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Astralis Confirms HooXi Signing

Years after losing gla1ve, Astralis has finally signed a proper IGL in HooXi to lead the team, as their past ventures with cadiaN and dev1ce went south. What was once touted as the best CSGO team in the world dropped the ball to the point they were underdogs coming into events, and the signing of HooXi aims to change the narrative.

Astralis houses the finest Danish talents in stavn and jabbi, two of the finest riflers in the world, who were unable to find their mojo under different leadership. But with HooXi signing, they hope to fall into proper roles where their true talents can flourish. With a young and dynamic squad powered by dev1ce, who is still one of the best AWPers in the world, Astralis is rising again.

Astralis now looks like:

  • Nicolai “⁠device⁠” Reedtz
  • Martin “⁠stavn⁠” Lund
  • Jakob “⁠jabbi⁠” Nygaard
  • Victor “⁠Staehr⁠” Staehr
  • Rasmus “⁠HooXi⁠” Nielsen
  • Casper “⁠ruggah⁠” Due (coach)
  • Casper “⁠cadiaN⁠” Møller (benched)

History shows that HooXi was in the driver’s seat on a few of the most successful rosters. While Copenhagen Flames put him on the map, HooXi took G2 to a whole new level, winning IEM Katowice and Cologne and a series of top events. He turned dysfunctional rosters into competitive ones, and Astralis hopes to do the same with their team under his leadership.

Pearl, Split Removed From Valorant Competitive Map Pool, Bind Returns

Riot Games is switching up the competitive map pool of Valorant with the upcoming Season 25 Act 4 update, and fans are having mixed feelings towards this change.

Two fan-favorite maps, Pearl and Split, are making their exit from the rotation, prompting backlash from a portion of the community. Both of these maps have been the longest-standing maps in the current competitive pool, second only to Haven, which has remained in rotation for well over a year.

While fans may have a tough time bidding farewell to Pearl and Split for the time being, many others are excited for the new map pool that Valorant S25 Act 4 will bring to the game.

The void left by Pearl and Split in the competitive map pool will be replaced by Bind and an entirely new map. Bind was removed from the competitive pool alongside Abyss in the Valorant patch 10.04.

Details of the new Valorant map that’s coming to the game with the upcoming update still remain shrouded in mystery.

Fans looking to catch a sneak peek at the new map will have to tune in to the Valorant Masters Toronto 2025 showmatch, which is set to take place just before the grand final of the event on June 22nd.

When is Bind Returning To Valorant?

As mentioned earlier, Bind is returning to the competitive map rotation with the Valorant Season 25 Act 4 update. The highly anticipated update is scheduled to hit the live servers on June 24, 2025.

The Next Xbox Is Going to Be a Gaming PC: Reports

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Microsoft and AMD have entered into a formal, multi-year strategic partnership to co-design custom silicon for the new generation of Xbox, developing chips with the capability to power consoles, handhelds, PCs, cloud services, and accessories. The announcement was made by Xbox president Sarah Bond in a brief YouTube announcement this Tuesday.

Though the alliance may not be unexpected, AMD has provided Xbox chips uninterrupted since the Xbox 360—it’s the subtleties of Bond’s comments that indicate an existential shift in Microsoft’s console strategy. She highlighted that the new Xbox hardware (specifically mentioned in the plural) will run Windows and will not be isolated to one store. That resounds loudly with previous rumors that Microsoft is forging a more open, PC-like environment.

This shift is consistent with Microsoft’s 2025 announcement of the ROG Xbox Ally, a PC-based handheld, created in partnership with Asus, which provides access to PC-focused storefronts such as Steam. Bond described the purpose of the AMD partnership as a pursuit of “a gaming platform that travels with you,” device-agnostic and hardware-storefront-free.

While the Xbox Ally can play Windows games, it won’t play straight Xbox console games natively, only those games that have PC ports available. Bond was quick to add that full backward compatibility will indeed continue to be a part of future Xbox consoles so that users can tap into current Xbox libraries.

Bond also highlighted the ambition to include AI-enhanced graphics, deeper visual fidelity, and immersive gameplay through next-gen silicon co-developed with AMD. This reflects leaked development plans hinting at AMD’s Zen 5/6 CPU, RDNA 5 GPU, and potentially an on-chip Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in future Xbox systems, possibly released between 2027 and 2028.

