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BGMI 144 FPS and 165 FPS Support Reportedly Coming Soon

Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) players may soon experience even smoother gameplay, as reports indicate that Krafton is working on introducing 144 FPS and 165 FPS support. This potential update would push the game’s performance beyond the current 120 FPS standard found on flagship devices.

Following recent updates that enabled 120 FPS mode for high-end smartphones, the demand for higher frame rates has grown within the competitive community. Leaks and community discussions suggest that the developers are testing these ultra-high frame rate options to match the capabilities of modern gaming hardware.

Pushing Beyond 120 FPS

Currently, BGMI supports up to 120 FPS on select flagship devices, a feature introduced in the version 3.2 and 3.6 updates. This setting significantly improved fluidity and reaction times for players. The rumored move to 144 FPS and 165 FPS represents the next logical step in mobile esports, bringing the game closer to PC-level monitor refresh rates.

If implemented, these modes would be exclusive to devices that possess both the processing power to render frames this quickly and the display technology to show them.

Hardware Requirements for 144 FPS and 165 FPS

Accessing these new settings will require top-tier hardware. Players will need smartphones equipped with displays that support 144Hz or 165Hz refresh rates. Standard 60Hz or even 120Hz screens cannot physically display the additional frames, meaning the feature will likely remain locked for the vast majority of users.

Likely Compatible Device Categories:

  • Gaming-Centric Phones: Devices from series like ASUS ROG, RedMagic, and Black Shark are the most likely candidates, as they frequently feature 165Hz panels.
  • Flagship Androids: Select high-performance models from iQOO (such as the iQOO 12 or upcoming 13 series) and Motorola that support 144Hz refresh rates could also be eligible.
  • Processor Specs: Achieving stable frame rates at this level requires powerful chipsets, likely the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Gen 3, or the newly announced Gen 4 processors.

Competitive Advantage

For esports athletes and competitive rank pushers, higher FPS (Frames Per Second) translates directly to lower input latency. The jump from 120 FPS to 165 FPS offers diminishing returns compared to the jump from 60 to 120, but in high-stakes scenarios, every millisecond of responsiveness counts. Smoother tracking of moving targets and quicker visual feedback are the primary benefits of these ultra-high frame rate modes.

While Krafton has not yet released an official patch note confirming a specific release date, the buzz surrounding these features suggests they could be part of a future major update in 2026.

PMWC 2026 Slot Update: India Receives 2 Spots for Riyadh Event

India has received a major boost on the global PUBG Mobile esports stage. PUBG Mobile Esports has officially confirmed that India will get two slots at the PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) 2026, which will be held in Riyadh from August 6 to August 16, 2026. This is a big step forward for Indian teams, especially considering that last year India had only one slot, where BMPS 2025 champions Team AryanxTMG represented the country and finished 22nd overall. With two slots this time, India will have a stronger presence and better chances on the world stage.

India to Send Two Teams to PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 in Riyadh

On Tuesday, PUBG Mobile Esports officially revealed the slot allocation for PMWC 2026, and confirmed that India will now have two slots in the prestigious international tournament. Earlier, as per the initial roadmap shared by KRAFTON, India was allocated just one PMWC slot, which was reserved for the BMPS 2026 champion. However, the updated announcement has increased India’s quota, giving the region an additional opportunity to compete against the best teams in the world.

As of now, one slot is confirmed for the BMPS 2026 winner, which aligns with the existing qualification structure. The source of the second PMWC slot has not yet been officially clarified. It could be allocated through BGIS 2026 or possibly awarded to the BMPS 2026 runner-up, but PUBG Mobile Esports is yet to release final confirmation on this. Despite this, the slot itself is locked for India, which is the most important takeaway.

Looking back at PMWC 2025, India had only one representative. Team AryanxTMG, the champions of BMPS 2025, carried India’s hopes at the World Cup but finished 22nd in the overall standings. With two slots in PMWC 2026, Indian teams will not only gain more international exposure but also have a better chance to learn, adapt, and perform against top global regions like China, SEA, Middle East, and Europe.

Read More: India Gets 5 International Slots in 2026: 2 in PMWC and 3 in PMGC 2026

While the main focus is PMWC, it is also worth noting that India has received three slots for PMGC 2026. One direct slot will come from BMSD 2026, while the remaining two slots will be contested through BMIC 2026 against teams from South Korea and Japan. This shows PUBG Mobile Esports’ growing confidence in the Indian region and its competitive ecosystem.

Overall, getting two PMWC 2026 slots is a big milestone for Indian PUBG Mobile esports. It reflects the region’s growth, rising competition level, and increasing importance in the global circuit. Now, all eyes will be on BGIS 2026 and BMPS 2026, as these tournaments will decide which Indian teams get the chance to represent the country at the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026.

ESL Announces IEM Atlanta 2026 Invites List: All Invited Teams

With the Intel Extreme Masters Atlanta 2026 Counter-Strike 2 event being just a few months away, ESL has announced the full list of teams that have been invited to the tournament.

