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Krafton India Esports Unveils BMPS 2025 Format

With the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 set to begin in less than a week, Krafton India Esports has finally revealed the comprehensive tournament format. The competition, featuring 96 invited professional teams, will kick off on 22nd May and culminate with the Grand Finals from 4th to 6th July, 2025, in New Delhi.

The tournament structure showcases Krafton’s commitment to creating a robust competitive ecosystem with multiple advancement opportunities for participating teams.

BMPS 2025 Structure Explained

Similar to previous iterations, BMPS 2025 will take place in multiple rounds, culminating into Grand Finals. Following is the detailed breakdown of this tournament:

Round 1: First Phase (22nd May – 3rd June)

The tournament begins with all 96 teams distributed across six groups of 16 teams each. Each team will play 12 matches during this phase, with groups rotating every three match days to ensure diverse competition. The stakes are high from the start, as only 80 teams will advance while 16 face elimination. The top 8 teams will earn direct qualification to Semi Finals Week 1, positions 9-16 will advance to Round 3, and the remaining 64 teams will move to Round 2.

Round 2: Mid-Stage Competition (5th – 8th June)

The 64 advancing teams shuffled into four groups of 16 teams each. Each group will compete in six matches across four match days. At the conclusion of Round 2, only the top 40 teams will progress to Round 3, while 24 teams will be eliminated.

Round 3: Final Qualification (9th – 12th June)

This round combines the 40 teams from Round 2 with the 8 teams that placed 9th-16th in Round 1, creating a 48-team competition. These teams divided into three groups of 16 with group rearrangements after the first two days. Each team will play 8 matches, with the top 24 teams advancing to Semi Finals Week 1.

Semi Finals Week 1: Path to Grand Finals (14th -17th June)

This stage features 32 teams: 8 direct qualifiers from Round 1 and 24 from Round 3. Teams will be divided into four groups of 8 teams each in a round-robin format. Each team will play 12 matches over four days. The top 8 teams will secure spots in the Grand Finals, while the remaining 24 teams get another chance in Semi Finals Week 2.

Semi Finals Week 2: Second Chance (19th -22 June)

The 24 teams that didn’t qualify from Semi Finals Week 1 will be reorganized into three groups of 8 teams each in a double round-robin format. Each team will play 16 matches across four days, with the top 8 teams joining the Grand Finals lineup.

Grand Finals (4th – 6th July)

The culmination of the tournament will feature 16 elite teams competing in New Delhi for the championship title and the lion’s share of the prize pool.

BMPS 2025 Features ₹2 Crore Prize Pool with “Discovery Island” Feature to Boost the Prize Pool

BMPS 2025 begins with a base prize pool of ₹2 crore, but Krafton has introduced an innovative community-driven feature called “Discovery Island” that could potentially double the prize pool to ₹4 crore.

Running from 17th May to 1st July, this in-game event allows players to earn Exploration Points by playing Classic Mode matches. As the community collectively reaches six milestones, the prize pool increases incrementally. Players also earn up to 30 exclusive in-game rewards, including a permanent BGMI Esports Outfit.

This “Play for a Cause” initiative transforms everyday gameplay into support for the competitive scene, creating a unique connection between casual players and professional esports.

Stay tuned to the TalkEsport app for detailed coverage, latest news, player interviews, and much more!

Fortnite v35.10 Update Release Date and Time

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The following big Fortnite update, v35.10, has been officially postponed by just one day. While initially intended to release on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Epic Games has now announced that players should expect the update to land a day later, on Friday, May 16. Though the cause for the delay hasn’t been outlined, the remainder of the content pipeline and event schedule seem to be unaffected.

As with the majority of major Fortnite updates, gamers can expect a brief server downtime, projected to last about 12 hours. This will start at around 3:00 AM Central Time or 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time on May 16. Matchmaking will be turned off during this period, and gamers will not be able to play the game as the update is rolled out. Epic Games should give real-time information via Fortnite Status on X (formerly Twitter) if there are any additional adjustments to the maintenance schedule.

