TGS2022 : Japanese Official Website for Visitors Unveiled Today
"Captain Tsubasa: Dream Team" Dream Championship 2022 Worldwide Tournament Begins in September & the Official Website Opens Today
TGS2022 General Admission Ticket Sales for Overseas Visitors
360 VUZ Immersive Video App Wins Webit Founders Games Finalist
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS Taps Unreal Engine 5 to Make Foray into the Open World of Wuxia with New Code: To Jin Yong
Trailblazer Games Announces First NFT Release Date in the Eternal Dragons Saga
ARCHEAGE WELCOMES PIONEERING PLAYERS TO THE GREAT PRAIRIE OF THE WEST REGION
Qualified nations for the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022 confirmed
Coin98 Labs Acquires Yunero Studios to Accelerate Web3 Mass Adoption via GameFi
Challengermode expands senior leadership team with global games experts to expand content offering
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DAACI AI Tech Sets Out to Revolutionize Music Composition
Award-winning DAACI has developed and filed a series of patents for its ground-breaking AI core tech which is set to revolutionize the creative process of music composition, democratizing music creation for the metaverse masses. Informed by the core principles of musical composition and three decades of doctoral music research, DAACI is a fully formed AI system that composes, arranges, orchestrates and produces the highest-quality original music. Unlike other AI music tools, there are no pre-recorded tracks or ready made samples. Instead, musical elements and textures are written in real time, infinitely generated on demand as DAACI dynamically responds to the creator’s brief. The patents relate to the proprietary core tech of the DAACI framework, which dynamically adapts to user inputs and captures compositional intent. Developed to power the evolution of music creation, DAACI has multiple potential applications from movie scores to gaming in the metaverse. Rachel Lyske, DAACI CEO said: “The demand for original music has never been greater. Whether we’re discovering new artists online, immersing ourselves in a favourite MMO game, watching a must-see TV show or browsing the internet’s infinite scroll of content, music is the constant soundtrack to modern life." “DAACI does away with ‘computer generated’, ‘random’ sounds. It raises the standard of AI composition by creating structure and form that has exceptionally high quality, is endlessly adaptive, and generates emotionally fulfilling originality in seconds.” DAACI can satisfy the demand for limitless composition and will power music creativity for the next generation of composers, content creators and producers, who are already realizing applications for its framework tech: Gaming Whilst today’s gaming music is recognized by static and generic soundtracks, metaverse users are demanding a dynamic approach. They want to choose their own unique soundtrack in real time, to fit their story and emotions. DAACI can provide games developers with high-fidelity contextual and situational music. From the endless creation of bespoke audio skins and NFTs to adaptive in game soundtracking, DAACI creates a truly immersive and emotional connection between players and games like never before. Composition Ally DAACI doesn’t intend to replace composers. Instead, it provides an easy-to-use tool to enhance the productivity and scalability of their work. For artists and production companies, DAACI is an ally that offers the perfect combination of innovative technology and music composition axioms – delivering the best of both worlds. A true virtual composer, DAACI learns to think and dynamically respond using compositional principles and rules, delivering authentic, rich music composition at a speed and scale well beyond the limits of human possibility. DAACI’s composition science stems from the notable team of professional musicians and composers behind it, who between them hold an enviable list of credits spanning performing, musical direction, vocal coaching, writing, producing, sound mixing and sound design. The team anticipates the landscape for how music is created and experienced is changing, so they are bringing the DAACI AI software to life as a tool for users whilst respecting and protecting the knowledge musicians have acquired. Having successfully completed a seed funding round, DAACI is extremely excited to be launching its new round. They are raising $5m which will close in September - https://www.daaci.com/daaci-deck
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SEASON 2 IN FULL SWING AND MOBILE UPDATED FROM PES TO “eFootball 2022”
Konami Digital Entertainment Limited is pleased to announce that the mobile version of eFootball PES 2021 has been updated to eFootball™ 2022. In addition, various in-game events and campaigns featuring the theme of Season 2 have started in console and mobile, too. The mobile version of eFootball™ 2022 offers a new "Dream Team" mode that allows players to create their own team, as is in the console version, and brings forth a new control experience that allows players to enjoy making decisions and altering playing tactics based on real-world football theories. The game will continue to feature the real names of big European clubs, legends of football history, and weekly Live Updates to in-game squads and individuals. The various in-game events featuring new season, “European Leagues Highlights - Clubs, Team Playstyles, and Prime Players,” will begin today and the players will be appeared in the special card designs featuring the clubs that have made it to the top of the European Leagues in the 2021-2022 season. In addition, special packs containing 11 players and training items from our major European partner clubs are now available. Users can bring together powerful players, have them ready to play right away, and train a team around their own footballing philosophy! Enjoy the exciting competition with players from all over the world in the "Dream Team". Please keep an eye on eFootball™ 2022, as KONAMI strive to develop and evolve it into the best football simulation game for its users.
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2022 and beyond: Teslasuit and a New Dimension for the Youniverse
The global leader in human-to-digital interface technology, Teslasuit looks forward to new and innovative game-changing hardware and software developments, while establishing exciting new use cases to drive humankind towards a better future. Since 2016, when Teslasuit first launched its eponymous bodysuit designed to merge the virtual with the physical using groundbreaking haptic feedback technology, the company has been at the vanguard of VR and AR technology, creating innovative hardware and software products able to improve people’s lives, and raise their possibilities to a new level across multiple industries. From medical rehabilitation to sports performance and gaming via defence and industrial training, the ways in which the Teslasuit can be deployed are only just beginning to evolve. In a world in which human movement can be digitalised, commodified, and examined like never before, Teslasuit is very excited to be launching its haptic glove later this year, which combines haptic feedback, force feedback, finger tracking and a biometric system to give the user an unparalleled and literal grasp of the human-to-digital interface. In anticipation of this event, Teslasuit have launched a new website together with a rebranding package designed to mark a new dimension in the brand’s scientific and technological development. The new Teslasuit logo, based on an electric impulse, is formed of three mutual and dynamic parts, representing the technology’s three key applications: professional training, research and rehabilitation, and development. Through an unprecedented merger of the virtual world with the physical realm, Teslasuit products will create a new dimension of human movement and sensory experience where the digital environment directly interacts with the material world, creating an informational and emotional osmosis.
