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Nvidia’s Cloud Gaming Platform GeForce Now Is Coming to India

Aritra Patra
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Nvidia’s Cloud Gaming Platform GeForce Now Is Coming to India

Nvidia GeForce Now is finally on the runway to India, with the GPU powerhouse live demoing its cloud gaming product on locally deployed RTX 5080 SuperPODS as it prepares to bring its service to the country in the coming weeks. After years of the company trying to launch their product through Jio’s initial roll-out of their own JioGamesCloud beta, we now see clear signs that the company is prepared to bring their full-fledged product to the country.

Firstly, the tech giant confirmed an India launch window for November 2025 in collaboration with the company’s cloud partner in the region, Brothers Picture, to cement GeForce Now’s position as the next big cloud gaming force following its latest push into the Thai market. However, the launch window was later adjusted to a Q1 2026 go-live, with the company still in the process of building dedicated infrastructure on the subcontinent to conquer latency finally. There’s an official Indian site live where you can sign up right now.

Under the hood, India is going to receive the service with themost powerful iteration thus far. The GeForce Now iteration that comes with the Blackwell-based RTX 5080 Supers Pods promises something way more potent than console-quality video games played on almost any device with adequate connectivity, such as budget computers and smart TVs. They are boasting of 4,000 compatible games with the service thanks to a new “Install-to-Play” feature that allows users to install games on the cloud platform, making it a high-end PC for Steam and services like that.

“India is a very important market for us… The cost of PC gaming is high, but it’s a country that has a lot of growth potential in the PC gaming market,” John Gillooly, senior technical marketing manager, APAC South, Nvidia, said at a preview event in Mumbai. Naturally, the company’s plan with GeForce Now becomes clear. India’s next generation of PC gamers might not buy a GPU at all. Xbox Cloud Gaming is live already, and Jio’s experiments have laid the groundwork for the actual launch.

Who will be able to take the lead in India’s cloud gaming industry? Let us know in the comments below.

IEM Krakow 2026 Sets New Viewership Record for Non-Major Counter-Strike Events

Yash More
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IEM Krakow 2026 Sets New Viewership Record for Non-Major Counter-Strike Events

IEM Krakow has officially become the most-watched non-Major tournament in Counter-Strike history. The inaugural Polish event, which moved from its traditional home in Katowice, concluded this past weekend with record-breaking numbers.

According to data from Esports Charts, the tournament accumulated 40,215,587 hours watched. This figure surpasses all previous non-Major events, placing IEM Krakow 13th on the all-time list for hours watched across all tournaments.

Peak Viewership Achievement

In addition to the total hours watched, the event also set a new standard for peak concurrent viewers outside of a Major championship. The grand final attracted 1,387,966 peak viewers. This achievement eclipses the previous record held by IEM Katowice 2025, which had reached 1,299,747 peak viewers.

https://twitter.com/EsportsCharts/status/2020867784373072023?s=20

On the all-time leaderboard, this peak viewership places IEM Krakow 8th overall. While impressive, it still trails the historic highs of Major championships. For comparison, the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 holds the record with 2,748,434 peak viewers, and the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 recorded over 76 million hours watched.

Vitality Takes the Trophy

The record-setting viewership coincided with a historic performance by Team Vitality. The European squad defeated FURIA in the grand final to claim the trophy.

The victory was particularly significant for the organization, as it allowed them to break Astralis’ long-standing record for Big Event trophy wins. Star player Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut was instrumental in the team’s success, shining throughout the tournament and helping to drive the massive audience interest.

Shorter Airtime, Higher Intensity

The viewership metrics are especially notable given the event’s duration. IEM Krakow had a relatively modest airtime of approximately 86 hours. In contrast, major events like the Austin Major or Stockholm Major often feature significantly longer broadcasts exceeding 120 hours. This efficiency highlights the intense interest and high engagement levels throughout the Krakow tournament, confirming Counter-Strike remains a dominant force in esports.