The new patch is especially thrilling for Star Wars fans because it keeps Fortnite’s longtime crossover with the franchise going. The update adds numerous new items inspired by the galaxy far, far away. Among them is the Wookiee Bowcaster, which is famously held by Chewbacca. This crossbow-like energy-based weapon introduces a new combat mechanic to the game’s repertoire.

Another prominent addition is the Mandalorian Jetpack, which not only provides tactical mobility but also enhances players’ chances against close-combat weapons such as lightsabers. Its re-addition is particularly welcomed by those who enjoy air-based maneuvering in combat situations.

According to prominent Fortnite leaker ShiinaBR, the CA-87 Jawa Scatter Blaster is also expected to be added to the loot pool. This unique weapon, often associated with Jawas in the Star Wars universe, is rumored to bring a short-range burst fire mechanic that could shake up close-quarters engagements.

On top of this, there has been a rumor regarding the addition of the WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistol and the Amban Sniper Rifle, both of which are classic guns with unique features. Although these have not yet been confirmed, datamined information indicates they could be added to the game sooner rather than later.

Spower Surprisingly Rejoins GodLike Esports Ahead of BMPS 2025

Rudra “Spower” Banswani has officially rejoined GodLike Esports just days after clinching the BGIS 2025 title with Team Versatile. The announcement, made on May 14, 2025, positions GodLike as one of the most formidable contenders heading into the highly anticipated Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025, which kicks off on May 22.

Spower’s Surprising Switch to GodLike Esports

Spower’s decision to part ways with Team Versatile comes as a major surprise to fans. After an impressive six-month stint with Versatile, culminating in a BGIS 2025 championship and standout individual performances, many expected the young prodigy to continue his journey with the reigning champions. Instead, Spower has opted for a new challenge, returning to GodLike Esports, a team hungry for its first official BGMI title after finishing as runners-up in BGIS 2025.

Reflecting on his departure from Versatile, Spower shared an emotional message on Instagram broadcast:

“I’m no longer a part of Team Versatile, and what an incredible journey it’s been. The perfect squad, our synergy inside the game, and our bond outside of it was truly on another level. Thank you so much, Saumraj, Raiden, Troy, Aquanox, and Xypex. You guys are the best. Keep being the best. Wishing you all the success ahead. Do wonders. Do well, thank you so much.”

GodLike Esports BGMI Roster

With Spower’s addition, GodLike Esports now boasts a seven-man roster packed with some of the biggest names in Indian BGMI:

  1. Rudra “Spower” Banswani
  2. Jonathan “JONATHAN” Amaral
  3. Abhishek “ZGOD” Choudhary
  4. Tanishk “ADMINO” Singh
  5. Kaushal “SIMP” Jaiswal
  6. Ashutosh “Punkk” Singh
  7. Parth “Zap” Parihar

The team, led by Punkk, has consistently ranked among the top squads in recent tournaments, securing third place in BMPS 2024, fifth in the Snapdragon Pro Series Season 6, and a close second in BGIS 2025. The addition of Spower, renowned for his clutch plays and aggressive fragging, could be the missing piece in GodLike’s quest for their elusive championship.

Spower’s Remarkable Journey

Spower’s career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Having played for reputed organizations such as Soul, Blind, MOGO, Carnival, and Versatile, he has built a reputation as one of the most skilled and adaptable players in the scene. Notably, Spower was associated with GodLike as a content creator in 2021 and had a brief stint as a player in late 2023. His return marks a full-circle moment, but this time, he joins as a proven champion and MVP.

With the BMPS 2025 on the horizon, all eyes will be on GodLike Esports to see how Spower’s inclusion reshapes their strategies and synergy. The team’s recent performances suggest they are on the cusp of greatness, and Spower’s arrival could finally tip the scales in their favor.

Stay tuned to the TalkEsport app for detailed coverage, latest news, player interviews, and much more!

Counter-Strike 2 Myths Busted: What Really Affects a Team’s Performance?