Bond’s delineation of Xbox as belonging to a “next-generation hardware portfolio—console, handheld, PC, cloud, and accessories” reflects the larger vision of Xbox from Microsoft as an integrated, device-agnostic gaming brand. Her mention of “consoles in your living room and in your hands” suggests Microsoft may still be deciding on its own first-party handheld, contrary to previous reports of such a project’s cancellation.

One significant compromise of the AMD alliance is Microsoft’s blocking Nvidia’s highly acclaimed DLSS upscaling, a function that Sony and Nintendo competitors are investigating or facilitating. AMD and Sony have been working on rival upscaling technologies, but DLSS is still the performance and quality leader.

Another industry rumor-buster refutes speculation that next-generation Xbox consoles could use Arm-based Snapdragon processors. Official sources report that Microsoft is committed to x86 AMD silicon, primarily to maintain smooth backward compatibility with its massive current library.

Twitch CEO Reveals Most Revenue Comes From Viewer Support

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Twitch has firmly held its position as the leader in the live-streaming space for years, outlasting competition from platforms like YouTube and Facebook Gaming. Despite whispers that Twitch may be a costly venture for Amazon, with some reports suggesting annual losses reaching $2 billion, the platform continues to thrive and is rolling out significant updates to sustain its growth.

Given Twitch’s ties to Amazon and its broad advertising reach, many assume the platform’s revenue primarily comes from large ad deals and corporate partnerships. However, that’s far from the reality.

Viewer Support Is Twitch’s Core Revenue Engine

At an event in Cannes on June 17, 2025, Twitch CEO Dan Clancy provided a key insight: two-thirds of Twitch’s revenue comes directly from viewers supporting their favorite streamers through subscriptions.

This is a figure Clancy has emphasized before, including during TwitchCon, where he noted that most people are surprised by how little of the platform’s income is driven by advertising compared to other social platforms.

Clancy explained that Twitch’s success is deeply tied to emotional connections. Viewers aren’t just paying for content; they’re paying for recognition, community involvement, and a sense of belonging.

Twitch’s New Focus: Sponsored Subscriptions

To further strengthen this relationship between streamers and their audiences, Twitch is now testing Sponsored Subscriptions – a feature that allows brands to subsidize channel subscriptions for viewers. This initiative could make discounted or free subscriptions available throughout the year, rather than being limited to seasonal events like SUBtember.

Amazon Ads is also rolling out additional tools for brands, including integrated channel branding and streamer-read advertisements, aimed at seamlessly blending sponsorships into the viewer experience.

Twitch has also introduced a new Sponsorships tab in the Creator Dashboard, where streamers can access direct brand offers. This system, developed in collaboration with StreamElements, simplifies the process for creators to engage with brands and unlock sponsorship deals.

Twitch is actively working on refreshing its mobile interface to enhance the user experience. New features such as a redesigned layout, improved discovery, and clip feeds are aimed at boosting community interaction and making it easier for viewers to support streamers.

NODWIN Gaming joining hands with Chess.com and ChessBase India to build the future of Chess Esports in India

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In a landmark move poised to redefine the future of chess in India, NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem, has announced a strategic partnership with the world’s largest chess platform, Chess.com and India’s leading chess media and grassroots organisation, ChessBase India. The collaboration brings together three powerhouses from the worlds of esports, content, and competitive chess to create a unified ecosystem that nurtures talent, expands reach, and builds India’s presence on the global chess esports stage.

This strategic alliance unites the complementary strengths of three leaders in the chess and gaming ecosystem. NODWIN Gaming brings deep expertise in production, broadcast, and commercial strategy. ChessBase India offers unmatched access to India’s thriving chess community and grassroots networks. Chess.com contributes its expansive global platform, community, creator partnerships, and world-class tournament infrastructure. Together, they form a unique synergy that will fuel the co-creation and scaling of original IPs, deliver premium competitive formats, spark deeper engagement across both player and creator communities, and deliver great opportunities for brands to partner in the rapidly growing chess ecosystem.

Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said, “Chess is undergoing a cultural renaissance, from park benches and schoolrooms to sold-out esports arenas and creator streams. Chess has now become the fourth most-watched sport in the country after cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI tournaments. With this partnership, we’re not just supporting a heritage game, we’re aiding in its natural course of progression. By combining each organization’s unique strengths, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem that can take Indian chess from heritage to hype. It’s time the brilliance of our grandmasters meets the energy of our digital generation.”