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A3: STILL ALIVE HOSTS SPECIAL IN-GAME EVENTS FEATURING NEW SERVERS, REWARDS, DISCOUNTS AND MORE
LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of mobile games, has announced two new servers and several in-game events for its dark fantasy open world mobile RPG A3: Still Alive. Players will have the opportunity to win exciting new rewards and receive Inetrium discounts from now until July 14. In order to reach more fans around the world, two new servers are now open in Asia and North America / Latin America regions. Several in-game events and promotions to celebrate these new server openings include: Hot-Time for New Server Users: Players can receive up to 1000% rate increase in gaining EXP (Rapid Level up) and up to a 30% rate increase in the Inetrion Dungeon (Rapid Ore obtaining) Guild Combat Power 1st Rank Event: The #1 ranked guild in Combat Power, played within the two new servers, the guild leaders from both servers will receive 6,000 Klay rewards Klay Giveaway - Top 4 Combat Power Users: The top 4 Combat Power players from each new server (total of 8) will receive 1,000 Klay rewards Additionally, players will receive discounts of 70% when purchasing the Premium Inetrion Express, and the Veteran Level-Up Package is given upon. The package allows new users to start their journey at Lv. 200. Set in an apocalyptic fantasy world of swords and sorcery, A3: Still Alive is a cross-genre mobile experience that pairs the enormous and living worlds of Open-World RPGs with the extreme combat of Battle Royale. Players must be vigilant in an always-open Player vs. Player (PvP) environment as they fight against enemies with intense hack & slash combat and prove their mettle in a variety of PvP and Player vs. Environment (PvE) modes. A3: Still Alive is beautifully rendered with splendid console-quality 3D graphics that are brought to life thanks to the outstanding optimization of the Unity Engine. A3: Still Alive is now available as a free digital download (with in-app purchases) on Apple's App Store and Google Play, in 172 countries around the world. The game is also available for download as an Open Beta for Windows PC via the A3: Still Alive website. For more information, please visit the official website and forum, and follow A3: Still Alive on Facebook , Discord, and YouTube. About Netmarble Corporation Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Marvel Future Revolution, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com
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NETMARBLE'S BATTLE ROYALE GAME 'HYPESQUAD' BEGINS ALPHA TEST ON STEAM TODAY
Experience Intense, Close-Quarters Combat Matches and Receive the Limited-Time 'Ride Skin' Reward LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality gaming experiences, has announced the start of the alpha test for HypeSquad, the company's Battle Royale TPS for Windows PC. Players can join the alpha test starting today through June 20 on Steam. Check out a new trailer featuring the game's fast-paced, close-quarters, combat action on YouTube. Players can download the Demo App from the Steam Store or receive a Steam code from the game's official website. Upon joining the alpha test, players will receive the Ride Skin reward, which can be used during the test as well as after the game officially launches. During the Alpha test period, players can experience two game modes, Survival Mode and Conquest Mode. While 3-player squads in Survival Mode can be played at any time, solo match in Survival Mode and 3-player squads in Conquest Mode will be available according to each regional server schedule. This Alpha test will be supported in 9 languages including English, Portuguese, French, German and Spanish, with 5 servers located around the world (North America, Asia, South America and Europe). The game features a diverse cast of characters, each with different backgrounds and motivations, and an assortment of unique melee and ranged options that players can choose for multiple weapon combinations. There are also several items and upgrades awaiting players on the field to boost their performance, including support items and augmenters. Lastly, Hype Squad's interactive objects, like zip lines and jump pads among other objects, add a layer of strategy for players to consider as they strive to be victorious on the battlefield. More information can be found on the game's official website (hypesquad.netmarble.com/), Discord, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit channels. About Netmarble Corporation Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Seven Knights 2, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, MARVEL Future Revolution, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.
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Global Esports Federations announces Dubai as host city for Global Esports Games 2025
GEF delegation confirms announcement at the Season 2022 kick-off of Global Esports Tour in Dubai SINGAPORE, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Esports Federation has confirmed Dubai as the host city for the GEF's flagship Global Esports Games 2025, while the GEF delegation, led by CEO, Paul J. Foster, was at the Season 2022 LIVE kick-off of the Global Esports Tour, staged at the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 9-11. The Global Esports Federation has confirmed Dubai as the host city for the GEF’s flagship Global Esports Games 2025. The landmark announcement was made in the presence Abdulla Al Gurg, Vice-President of Emirates Esports, Chair of GEF Digital Transformation Commission and Founder of Esports Management Group (EMG), the Secretary-General, Saeed Al Taher, and Board Members of Emirates Esports, in front of a capacity crowd at the GET Dubai. The GEF delegation, comprising GEF Vice-President, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud; GEF Board Members, Adrian Lismore and Hala Ghandour; as well as Alper Afshin Özdemir, President of the Turkish Esports Federation; and Paulo Ribas, President of the Brazil Esports Federation, attended a series of meetings and events in the United Arab Emirates as Dubai was confirmed as the host for the GEG 2025. "Congratulations Dubai and the people of the United Arab Emirates. The Global Esports Federation is delighted to confirm Dubai as the host of our global flagship property – the Global Esports Games – in December 2025. Once again, the eyes of the world, the energy, and passion of our #worldconnected community will light up Dubai, the UAE, and the region," expressed Chris Chan, President of the GEF. "We are excited to see the incredible progress since our signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement with Emirates Esports at Expo 2020 Dubai last November, to unlock opportunities and develop esports in the region. The world will once again unite in Dubai with the city confirmed to host the Global Esports Games in 2025," said Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF. "The whole world knows that Dubai is a great host and offers an epic world-class setting. We can't wait to see athletes from across the world – standing on center stage at the GEF Arena in December 2025 – as they compete for the glory of their home country flag, the fans at home and in the stands, and the chance to show the world their many skills, talents, their personal journey and desire to compete," he added. For media inquiries: media@globalesports.org.