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Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has become a game that demands the perfect blend of strategy, individual skill, and teamwork. Yet, despite its popularity, myths surrounding what truly affects a team’s performance continue to linger. Even experienced players often buy into certain fallacies that skew their understanding of the game’s dynamics.

The Most Common CS2 Gameplay Misconceptions

In CS2, several myths persist, one being that a team’s raw mechanical skill is the key to success. While aim and reflexes matter, focusing solely on individual mechanics can harm team dynamics. A team may have headshot experts, but if coordination or game sense is lacking, they’ll struggle against more cohesive teams. This is one reason why betting platforms like madmarket betting analyze more than just individual stats—they understand that teamwork, strategy, and adaptability often define the outcome of a match.

Another myth is that some maps are “easier” than others. While some maps may seem simpler, each has unique challenges requiring specific strategies, tactics, and team roles. A team’s preparation and understanding of a map are more critical than simply picking an “easier” one.

Lastly, many believe in “home advantage”—performing better on home servers or in front of a home crowd. While familiarity helps, a team’s true strength lies in their adaptability and composure, no matter where they play.

Map Choice vs. Team Skill

It’s common for players and fans alike to believe that map choice is the biggest factor in determining a team’s performance. After all, different maps demand different skill sets, so wouldn’t a team’s preferred map give them an edge? However, the reality is that team skill—especially when it comes to communication, coordination, and decision-making—outweighs map preference.

In CS2, teams that can adapt their strategies and adjust to an unfamiliar map will generally outperform those who rely on comfort. This adaptability can be seen in how top-tier teams approach any map. They study every angle, master rotations, and exploit weaknesses that less-prepared teams might miss. In fact, a well-prepared team can often overcome the disadvantages posed by an unfavorable map through clever tactics and smart gameplay.

When it comes to map choice, the importance is less about comfort and more about the team’s preparation and understanding of the map’s flow. Teams that excel at reading the meta and adjusting to the current strategic trends will often have a significant advantage, no matter what map they’re playing on.

The Hidden Factors That Make or Break a CS2 Match

While individual skill and map knowledge matter, the real game-changers often lie in the less obvious aspects of gameplay. Team coordination is crucial—while one player might land a clutch, it’s the team’s ability to communicate, rotate, and cover each other that wins rounds. A coordinated push, supported by smart use of grenades and flashes, can turn the tide in a way individual skill alone can’t.

The mental state of players is also a major factor. Tilt, frustration, or overconfidence can ruin performance. Many top teams invest in mental conditioning to keep players sharp under pressure.

Strategic decisions in critical moments, such as eco rounds or mid-game adjustments, often separate winners from losers. Teams that recognize when to take risks or play conservatively can shift the game’s flow. These decisions are often made by the in-game leader, who must read the game and predict the opponent’s moves.

Preparation and Mindset

When it comes to CS2, it’s clear that performance isn’t dictated solely by raw mechanical skill, map choice, or even “home advantage.” Instead, it’s the combination of strategic preparation, teamwork, and mental resilience that truly determines a team’s success. Teams that focus on refining these areas—along with their understanding of the current meta—will always have an edge, regardless of the game’s unpredictable nature.

How To Fix CS2 ‘Failed To Locate Official Game Servers With Acceptable Ping’ Error?

The ‘failed to locate official game servers with acceptable ping’ error in Counter-Strike 2 is one of the most annoying issues that you can face when trying to play CS2. It’s also one of the most common problems that players often report encountering when queuing up for a ranked game.

The ‘failed to locate official game servers with acceptable ping’ error isn’t a new thing in CS2. It has haunted CS:GO players for years before the release of CS2 and still continues to disrupt the matchmaking experience for many users to this day.

If you’re finding yourself facing this annoying problem in CS2, you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at how you can fix the ‘failed to locate official game servers with acceptable ping’ error in CS2 and why it happens in the first place.

CS2 ‘Failed To Locate Official Game Servers With Acceptable Ping’ Error Causes

There are a number of potential reasons that can cause the ‘failed to locate official game servers with acceptable ping’ error in CS2.