Chess is getting an accelerated global attention, with over 7.6 billion games played worldwide on Chess.com in 2024 alone. Furthermore, the platform now boasts over 200 million registered users, with India seeing 9 million+ monthly active players, and an average of 550,000 new signups every month. Viewership has skyrocketed with 925 million total organic views, reflecting a 640% year-over-year growth.

The surge in visibility was recently reflected during the World Chess Championship, which was exclusively streamed in India through the combined efforts of NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India. The Gukesh Dommaraju-Ding Liren final match, which saw Gukesh being crowned as the World Chess Champion, attracted over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership hitting 200,000.

India is central to this surge. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai rank among the top chess-viewing regions globally. Moreover, Indian users are predominantly mobile-first, with 80.9% of viewership on smartphones, and the largest age group being between 18 and 34 years old, highlighting the game’s deep connection with India’s digital-native Gen Z and millennial audiences.

Speaking on the alliance, Sagar Shah, CEO of ChessBase India, said, “This partnership is not just a business alliance — it’s a vision to grow the chess community in India from the grassroots to the grand stage. For the last decade, we’ve focused on building a robust chess culture in the country, and now, with NODWIN and Chess.com by our side, we hope to bring forth more opportunities to all those involved in the chess ecosystem.”

Avadh Shah, Country Director of Chess.com India, said, “Chess has been one of the most dominant and fastest growing sports in the last 3 years across India and the world. In terms of both participation and viewership, chess is experiencing record-breaking numbers—the highest we’ve ever seen. Given the excitement around the sport, it is only fitting that the leading companies within the ecosystem collaborate to further its development and invite partners to join this journey as well.”

The partnership also aligns with the rise of chess as a recognised esports discipline. At the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, chess will make its debut with a prize pool of $1.5 million. Furthermore, leading Indian esports organization S8UL is set to represent India in competitive chess at the Esports World Cup with its powerhouse roster of Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, marking the first-ever representation of an Indian esports team in competitive chess on a global stage. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition of chess as a spectator-friendly, high-skill esport.

As India prepares to make its mark on this new frontier, the alliance between NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India promises to build the foundational infrastructure needed for long-term growth, from top-tier broadcasts and influencer-led content to community tournaments and professional leagues.

Together, NODWIN Gaming, ChessBase India, and Chess.com aim to build a robust ecosystem for Indian chess, one that honors the nation’s legacy, empowers creators, and establishes India as a global hub for online competitive chess.

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

How To Fix Dune Awakening Stuck on Loading?

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Ever since entering its advanced access phase on June 5th, Funcom’s latest release, Dune Awakening, has taken the world of video games by storm. However, not all aspects of the game’s release have been smooth. Technical issues like Dune Awakening getting stuck on the loading screen have been a common occurrence for many players, leaving them stranded before they can even set foot on the vast world of Arrakis.

If you’ve been facing the infamous ‘Dune Awakening stuck on loading screen’ error when trying to log into the game, we’ve got you covered.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the ‘Dune Awakening stuck on loading screen’ error, including its potential causes and how to fix it.

How To Fix Dune Awakening Stuck on Loading

If your Dune Awakening is stuck on the loading screen, it could be due to a number of different reasons. Some of the common culprits behind this error include high server load, corrupted game files, problems with your internet connection, or issues with the game server.

Here are some potential fixes that you can try if your Dune Awakening is stuck on the loading screen:

  • Restart Router: If you encounter this issue, you should first try restarting your router. Once you turn off your router, be sure to wait at least 30 seconds before you turn it on again.
  • Verify Game Files: Corrupted game files can also cause issues involving stuck loading screens in Dune Awakening. This can easily be fixed by verifying game integrity via Steam. To do so, follow these steps:
    • Go to your Steam Library
    • Right-click on ‘Dune Awakening’
    • Go to ‘Properties’
    • Under ‘Installed Files,’ hit ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files.’
  • Check Server Status: The game servers being down is also a common cause behind the ‘Dune Awakening stuck on loading screen’ error. If you encounter this problem, be sure to check the Dune Awakening server status before trying any fixes. You can check if the Dune Awakening servers are down by visiting the game’s official X handle or via third-party sites like Downdetector.

If none of the aforementioned solutions seem to work for you, then your best bet would be to wait for the devs to ship out an official hotfix for the issue.

