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BLAST Premier Fall Final Groups: NaVi Faces Off Against Astralis & FaZe in Group A

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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BLAST Premier Fall Final Groups: NaVi Faces Off Against Astralis & FaZe in Group A

Blast has finally released the groups for the final event of the year before they welcome a whole new format. The rescheduling of the event has left the CS2 calendar in turmoil for the teams as the Major is less than a month away.

The best team in the world, Natus Vincere finds themselves in Group A with Astralis, FaZe, and MOUZ, a group that is unlikely to give them any trouble for their chances of qualification while on the other hand, we get a stacked Group B. G2, Vitality, Spirit, and Liquid will compete in a challenging and uncertain Group B as on their day, every team is capable of beating each other with exception of Liquid who has been struggling lately.

Opening day, i.e. 30.10.2024 will feature matches between NAVI and Astralis, MOUZ and FaZe, G2 and Liquid, and finally Spirit and Vitality.

Is likely that most teams will be holding their best tactics for the Major as everyone will aim to dethrone NAVI and the likes of Vitality and G2 are in prime position to do so at the Major. Withholding tactics ahead of the major is something we have seen in the past but with a million dollars up for the taking, it will be interesting to see what approach said teams take.

Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 Start Date: When Does Patch 9.08 Arrive?

Sonu Banerjee
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Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 Start Date: When Does Patch 9.08 Arrive?

With the highly anticipated Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 update being just around the corner, fans of the competitive shooter from throughout the world are eager to see all the new changes that await them in the upcoming Valorant patch.

While Riot Games is yet to shed light on the detailed patch notes of the Valorant 9.08 update, we do know that Episode 9 Act 3 will bring with it a change in the competitive map pool alongside some significant tweaks to Sunset.

Players who enjoy adding new cosmetics to their collection will be greeted with the new Doombringer bundle and a fresh Battle Pass containing a bunch of exciting finishes for their favorite weapons.

But when exactly is Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 starting? If you’re curious to know more about the start date of the next Valorant Act, we have you covered.

When Does Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 Start?

Taking a glance at the Valorant Episode 9 Act 2 Battle Pass reveals that the current Act will come to an end on Wednesday, October 23. This means that players can expect the Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 update to hit the live servers around 6:00 am PT on the same date.

Keep in mind that the exact start time of the new Act may vary depending on your region.

As usual, the servers are expected to be down for a few hours as the devs ship the new patch to the game. So be sure to get your last competitive games in before the servers shut down.

Less Parts Ways With LOUD, Joins Team Vitality

Sonu Banerjee
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Less Parts Ways With LOUD, Joins Team Vitality

Team Vitality has announced the addition of Felipe “Less” Basso to their Valorant roster. The 19-year-old Brazilian Valorant prodigy has parted ways with LOUD after being a part of the organization for over two years.

Vitality revealed the signing of Less through a video posted on their official YouTube handle.

Less was a key player on the LOUD roster that triumphed at Valorant Champions 2022, after securing a second-place finish at VCT 2022 Stage 1 Masters Reykjavík. Following this, they managed to attain third place at the Valorant Champions 2023.

However, LOUD’s performance in the 2024 VCT season was rather underwhelming. After landing a fourth-place finish at VCT 2024 Masters Madrid, they failed to qualify for VCT Shanghai and ultimately missed out on Valorant Champions 2024.

With the signing of Less, the Vitality Valorant roster includes the following players:

  • Jokūbas “ceNder” Labutis
  • Kimmie “Kicks” Laasner
  • Saif “Sayf” Jibraeel
  • Nikita “trexx” Cherednichenko
  • Felipe “Less” Basso

When Does Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 Begin for Mumbai (India) Server?

Divyesh Moghe
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When Does Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 Begin for Mumbai (India) Server?

Valorant, the popular first-person shooter developed by Riot Games, is gearing up for the release of Episode 9 Act 3. This update is highly anticipated by players worldwide, especially those on the Mumbai (India) server. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming release, including the new features and changes that players can expect.

