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MIBR Reportedly Planning to Sign Star Trio Ahead of 2024 VCT Season

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MIBR’s disastrous form in the 2023 season has prompted them to go after the star trio heading into the 2024 VCT season. The organization is looking outside its region to form an international roster.

MIBR’s 2023 season was nothing like they expected heading into the year. Over the years, they have stuck to the tradition of building an esports roster with native talents, which aligns with their name. As things stand, the organization likely believes that the talent is insufficient to construct a tournament-winning roster.

According to reports, Erick ‘aspas’ Santos, Jaccob ‘yay’ Whiteaker, and Nicholas ‘nitr0’ Cannella are the names targeted by the Brazilian organization to complete their roster ahead of the 2024 VCT Season. This move will force the team into a different language for communication which can lead to unsatisfying results at the beginning as was the case with several teams.

However, the power of acquiring the best talents can overwhelm the problems that arise with communication over time and there are plenty of precedents to prove this point. In the more recent history of esports, we have seen International rosters perform well in the biggest stages, for fans having mixed feelings about this move can harvest some hope.

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S8UL and Global Esports CEO Explain Why Esports Organizations are Not Profitable

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The esports industry has seen massive growth over the past couple of years. A myriad of teams and players have emerged successful in numerous different titles. However, the organizations that support these players often find themselves struggling to turn a profit. Orangutan recently released Episode 7 of the “Mic On Kar” podcast, which featured Yash Bhanushali – Orangutan, Animesh “Thug” Agarwal – S8UL, Dr. Rushindra Sinha – Global Esports, Rohit Jagasia – Revenant Esports.

The financial problem faced by esports organizations was discussed by Thug and Sinha. These CEOs offered valuable insights into why esports organizations face such a challenging road to profitability.

S8UL and Global Esports CEO Reveals That Most Esports Organization Are Not Profitable

During the podcast, the host Ocean Sharma asked the guests a question: “How do esports organizations make money?” Responding to this, all the guests said in unison, “They don’t.”

Thug, who has a deep-rooted history in Indian esports, raised a crucial point about the difficulty of monetizing esports organizations. He argued that even if a team were to win substantial prize money, such as INR 5 Crores in four different titles, the cash burn would always be higher. “Look at where we are sitting, this infrastructure takes a huge capital money that could be recouped in I don’t know by when. So if you add the inflation and everything, it is never getting recouped. I don’t think esports organizations make money to be honest. ” he added.

Thug and Sinha Explain How Organizations Finance Their Esports Division and the Cause of the Problem

To offset these financial challenges, both Thug and Sinha highlighted the importance of diversifying revenue streams within esports organizations. “There are different verticals in a gaming organization that have a different cost center and revenue center. This is how you make up for it,” said Thug.

Dr. Sinha put forth the example of Evil Geniuses, a popular North American esports organization that recently won the highly prestigious Valorant Champions 2023. The Valorant roster han two choices: explore opportunities with other organizations or continue with Evil Geniuses at a reduced salary. Talking about this, Sinha said, “A roster that wins the world championship with more than a million dollars in prize money and with more than a million dollars in digital skin revenue, still has to say that they cannot afford a winning roster.”

Following this, Thug explained that the financial situation in the Indian esports industry is as inflated as it is in North America. Thug raised a pertinent question about the ability of esports organizations to monetize their content effectively. “If you look at the Indian market and if you look at monetization opportunities; even if I say that content is the biggest monetization in gaming, how many organizations are able to monetize their content? It is very less. I would say not more than four or five. So what about the other 15 or 20 teams, and is that money even enough to break even the cost they are incurring,” he said.

Thug and Sinha Discusses the Necessity of Cost Cutting

Both Thug and Sinha underscored the necessity of cost-cutting measures in the industry, especially in a scenario where the market might not sustain massive spending. “There is insane potential, the market has changed a lot, and especially because orgs like all four of us and a lot more have been able to sustain. So a lot of brands and investors are able to trust. But we need to bring sanity into the industry that is lowering the salaries and everything. Cost cutting is very important; it is not like there is no revenue,” said Thug.