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Top American Gamer Celebrity Jerome Backs The gDEX Metaverse With His 9 million Followers
SINGAPORE, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The revolutionary Play to Earn gaming platform www.gDEXmetaverse.com (Decentralized Finance Gaming Platform Exchange) today revealed that star gamer Jerome ASF is a key Advisor at gDEX in an initiative to build the platform that not only exceeds expectations but builds endless possibilities for all. gDEX has already created major ripples in the Metaverse with its one-of-a-kind offering to gamers, creators, and guilds. Top American Gamer Celebrity Jerome Backs The gDEX Metaverse With His 9 million Followers As an Advisor to the gDEX, Jerome brings his vast experience and understanding of the gaming industry's many nuances, the gaps yet to be addressed, the impact that gDEX can have on mainstream gaming, and in charting a future roadmap for the platform along with other visionaries. "We are incredibly proud of this partnership with Jerome. His unique style inspires our teams to further push the limits on user experience and in solving several unmet needs of the gaming community. The gDEX team is set to change the way gamers, creators and guilds engage with the multiverse in the play to earn world," said J.D. Salbego, Founder & CEO, gDEX Multiverse. Jerome ASF (Jerome Aceti) continues to be a massive online gaming celebrity, with multiple YouTube channels attracting millions of subscribers and fans. Jerome's engaging content includes gaming videos, unique challenges, and interactions. His huge fan base is in awe of the excellent gaming strategies that he shares with them from time to time, which most of them find hard to crack. His channels are packed with high entertainment quotients and have played a key role in fueling the gaming culture with such vigor. When asked about his new advisory role, Jerome said, "I am so excited to be an advisor for the gDex platform! I believe it will define the future of gaming and drive us into the future of web3." Jerome's 9 million-strong followers and 2 billion+ content views are a clear testimony of his leadership in the industry. Joining in as an Advisor, Jerome has placed his trust, and that of his followers, into gDEX's transformative vision for the gaming industry. About the Gaming Icon, Jerome ASF: Jerome's YouTube career began over 14 years ago with a vlog channel started with friends. Quickly he transitioned to his true passion of gaming, rapidly growing an audience 10 years ago on the game Minecraft. Over the years he has been able to work with many AAA brands across a variety of genres. Jerome runs separate channels for variety gaming and Roblox. He brings to these channels the same excitement and vigor that has driven his career for 14 years. Jerome's established following is also the gDEX metaverse's potential user base – from established game studios with existing titles looking to tokenize their gaming assets into NFTs and use a robust tokenized gaming economy, to game developers who want to create whole casual games from the ground up, to gamers seeking reward-driven gaming NFTs in the open metaverse. Connect with Jerome on his social media pages: Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeromeASF Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeromeASF YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JeromeASF/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JeromeAceti/ About The gDEX Metaverse: The ground-breaking gDEX is the meeting point of three important segments: metaverses, gaming, and DeFi, each with its own promising market and exponential opportunity. The gDEX (Decentralized Finance Gaming Platform Exchange) is a revolutionary Play to Earn platform powering gamers, creators, and guilds in the Metaverse. gDEX Metaverse acts as a unified GameFi layer enabling interoperability across the metaverse which hosts a suite of robust chain agnostic no-coding needed tools and DeFi fueled GameFi token economy for gamers to maximize the value of their effort, for creators to create and onboard games easily, and for guilds to manage and grow their guilds like never before — all attached to their unique metaverse passport. Learn more about gDEX Metaverse here: Website: https://gdexmetaverse.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gDEXMetaverseDiscord: https://discord.gg/gdexmetaverseTelegram: https://t.me/gdexmetaverseFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegdexmetaverse
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NetEase Releases NARAKA: BLADEPOINT on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and with Xbox Game Pass for Global Audience on June 23
HANGZHOU, China, June 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999, "NetEase" or the "Company") and Xbox today announced that NARAKA: BLADEPOINT, an up to 60-player PVP mythical action combat game, will be launched on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC and with Game Pass on June 23 and be available for pre-order beginning on June 12. The announcement was officially unveiled at the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 earlier today, marking a pivotal milestone for NetEase as it builds its position in the global console market. Developed and published by NetEase, NARAKA: BLADEPOINT has been appreciated by over 10 million players worldwide since its release in last August, turning it into one of the best-selling PC games in 2021 globally. In this game, players can experience the excitement of melee combat and world exploration with their selected heroes and weapons, competing with other foes to be the last one standing. The launch of its console version represents the debut of NetEase's games on the Xbox Series X|S and Game Pass, as well as the Company's first time participating in the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase. "We share the same ambition with Microsoft to bring appealing and exciting new gaming experiences to wider communities," said Zhipeng Hu, Vice President of NetEase, Inc. "It's a milestone step for us to bring this melee battle gameplay with Eastern aesthetics and philosophies to a new audience in Western markets, together with Microsoft, one of NetEase's long-standing partners." "At Xbox, we are dedicated to bringing the joy of gaming to everyone on the planet," said Sarah Bond, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President for Gaming Ecosystem Organization at Xbox. "We are excited to help NetEase bring the fast-paced and tactical PVP experience of NARAKA: BLADEPOINT to consoles for the first time and help them reach new players around the world with Game Pass members and Xbox fans alike." In 2016, NetEase entered into a license agreement with Mojang AB, a subsidiary of Microsoft, to operate Minecraft in China. Launching NARAKA: BLADEPOINT as a console game for the first time paves the way for future opportunities for both companies to reach new players around the world. About NetEase, Inc. As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX: 9999, "NetEase") provides premium online services centered around innovative and diverse content, community, communication and commerce. NetEase develops and operates some of China's most popular mobile and PC games. In more recent years, NetEase has expanded into international markets including Japan and North America. In addition to its self-developed game content, NetEase partners with other leading game developers, such as Blizzard