Riot Games Reduces 2XKO Dev Team by Half, Staff Report 30-Minute Layoff Notice

Pranav Nalawade
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Riot Games Reduces 2XKO Dev Team by Half, Staff Report 30-Minute Layoff Notice

Riot Games has announced a significant reduction in the development team for its fighting game 2XKO, impacting approximately 80 employees. Reports from affected staff members indicate that some were given as little as 30 minutes of notice before their positions were terminated.

The layoffs come shortly after the game’s console launch on January 20, 2026. While the title has found a dedicated niche audience, the studio cited a lack of broader momentum as the primary driver behind the decision to downsize.

Layoffs Impact 80 Developers

In an official update, 2XKO Executive Producer Tom Cannon confirmed that the team would be “reshaped” to ensure a more sustainable path forward. According to reports, this reshaping involves the departure of roughly 80 developers, which constitutes nearly half of the game’s total workforce.

Cannon explained that while the game has resonated with its core player base, the overall engagement trends following the expansion from PC to console did not meet the levels required to support a team of its previous size.

“The game has resonated with a passionate core audience, but overall momentum hasn’t reached the level needed to support a team of this size long term,” Cannon stated.

Staff Allege Sudden 30-Minute Notice

The restructuring has drawn attention not just for its scale but for the speed of its execution. Former Riot Games employees took to social media to share their experiences, with some revealing they received a warning of only 30 minutes before being laid off.

This rapid turnaround has sparked discussion within the industry, particularly given that some of the affected developers had been with the studio for over a decade.

Future of 2XKO and Esports Plans

Despite the significant reduction in staff, Riot Games has clarified that development on 2XKO will continue. The remaining team will shift its focus toward making key improvements to the game, though specific details on these updates have not yet been released.

Additionally, the studio confirmed that its plans for the 2XKO 2026 Competitive Series remain unchanged. Riot still intends to support the game’s esports ecosystem, including partnering with local tournament organizers and community events throughout the year.

Severance and Support

Riot Games has outlined a support package for the departing employees. Those who cannot be redeployed to other roles within the company will receive a minimum of six months of notice pay and severance. The publisher stated that this measure is intended to provide a financial bridge for affected staff as they transition to new opportunities.

Overwatch 2 Naraka Bladepoint Crossover Confirmed for China with New Cinematic

Satyam Kumar
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Overwatch 2 Naraka Bladepoint Crossover Confirmed for China with New Cinematic

Blizzard Entertainment has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Overwatch x Naraka: Bladepoint collaboration. The developers confirmed the partnership on February 10, releasing two new trailers that showcase exclusive skins and gameplay footage.

This announcement follows an initial teaser that appeared in December 2025. The full reveal features both a cinematic trailer and a gameplay preview, highlighting several heroes from the shooter receiving new looks inspired by the melee battle royale title.

Confirmed Skins and Heroes

The promotional material centers on a cinematic that includes characters such as D.Va and Shen Miao. Alongside these central figures, the video displays Wuyang, Widowmaker, Mercy, Genji, Reaper, and Freja.

A separate gameplay trailer provides a detailed view of the specific skins included in this crossover event. The confirmed cosmetic additions are:

  • Wuchen Wuyang
  • Viper Ning Widowmaker
  • Yueshan Reaper
  • Shayol Wei
  • Feria Shen D.Va

These skins transform the Overwatch cast into counterparts from the Naraka universe, blending the sci-fi aesthetic of the shooter with the martial arts style of the battle royale game.

Region Exclusivity Details

This collaboration is currently exclusive to the Chinese server. Reports indicate that the exclusivity extends beyond the character skins to include a range of other cosmetic items. Players in the region can expect unique player cards, name cards, sprays, and weapon charms associated with the event.

This release follows a pattern of region-specific content for the Chinese player base. Earlier in 2025, the region received an exclusive “Loverwatch” event, which was distinct from global offerings. Later in the same year, a region-locked Talon event featuring specific skins and loot boxes was also introduced for the Chinese audience.

While this specific crossover remains exclusive to China, players in other regions have upcoming content scheduled for Overwatch Season 1, including new Talon skins and a Hello Kitty collaboration.