Building on that, Sinha added, “What you (Thug) said about being able to sustain is absolutely correct, because the problem is that the reason we are able to sustain is because we already have other sources of capital that we invest into, or we are able to figure out from where we can get that capital. It is not because you’re making so much revenue from esports that we can reinvest that.”

Thug rounded off the discussion by emphasizing the need for players and organizations to adapt to the evolving esports landscape. “Players need to realize that it’s not 2020. 2020-2021 was the boom of Indian gaming, where we had a lot of money, but that’s not the case anymore. Market has dried up, money has dried up, so we just need to be very cautious and careful,” he added.


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GodLike Esports Promises a Comeback, Vows to Remove Underperformers

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Ever since the relaunch of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) in May 2023, one of the most prominent teams in the community, GodLike Esports, has been grappling with underwhelming performances. The team failed to qualify for both major tournaments that took place since the game’s relaunch. 

In BGMI Masters Series, the team faced elimination after the conclusion of Week 2, and in Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2023, the team faced elimination in Round 4. However, hope is on the horizon as Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude, the owner of GodLike Esports, recently addressed the concerns that have been plaguing the organization’s fanbase.

GodLike Esports’ Plan of Action for Team’s Revival

Following GodLike Esports’ elimination from BGIS 2023, Kronten hosted a live stream on his YouTube channel after a long time. During this session, his viewers raised their concerns regarding GodLike Esports’ recent mediocre performance. He acknowledged the team’s struggles and took a firm stance on their future. “What do you think? We can’t change the team? We can’t sign underdog players? It won’t even take a minute for us to do that,” he said. However, expressing his faith on the players, he added, “But there’s a hope, there’s trust we have on Neyoo, ZGod, JONATHAN, SPower.”

Kronten’s commitment to the revival of the team was evident as he explained the roadmap to redemption. “If they (players) can’t solve problems in the upcoming small tournaments or even scrims as they have told us, then before the next major tournament, we will solve all problems and you will get to see our original performance,” he stated. 

GodLike Esports Vows to Remove Underperforming Players

GodLike Esports fans can expect swift action in the coming weeks if the team does not perform well. Kronten stated, “In the upcoming one to two weeks, if any player does not perform up to the mark, if they don’t bring out their individual performances, then we will remove them. We have decided to remove them, and even the players have agreed to it. Hence, they are grinding hard. Let’s see how they play and perform in the coming weeks.”

GodLike Esports’ recent struggles have not gone unnoticed, and the team is determined to bounce back stronger than ever. Players, as well as the fans, are hoping to make a comeback in the upcoming tournaments. However, only time will tell whether the team will make a comeback or the organization will have to take stringent action. 


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Skyesports Souvenir – India Qualifiers Announced as 4 CS:GO Teams Battle for a Chance to Represent the Country

The Skyesports Souvenir has returned in 2023, featuring Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). This year, the prestigious esports IP will expand internationally, featuring six countries fighting for victory. Team India will be determined in the competition through the Skyesports Souvenir – India Qualifiers, which will take place from September 22 to 24.

Commenting on the tournament, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said, “After a thrilling end to India’s first franchised esports league, the Skyesports Masters, we are excited to announce our next official Counter-Strike tournament, the Skyesports Souvenir. This competition is a testament to our goal of building a roadmap for Counter-Strike esports in the country. It will also give an opportunity to teams to compete against international teams as we bring Counter-Strike action from Skyesports to more regions.”

Skyesports Souvenir – India Qualifiers Participating Teams and Schedule

Four teams have been directly invited into the India Qualifiers. These are as follows:

  • Gods Reign
  • Marcos Gaming
  • Reckoning Esports
  • Revenant Esports

The four teams are all set to lock horns across a Round-Robin format to determine the winners. All matches will be live on the Skyesports YouTube, Facebook, Loco, and Glance channels. The schedule for the matches is as follows:

Friday (September 22)

  • Reckoning Esports vs. Gods Reign
  • Revenant Esports vs. Marcos Gaming

Saturday (September 23)

  • Reckoning Esports vs. Marcos Gaming
  • Gods Reign vs. Revenant Esports

Sunday (September 24)

  • Reckoning Esports vs. Revenant Esports
  • Marcos Gaming vs. Gods Reign

The winner of the competition will be the Indian Representative at the Skyesports Souvenir – International Playoffs, set to take place from September 25 to 30. India will be one of six countries from the Asian continent competing for victory in Counter-Strike.