In a recent post on the official ESL X handle, the tournament organizer revealed the list of teams invited for the Main Event of IEM Atlanta 2026 alongside the Global and Americas Closed Qualifiers.

For the uninitiated, the IEM Atlanta 2026 CS2 event is scheduled to take place from May 11-17, 2026. The tournament will see 16 elite teams battling through a double-elimination group stage followed by a single-elimination playoff bracket, competing for a share of the $1,000,000 USD prize pool.

IEM Atlanta 2026 Invited Teams

Here are all the invites that have been confirmed by ESL for IEM Atlanta 2026:

Main Event Invites

  • Astralis
  • BC.Game
  • B8
  • FaZe Clan
  • FUT Esports
  • GamerLegion
  • Legacy
  • M80
  • NAVI
  • NRG
  • paiN Gaming
  • Team Liquid
  • Team Vitality

Global Closed Qualifier Invites

  • BetBoom Team
  • EYEBALLERS
  • FNATIC
  • SINNERS Esports
  • Alliance
  • K27 Esports
  • Inner Circle
  • CYBERSHOKE esports
  • ENCE
  • TRICKED Esport
  • Team Nemesis
  • Johnny Speeds

Americas Closed Qualifier Invites

  • Passion UA
  • TeamVoca
  • Rave
  • BOSS

While IEM Atlanta 2026 is certainly packed with some of the finest teams in the current competitive Counter-Strike scene, it will also be missing out on some major names.

Notably, FURIA, Parivision, G2 Esports, Team Falcons, Team Spirit, MOUZ, and The MongolZ have all declined invitations to the event, forcing the organizers to extend invites further down the rankings.

Arc Raider 1.15 Update Brings Back Cold Snap, Adds New ‘Shared Watch’ Event: Patch Notes

Only a couple of weeks after the ‘Headwinds’ update went live, Arc Raiders has received yet another major update with its 1.15.0 patch.

The Arc Raiders 1.15 update was shipped to the extraction shooter on February 10th, introducing a series of new (and returning) content for players to explore.

The latest Arc Raiders update aims to reduce the escalating Raider-on-Raider violence topside while reminding players of the true threat – the Arc.

Embark has already revealed the detailed release notes of the Arc Raiders 1.15 patch in a recent blog post. So without further ado, let’s check out everything you need to know about the update.

Arc Raider 1.15.0 Patch Notes

The highlights of the Arc Raiders 1.15 update include the new ‘Shared Watch’ event that encourages players to co-operate against the Arc, the return of the Cold Snap map condition, and a series of new cosmetics.

Check out the detailed patch notes of Arc Raiders 1.15.0 below:

  • Shared Watch
    • This is an opportunity to team up in the fight against the machines. 
    • The Shared Watch Event starts today and ends on February 24. Players will earn merits from destroying, assisting and damaging ARC and earn rewards. No merits will be earned from PvP encounters. Bring a friend or bring a stranger, but above all, bring enough ammo to make sure the machines notice you first.
  • Cold Snap Map Condition
    • Winter is not quite done with the Rust Belt – We are bringing back Cold Snap!
    • The map condition is back in rotation on outdoor maps with the same mix of risk and reward. Frostbite damage will make your trip topside a short one if you don’t seek shelter, but for those who do brave the tundra – there’s increased loot value at stake! 
    • You can still collect Candleberries, but they are no longer tied to any event. You can also collect, and throw, snowballs! Use them wisely, or don’t.
  • Cosmetics
    • The Vulpine set
    • The Slugger set

Content and Bug Fixes 

Some of you have noticed changes in past updates that didn’t make it into the patch notes, thank you for flagging those and keeping us on our toes!

We’ve been building ARC Raiders for years, but we’ve only been live for a short while, and we’re still growing into the rhythm (and discipline) of live operations. Making patch notes that are complete, accurate, and easy to follow is a muscle we’re actively training.

We’re improving our internal process so fewer things slip through, and when something does, your reports help us catch it quickly and update the notes. Please keep letting us know when you spot something missing, it genuinely helps.

Miscellaneous

  • Improved instances where players sometimes could not reconnect after disconnecting from a game.
  • Fixed an issue where the match start tunnel scene sometimes wasn’t being shown.
  • Fixed an issue where trials’ objective rewards could fail to grant at the end of a round due to a timeout, ensuring partial rewards are awarded when earned.
  • Fixed an issue where the end of round screen would sometimes show incorrect merits, XP, and Live Event points.
  • Fixed an issue where players’ platform icons would sometimes show incorrectly.
  • Fixed an issue where crafting would sometimes get cancelled.

Utility

  • Trailblazer Grenade
    • The explosions no longer deal damage through walls.
    • Deals more damage to small enemies but less damage to bigger enemies such as the Leaper and Bastion.

Weapons 

  • Fixed inconsistent weapon cycling when bound to keys other than the mouse wheel; keybinds now swap weapons reliably.