Confirmed Games and Schedule for Esports Nations Cup 2026

Satyam Kumar
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Confirmed Games and Schedule for Esports Nations Cup 2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is preparing for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), a major international tournament focusing on national representation rather than club-based competition. Scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026, the event will feature a diverse lineup of 16 titles.

Unlike the summer’s Esports World Cup, where athletes represent esports organizations, the ENC requires players to compete under their national flags. Several major titles have already been confirmed, complete with dates, formats, and qualification details.

Confirmed Titles and Schedule

The event will span throughout November, with different games taking the stage at specific intervals. Below is the list of confirmed games and their respective schedules.

Dota 2

  • Dates: November 2 – November 8, 2026
  • Prize Pool: $1,500,000
  • Format: The tournament will feature 32 national teams. The field will be composed of 16 direct invites, 14 slots from regional qualifiers, and 2 wildcard entries.

Chess

  • Dates: November 2 – November 8, 2026
  • Prize Pool: $600,000
  • Format: A massive field of 128 players will compete. Qualification includes 64 direct invites based on Champions Chess Tour rankings, 56 spots from regional qualifiers, and 8 wildcard slots. The format begins with a round-robin group stage followed by a single-elimination bracket.

Counter-Strike 2

  • Dates: November 10 – November 15, 2026
  • Prize Pool: $1,320,000
  • Format: 24 national teams will participate. The qualification process is extensive, involving national qualifiers across 96 countries followed by regional qualifiers to determine the final roster of teams.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

  • Dates: November 12 – November 15, 2026
  • Format: The first fighting game confirmed for the event will feature 32 individual competitors. The lineup includes 16 direct invites, 13 regional qualifier spots, and 3 wildcard entries. The competition will utilize a round-robin group stage leading into a single-elimination playoff bracket.

Trackmania

  • Dates: November 19 – November 22, 2026
  • Prize Pool: $250,000
  • Format: 32 drivers will compete in the unique “Cup Mode” 1v1v1v1 format. The field is split between 16 direct invites, 14 qualifier spots, and 2 wildcards.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)

  • Dates: November 23 – November 29, 2026
  • Prize Pool: $1,500,000
  • Format: As one of the headline mobile titles, MLBB will host 32 national teams. The slot distribution mirrors other major team titles with 16 direct invites, 14 regional qualifiers, and 2 wildcard spots.

Honor of Kings

  • Dates: November 24 – November 29, 2026
  • Format: 24 teams will compete in this mobile MOBA. The tournament structure includes a round-robin group stage followed by a single-elimination bracket. Participants will be selected via 12 direct invites, 9 qualifier slots, and 3 wildcard entries.

EA Sports FC 26

  • Dates: November 27 – November 29, 2026
  • Format: The virtual football competition will feature 128 players facing off in 1v1 matches on PlayStation 5. The large field will be whittled down through a group stage of 16 groups, advancing to a single-elimination playoff bracket.

EA Sports FC 26 Joins Roster for Inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026

Yash More
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EA Sports FC 26 Joins Roster for Inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially added EA Sports FC 26 to the competitive lineup for the upcoming Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026. The football simulation title will feature in the nation-based tournament scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, later this year.

The competition is set to begin on November 27 and will conclude with the finals on November 29, 2026. This inclusion places EA Sports FC 26 alongside other confirmed titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Chess, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, and Honor of Kings. The event will showcase a total of 16 different competitive games.

Tournament Structure and Format

According to the announcement, the EA Sports FC 26 tournament will host 128 players, each representing their respective national teams.

The competition will start with a round-robin group stage. The 128 participants will be divided into 16 groups, with eight players in each group. All matches during this initial phase will be played as a best-of-one series. The top four competitors from every group will advance to the next stage.

The 64 players who successfully navigate the group stage will move into a single-elimination playoff bracket. This bracket will also feature best-of-one matches, culminating in a grand final where the winner will secure the ENC gold medal.

Qualification Process

Participants will earn their spots in the tournament through three distinct pathways. A total of 64 players will receive direct invitations based on their standing in the official EA Sports FC Pro World Rankings.

For nations without a direct invitee, or to secure a second representative, 56 players will qualify through regional competitions. The remaining eight spots will be filled via Wildcard selections.