The Skyesports Souvenir 2023 is powered by AMD x Windows 11. According to the India Games Market Report 2023 by Niko Partners, the total game revenue from India in 2023 will reach $868 million, up 21.2 percent YoY. The total number of gamers in the country stands at 444.4 million in 2023, which wilo grow to more than 641 million by 2023. Additionally, the report found that 71.8 percent of Indian gamers engage with esports, making competitions like the Skyesports Souvenir a perfect option for brands to connect with highly-engaged gamers across the country.


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A Brief Look at the Esports Scene in Pennsylvania

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Esports has rapidly ascended from a niche pastime to a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Today, millions of people across the globe tune in to watch their favorite players and teams compete in various competitive games such as League of Legends and Overwatch.

But such success is only possible with the support of local esports communities. In Pennsylvania, a mix of grassroots enthusiasm and institutional support has contributed to esports’ explosive growth.

What’s even more helpful is that it’s only a matter of time before PA sportsbooks start accepting wagers for esports tournaments. Imagine placing a bet before watching a thrilling round in Overwatch – your excitement and involvement will surely go through the roof.

While we wait for Pennsylvania to include esports in betting, let’s briefly examine how the esports scene started and flourished in the state.

The Beginning of Esports in Pennsylvania

Like any other, the esports scene in Pennsylvania started at the LAN parties we all know and love. These small local tournaments, often organized by passionate community members, were the scene’s lifeblood. These events doubled as social gatherings at which competitors and enthusiasts played and had fun.

As years went by, cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh witnessed massive growth in these events. It even reached the point where local businesses started sponsoring prizes and providing venues, believing today’s amateur player could be tomorrow’s superstar.

The Rise of Collegiate Esports

It didn’t take long for Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities to recognize the potential of esports. Schools such as Penn State and Harrisburg University have not only established competitive esports teams but they’ve also invested in state-of-the-art gaming arenas to host events. Harrisburg University has even won national accolades for its successful esports program.

These collegiate programs provide students with more than just an opportunity to play games at a competitive level. They also offer scholarships and pathways to industry careers in game design, marketing or event management.

The Development of Professional Teams and Arenas

Pennsylvania’s commitment to esports isn’t limited to the amateur and collegiate levels. Philadelphia, for instance, was the home of Philadelphia Fusion before it moved to Seoul, Korea, due to the pandemic. Fusion competed professionally in the Overwatch League while still in the state.

The state has also witnessed significant investment in professional esports arenas. The Fusion Arena, although now operating as a multi-use facility instead of a dedicated esports arena, was a $50 million project. Despite the turn of events surrounding Philadelphia Fusion, the commitment to build such an arena is testament to the belief in the growth of esports.

Overall Economic Impact of Esports

With arenas, teams and university programs appearing, there’s no doubt that Pennsylvania is reaping the economic benefits. Esports events undoubtedly attract thousands of attendees, generating revenue for local businesses such as hotels and restaurants. The state also benefits from jobs such as roles in broadcasting, event management and more, created directly and indirectly by the industry.

The Rise of High School Esports

As the years go by and esports continues to be a runaway success, high schools all over Pennsylvania can no longer ignore it. Currently, 27 high school esports teams in Pennsylvania compete in games such as Valorant and Rocket League. And thanks to the state’s love of Rocket League, high school teams from Pennsylvania always top the rankings whenever such a tournament occurs.

Esports Bars, Cafes and Training Facilities

With the rise of esports comes the demand for venues where fans can gather and serious esports athletes can hone their skills. Training facilities typically have the latest hardware and a dedicated coaching staff to help the teams develop strategies. Meanwhile, esports bars and cafes offer a space for fans to come together, play video games and watch live broadcasts.