We have listed some of the major culprits behind this issue below:

  • Problems with your internet connection
  • CS2 server issues
  • Steam server outages
  • High ping
  • Corrupted game files
  • Firewall issues

Luckily, most of these problems can easily be fixed in just a few simple steps.

CS2 ‘Failed To Locate Official Game Servers With Acceptable Ping’ Error Fix

If you’re unable to identify the root cause, you can try several potential fixes to resolve the ‘failed to locate official game servers with acceptable ping’ error in CS2.

  • Check Server Status: The first thing you should do upon encountering this error is check the server status of CS2 and Steam. You can do so by heading to websites like steamstat.us or downdetector.
  • Restart Your Router: A major reason behind the failed to locate server error in CS2 is a bad internet connection. Try restarting your router and taking an internet speed test before trying out the next steps.
  • Verify File Integrity: Corrupted game files might also cause you to be unable to find CS2 servers during matchmaking. To fix this, go to your Steam library, right-click CS2, go to ‘Properties,’ and under the ‘Installed Files’ tab, hit ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files.’
  • Adjust Your Maximum Ping: If you’re constantly unable to find official game servers in CS2, you may have your maximum acceptable ping set to a low limit. To raise your max acceptable ping, launch CS2, open your console by pressing the tilde (~) key on your keyboard, and type in “mm_dedicated_search_maxping 150.” You can also try raising the value to higher than 150 if the problem persists, but note that the higher your ping in-game, the more difficult it will be to land your shots consistently.
  • Check Firewall Settings: Problems with your Firewall can also cause issues when trying to find CS2 game servers. Try to check if CS2 and Steam are allowed in your Windows Firewall settings. You can do so by going to Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, and hitting ‘Allow an app through firewall.’

That’s everything you need to know about how to fix the ‘failed to locate official game servers with acceptable ping’ error in CS2. 

New CS2 Update Brings Back Glowing Weapons With Rarity Color

On May 13th, Valve shipped out a small update to Counter-Strike 2. While the update didn’t bring any major changes to the competitive shooter, it did reintroduce an old feature that had been removed with CS2’s launch, after originally appearing in CS:GO.

The new CS2 update added a new HUD setting called “Glow Weapon with Rarity Color,” allowing players to highlight weapons based on their rarity.

The weapon glow can only help players quickly identify item rarities in the heat of battle, but it can also make your rare weapons stand out from the crowd.

Here’s how the new item rarity glow feature in CS2 looks in-game:

CS2 Update Brings Back Glowing Weapons With Rarity Color

However, unlike the good old CS:GO days, this item rarity glow isn’t turned on by default in CS2, and players have to manually enable this feature if they want to use it in-game.

How To Enable ‘Glow Weapon with Rarity Color’ Feature in CS2

If you wish to enable the item rarity glow feature in CS2, simply follow these steps:

  • Launch CS2
  • Head to the settings menu
  • Under the ‘HUD’ section, find the settings called “Glow Weapon with Rarity Color”
  • Set it to “Yes”

Once done, you can hop into a game and see the new CS2 setting in action.

CS2 May 13 Update Patch Notes

Alongside bringing back the item rarity setting to CS2, the latest update also included a couple of other changes.

Fans can check out the detailed patch notes of the latest CS2 update below:

[ GAMEPLAY ]

  • Fixed a bug where weapons purchased with “Buy & Throw” could be refunded after firing.

[ PREMIER ]

  • Season Two world and regional leaderboards are now populated.

[ MISC ]

  • Added HUD “Glow Weapon with Rarity Color” setting.
  • Minimally scraped stickers now cover over the gap on the front grip of the AK-47.

Valorant 10.09 Update Brings Major Tejo & Breach Nerfs: Full Patch Notes

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Riot Games has rolled out the Valorant 10.09 update to the game’s live servers, introducing some crucial hero changes that are certain to shake up the current meta of the competitive shooter.