The deadline for determining direct invites based on world rankings is July 26, 2026. These direct invitations are limited to one player per nation.

Regional Qualifiers

The regional qualification tournaments are scheduled to run from July 27 to August 2, 2026. These events will consist of two stages: an open in-game ladder followed by a second stage featuring a Swiss round and a double-elimination bracket.

Qualifiers will be hosted across several global regions:

  • Africa
  • North Asia
  • South Asia
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • North Latin America
  • South Latin America
  • North America
  • Oceania
  • Middle East

Representation Rules

The EWCF has implemented specific rules regarding national representation. Nations that secure a direct invite through the ranking system are permitted to qualify only one additional player through the regional qualifiers.

For countries that do not receive a direct invitation, up to two players can earn spots via the regional tournaments. This structure guarantees that a minimum of 64 different nations will be represented in the EA Sports FC 26 competition, ensuring broad global participation at the event.

Meerut Youth Dies of Brain Hemorrhage While Playing PUBG

Divyesh Moghe
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Meerut Youth Dies of Brain Hemorrhage While Playing PUBG

A tragic incident has emerged from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where a young man passed away due to a severe brain hemorrhage while playing the online mobile game PUBG. Medical reports indicate the fatality was triggered by a critical spike in blood pressure during the gaming session.

The deceased has been identified as Mohammed Kaif, a resident of the Khairnagar area. The event highlights the severe health risks associated with unmanaged hypertension and prolonged exposure to high-stress digital environments.

Details of the Incident

According toa report from Jagran.com, Kaif was playing PUBG late at night while wearing headphones. During the session, he suddenly complained of an intense headache and collapsed shortly thereafter.

Family members immediately rushed him to a nearby private hospital. Upon admission, doctors assessed his condition as critical and noted that his blood pressure had risen to dangerous levels. Recognizing the severity of the case, the medical team referred him to a specialized hospital in Delhi for advanced care.

Despite two days of intensive treatment, Kaif did not recover. He passed away on Saturday, and his last rites were performed on Sunday evening at the Eidgah burial ground.

Medical Cause and History

Doctors treating Kaif reported that his blood pressure reading had exceeded 300 at the time of the incident. This extreme hypertension caused a blood vessel in his brain to rupture, leading to a massive hemorrhage.

The victim’s father, Farooq, revealed that his son had a significant medical history. Kaif had been battling high blood pressure for nearly a decade. While he was undergoing treatment and appeared to be living a normal life assisting with his father’s property business, the underlying condition remained a critical risk factor.

Medical Context and Previous Instances

While we cannot independently verify the specific in-game moment that triggered Kaif’s collapse, medical experts have frequently warned about the physiological impact of intense gaming on individuals with pre-existing conditions.

There have been documented instances in the past where the high-adrenaline nature of battle royale games has affected player health. Medical professionals note that intense in-game situations can lead to a state of “gamer rage” or extreme excitement. This emotional state releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can cause rapid heart rate and sudden spikes in blood pressure. For individuals with a history of hypertension, such spikes can lead to catastrophic events like strokes or hemorrhages, mirroring similar cases previously reported in cities like Pune and Hyderabad.

Discord to Mandate Face Scans or IDs for Everyone

Aritra Patra
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Discord to Mandate Face Scans or IDs for Everyone

Discord will soon be placing key parts of its platform behind required age checks that will force hundreds of millions of users to perform either a face scan or government ID verification, or an eternally “teen-mode” version of the app, starting in March 2026.

Announced on February 9, the tweak defaults every account worldwide to a teen-friendly setting. UNLESS users can show they are adults, they will be blocked from joining or viewing age‑restricted servers and channels, using Stage channels, or accessing content flagged as graphic or sensitive. Direct messages and friend requests from strangers will be sent to a separate inbox, and communication settings will automatically be clamped down.

For users to transcend these limits, they can undergo the verification process in one of two methods: undergoing an AI-powered video selfie, called ‘facial age estimation,’ which occurs on the device, or sending a photo of their government ID to third-party vendors, which Discord claims delete the images shortly after verification. In some cases, users may be required to undergo additional verification. Also, Discord is launching a background-based ‘age inference model’ that automatically detects whether it believes an account belongs to an adult.

