle of Season 7. This event promises to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and the future of esports. UEL invites all gaming enthusiasts and esports aficionados to join us for this unforgettable showdown.

For media inquiries and further information about UEL, please contact:

Info@uelesports.com

About UEL:
The Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL) is the world’s largest multi-game esports league, committed to redefining esports as an art form. With a strong emphasis on diverse game genres and the cultivation of endgamers, UEL offers a unique gaming experience and pushes the boundaries of competitive gaming.

20 September 2023 0 comment

Esports Business F1 Gran Turismo Sim Racing

Futuristic Real-World Flying Car Racing Game Hosts Star-Studded Tournament

written by John

This month, a major tournament has taken centre stage, marking the grand unveiling of an exhilarating new video game featuring Airspeeder, the real-world flying racing car series. This extraordinary game, named Celeros, is currently being crafted by the global gaming studio, Saltwater Games.

Celeros introduces us to the sleek Mk4 Airspeeders, flying vehicles that can reach speeds of up to 360kph. Players navigate these Airspeeders at blistering speeds through electronically regulated sky tracks, weaving seamlessly through real cities. They manoeuvre their flying cars through augmented reality gates, harnessing jet streams and ground force for a competitive edge. Picture the thrill of Star Wars’ pod-racing, but with genuine electric flying cars – it’s a reality that’s here and now!

Though Celeros is in its early developmental stages, it already boasts sophisticated and revolutionary flying car physics, dynamics, and maneuvers. Players need to expertly balance speed, precision, and strategy to master the simulation-style controls. The ambition is to capture the same heart-pounding excitement found in Formula 1 racing, but with the high-speed airborne machines replacing cars.

In an effort to enrich the lives of fans and its community, Celeros is proudly hosting the Aero Bay Genesis Tournament. This much-anticipated competition promises an eclectic mix of participants, from real-world Airspeeder pilots and esports champions to avid gamers and celebrated racing drivers, such as Bruno Senna. Bruno holds the distinction of being the first driver to clinch victory in every class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. Also joining is Jann Mardenborough, the youngest victor of the GT Academy competition and the shining star of the recently premiered Gran Turismo movie.

Each contender is granted a 48-hour practice window, followed by another 48 hours to record their best three lap times on the inaugural track, Aero Bay. Aligned with the company’s Play2Impact mission, the competitor with the fastest overall time will secure a $10,000 prize, directed towards a charity of their choosing. Additional proceeds will be donated to the International Justice Mission, SWG’s primary impact partner.

Astoundingly, the Aero Bay block-mesh prototype came into being in a mere three months of development, the result of an impressive collaboration between Saltwater and their esteemed AAA game partners. This pre-alpha build introduces distinctive gameplay mechanics, a system that will be fine-tuned through invaluable input from the premier racing drivers, esports contenders, and gamers throughout this intense competition.

Gearheads, sim racers, and gaming fans will appreciate Celeros’ fresh take on the racing game genre. The Aero Bay Genesis Tournament heralds what they envision as the forthcoming era of interactive, multiplayer flying car racing experiences.

Celeros is the exclusive platform for the revolutionary Airspeeder gaming series. This offers gamers the unique ability to channel their earned rewards into real-world projects for social and environmental impact. Also, in a manner reminiscent of GT Academy, this serves as a stepping stone towards transforming virtual aspirations and to start their journey to becoming a real-world Airspeeder pilot!

Come September 2023, Saltwater Games will extend community access to the block-mesh prototype.

About Saltwater Games:

Saltwater Games (SWG) is a global game studio and technology hub, deeply committed to delivering paramount and immersive experiences where the boundaries between physical and virtual worlds blur to create realms of competition, rewards, education, and positive change.