Entertainment and Mojang AB (a Microsoft subsidiary), to operate globally renowned games in China. NetEase's other innovative service offerings include its majority-controlled subsidiaries Youdao (NYSE: DAO), China's leading technology-focused intelligent learning company, and Cloud Village (HKEX: 9899), also known as NetEase Cloud Music, China's leading online music content community, as well as Yanxuan, NetEase's private label e-commerce platform. For more information, please visit: http://ir.netease.com/. Forward-Looking Statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "aim," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "may," "estimates," "potential," "continue," "ongoing," "goal," "targets," "commits" and similar statements. Among other things, statements that are not historical facts, including statements about business plans and statements about the launch of new games and their popularity among players in different markets, are or contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. All information contained in this announcement is as of the date of this announcement and are based on assumptions believed to be reasonable as of this date. You should not rely upon these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The parties do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. Contacts for NetEase Investor Enquiries: Margaret ShiNetEase, Inc.ir@service.netease.com Tel: (+86) 571-8985-3378Twitter: https://twitter.com/NetEase_Global Media Enquiries: Li RuohanNetEase, Inc.globalpr@service.netease.com Tel: (+86) 571-8985-2668Twitter: https://twitter.com/NetEase_Global
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SBK22 Is Here! The Historical Franchise Returns With a Next-Generation Two-Wheels Lifelike Gameplay Experience
Milestone and Dorna WSBK Organization S.r.l are proud to announce SBK™22, a brand new chapter of one of the most iconic and celebrated franchises in the racing game landscape. Coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam SBK™22 is set to launch on September 15, 2022. SBK™22 brings back the authentic world of the SBK Championship, 10 years after the last historical release of SBK Generations, tenth game of the glorious series developed by Milestone and started in the 1999 with Superbike World Championship. The game recreates the experience of the Motul FIM Superbike World Championship thanks to the charm of his simulative gameplay and lifelike environments, riders and bikes, finally making the dream of the community and sports fan a reality. SBK™22 features the Official 2022 WorldSBK Championship, an immersive and fascinating Career Mode and the real SBK weekend with practices, Superpoles and Races. The Official 2022 Official WorldSBK Championship is the perfect replica of what happens in the real-life, featuring the event calendar, official roster and Team’s Pit Environments with absolutely photorealistic effects and animated character models. Players will test their skills racing in the boots of the best riders, stepping in all the competitive SBK Official tracks meaning unpredictable and adrenaline challenges. SBK™22 aims to recreate a truly and peculiar SBK experience, thanks to its advanced physics developed with the help of real riders, aiming to reach an extreme level of simulation in terms of bike and pilot behavior. The immersive Career Mode offers many ways to work around riders and bike performances, from managing a staff building an Advanced Setup in which players have full control of bike’s settings evolving the Development Trees. Staff management means hire different professionals, from Personal Manager through Chief Engineer, without forgetting the fundamental Data Analyst. The Development Tree is structured in different areas, each one requiring a specific amount of research points to be unlocked. Those points are gained passively by the Engineers or actively by players, performing specific tasks in the race weekend. SBK™22 also boasts enhanced realistic features, tires and development tires selecting a wide range of Pirelli tires for dry and wet tracks, and fuel management to balance bike’s weight. A.N.N.A System, the revolutionary AI system based on neural networks and machine learning, guarantee a tailored gameplay experience, smartly controlling the opponents depending on their actual personalities and training them gathering data and experience. At the top level, riding behaviors are considered such as human-level of skills. The various number of editors allow players to customize several aspects of their unique experience. Sticker Editor, Helmet Editor and Number and Butt Patch are those dedicated to the riders and bikes, Fiction Team instead is fully focused on creating a completely fictional team with customizable livery and style. SBK™22 is even made for epic multiplayer races up to 12 players that can create online lobbies where competitions reach another level. The Multiplayer flow is customizable by choosing if add or not the typical Tissot-Superpole session from SBK before the race, for a fully online experience, with of course the possibility to customize each race with settings and rules. SBK™22 will be released on September 15, 2022 on to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Steam.
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Nearly All Americans Now View Video Game Play as Beneficial Following COVID-19 Lockdowns
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today released the findings of its 2022 Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry report. The report shows that players are of all ages and backgrounds and illustrates how the industry continues to impact people, culture and the economy – with 97% of all Americans now seeing the benefits of video games. “Last year, we saw the pandemic accelerate the growth of gameplay across the country, as people of all ages turned to video games – whether to relax, maintain community, exercise or learn something new,” President and CEO of the ESA Stanley Pierre-Louis said. “This year’s report demonstrates the impact video games continue to have – supporting wellness and mental health, strengthening relationships, providing community, facilitating skills development and introducing people to new places, cultures and ideas.” Following a record-breaking number of people playing video games in 2021, the new Essential Facts report shows that as the country emerges from the pandemic, people remain highly engaged with and inspired by video games. According to the 2022 report, more than 65% of Americans play video games – which translates to more than 215.5 million players from all walks of life – and gameplay time continues to rise among players, with average weekly time at 13 hours, up 7% from 2021. There was also an uptick in the proportion of players who view games as beneficial to skills development, mental health and community building: 89% of players say video games provide stress relief, while 88% say video games help improve cognitive skills. 88% percent of players agree that video games bring different types of people together, while 83% say games introduce people to new friends and relationships, a 5 percentage point increase from 2021. 