The Valorant 10.09 patch brings some major nerfs to Tejo and Breach, two of the most popular Initiator picks across pubs and the pro scene alike. While Breach sees a minor tweak to just one piece of his utility, the adjustments to Tejo are far more severe.

Other than the aforementioned hero nerfs, the new Valorant update also brings an important change to the gifting system, increasing the number of gifts you can send per day from five to ten. The rest of the gifting restrictions remain in place.

Without further ado, let’s check out everything you need to know about the Valorant 10.09 update.

Valorant 10.09 Update Patch Notes

On May 13th, Riot Games officially disclosed the detailed patch notes of the Valorant 10.09 update.

Fans can take a look at the Valorant 10.09 patch notes below:

ALL PLATFORMS

AGENT UPDATES

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  • Tejo
    • We hear you. And we agree that Tejo has been overperforming in some factors. We’re constantly monitoring the state of our Agents and feel that Tejo’s rockets have led to higher frequency of unhealthy game states, such as Tejo’s repeated usage of his rockets being able to swing rounds without sacrificing as much compared to other Initiators. We want to maintain Guided Salvo as an ability that is very powerful and reliable at clearing space, but increase the commitment so that wasted or uninformed casts are less free, and so opponents have room to iterate and try different things round-over-round. We feel that reliable map-targeted flush is a powerful enough tool to warrant not having a cooldown. Additionally, we felt that Tejo’s economy could use rebalancing given the strength of Stealth Drone.
    • Guided Salvo
      • We’ve changed the Guided Salvo to be more flexible but have adopted the no recharge model (like on Skye) to maintain the power of the rockets while also increasing cost per cast. We’ve also reduced the ability to easily stall across the map in a handful of scenarios we felt wasn’t healthy.
      • Cost: 150
        • Grants a free charge on round start
      • Each individual rocket used will consume 1 charge.
      • The cooldown has been removed.
      • Map Targeting Range decreased from 55m to 45m.
    • Stealth Drone
      • Cost: 300 >>> 400
    • Special Delivery
      • Cost: 300 >>> 200
    • Armageddon
      • We’re raising the cost to put it in line with other ultimates that are in a similar power profile.
      • Ult points increased from 8 to 9

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  • Breach
    • Breach’s Fault Line has felt below our counterplay bar for abilities. We want to increase the amount of situations where you could get out of Breach’s stun if you aren’t completely in the center.
    • Fault Line
      • Time until Fault Line detonates after its cast increased from 1 second >>> 1.2 seconds

GENERAL UPDATES

  • Gifting
    • Due to popular demand, we are increasing the limit of gifts you can send to your friends from 5 to 10 gifts per day starting May 15. This change is going live when our Give Back // V25 Collection hits the Featured Store—so every gift from this bundle you send to a friend is also a gift to charity.

MODES UPDATES

  • Swiftplay
    • Maximum ultimate point costs have gone up since Swiftplay launched, making it harder for some Agents to reach their ultimates. We’ve adjusted starting ultimate points to give you a better shot at using their ultimates within a half. This change is part of a broader Swiftplay update to scale starting ult points based on ultimate cost.
      • Breach
        • Rolling Thunder starting points 2 >>> 3
      • Killjoy
        • Lockdown starting points 2 >>> 3
      • Viper
        • Viper’s Pit starting points 2 >>> 3

BUG FIXES

  • Cosmetics
    • In Patch 10.08, we fixed a visual bug that was found in the Bolt skinline that caused the skins to glow brighter than intended after equipping and inspecting the Bolt Flex.
      • We initially thought this bug could cause potential issues for photosensitive players. But after conducting extensive photosensitivity testing, we’ve concluded that there is no substantial risk. So we’ve decided to revert that bug fix and leave it as an Easter egg.
    • Fixed a bug where Kill Banners for certain skins (Oni, Evori Dreamwings, EX.O, Prelude to Chaos, Mystbloom, and more) were appearing smaller than normal after the first kill.