How To Fix Marvel Rivals Error Code 220?

The infamous Marvel Rivals error code 220 is one of the most annoying issues that you can face when trying to play the NetEase hero shooter. Not only does this error prevent you from queuing for a multiplayer game, but it renders you completely unable to access the game.

If you’ve been facing the Marvel Rivals error code 220 when trying to log into the title, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to fix the error code 220 in Marvel Rivals, including what causes it and potential solutions that you can try right away to get back into the game.

Without further ado, let’s check out some fixes for Marvel Rivals error code 220.

Marvel Rivals Error Code 220 Fix

How To Fix Marvel Rivals Error Code 220
How To Fix Marvel Rivals Error Code 220

The Marvel Rivals error code 220 is primarily caused by issues with your internet connection, DNS settings, or your Windows Firewall blocking access to the game servers.

Here are some solutions that you should try to fix error code 220 in Marvel Rivals:

  • Relaunch Marvel Rivals & Steam: The first thing you should try upon encountering this error is to relaunch your game. If you’re playing via Steam, you should completely exit Steam before launching it again.
  • Restart Your Router: In many cases, a simple router restart is enough to fix the Marvel Rivals error code 220. After turning your router off, be sure to wait at least 30 seconds before turning it back on.
  • Check Your Virus Protection Settings: Hit the Windows key on your keyboard, and type in ‘Virus and Threat Protection.’ Now, head to ‘Manage Ransomware Protection’ and double-check to see if you have any Marvel Rivals folders as a protected folder.
  • Use a VPN: In case there’s a problem with your ISP, using a VPN is usually a swift way of fixing the Marvel Rivals error code 220.
  • Windows Firewall Settings: Hit the Windows key once again and type in ‘Allow an app through Windows Firewall.’ Now, click on ‘Change settings’ and find Marvel Rivals from the list. If you’re unable to find the game, you can select ‘Allow another app’ and manually locate the EXE file. Check the ‘Private’ and ‘Public’ boxes and hit ‘OK’ to save your changes.
  • DNS Settings: Changing your DNS settings can also fix the error code 220 in Marvel Rivals. To change your DNS, press the Windows key on your keyboard and type in ‘Command Prompt.’ Right-click it and run it as an administrator. Now, type in the following and hit enter after each line:
    • netsh
    • interface show interface
      • (Take note of the “Interface Name” column to find the name of your active network adapter)
    • interface ip set dns name=“adapter-name” source=“static” address=“X.X.X.X” 
      • (Change “adapter-name” to the name of the adapter from the last step, and the “X.X.X.X” to your desired primary DNS IP address)

Once you’ve followed these steps, launch Marvel Rivals, and the error code 220 should be resolved.

In case the problem persists, there might be an issue with the game servers, in which case your best bet would be to wait it out.

BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 1 Concludes: Here are the Results

Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2025 Semi Finals Week 1 has officially concluded, delivering four days of intense action. With 32 teams competing across four groups, the competition was fierce as only the top 8 from the overall standings would earn a coveted spot in the BMPS 2025 Grand Finals, whereas the remaining teams will have to play Semi Finals Week 2 to earn the last 8 slots.

Each team played 12 matches (three per day), and consistency proved to be the defining factor in securing qualification. While some favorites delivered on expectations, the week also featured its fair share of surprises and underdog performances.

Qualified Teams for BMPS 2025 Grand Finals

After four days of consistent performances, the following 8 teams have successfully secured their spots in the BMPS 2025 Grand Finals, scheduled to take place from 4th to 6th July:

  1. NONX
  2. AXTMG
  3. GENS
  4. LHS
  5. EGX
  6. TF
  7. TWOB
  8. ONEPLUSK9

Teams Participating in Semi Finals Week 2

The remaining 24 teams aren’t out of the running yet. They will battle it out in BMPS 2025 Semi-Finals Week 2, which will run from 19th to 22nd June, 2025. With each team playing 16 matches, only the top 8 teams from this stage will join the Grand Finalists.

Here are the 24 teams advancing to Semi Finals Week 2:

  1. GODL
  2. IQOOXOG
  3. AR
  4. LEFP
  5. IQOOXSOUL
  6. IQOOXRGE
  7. IREX
  8. WF
  9. TROY
  10. IQOO8BIT
  11. TRXINF
  12. 2OP
  13. 4TRX
  14. ONEPLUSGDR
  15. M4X
  16. TIE
  17. JUX
  18. HH
  19. VRVX
  20. GOX
  21. DOD
  22. SW
  23. 4M
  24. BO7S

As we head into Semi Finals Week 2, the competition is expected to reach an even higher level. With just 8 slots remaining for the Grand Finals, every match will be a do-or-die situation for these 24 squads.