61% of players say 89% of all Americans view video games as useful for building skills, with problem-solving as the leading skill (82%). Other skills saw increases, including conflict resolution at 63% (up 8 percentage points from 2021) and leadership skills at 61% (up 7 percentage points from 2021). Other notable results include: 69% of households have at least one video game player. Nearly one third of adult video game players are parents. Smartphones are the most common device for playing games – 70% of players use their phones for play, while 18% solely use their phones. Casual genres, such as matching, brain puzzles, party, music and dance, and exercise games, continue to be the most played. The ESA’s 2022 consumer survey was conducted using online methodology. A 15-minute questionnaire was completed by a representative sample of 4,011 US consumers ages 18 and older in February 2022 (margin of error +/- 2%). Video game players who play at least one hour a week are a subset of this total, representing 2,548 of respondents. The survey defines video games as games that may be played on a console, personal computer, mobile device, VR device, etc. These games could include computer and console video games, social games, mobile augmented reality games, virtual reality games and “edutainment” games. You can access the complete 2022 Essential Facts Report at https://www.theesa.com/resource/2022-essential-facts-about-the-video-game-industry/
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Drive every decision. F1 Manager 2022 races on to PC and Console on August 30
Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV, ‘Frontier’) announced today that their officially licensed Formula 1® management simulation, F1® Manager 2022, will launch on August 30 across PC, PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One. Stepping into the role of Team Principal, one of the highest-pressure roles in motorsport, players will lead their chosen team to glory in the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship™ and beyond. From today, players can receive 10% off the suggested retail price and take their place on the pit wall a whole five days early on August 25*, alongside the FORMULA 1 ROLEX BELGIAN GRAND PRIX 2022 weekend. F1® fans can now grab a first look at actual in-game footage from F1® Manager 2022 through our gameplay trailer, just released. F1® Manager 2022 offers fans an unrivalled F1® experience, capturing in unprecedented detail the world of F1® and the high-octane excitement of running a team. From the paddock to the podium, players will need to manage decisions on and off the track to ensure their success, all while balancing the books and satisfying both the board and the all-important team sponsors. The team headquarters are the beating heart of any constructor, and in F1® Manager 2022 it’s no different. Aspiring Team Principals will control every aspect of their team from their state-of-the-art HQ. From scouting and investing in best-in-class staff, such as Race Engineers and the Head of Aerodynamics, to developing and assessing new car components, players will need to keep their finger on the pulse to ensure they stay ahead of the competition, both now, and for future seasons to come. With a full roster of world-class drivers from across F1®, F2™ and F3™ to choose from, between seasons players will have the option to enlist new drivers and assemble their dream team from an authentic pool of current and future stars. Realistically replicated, each driver from the 2022 F1® line-up has been digitally captured to accurately reflect them and their driving style when out on the track. The skill, temperament and athleticism of a driver is essential to any race team. These attributes are reflected by key performance ratings, providing players with vital information on how to effectively manage their drivers during a race. Just like the real world of racing, over time drivers will retire from the sport, so it’s crucial players think ahead to ensure they’ve got a steady stream of upcoming talent in development if they want to secure their long-term motorsport legacy. Prior to each race weekend, Team Principals will select their allocation of tyres and spare parts, as well as optional objectives from sponsors to bolster their financial position. In practice sessions, drivers will build up their track and car familiarity, reporting feedback to guide car setup ahead of the all-important qualifying session, where it will be in the hands of the player to decide when to send out their cars and maximise their grid position. Races are shown in impressive broadcast-style visuals, with a variety of on-board and trackside camera angles bringing the action to life across all twenty two 2022 Grand Prix™ circuits. Keen eared fans might also notice the familiar tones of David Croft, Lead F1® Commentator at Sky Sports, and fellow commentator and former Formula 1® driver, Karun Chandhok, both of whom lend their iconic voices to the game. From lights out to the chequered flag, players can choose to control every decision on-track, from pit strategy to in-race driver commands. Issuing authentic team-radio commands to their drivers and using real-time data to react to dynamic race events such as changing weather, safety cars and red flags, making those crucial calls that can take them to the top step or leave them at the back of the pack. F1® Manager 2022 launches on August 30 on PC, PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One for a suggested retail price of £44.99/$54.99/€54.99. Players looking to get ahead of the grid will be able to pre-order the game digitally and experience F1® Manager 2022 a full five days early from August 25*. The game will also be available in physical format for PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One for a suggested retail price of £44.99/$54.99/€54.99. *Early access and discount is exclusively available to those pre-ordering digitally. On PlayStation platforms, players must be a PlayStation Plus subscriber to receive the 10% pre-order discount.
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Good Game Asia, World's First Live Gaming Reality TV Show, Premieres 10 June on Warner TV
Yup.gg founder and show creator anticipates it will bring gaming and esports into the mainstream SINGAPORE, June 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The highly anticipated new multi-channel reality show Good Game Asia launches to a worldwide audience on 10 June. Hosted by the husband-and-wife team of Singaporean music sensation Sezairi and gaming community lead Syaza Tan, the show will feature 15 international stars battling it out in a series of challenges for S$200,000 in cash and prizes, and the right to be crowned Asia's next gaming entertainment superstar. Good Game Asia presented by Yup.gg The TV show will air in English on Warner TV every Friday beginning on 10 June at 7.35pm SGT, as well as on Good Game Asia's website, asia.gg featuring 1-hour pre- and post-show commentary and live streaming by the contestants and local hosts in-market. Korean multi-hyphenate superstar Haha, known internationally for being one of the hosts of Running Man, will also be hosting weekly viewing parties through his own social media channels. Good Game Asia will bring together a collection of seasoned veterans and new amateur gaming talent from all over Asia to Singapore, where gaming and esports are gaining tremendous momentum. Contestants will be placed in the 'Good Game Arena' where they will compete against themselves and each other in a series of challenges, both online, and offline around the garden city, aimed at identifying Asia's next great gaming content superstar. During their journey, contestants will make friends and enemies, win prizes, sponsorships, grow their fan base and drive to win a professional