For inquiries from the media and inquiries regarding partnership opportunities, please reach out to:

Ian Howarth

Chief Creative Officer

ian@saltwatergames.com

+61 412147577

Additional links:
https://celeros.gg/

https://celeros.gg/genesis-tournament https://airspeeder.com/

16 August 2023 0 comment

Esports Business League of Legends

DOTX TALENT WELCOMES JOSH KINGETT AS HEAD OF ESPORTS

written by Jay Massaad

DOTX TALENT WELCOMES JOSH KINGETT AS HEAD OF ESPORTS

LONDON, ENGLAND—DotX Talent, the esports and gaming agency whose clients include LEC caster Marc ‘Caedrel’ Lamont, sim racing superstar Jimmy Broadbent, and ex-CDL pro Thomas ‘Tommey’ Trewen, has announced the recruitment of Josh Kingett as the company’s Head of Esports.

Josh built his reputation through his work as Founder & CEO of X7 Esports, a premier European esports organisation that drew notice for becoming the first esports organisation worldwide to receive government sponsorship (earning coverage in outlets such as Forbes), and for its unique model of brokering the transfers of East Asian League of Legends players, such as Kang ‘Haru’ Min-seung and Kim ‘Chasy’ Dong-hyeon, to western franchise teams.

Josh’s new role will see him manage DotX’s esports operations, including scouting and signing players, working with coaches and other support staff, and brokering deals with major teams across Europe and beyond.

“With a commercial mindset, an eye for emerging talent, and an extensive contact book, Josh is perfectly positioned to grow and develop our professional esports operations. I am delighted to have him as a part of our team.” said Nick Williams, Managing Director of DotX.

In relation to the move, Josh said, “I have followed DotX and their journey since inception and I am thrilled to be joining such a credible agency, already home to some phenomenal talent. I look forward to this new chapter of my career, working alongside a great team, and helping push DotX to new heights.”

DotX Talent was launched at the start of 2022 by Morgan Sports Law. In June 2022, DotX announced the launch of a new player transfer service, which offers players professional guidance in negotiating transfers and contracts without the need to enter a long-term agency commitment. For more information on this or our other services, please contact us through our website.

ABOUT DOTX TALENT

DotX Talent is a new evolution in esports and gaming talent management.

A hybrid of a leading international sports law firm, Morgan Sports Law, and gaming industry natives, we provide professionalism, transparency, integrity, and specialist knowledge where it matters.

https://dotxtalent.com

28 July 2023 0 comment

Esports Business Sports and Esports

New Web3 Powered Competitive Esports Platform Launch! 🎮 🏆 | Ultra Arena

written by Mark O'Leary

ULTRA AND CLD DISTRIBUTION LAUNCH NEXT-GENERATION ESPORTS PLATFORM ULTRA ARENA

– New gaming tournament hub enables players of all abilities to engage in competitive gaming and win rewards –

TALLINN, ESTONIA – 26 JULY, 2023 – Ultra, a complete PC video gaming ecosystem created by AAA games industry talent from companies like Ubisoft, Playstation and Nintendo, and CLD Distribution, owner of Smartoys stores and official distributors for the largest retailers in Europe, today proudly announce the launch of Ultra Arena, a next-generation esports and tournament platform for all gamers.

Created to expand access to competitive gaming for casual gamers and pros alike, Ultra Arena will go live globally on 8th August 2023 following a series of successful closed beta tournaments. Currently, gamers often need to join a multitude of third-party websites and Discord servers to compete in their favorite games. Ultra Arena addresses this by integrating directly within Ultra’s ecosystem of PC gaming apps, bringing together tournament organization, prizes and rewards in a single intuitive hub.

In addition to major benefits for gamers, Ultra Arena provides a multitude of opportunities for publishers, esports organizations, and gaming brands to connect with their audiences. Apart from supporting tournament sponsorships and custom branding for teams and competitions, brands and organizations have the ability to create and oversee their own exclusive tournaments and events. They can also assemble highly competitive lineups to represent them by directly engaging with emerging esports talents.

Ultra Arena will host tournaments for titles including League of Legends, Overwatch 2, CSGO, PUBG, as well as games that are already available to play on Ultra Games. Tournament organizers take control of the rules and brackets to cater to various skill levels, as well as reward systems. Prize pools can be made up of Ultra’s $UOS ecosystem token, digital games, and digital collectibles. Physical licensed products such as graphics cards and keyboards can also be offered, which players can choose to keep or trade with others on Ultra’s built-in Uniq Marketplace.