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

BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 2 All Participating Teams

Following the thrilling conclusion of Week 1, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series 2025 (BMPS 2025) Semi Finals is all set to return for its second and final leg before the Grand Finals. Starting from 19th to 22nd June, BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 2 will see 24 teams go head-to-head in a double round-robin format, each playing 16 matches across four matchdays.

All Participating Teams in BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 2

Here are the 24 teams that will be competing in BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 2:

  1. GODL
  2. IQOOXOG
  3. AR
  4. LEFP
  5. IQOOXSOUL
  6. IQOOXRGE
  7. IREX
  8. WF
  9. TROY
  10. IQOO8BIT
  11. TRXINF
  12. 2OP
  13. 4TRX
  14. ONEPLUSGDR
  15. M4X
  16. TIE
  17. JUX
  18. HH
  19. VRVX
  20. GOX
  21. DOD
  22. SW
  23. 4M
  24. BO7S

BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 2 Format

These squads narrowly missed out on Grand Final qualification during Week 1 and now face the ultimate test of resilience, strategy, and consistency. With two matches daily against every other team in their group, the margin for error is razor-thin.

The BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 2 is set to be an intense battleground, with 24 teams competing for the final 8 slots in the Grand Finals. Scheduled to take place from June 19th to June 22nd, 2025, this stage will push every team to its limits in a high-pressure environment.

The format will feature 3 groups of 8 teams each, with a double round-robin structure. This means every team will face others in their group twice, making consistency across all matchdays absolutely crucial. Furthermore, over the course of four days, each team will play 16 matches, with 4 matches per day.

Unlike Week 1, where teams had a single opportunity against each opponent, BMPS 2025 Semi Finals Week 2’s format allows for a second chance—making strategic adaptation and momentum even more important. At the end of the week, the top 8 teams from the overall standings will qualify for the BMPS 2025 Grand Finals, completing the 16-team lineup for the final showdown.

With only a few days left and everything on the line, fans can expect four days of top-tier BGMI action, game-defining moments, and fierce rivalries as teams battle for survival and glory.

Stay tuned to the TalkEsport app for detailed gaming and esports coverage, latest news, and much more

Marvel Rivals Ignite Twitch Drops: All Rewards & How To Get

With Marvel Rivals Ignite being just around the corner, NetEase has officially confirmed the Twitch drops for the highly anticipated event.

For the uninitiated, Marvel Rivals Ignite is the biggest tournament that the hero shooter has seen to this day. Featuring a prize pool of a whopping $3 million USD, the event will bring together some of the best teams from throughout the globe who will compete for a shot at the trophy.

Marvel Rivals fans will also be able to earn some exclusive rewards for themselves by simply tuning into the event livestreams online. These rewards will be given out in the form of Twitch drops and will only be up for grabs through the duration of the tournament.

In this article, we’ll take a look at everything you need to know about the Marvel Rivals Ignite Twitch drops, including all the rewards and how to get them.

Marvel Rivals Ignite Twitch Drops: All Rewards

The following Twitch drops will be given out to Marvel Rivals viewers throughout the duration of the Ignite tournament:

  • Will of Galacta Spray
  • Will of Galacta Nameplate
  • Echoes of Limbo Emote
  • Magik – Will of Galacta Costume

These new Twitch drops will start from June 19, 12:00 PM UTC, and will only be obtainable until July 16, 09:00 AM UTC.

Marvel Rivals Ignite Twitch Drops: How To Get

Here’s how you can get the aforementioned Twitch drops for Marvel Rivals Ignite:

  • Will of Galacta Spray: Watch any official broadcast or partnered livestream for 1 hour.
  • Will of Galacta Nameplate: Watch any official broadcast or partnered livestream for 2 hours.
  • Echoes of Limbo Emote: Watch any official broadcast or partnered livestream for 4 hours.
  • Magik – Will of Galacta Costume: Watch any official broadcast or partnered livestream for 6 hours.

Note that you’ll need to link your Marvel Rivals account with your Twitch handle in order to be eligible to receive these Twitch drops.