Release Date and Time

For players on the Mumbai (India) server, Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 is set to go live on October 24, 2024, at 4:30 AM IST¹. As with previous updates, there will be a maintenance period before the new act is available. During this time, players will not be able to join competitive queues but can still enjoy other game modes like Swiftplay and Spike Rush until the servers go offline for maintenance.

What’s New in Episode 9 Act 3?

While this act may not introduce a new agent, it brings several exciting updates that will shake up the current meta and enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Map Rotation Changes

One of the most significant changes in Episode 9 Act 3 is the update to the map pool. Pearl and Split are making a comeback, replacing Lotus and Icebox. This change is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the game, as players will need to adapt their strategies to the reintroduced maps.

New Battlepass and Skins

As with every new act, players can look forward to a brand-new Battlepass. This Battlepass will feature three new skin lines, along with various cosmetic items such as Player Cards, Gunbuddies, Titles, and Sprays. Players who reach the required tier can also earn some of these items for free.

Doombringer Skin Bundle

A new skin bundle, named Doombringer, will be introduced in this act. Riot Games has already teased the Phantom variant of this skin line, complete with unique kill finishers and sound effects. This bundle has generated a lot of excitement within the Valorant community.

Competitive Queue and Maintenance

Valorant Episode 9 Act 3

At the end of Episode 9 Act 2, the competitive queue will be disabled, and players will only be able to play non-competitive modes until the servers go into maintenance¹. This maintenance period is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition to the new act. Once the maintenance is complete, players can download the update and dive into the new content.

To make the most of the new act, players should ensure their game is updated and ready to go as soon as the servers are back online. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the returning maps, Pearl and Split, to gain a competitive edge when the new act begins.

Valorant Episode 9 Act 3 promises to bring exciting changes and fresh content to the game. With the return of beloved maps, a new Battlepass, and the introduction of the Doombringer skin bundle, players on the Mumbai (India) server have a lot to look forward to. Mark your calendars for October 24, 2024, and get ready to experience the latest updates in Valorant.

The Scout Mavi Controversy: The End of the Fan Favorite Duo

Moin Khot
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The Scout Mavi Controversy: The End of the Fan Favorite Duo

Scout and Mavi have been a fan favorite duo since the early PUBG Mobile days. The love for this duo skyrocketed when Orange Rock, featuring Scout, Mavi, Gill, Viru, Daljitsk, and Anto, emerged as the runner up of PMWL 2020 East. Despite this achievement, Orange Rock disbanded shortly after, but Scout and Mavi tried to keep the magic alive by forming new teams, including Team SouL and Team X Spark. Unfortunately, none of the teams bore results as they expected. As a result, the duo decided to split ways. Despite going their separate ways, the duo maintained a good relationship, and fans continued to hope for a reunion.

The Beginning of the Scout Mavi Controversy

Recent developments, however, have put the Scout Mavi duo in jeopardy, as both Mavi and Scout have exchanged inappropriate language towards one another, engulfing them in a controversy.

The Scout Mavi controversy rooted from light banter that started with Mavi’s response to a viewer’s offensive comment. What seemed to be harmless banter was misinterpreted by Scout, who believed the remarks were aimed at him. In response, Scout took to X and addressed the situation on his own livestream. He stated that while he still respects Mavi and cherishes their shared memories, the era of this duo was over.

Fans believed that this would be the end of the controversy, but this mudslinging continued from both parties.

Mavi’s Response Adds Fuel to the Scout Mavi Controversy

When Mavi went live on his channel to clear everything about his relationship with Scout, the controversy escalated, and things went south. In his livestream, Mavi claimed that the banter wasn’t directed at Scout but rather at Godlike Esports. He further expressed disappointment with how Scout handled the situation. He said that if indeed Scout wanted a normal relationship he could have contacted him instead of making it into a public affair.