Ultra’s co-CEOs – Nicolas Gilot and David Hanson – have a long track record in gaming and esports, even creating their own CSGO org in the early 2000s. Announcing the launch of Ultra Arena, Nicolas Gilot said:

“Today, esports beyond the very top professional level quickly becomes a mishmash of tournament platforms, Discord servers, and LFG groups. It’s a major challenge for competitive gamers and excludes casual gamers who’d nevertheless like to compete against similar ability players on their favorite games. By offering a convenient and user-friendly hub within the wider Ultra ecosystem, we’re making it easier for players of all skill levels to access tournaments whilst providing unparalleled opportunities for esports and gaming brands to engage their fans and communities.”

Raphael Pluta, CEO of CLD Group, said:

“After 24 years of passionate work within the gaming industry, I’m so proud of this partnership that will enable gamers to grow, compete and have fun in a safe and exciting environment. Our ambition is to connect physical products with this futuristic esports platform to offer the very best phygital experience. I strongly believe that Ultra Arena is an opportunity for retailers and e-tailers around the world to create communities, build marketing activations and grow their fan bases in innovative and authentic ways. Now more than ever, the gaming industry will show its power!”

The launch of Ultra Arena follows the successful public launch of Ultra Games, Ultra’s next-generation PC games store, in April 2023. Tournaments can be held on Ultra Arena for any suitable gaming title, regardless of their availability on Ultra Games. Ultra Arena will be regularly updated with new features such as large-scale ongoing leagues for key esports titles. To download Ultra and start exploring the ecosystem, click here.

ENDS

About Ultra

Ultra is a complete PC video gaming ecosystem built around a next generation PC games store, Ultra Games, which is bridging the gap between web2 and web3 gaming. Created by AAA games industry talent from companies like Ubisoft, Wargaming, PlayStation and Nintendo, Ultra provides access to countless services for all game developers and players in one intuitive ecosystem, under a single login. With an extensive catalogue of web2 and web3 titles and pioneering features such as an in-built wallet and marketplace, ecosystem token ($UOS), reselling of games, and competitive gaming platform, Ultra aims to provide endless value to players and developers alike.

About CLD Distribution

Founded in 1998, CLD is a leading distributor in video games, accessories, and licensed products. With services including sales, marketing, logistics and supply chain integration, Belgium-based CLD works with many of the leading retailers in Europe and is the owner of Smartoys stores.

For information, images and interviews

Raptor PR for Ultra

Thomas Huxter | Priyanka Harsora | Mark O’Leary

+44 (0)7886788479 | +44(0)7939 927 615 | +44 (0)7947990380

thomas@raptorpr.com | priyanka@raptorpr.com | mark@raptorpr.com

26 July 2023 0 comment

Broadcasting Sports and Esports Streaming

STYLY Brings Air Race X to the Streets of Tokyo Using AR

written by Peter Graham

London, UK, 18th July 2023 – STYLY, the XR metaverse platform created by Psychic VR Lab Co. is excited to collaborate with AIR RACE X. AIR RACE X is the next generation of motorsports, establishing an unprecedented innovative competition format and spectator style through a new racing format that combines actual flight with the latest digital technology.

Pilots will fly real airplanes at locations around the world and race for the fastest time in a remote format. Spectators can watch the pilots’ flights remotely up close via augmented reality (AR) technology.

This format is called “digital rounds” and consists of round-robin qualifying held over six days and a final tournament held over one day.

A total of eight air race pilots, including Yoshihide Muroya of Japan, Matt Hall of Australia, and Pete McLeod of Canada, will compete in this memorable world-first event, and the final tournament will be held on 15th October 2023 (Sunday) in Shibuya. A centre place of Japanese culture.

In the Digital Round, competition data is generated by collecting and analyzing ultra-high-precision flight data from pilots flying in various locations around the world. It is then uploaded online. The competition data is then turned into a visual representation using augmented reality (AR) technology. On the day of the finals, the pilots will be able to watch their flights in the streets of Shibuya, offering a new way to enjoy motorsports.