contract with Yup.gg. Good Game Asia pulls back the curtain on the gaming/esports industry, shows the real faces and tells the real story of what it takes to make it in the world's largest and fastest growing entertainment category. Show creator and CEO of tech gaming platform Yup.gg Raiford Cockfield III, said, "I founded Yup.gg on the basis of bringing together opportunities, information, people and products for the gaming community in a single online platform. What better extension to that than creating a show that would introduce gaming to a wider global audience and making it accessible to people of all ages, no matter where they were in the world. My hope is that Good Game Asia provides a platform to take all gamers to another level in their career, while yup.gg supports their journey and makes it easier to grow and monetise." Gamers were selected across Asia Pacific and were eventually chosen for a variety of reasons including their personalities, audience reach, and gaming level of expertise. Judges include Good Game Asia show creator, Cockfield along with hosts Sezairi and Syaza. Viewers can also expect to see special guest judges making an appearance throughout Season 1. Good Game Asia will portray reality TV in a natural manner that promotes authentic engagement, as the gamers are not 'locked-in' but are free to come and go as they please while sticking to the production schedule and their social media and fan commitments. Good Game Asia Director and Executive Producer, Jonathan Glazier said, "It is important to understand that this is a 'live' competition. The content may not all be live, but the 10 weeks of production happen over 10 weeks in reality, enabling our social media to be live and interactive. Also, contestants will be housed together throughout the duration of the show where they will train, creating an intense and positive competitive energy. The judges and participants will also interact naturally, resulting in a complex and entertaining reality experience for viewers." Marcus Hanna the Managing Director of Good Game Asia's Hotel Partner the Fairmont Singapore shared, "We are pleased to be the home ground for another new frontier in the exciting and fast growing world of gaming and esports. Building on our success of hosting last year's ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore Major, we hope for the contestants to experience Fairmont Singapore's distinct thoughtful hospitality and amenities; while setting a new benchmark in luxury for a 5-star "Good Game Gaming Arena". This partnership is set to capture the gaming niche and diverse global communities of players in a time when gaming has permeated the mainstream and become an encompassing form of fun and entertainment." "We are excited to partner Yup.gg to launch this trail-blazing new hybrid streaming format," Marcus Wee, Aftershock PC Founder and Managing Director said. "Aftershock PC has always been a proud supporter of gamers and streamers alike, and Good Game Asia presents a perfect opportunity for us to help these budding creators jumpstart their careers." The contestants are: Estelle Fly (Estelle Lim) – Singapore – Streamer/Singer/Dancer/Actor Cherzinga (Cheryl Allison Lim) – Singapore – Streamer/Fashion Blogger Hades (Sean Goh Yi Wei) – Singapore – Shoutcaster/Analyst Maser (Ekanun Loedphonganukun) – Thailand – Streamer Melancholiaaaaaa (Sopita Daniels) – Thailand – Streamer Kelvin Gaming (Kelvin Alfiando) – Indonesia – Streamer Rudeism (Dylan Beck) – New Zealand – Streamer/Game Developer PandaTV (Ryan Dingle) – Australia – Streamer Ngyyelling (Tran Bao Nguyen) – Vietnam – Esports Pro/Streamer V3nom (Ankit Panth) – India – Gamer/Streamer FL0W3R (Hwang Yeong) – Korea – Esports Pro Maknoon (Yoon Ha-Woon) – Korea – Esports Athlete/Streamer Shin Gonzaga (Gonzaga) – Philippines – Streamer/Content Creator Rebyczko (Valerie Byczko) – Philippines – Streamer/Cosplayer Ang Negrong Gamer (Max Osasuna) – Philippines – Gamer/Sailor/Father "Overall, the biggest appeal of our show will be the authenticity and intensity of the interactions between contestants, especially in the high stakes challenges we set out for them. Good Game Asia entails action, adventure and comedy live streamed through the Yup.gg platform that sets us apart. This show will be big, it will be awesome, and it will be exciting and compelling viewing," summed up Cockfield III. Good Game Asia can be watched online at asia.gg with subtitles in Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Thai, Bahasa and Vietnamese available. Note to Editor: For hi res images, bios and other materials, please see the Google Drive link here About Good Game Asia Good Game Asia is a multi-channel reality show featuring 15 international gaming stars who compete in a series of challenges for a cash prize along with other rewards, and the right to be crowned Asia's top gaming content superstar. The show was created by Raiford Cockfield III, the CEO and founder of tech gaming platform, Yup.gg headquartered in Singapore. Good Game Asia partners and sponsors include (in alphabetical order): Activision Blizzard Aftershock PC Electronic Arts Elgato Fairmont Singapore Monstercat Moonton Mighty Bear ONE Esports Prism Riot Games Secretlab Warner Bros. Discovery
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'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends' NFTs, First Sale on Binance NFT
NEW YORK, June 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BBF Inc. has announced that 'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends' NFTs will be released on the Binance NFT, the official NFT marketplace of Binance, on the 10th of this month. Featuring the beloved characters of Pinkfong Wonderstar, these will be the first collection of the 'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends' NFTs. 'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends' NFTs, First Sale on Binance NFT For its first collaboration with Binance NFT, BBF Inc. plans to release 2,504 Mystery Box NFTs featuring the adorable characters from Pinkfong Wonderstar, the hit 3D animated series of The Pinkfong Company, on the Binance NFT on the 10th. The Binance NFT Mystery Box 'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends NFTs' is designed to enable Play-to-earn within the game. Detailed sales and event information will be released later on the Binance NFT official website and social media channels. 'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends' is a P2E game developed by Day1 Entertainment based on the Pinkfong Baby Shark IP, the world-renowned IP of The Pinkfong Company, after Day1 Entertainment entered into a license agreement with The Pinkfong Company. Meanwhile, 'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends' is currently holding a Pre-Registration Event through the official Pre-Registration page (bbfpreregistration.io/) for global user. Those interested can find detailed information about the event on the website and through community channels. 'Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends' is a classic arcade bubble shooter P2E game that is fun and easy to enjoy. Along with various game contents, it is scheduled to be released globally within the first half of this year except South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, North Korea, and China pursuant to the regulations of each country. BBF Inc. BBF Inc. is a U.S.-based operating corporation that oversees the global operation and business of P2E game Baby Shark BubbleFong Friends.