What started as an attempt to clarify matters soon took a dramatic turn. In the same livestream, Mavi made several controversial statements, one of which shook the entire BGMI community. He alleged that Orange Rock could have won the PMWL 2020 East, but due to a crucial mistake made by Scout, the team ended up as the runner up. Mavi further claimed that after the tournament, Scout was kicked from Orange Rock.

As Mavi continued to speak, S8UL Esports co-owner Goldy intervened. Goldy called Mavi live during his stream, urging him to stop discussing the issue further.

The Scout Mavi Controversy: What’s Next?

This Scout Mavi controversy later prompted multiple other players in the community to share their views on the subject. So far, this entire controversy has led to multiple allegations, including poaching of players, backbiting, and more. However, the controversy has not yet finished. The next livestreams of Scout and Mavi are expected to add more fuel to the fire. 

The once iconic duo now finds themselves entangled in a public feud that has left fans divided and speculating about the future of their friendship. Stay tuned to the space to stay updated on the Scout Mavi duo controversy.

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ISSAA Returns to Professional Counter Strike

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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ISSAA Returns to Professional Counter Strike

Chinese Esports organization, JiJieHao, has announced that it has successfully signed former PERA players Áron “⁠Aaron⁠” Homoki and Bebu “⁠Bibu⁠” Aadil along with Issa “⁠ISSAA⁠” Murad who is making a comeback to the professional Counter Strike.

ISSAA has been one of the most iconic players in the history of the game. He made his mark in CSGO with his stint with HellRaisers and OG but unfortunate events led him to move away from CS. ISSAA will bring tons of invaluable experience to the table that will help mold this roster into a team.

“I’m excited to be back with JiJiehao,” ISSAA said. “They are a very good organization. Everything is fine now, and I’m excited to take MENA/Asia to the top again.

“I know from the bottom of my heart I can do it since I’ve done it in the past. I truly believe in and trust my teammates. They are incredible talents.”

JiJieHao roster will have:

  • Hussein “⁠m1N1⁠” Hijazi
  • Denislav “⁠dennyslaw⁠” Dimitrov
  • Issa “⁠ISSAA⁠” Murad
  • Áron “⁠Aaron⁠” Homoki
  • Bebu “⁠Bibu⁠” Aadil

Having failed to qualify for the Major, the organization has taken a different approach to recruiting from a pool of talents that will require some time before they get back on top. ISSAA and dennyslaw being two highly experienced individuals will have their hands full till this roster gets up and running.

Major Companies Sever Ties with Asmongold Following Controversial Remarks

Yash More
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Major Companies Sever Ties with Asmongold Following Controversial Remarks

In a significant turn of events, several companies have decided to cut ties with popular Twitch streamer Asmongold following his controversial comments about Palestine. This article delves into the details of the incident, the companies involved, and the broader implications for the streaming community.

On October 14, 2024, Asmongold made comments during a livestream that sparked widespread backlash. He stated that he would not “cry a river” for those killed in Palestine, describing them as coming from an “inferior culture.” These remarks were met with immediate criticism from viewers and the broader community.

Immediate Consequences

Asmongold’s comments led to a swift response from Twitch, which issued a 14-day ban on his account¹. The streamer quickly apologized on social media, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his remarks. Despite his apology, the damage was done, and several companies began distancing themselves from him.

Companies Cutting Ties

OTK, the organization co-founded by Asmongold, was one of the first to respond. In a statement, OTK condemned his comments as “disgusting and abhorrent” and announced that Asmongold would be stepping away from his leadership role. The organization emphasized its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and denounced all forms of discrimination.

Starforge Systems, a PC building company associated with OTK, also severed ties with Asmongold. The company released a statement rejecting all forms of discrimination, hatred, and violence, and confirmed that they had mutually agreed to part ways with the streamer.

asmongold twitch

Mad Mushroom, an indie game publisher linked to OTK, followed suit. The company stated that Asmongold’s views were antithetical to its mission of empowering developers from diverse backgrounds. They too decided to cut ties with him.