And to further prove the state’s dedication to esports, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department installed an esports room at the Christy Recreation Center in September 2021. Not only does the room allow everyone to play and grow but it also serves as a safe and productive destination for teenagers and young adults.

The Future of Esports in Pennsylvania

While there’s a lot of excitement around esports in the state, there are also challenges to be overcome. One is the sustainability of investments and ensuring that teams feel safe enough to stay and develop their teams within the state. And then there’s the issue of creating an inclusive culture, especially for female gamers and participants from diverse backgrounds.

As such, the state’s esports journey still has room to grow. From the state’s community-building initiatives to a comprehensive approach in embracing the phenomenon, Pennsylvania serves as a model for other states to nurture a local esports scene.

ESIC Exposes Criminal Entity Targeting Professional CSGO Players

In an announcement, the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has unveiled the activities of an organized criminal, operating under the alias “DEzCurse,” who has been reaching out to professional CSGO players on Discord with the username DEzCurse#1309.

ESIC has gathered intelligence indicating that this individual has been attempting to orchestrate match-fixes in several top-tier competitive CSGO matches. The alias “DEzCurse” has become synonymous with illicit activities within the esports community, raising concerns about the integrity of competitive matches.

This criminal entity approaches players on Discord, a platform widely used by the gaming community, and attempts to manipulate match outcomes. The meticulous and covert approach used by this individual highlights the sophisticated methods employed by entities seeking to compromise the fairness of esports competitions.

ESIC is actively working to expose such illicit activities and protect the integrity of esports competitions. They have urged anyone who has been approached by this individual to report the encounter via their official form, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining the sanctity of esports.

The revelation of such organized criminal activities underscores the challenges faced by the esports industry in preserving the integrity of competitions. It brings to light the need for stringent measures and community vigilance to combat the infiltration of criminal entities seeking to manipulate match outcomes for their gain.

Rejin’s Major Ban Reduced to Five Majors After Appeal

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In a significant turn of events, Allan “Rejin” Petersen, the Danish ex-coach, has had his permanent Major ban, initially received in 2021, altered, allowing him to participate in Valve-sponsored competitions from the second 2024 Major onwards.

This adjustment is the outcome of a successful appeal with the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), where Rejin substantiated that the extent of his bug exploitation was not as initially calculated, leading to Valve accepting the appeal.

Rejin, best known for his tenure in MOUZ, had his journey interrupted due to the ban in late 2020. He has since occupied various staff roles in renowned organizations like MAD Lions, Entropiq, and Endpoint and is currently the Sports Director of the Danish organization Sashi.

Rejin was banned by ESIC in September 2020 after being found exploiting the coaching bug, which could potentially allow coaches to gain an unfair advantage, in seven instances. ESIC utilized “demerit points” to determine the length of the coaching bans, a value based on the number of matches and rounds in which the bug was used.

Originally assigned eight points for his offenses, translating to a permanent Major ban, this has now been revised to five points and five Majors following the appeal. This means his ban will expire following the conclusion of PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen in March.

This development raises questions about integrity and fairness in esports, emphasizing the need for clear and just regulations and the possibility of redemption and second chances for those who show remorse and commitment to fair play.

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BGIS 2023 Semifinals: All Qualified Teams From Round 4

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The Battlegrounds Mobile India Series (BGIS) 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride filled with fierce battles. The battlegrounds are heating up, and the excitement is reaching its peak as we delve into the BGIS 2023 Semifinals. With the Quarterfinals in full swing, fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting to know which teams will advance to the next stage of the tournament. In this article, we will keep you updated on all the qualified teams as they secure their spots in the Semifinals.

BGIS 2023 Semifinals: Qualified Teams From Round 4

As the quaretfinal advances, teams have been striving for a chance to advance to the Semifinals. The pressure is on, and every squad is giving it their all to secure a coveted spot in the next stage.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the teams that have successfully earned their tickets to the BGIS 2023 Semifinals. Note that this list will be updated in real-time as more teams secure their positions.