KNOWN ISSUES

  • Cosmetics
    • We’re aware of a bug with the Bolt skinline that is causing the skins to glow far brighter than normal.
      • This is separate from the previous Bolt bug that was found, fixed, and reverted in this patch. This new bug causes Bolt skins to glow at an unacceptable brightness which could cause issues for photosensitive players and also affect competitive integrity.
      • We will be fixing this bug with patch 10.11.
  • Agents
    • We’re aware of an issue where Omen can enter his smoke targeting mode for Dark Cover, allowing dead allies to be able to see through Viper’s Pit or other nearsight effects
      • We will be fixing this bug with patch 10.10

Sony PS5 Price Hike Likely Amid Rising US-China Tariffs

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The PlayStation 5 (PS5) could soon see another price hike as Sony struggles with the cost implications of rising U.S.-China tariffs. This comes as part of wider industry woes, with rivals such as Nintendo also shifting strategies due to economic challenges.

Sony itself forecast a zero operating profit during the year ended March 2026 in its latest earnings announcement, attributing the lack of growth to the expected ¥100 billion ($680 million) dent from U.S. tariffs. The tariffs as part of sustained trade tensions have had a particularly big impact on Sony’s bottom line, causing price adjustment discussions for consumer offerings, such as the PS5.

Chief Financial Officer Lin Tao stated that Sony is considering several steps to counter the tariff effect. Some of them are possible price hikes, and the possibility of shifting manufacturing plants to the United States. At present, many of the PS5 parts are manufactured in China and so subject to a 30% tariff in the United States, as opposed to a 10% tariff for other countries.

PS5 Digital Edition and Disc Drive Prices Rise in Europe, Australia & New Zealand

The gaming market as a whole is experiencing the brunt of these economic changes. Nintendo, for example, has come under fire for the price of its new Switch 2 console, which will cost $449.99, about 50% more than the original Switch. The company has also pushed back U.S. pre-orders to gauge the possible effect of tariffs on prices and consumer demand.

Analysts indicate that these cost pressures can result in higher prices not just for hardware but also for software. With rivals like Microsoft already making adjustments to their pricing, Sony could follow suit, which could result in higher costs for consumers in general.

As trade tensions increasingly shape production and pricing decisions, consumers might have to budget for higher expenses related to gaming consoles and software. Sony’s deliberations about the PS5 are representative of general industry tendencies and reflect the intricate interplay between global trade policies and pricing in consumer electronics.

Marvel Rivals Season 0 Battle Pass Returns: Skins, Rewards & More

Marvel Rivals is celebrating its first anniversary with the return of the Season 0 Battle Pass from May 15, 2025, until May 29, 2025. This return brings players the opportunity to obtain exclusive content from the original season, such as special character skins and cosmetics.

The Battle Pass costs 590 Lattice ($6) and, incredibly, does not have an expiration date, giving players the freedom to claim rewards at their own pace.

Exclusive Season 0 Battle Pass Rewards

Season 0 Battle Pass includes several unique cosmetic items:

  • Galactic Claw for Black Panther
  • God of Magic skin for Doctor Strange
  • Galactic Wings for Mantis

These cosmetic items were initially included in the game’s initial Battle Pass and are now available again for a short time.

Galacta’s Gift Event

Coming in conjunction with the return of the Battle Pass is the Galacta’s Gift event, providing players with more in-game rewards. Players can collect the following through participating in this event:

  • Nameplates
  • Sprays
  • Chrono Shield Cards
  • Costume Coins

New Character Skins: The Punisher and Namor

The May 15 update also includes new skin releases for The Punisher and Namor:

  • Dangan Ronin skin for The Punisher
  • Retro X-Uniform skin for Namor

These new additions bring new customization possibilities to players and extend the game’s run of frequent updates to character looks.

NetEase Games has recognized fans’ desire to access past Battle Pass content. Although the Season 0 Battle Pass is now out, the developers stated that future re-releases of old Battle Passes will happen, probably at premium prices and not in the next two seasons. This solution is attempting to balance new player accessibility and the exclusivity desired by veteran players.