Known Issues

  • One of the Marco set helmet variants may appear incorrectly in preview and in the menu but will appear correctly in game.
  • Players may occasionally not receive a skill point as indicated in the result screen. A reboot/playing another round fixes the issue.
  • ‘Purchase Raider Tokens’ page may appear in front of the inbox and profile page when switching between them.
  • Player animations may appear broken when interrupting a search of the Baron Husk.
  • Certain containers may be unavailable to be interacted with.
  • Ziplines placed onto destroyed ARC parts will not appear correctly.
  • Scrappy “Batting Helmet” and the “Slugger” outfit might not appear correctly in the event preview.
  • The “Blindsided” achievement may not trigger as intended on the first attempt.

Valve is Preparing for the First CS2 Operation

Counter-Strike 2 fans may finally get the return of Operations after a long wait, according to the latest discoveries by data miners. CS2’s game files strongly suggest that Valve is actively working on CS2’s first full Operation and sparking excitement within the community in the process.

New Mission Points Found in CS2 Files

Popular data miner Thour, who boasts a solid track record, has uncovered that developers have recently added “mission-points” strings to CS2’s English localisation files. While this may be for something completely unrelated, there is a strong chance that Valve is working on a full operation similar to the likes of Riptide and Hydra in the background, which might be dropping in the coming months.

Operations spark a lot of interest for CS2 especially because there is little fresh content surrounding the game. CS2 is yet to get its first operation, and it’s high time that Valve drops something that would pull a lot of players back to the game.

New Client and Game Coordinator Signals Big Changes

Thour further pointed out that the developer comments found inside the CS2 files refer to a new CS2 client and updated game coordinator, which is likely being designed to handle additional large content like Operations. It goes without saying that this can be for something completely unrelated to an operation, but given how long it has been without one, it is highly likely that Valve is preparing for a new operation.

As Thour revealed all this information, CS2 players on platforms like Reddit and X already started talking about how the new operation will pan out. Given the last complete Operation was during the CS:GO era, there would be nothing that would pull fans back to the game more than a new Operation full of new skins, rewards, and missions. If Valve actually drops a new Operation, then this will make that the biggest content drop since the release of the game, but only time will tell if that happens.

India Gets 5 International Slots in 2026: 2 in PMWC and 3 in PMGC 2026

India is set for a massive year in PUBG Mobile esports, with up to 5 international slots confirmed across the biggest global tournaments in 2026, as we already predicted in our video. PUBG Mobile has officially confirmed 2 slots for India at the PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) 2026, while 3 more slots are expected for the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2026.

These developments significantly increase India’s presence on the global PUBG Mobile stage and give Indian teams more chances to compete against the world’s best.

PUBG Mobile Confirms 2 Slots for India at PMWC 2026

PUBG Mobile has officially confirmed that India will get 2 slots at the PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) 2026, which will be held as part of the Esports World Cup 2026.

Earlier, Krafton India had announced only 1 PMWC slot for India in its 2026 esports roadmap, with qualification planned through the BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2026. However, the latest confirmation from PUBG Mobile has increased India’s allocation to two teams for PMWC 2026.

This is a major boost for Indian squads, as PMWC is one of the most prestigious international PUBG Mobile tournaments.

India gets 3 Slots at PMGC 2026

Along with PMWC, India is also expected to receive 3 slots at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2026, similar to last year’s structure.

Out of these three slots:

  • 1 PMGC slot is already confirmed for India through BMSD 2026 (Battlegrounds Mobile South Asia)
  • 2 additional PMGC slots are possible via BMIC 2026

However, these two BMIC slots will not be easy to secure.

Tough Challenge Awaiting Indian Teams at BMIC 2026

To qualify for the remaining 2 PMGC 2026 slots, Indian teams will need to compete in BMIC 2026, where they are expected to face strong teams from Korea and Japan.

This makes BMIC 2026 a crucial and highly competitive event. Only the best-performing teams will be able to secure a spot at PMGC 2026 and represent India on the global stage.

Qualification Schedule and Slot Breakdown for India (2026)

Here is a simple breakdown of how India’s 5 international slots are distributed:

PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) 2026

  • 2 slots confirmed
  • Qualification via BMPS 2026
  • Event held during Esports World Cup 2026

PUBG Mobile Global Championship (PMGC) 2026

  • 1 slot confirmed via BMSD 2026 (Direct)
  • 2 slots possible via BMIC 2026 (vs Korea & Japan teams)

Total International Slots for India in 2026: 5

Read More: Jonathan Switches to 3-Finger Controls After 7 Years Ahead of BGIS 2026

What This Means for Indian BGMI Esports

With five international slots in one year, 2026 could be a breakthrough year for Indian BGMI esports. More slots mean more exposure, tougher competition, and better chances for Indian teams to prove themselves at the highest level.

All eyes will now be on BMPS 2026, BMSD 2026, and BMIC 2026, as these tournaments will decide which teams get to carry India’s flag on the global PUBG Mobile stage.

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

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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

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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

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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.