The fallout from Asmongold’s comments highlights the increasing scrutiny public figures face regarding their statements and actions. In the age of social media, comments made in the heat of the moment can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only personal reputations but also business relationships.

Community Reaction

The streaming community has been divided in its response. While many have praised the companies for taking a stand against discrimination, others have expressed concern over the potential for overreaction and the impact on free speech. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between personal expression and public accountability.

Asmongold’s situation underscores the importance of mindful communication, especially for public figures with large followings. The swift actions taken by OTK, Starforge Systems, and Mad Mushroom reflect a growing intolerance for discriminatory remarks in the gaming and streaming industries. As the community continues to evolve, it is clear that inclusivity and respect are becoming non-negotiable values.

New Deadlock Update Adds Urn Changes, Tweaks Flex Slot Requirements & More: Full Patch Notes

Sonu Banerjee
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New Deadlock Update Adds Urn Changes, Tweaks Flex Slot Requirements & More: Full Patch Notes

Valve has added a minor patch to Deadlock on October 16th which aims to address some balancing issues caused by the last major update.

The latest Deadlock patch brings with it a couple of changes to the Urn while also altering the requirements for the first flex slot in the game. Alongside these updates, a number of changes have been made to alter the current pacing of the game. Lastly, Shiv and Seven have been slightly nerfed to curb their dominance in the current meta.

Without further ado, let’s check out the detailed patch notes of the October 16th Deadlock update.

Deadlock October 16th Update Patch Notes

Deadlock Ranked Mode

Below, we have listed the detailed patch notes for the October 16th Deadlock update, as confirmed by Valve:

  • Urn now reveals you after 20s from initial pickup
  • Urn sprint changed from +3/5 for winning/losing team to +2/6
  • First flex slot is now granted after 3 Guardians die instead of 4
  • Base kill bounty reduced from 225 to 150 (still scales to 1400 over time)
  • Respawn time at 20 minutes reduced from 45s to 40s
  • T3 Golden Statues spawn time moved from 25 min to 30 min
  • Range to attack lane Guardians increased from 19m to 20m
  • Seven: Lightning Ball T3 reduced from +2m Radius to +1m
  • Shiv: Rage decay rate increased from 0.25 to 0.3
  • Shiv: Rage buffer duration reduced from 12s to 10s

Note that the ranked mode for Deadlock is currently live, so you might want to fine-tune your current playstyle to adapt to these changes before you queue for your next competitive games.

Study Reveals Gaming Improves Mental Health – But What About Eye Health?

Ellen Royce
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Study Reveals Gaming Improves Mental Health – But What About Eye Health?

Researchers have closely studied the relationship between gaming and health for years. Over the years, video games have raised public health concerns among experts, including the World Health Organization, which has long argued for the legitimization of a “gaming disorder.” More importantly, researchers have also focused on gaming and its potential impact on mental health.

A recent study carried out between 2020 and 2022 found that gaming may have potential benefits on your mental health. The study focused on gamers using Sony’s PlayStation 5 and Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch, and results showed that video gaming appears to improve mental health and provide psychological advantages. However, researchers also note that gaming for more than three hours at a time reduces its psychological benefits. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, age, work, and family structure can also impact the effects of gaming. For example, the study found that psychological benefits were less apparent among young PS5 users than adult Nintendo Switch users.

Gaming, gamers, and mental health

The debate on whether or not gaming is detrimental to one’s mental health seems difficult to settle considering the differences among gamer demographics, hardware, and habits. Recently, we posted about professional League of Legends player Faker and his mental health struggles evident during the recent T1 game against fellow South Korean organization Gen.G. A video of Faker’s breakdown spread on social media after T1’s loss, and the viral clip quickly sparked discourse on how much strain and anxiety there can be when you play video games at a top, competitive level.