This new style of spectating offered by AIR RACE X is made possible by the advanced technology of the real metaverse platform “STYLY”.

By holding up an XR device or smartphone running the “STYLY” application, spectators can watch the race planes fly through the streets of Shibuya as if it were happening right before their eyes. The race will also be broadcast online to the entire world, allowing visitors to enjoy the excitement of the race via live video streaming, just as they have done in previous air races.

About STYLY

STYLY is a real metaverse platform that enables the creation and distribution of XR content linked to urban spaces and has facilitated many creator training and location-based projects.

STYLY is equipped with 3D data from cities around the world, which can be used to create and distribute content linked to real space. Furthermore, STYLY is compatible with multiple devices, allowing users to experience AR content on a variety of devices, including smartphones, AR/MR glasses, web browsers, and VRHMDs.

We will continue to collaborate with creators and cities around the world to promote the “Real Metaverse” that augments the real world with technology and create an “era of wearing space” where XR/Real Metaverse is used in our lifestyles.

STYLY Official Site: https://styly.cc/

For more information on Psychic VR Lab please contact:

Kevin Joyce kjoyce@tinybrains.uk (English)
Kaori Yamashita kaori@psychic-vr-lab.com (Japanese)

25 July 2023 0 comment

Esports Business Investment

Pixion Games Secures $5.5M in Funding to Accelerate Development of Fableborne

written by John

Fableborne advances the web3 gaming space through social play, UGC, live events, and tradable in-game assets

London, UK, June 27^th, 2023 – Pixion Games, an innovative gaming studio headed by industry veterans, today announced that it has successfully closed a $5.5 million funding round. The funds raised will help supercharge Pixion Games’ development of its flagship game, Fableborne.

Fableborne is an action role-playing game (RPG) that blends strategic base building with accessible ways for players to accumulate on-chain in-game assets. Players can build their base, raid their opponents, and upgrade buildings and Heroes in a world rich of lore with stunning visuals art and fun gameplay. With this fresh influx of capital, and continued support from its trusted investors, Pixion Games will make significant strides in Fableborne’ s ongoing development. This includes Pixion League, the in-app tournament platform, turbocharging LiveOps for free-to-play games.

“Following a series of successful releases, Fableborne has garnered strong praise and positive feedback,” said Kam Punia, Founder and CEO of Pixion Games. “Our team is fully focused on making Fableborne a leading a high-quality game with on-chain elements. With this mission in mind, we’re proud to say that our LiveOps powered by tournaments model is nearly ready for release.”

Pixion Games’ funding round was backed by notable investors, including Blizzard, Shima Capital, Eldridge, Merit Circle, ReadyPlayerDAO, VGC, Zee Prime, Mechanism Capital, GSR, Avalaunch, Misfits Gaming, and more. The Company has carefully curated its investor relationships by seeking out partners who are dedicated to sustainable long-term growth.

With its deep knowledge of developing multiplayer experiences for millions of players, and a unique approach to game development, Pixion Games is ready to revolutionize the web3 gaming space. The Company’s proprietary tournament platform and data-informed approach to building conviction and hit titles is a stark contrast to the single project development of many web3 games. On-chain elements that enhance social play, user-generated content (UGC), and tradable in-game assets are carefully integrated to add extra value without negatively impacting core gameplay.

Pixion Games encourages players who wish to be a part of Fableborne’s development journey to join in the upcoming playtests. Becoming a part of the Fableborne community grants early, exclusive access to new releases and provides opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping this highly anticipated game. Interested individuals and community members can sign up through Fableborne’s website and join the ongoing discussions on Discord and Twitter.

About Fableborne

Fableborne is an isometric play-to-own multiplayer game where you embark on a journey to explore the Shatterlands. Built as accessible and mobile-first, the game is a perfect blend of Action RPG and Base Building where you fortify your island and attempt to raid other players’ bases for gold and glory. Users can play in asynchronous player-versus-player battles or hone their skills during challenging boss battles in the player-versus-environment mode. Compete in the Pixion League, collect resources, and claim your well-earned rewards to own your favorite Fableborne Heroes!