Group A

All matches of Group A has concluded and the following four teams have quaified.

  • Team SouL
  • TWM Gaming
  • Night Owls
  • WSB Gaming

Group B

All matches of Group B has concluded and the following four teams have quaified.

  • Blind Esports
  • GlitchXReborn
  • Gladiators Esports
  • AutoBotz Esports

Group C

  • Marcos Gaming
  • Gods Reign
  • Brave Esports
  • 4 Aggressive Men

Group D

  • Team iNSANE
  • Growing Strong
  • OR Esports
  • TitanFTW

As the Quarterfinals continue and more teams secure their spots, the competition will only intensify. We’ll be updating this article in real-time to keep you informed about all the qualified teams, so stay tuned for the latest developments.


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Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard Deal Is Set to Get Clearance From UK Regulator

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Microsoft’s monumental acquisition of Activision Blizzard, valued at a staggering $69 billion, is on the verge of obtaining the green light from Britain’s antitrust regulator, marking a pivotal moment in the gaming industry. This acquisition initially announced in early 2022, faced substantial roadblocks, primarily from Britain’s competition regulator, voicing concerns over Microsoft gaining excessive control over the burgeoning cloud gaming market.

Microsoft’s restructured acquisition signifies a groundbreaking shift in the gaming sector, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the industry. The deal once blocked due to concerns over market control, is now poised to clear one of its last hurdles, opening doors to unprecedented gaming experiences and innovations.

The initial blockage by Britain’s competition regulator highlighted the challenges in balancing market control and innovation in the rapidly evolving cloud gaming sector. However, the restructuring and subsequent divestment of streaming rights to Ubisoft Entertainment have substantially addressed previous concerns, paving the way for a harmonious resolution.

The acquisition is set to revolutionize the gaming landscape, bringing together Microsoft’s technological prowess and Activision Blizzard’s rich gaming portfolio. This union promises to deliver enhanced gaming experiences, innovative solutions, and a diverse range of gaming options to users worldwide.

The preliminary approval has been well-received by the market, with shares in Activision rising 1.6% and Microsoft inching up 0.3%. The positive market response reflects the high anticipation and potential impact of this acquisition on the future of gaming, promising new avenues for growth and development in the industry.

This journey has been marked by extensive investigations, regulatory challenges, and restructuring, offering valuable insights into the complexities of major acquisitions in the tech sector. It underscores the importance of effective dialogue and collaboration between corporations and regulators to navigate the intricate landscape of competition and innovation in the tech industry.

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Ubisoft Announces The Division 3

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Ubisoft has confirmed that the third instalment of the popular franchise “The Division” is under development through their latest press release.

Ubisoft has been one of the biggest game developers on the face of this planet for a long time now and most of their titles end up becoming best sellers and one of said titles is”The Division”. When the first iteration of the game came out, it was an instant hit among gamers and the sequel established it as a massively successful franchise upon which fans were begging the developers to release the 3rd instalment. While there were rumours, Ubisoft has cleared them to confirm that the game is indeed in the works.

“This announcement represents Ubisoft’s dedication to the longevity of the brand. In his new role, Julian will drive the many interdependent production elements of The Division brand in a unified direction. “This includes development oversight, operations, and creative vision together with the development teams around the world who are currently developing the mobile game Tom Clancy’s The Division Resurgence, Tom Clancy’s The Division Heartland, and Tom Clancy’s The Division 2.” reads their statement.

Ubisoft is betting big on the third instalment of the game given Division 2 remains of the games with a relatively high DAU. However, Division 3 will probably build on the feats achieved by its predecessors and reach heights never seen before.

Release Date

Unfortunately, the game is likely at a nascent stage and it is safe to assume that it won’t surface before the third quarter of 2024. Gerighty and Massive Entertainment, two well-known developer houses have committed to developing the game recently but right now would be too soon to expect something presentable from them. Hold your horses for now or get excited about the new Assassins Creed game Ubisfot is set to release in the coming months.

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