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Catheon Gaming partners with CyberStep to launch Onigiri on the blockchain
HONG KONG, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Catheon Gaming ("the Company"), the fastest-growing integrated blockchain gaming & entertainment company, announced today an industry partnership with CyberStep, a Japanese global online video game developer and publisher to bring Oinigiri onto the blockchain. Catheon Gaming partners with CyberStep to launch Onigiri on the blockchain Onigiri is a Free-to-Play MMO Action-RPG available for PC, iOS/Android, Playstation 4 & 5 and Nintendo Switch. Originally released in 2013, Onigiri has over 5 million downloads worldwide. The title features fast-paced action, player versus environment gameplay in a beautiful ancient Japanese setting, with more than 100 companion characters to choose from in-game. With Onigiri, CyberStep has developed a long-lasting relationship with a community of loyal fans, not only in Japan but also across Asia and North America. As a result of the popularity of the game, an anime series was developed around it, which highlights its appeal. Catheon Gaming will bring its deep expertise and network in blockchain, NFTs, gaming and Web3 to assist CyberStep in creating new products and services that will amplify digital fandom around the franchise and game. Both Catheon Gaming and CyberStep recognise the global popularity of anime and the industry's long-term appeal. The anime gaming audience accounted for $1 for every $5 spent through the app stores on mobile games in 2021. The growth in global popularity is fuelled by the availability of anime content on streaming platforms such as Netflix, in emerging entertainment markets, and in core P2E gaming markets. The current consumption of anime is supported by collectibles and memorabilia, which paves the way for introducing NFTs into the space. William Wu, CEO, Catheon Gaming commented: "Over the last six months at Catheon Gaming, we have made real progress in harnessing the potential of NFTs and gaming for some of the anime franchises, offering their fanbase new digital experiences based on the important principles of true digital ownership and decentralization. Catheon Gaming is proud to have played a significant role in some of the major milestones in the development of true digital property rights via NFTs for gaming. We are extremely excited to be bringing Web3 to one of the most popular entertainment industries in the world, anime." Rui Sato, Chairman & CEO, CyberStep said: "Since its inception, CyberStep has established a solid foundation for its services in North America, Asia, and Japan by eagerly expanding overseas. CyberStep was one of the first game developers to publish Free to Play games in Asia and have served over 60 million users worldwide. Our mission is to develop and deliver entertainment through innovation and we are very excited to enter the NFT Game market with Catheon Gaming. We hope that everyone will enjoy our brand new anime-based blockchain game." About Catheon Gaming Catheon Gaming is the fastest-growing integrated blockchain gaming and entertainment company globally. The company's flagship franchise, SolChicks, entered the market following successful fundraising from various venture capital investors, institutions, and launchpad partners. The company brings technical, gaming, and marketing expertise together with deep roots in the blockchain industry. The company's strategy is to partner with leading game developers and IP-holders to incubate and launch "best-in-class" blockchain games and bring them to the widest possible audience. For more information, please visit:https://catheongaming.com/. About CyberStep CyberStep, Inc. is a leading game developer and publisher from Japan which was founded in April 2000. From popular online action games such as "Onigiri" and "GetAmped", to the world's first online claw machine game "Toreba", CyberStep brings over 20 years of experience and expertise in the game industry, providing players with the highest quality of entertainment. The company's mission is to develop and realize never-before-seen ideas that can be enjoyed by people all around the world. For more information, please visit: https://corp.cyberstep.com/company/profile_en.html
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A3: STILL ALIVE TO HOST A NEW SERIES OF SPECIAL IN-GAME EVENTS IN JUNE
LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of mobile games, has announced a new series of special in-game events for its dark fantasy open world mobile RPG A3: Still Alive. Following a successful Buyback and Burn event, where a total of 500,000 ITUs were collected in 2 days, Netmarble continues to pursue in-game events that will help keep ITU's overall value. Additionally, the ITU refinement fee has been lowered to 10% of the ITU's transaction, from the previous 5 Red Diamonds fee, in order to provide a satisfactory user in-game experience. Players can participate in several in-game events to celebrate the Buyback and Burn's successful results including the following Inetrion Ore Giveaway Events: Coliseum Extract Event: (~June 3): Players (Lv. 190 and above) who achieves 3 wins will evenly share a group reward that totals 200 million of Inetrion Ore Inetrion Hot-Time Event (~June 4): During the Hot-time period, players will receive a higher drop rate on Inetrion Ore in the Inetrion Dungeon Wish Altar Extract Event (~June 11): The top 1,000 players, who spend over 200,000 Inetrion Ore during the event period, will evenly share a group reward totaling 200 million Inetrion Ore By June 7, players can enter the A3 Tip King Event for a chance to win huge rewards. In order to participate, players will be required to post A3 game tips, strategies, or DEX-related content (Exchange event, ITU airdrop, ITU, MBX, DEX, ect.). Players will need to post their content's URL link to the game's Discord channel where the community will decide which entry is the most-popular content in the Vote Channel. Additionally, the game will offer the Veteran 200 Level-up Package Sale which can be purchased by players with Lv. 190 and above. This package allows players to quickly achieve Lv. 200 and gives powerful items such as +35 Lv. 200 Legendary Equipment Chest. Set in an apocalyptic fantasy world of swords and sorcery, A3: Still Alive is a cross-genre mobile experience that pairs the enormous and living worlds of Open-World RPGs with the extreme combat of Battle Royale. Players must be vigilant in an always-open Player vs. Player (PvP) environment as they fight against enemies with intense hack & slash combat and prove their mettle in a variety of PvP and Player vs. Environment (PvE) modes. A3: Still Alive is beautifully rendered with splendid console-quality 3D graphics that are brought to life thanks to the outstanding optimization of the Unity Engine. A3: Still Alive is now available as a free digital download (with in-app purchases) on Apple's App Store and Google Play, in 172 countries around the world. The game is also available for download as an Open Beta for Windows PC via the A3: Still Alive website. For more information, please visit the official website and forum, and follow A3: Still Alive on Facebook , Discord, and YouTube . About Netmarble Corporation Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Marvel Future Revolution, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com
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Heaven Media Welcomes Back Events, Offering Best-in-Class Service to the Gaming Industry