About Pixion Games

Founded in 2017, Pixion Games creates exciting multiplayer games that are easy to understand, hard to master, but ultimately fun to play in short sessions. Pixion Games was formed by veterans from Konami, Garena, Gala Games, Square Enix, Sony, Wargaming, Pixonic, Ubisoft, NCSOFT and many of the world’s most formidable game studios, with a proven track record in developing multiplayer experiences for millions of players.

27 June 2023 0 comment

CS:GO Esports Business Streaming

Astralis brings in “Staehr” and “b0RUP” – “gla1ve” and “Xyp9x” benched

written by John

Astralis and Sprout have agreed on a transfer of Victor “Staehr” Staehr with immediate effect. An agreement has also been reached with Johannes “b0RUP” Borup, who also joins the team immediately.

At the same time, team legends Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander and Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth are placed on the bench, while Alexander “Altekz” Givskov rejoins the talent squad.

Meanwhile, our young talent coach, Mathias “r0nic” Pinholt, who together with the Astralis Talent team has won no less than 5 tournaments in 2023, is promoted to assistant coach for the main team.

Coach Peter “casle” Ardenskjold:

– I am extremely happy that we have agreed with Sprout on an immediate transfer of “Staehr”, who is undoubtedly one of the biggest Danish CS talents of the past 5 years. It’s an open secret, we’ve had a good eye for him for a long time, and in terms of what we want with the team, he fits in perfectly. I am looking forward to working with him and helping him to really develop his potential further.

– In relation to “b0RUP”, he is a player we know well. He has been brought in for the specific role in the system we want to play and I expect him to contribute a lot to the team and his teammates. He is only 23, but he brings in a lot of useful experience, and with these 5 players on the roster, I have a strong belief, we have found a better balance in the team and a will come out with a lot of energy and firepower.

– At the same time, I would like to praise Andreas, Alexander and Lukas for their efforts during a difficult period when, despite hard work from everyone, we have not made things succeed quite as we would have liked. We have seen good signs and trends along the way, but we also had some very big dips and neither found the right constellation nor a stable level of performance. We now have the opportunity to bring in two players who fit in with the way we want to play, and the time for change is right, says the head coach.

Victor “Staehr” Staehr:

– I’ve been aware that Astralis has been interested in signing me at one point, and I can only say that I’m extremely happy to call myself an Astralis player. The team has won some not so big tournaments this spring, but even without any big tournament wins, Astralis is still one of the world’s most interesting teams and organizations. I had several good opportunities, but as a Dane you still can’t beat wearing the Astralis jersey.

– I know a few of my new teammates very well and I am really looking forward to getting started and “grinding” with the team and the coach. We don’t have a lot of time, but we are a group of players who are ready to do everything we can to get there, says “Staehr”.

Johannes “b0RUP” Borup:

– I’ve had a lot of thoughts in relation to your future, and honestly this beyond what I had expected. But you don’t say “no” when Astralis asks if you’re interested!

– I am really looking forward to getting started, and I know exactly why I have been brought in, for which role. These are some of the world’s best players who I already know from different contexts, so I am completely calm about the expectations.

– I am aware that expectations are always high in Astralis, but for me that is actually one of the great things about being a part of this org. I will do everything I can to show that I belong and to give the fans something to cheer for – and to win!

New coach for Astralis Talent will be announced at a later date.

“Staehr” and “b0RUP” join the team with immediate effect.

Astralis Counter-Strike:

Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz

Benjamin “blameF” Bremer

Victor “Staehr” Staehr

Christian “Buzz” Andersen

Johannes “b0RUP” Borup

Andreas “Xyp9x” Høsjleth (bench)

Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander (bench)

Coach: Peter “casle” Ardenskjold
Assistant Coach: Mathias “R0nic” Pinholt

22 June 2023 0 comment

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