Unpacking India’s Regulations on Online Games
The Indian government’s definition of “online games” is vastly different from what gamers might expect. While gamers might think of multiplayer games like BGMI or Dota, the Indian legal framework takes a broader approach, encompassing any digital game played on an electronic device. This includes traditional video games and real money games like fantasy sports.
India’s gaming industry is growing rapidly
The origins of this discrepancy are rooted in India’s historical and cultural tapestry, dating back to the ancient epic, the Mahabharata. In today’s digital age, the term “online games” has evolved, blurring the boundaries between casual gaming and serious gambling.
“Everything has a beginning and an end. Life is just a cycle of starts and stops. There are ends we don’t desire, but they’re inevitable, we have to face them. It’s what being human is all about.” - Jet Black, Cowboy Bebop
The Esports Awards Face Backlash Over Saudi Partnership
The Esports Awards are under fire for their decision to partner with the Esports World Cup, an agreement that will see the awards ceremony held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the next three years. The announcement has sparked criticism from the esports community, with notable figures like Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez and PGL CEO Silviu Stroie withdrawing their support.
The Esports Awards are facing backlash over their partnership with the Esports World Cup
Many in the industry are alarmed by what they see as “sportswashing” - using sports to improve a country’s image despite controversial practices. Critics point to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly its stance on LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights, as key reasons for their opposition.
Quick Bytes
Mobile Legends MSC 2024 Introduces Wild Card Stage in Riyadh
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup (MSC) 2024 has revealed details of its inaugural Wild Card stage, hosted in Riyadh from June 28 to 30 as part of the Esports World Cup. The Wild Card stage will feature eight teams competing for a spot in the MSC 2024 Group Stage.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup 2024
Riot Games Expands VALORANT to Consoles with Limited Beta
Riot Games has announced that its popular tactical shooter, VALORANT, will be available on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 consoles. Starting June 14, 2024, a limited beta will launch in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe, and Japan, with a global rollout expected soon after.
VALORANT is coming to consoles
Crunchyroll Adds Haikyu!! Season 1 in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu Dubs
Season 1 of the popular sports anime Haikyu!! is now available with Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs on Crunchyroll. This marks a significant expansion in Crunchyroll’s efforts to cater to Indian audiences, providing localized content for the growing anime fanbase in the region.
Haikyu!! is now available with Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs on Crunchyroll
Microsoft Unveils New Xbox Series Models for Holiday Season
Microsoft has announced three new models of its Xbox Series consoles set to launch this holiday season, including an all-digital Series X.
Microsoft’s new Xbox Series models
Did You Know?
The legendary game GoldenEye 007 for the Nintendo 64, which revolutionized the first-person shooter genre, was developed by a small and inexperienced team. Remarkably, the team consisted of just nine developers, eight of whom had no prior experience in video game development.
GoldenEye 007 was developed by a small and inexperienced team