The launch follows a string of earlier tests in different regions, including in the UK and Australia. The release is happening at a time when online safety regulations, including age verification regulations, are becoming more stringent in several countries. The release is also happening in the aftermath of a breach at a previous Discord vendor in October 2025, which leaked tens of thousands of uploaded IDs.

In terms of online gaming, the effects of this new policy will be seen right away. NSFW servers, 18+ LFG servers, and a host of competitive team discords, in particular, could find themselves losing unverified users at a moment’s notice. Some users out there will simply choose to exit rather than hand over their biometric data or ID scans to yet another platform, while others will do so as a necessary evil in keeping teens out of some of the internet’s worst content. Regardless, it seems that in March, Discord is about to make a major test of how much annoyance the world of online gaming is willing to put up with in the name of “safety.”

When Does Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Start?

Divyesh Moghe
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When Does Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Start?

The next major update for Marvel Rivals is approaching fast. NetEase Games has confirmed the official start date and time for Season 6.5, which will serve as the mid-season update following the current season.

Players can expect a short period of server downtime before the new content becomes available. This update introduces a new character to the roster alongside several cosmetic additions.

Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Start Date and Time

Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 is scheduled to launch on Friday, February 13 at 9 AM UTC.

The developer has indicated that the game will undergo maintenance to prepare for the patch. While the exact duration of the downtime can vary, players should anticipate being unable to access the game for a couple of hours while the update is deployed. A significant download will be required before the game can be launched again.

Marvel Rivals Season 6.5 Details

New Character: Elsa Bloodstone

The primary addition for this mid-season update is the debut of Elsa Bloodstone. She will join the existing roster of heroes when the update goes live. Her arrival was previously outlined in the Season 6 roadmap.

The primary addition for this mid-season update is the debut of Elsa Bloodstone. She will join the existing roster of heroes when the update goes live. Her arrival was previously outlined in the Season 6 roadmap.

Upcoming Skins and Cosmetics

In addition to the new playable character, Season 6.5 will bring a collection of new costumes. The update details confirm the following skins will be available:

  • Jeff the Land Shark: Duck Comic
  • Moon Knight: Growth and Decay
  • Hawkeye: Luminous Legend

The update will also introduce a new costume that can be earned through Twitch Drops, though specific details on which character receives this skin were not fully detailed in the initial announcements.

PlayStation State of Play 2026 Start Time and Where to Watch

Sonu Banerjee
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PlayStation State of Play 2026 Start Time and Where to Watch

Only a few days remain before the PlayStation State of Play 2026 goes live, and if you’re a PlayStation fan, there’s every reason to be excited about all the exciting new reveals and latest updates that Sony is set to showcase.

Sony has confirmed that the State of Play 2026 broadcast is set to run longer than an hour, which means fans can expect a packed presentation with plenty of new announcements in store for them.

Ready to find out more about the PlayStation State of Play 2026? Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming event, including its start time and how to watch it live.

PlayStation State of Play 2026 Date & Start Time

The PlayStation State of Play 2026 is set to kick off on February 12, 2026, at 2 pm PT.

For your convenience, we’ve converted the start time across major global time zones below.

  • Pacific Time (PT): 2:00 PM 
  • Eastern Time (ET): 5:00 PM 
  • Greenwich Mean Time (GMT): 10:00 PM 
  • Central European Time (CET): 11:00 PM 
  • India Standard Time (IST): 3:30 AM (Feb 13)
  • Japan Standard Time (JST): 7:00 AM  (Feb 13)
  • Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT): 9:00 AM (Feb 13)

Where to Watch PlayStation State of Play 2026?

Fans looking to catch the PlayStation State of Play 2026 can tune into the official livestreams of the event on YouTube or Twitch at the aforementioned times.

There are some major upcoming titles that fans can expect to see in the PlayStation State of Play 2026 event, with some of the biggest games being Marvel’s Wolverine, Devil May Cry 6, and Resident Evil Requiem, among others. Be sure to tune into Sony’s official streams to see the full list of games first-hand alongside millions of other gamers.

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