It’s important to note, however, that most gamers are not salaried professionals like Faker. Nowadays, many games are also catered towards casual players. In recent years, a new subgenre of gaming dubbed “cozy gaming” has also propped up in the market, with video game titles like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley being popular among gamers who aren’t interested in competitive multiplayer elements and just want to relax. Compared to competitive titles like League of Legends and esports favorites like Valorant or Counter-Strike, these games are meant to put as little stress or anxiety as possible on their players.

Gamers’ physical and eye health

Aside from gamers’ mental health, health experts have also been concerned about the potential impact of gaming on their physical and overall well-being. This is apparent in the rise of ergonomic gaming furniture in recent years, from ergonomic chairs to new gaming monitors that are meant to induce as little eye strain as possible on hardcore gamers by implementing incredibly high refresh rates and color-accurate displays.

For eye health in particular, many gamers tend to keep their eyes glued to the screens to increase focus and competitive advantage. While this practice may wield its competitive benefits, poor viewing distances have been shown to be harmful to eye health. If you have to squint or sit extremely close to your gaming monitor, you may need prescription glasses to help boost visual clarity. Eyeglasses like the Oakley Holbrook are a simple solution for those who need vision correction and will reduce the need to squint or strain your eyes to see in-game objects and enemies clearly. To help mitigate the effects of blue light emitted from screens and LED lights today, you can also opt for a BlueReflect™ lens, which helps filter out blue light.

Finally, another way to mitigate the harms of blue light is to turn on your gaming computer or monitor’s blue light filter, which is a commonly built-in feature these days. Windows 10 and 11 have a feature dubbed the Night Light, a built-in blue light filter to help reduce the risk of eye strain for longer grinding sessions. Alternatively, you can also check out blue light screen protectors if you prefer portable gaming on consoles like the Nintendo Switch or your mobile devices, which not only protects your eyes against blue light, but also adds an extra layer of protection for your device’s screens.

If you found this article interesting or helpful, you can check out more posts and insights on gaming, esports, and other video game-related news on the TalkEsport homepage.

Arcane Season 2 Release Date, Plot, and What to Expect

Pranav Nalawade
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Arcane Season 2 Release Date, Plot, and What to Expect

Arcane, the critically acclaimed animated series set in the universe of League of Legends, is finally returning with its much-anticipated second season. Fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment since the first season left us on a cliffhanger. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming season, including its release date, plot details, and what to expect.

Release Date and Schedule

Arcane Season 2 is set to premiere on November 9, 2024. The season will be released in three acts, each consisting of three episodes. Here’s the release schedule:

  • Act 1: November 9, 2024
  • Act 2: November 16, 2024
  • Act 3: November 23, 2024

Episodes will be available globally on Netflix at 12:00 a.m. PT, which translates to different times across various regions.

Plot Overview

The first season of Arcane ended with a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving fans with numerous questions. Season 2 promises to answer these lingering questions and delve deeper into the complex relationships and political dynamics of Piltover and Zaun.

Key plot points to look forward to include:

  • The Fate of the Piltover Council: The council was attacked by Jinx in the final episode of Season 1. Season 2 will reveal the aftermath of this attack and its impact on the political landscape of Piltover.
  • Leadership in Zaun: With Silco’s death, a power vacuum has emerged in Zaun. The new season will explore who will rise to power and how this will affect the city’s future.
  • Jinx and Vi’s Relationship: The tumultuous relationship between the sisters, Jinx and Vi, will continue to be a central theme. Will they reconcile, or will their paths diverge even further?

New and Returning Characters

Fans can expect to see the return of beloved characters such as Vi, Jinx, Caitlyn, and Jayce. Additionally, new characters will be introduced, adding fresh dynamics to the story. The voice cast, including Hailee Steinfeld as Vi and Ella Purnell as Jinx, will reprise their roles, ensuring continuity and familiarity for the audience.

Global Events and In-Game Content

To celebrate the release of Arcane Season 2, Riot Games is planning a series of global events. These events will not only promote the show but also integrate Arcane-themed content into various League of Legends games, including Teamfight Tactics, LoL: Wild Rift, VALORANT, and Legends of Runeterra.

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