Heaven Media Limited, a leading marketing agency specialising in the global promotion of video games and esports, announced today a radically evolved range of event services, providing a solution suitable for any budget or size. With decades of experience in staging complex gaming events, tournaments and booth building solutions, event management has long been a core pillar of business for Heaven Media. During the global pandemic, Heaven Media spent two years investing in people and technology, designed to elevate their event service. Heaven Media recently emerged from the pandemic, building the largest gaming booth at EGX 2021 in London where they provided a full turn-key solution from concept through to staffing including a live tournament. With events now back as a permanent fixture on the gaming calendar, the Company is currently designing and building booths for multiple shows including Gamescom, PAX Melbourne, Paris Games Week, TwitchCon Amsterdam and more. Key Heaven Media staff will be available at these shows to supervise the build and welcome any member of the industry who wishes to meet and discuss their event needs. “During the pandemic, Heaven Media pivoted to online events and other alternatives to support our customers’ marketing needs.” said Inna Gjylameti, Head of European Sales and Marketing for Heaven Media. “We were fortunate enough to add some incredible event talent to our team, building for the future ahead. We’re leaders in advanced booth solutions, engineered to be quick to build and economical to run, breaking down easily so that our customers can use one booth across multiple global events.” In addition to acquiring key talent, Heaven Media has made a significant investment in its soon to be unveiled ‘Studio esports’, a premier event facility with on-board production able to host tournaments, award ceremonies, sales events and so much more. Mark Reed, CEO of Heaven Media further commented, “The pandemic had a devastating effect on live events, so we altered our strategy, doubling our revenue year-on-year via focus on influencer relations, PR, social media management and campaign work. Events are ingrained in our DNA however, and we used this downtime to make strategic investments in our event business. Our new hires have deep experience in ideation, design & engagement, eco-booth building and staff management. We also ensured that this investment was spread globally, including new staff across Asia, Europe, North America, Australia and beyond, ensuring that we have on-the-ground internal resources, capable of confidently activating any size of event. In short, we believe we are now the global leaders in gaming events of any size, able to design, execute and staff world-class events like no one else.” Expanding on the virtual event offering Heaven Media pioneered during the early days of the pandemic, the Company has also acquired a significant stake in Endix (endix-expo.com) a digitized expo company where gamers can control a virtual avatar around a highly realistic show floor, visiting publisher booths and then instantly jumping into live gameplay demos, all without the need to download software. For enquiries about any of the Heaven Media event services, please contact: agency@heavenmedia.com For more on Heaven Media, please visit: www.heavenmedia.com
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Tencent Teams Up with SOOS OIO to Level Up Healthy Gameplay in Singapore
A series of hybrid events to promote intergenerational communication and digital wellbeing amongst local youths SINGAPORE, May 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- With the number of video gamers in Singapore expected to hit 3 million by 2026, video and mobile gaming has touched the lives of many internet users, serving as a conduit to form meaningful social connections and a platform to cultivate prosocial behaviours. Against this landscape, Tencent has partnered local social enterprise SOOS OIO to organise a series of parenting webinar, workshops and community gaming tournaments at this year's Digital For Life Festival, organised by Singapore's Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). The events, which span across two weekends (21-22 May, 28-29 May), seek to advocate digital wellness among the public, and more specifically support the growth of a healthy, inclusive and balanced gameplay environment for everyone in Singapore. The collaboration taps on SOOS OIO's local networks and experience working with Singaporean parents and youths, as well as Tencent's global expertise in shaping a positive gameplay environment. "We are proud to be part of the Digital For Life Festival to drive greater awareness about the importance of digital wellness, and how the digital sphere, including online gaming, enables new possibilities and empowers the digital society," said Stanley Sun, head of publishing technology services of Interactive Entertainment Group (IEG) at Tencent. "As a game publisher, we continuously work to build a healthy and inclusive gaming ecosystem, in close collaboration with organisations like SOOS OIO in Singapore." SOOS OIO believes that video and mobile gaming serve not only as a social platform for community building, but an educational medium to develop critical thinking and communications skills. "Play is an integral part of learning and we believe that video gaming constitutes play on a different playground. It offers development for every youth across cognitive, emotional and social aspects," said Pauline Phoon, founder of SOOS OIO. "Misconceptions around gaming often arise from a lack of understanding about the nature of games and the benefits it can bring. Together with Tencent, we hope to bring awareness among parents and community in Singapore about the various ways gaming can be leveraged for digital wellness, social and cognitive skills, and most importantly - as a means of connecting with children." "We thank SOOS OIO, Tencent and all partners for joining us to organise the parenting workshops and community gaming tournaments at the inaugural Digital for Life Festival, enabling our youths to learn the importance of healthy gaming, while strengthening social connections between family, friends and community," said Ms Dawn Low, Cluster Director for Digital Readiness and Digital for Life programme office at IMDA. Accompanying her sons to the community gaming tournament (TeleMatch Brawl Stars) on May 22, Anne Soh, mother of Jesse Tan (23 years old) and Jakin Tan (21 years old), shared, "I am glad that my sons are now able to share their strategies for healthy gaming with others through various platforms like social media and casting for competitions. From having to adhere to time limits I set for them when they were young, they have now progressed to being able to self-regulate their gaming schedules. I hope more parents will be able to engage with their children on ways to integrate gaming into a healthy and balanced lifestyle." Through the various activities planned for the Digital For Life Festival 2022, Tencent and SOOS OIO hope to demystify gaming for parents, engage youths to form healthy gaming habits, foster healthy familial relationships through gaming, and realise the benefits of play for everyone. These activities include: Webinar on Understanding Games, Gamers and Game Dependency During the webinar, parents were equipped with the framework needed to better understand games, gamers and game dependency, which allowed them to better appreciate the motivations behind certain gaming behaviour. The participants were also exposed to various communication strategies as well as a brief introduction to neurofeedback intervention - with the overall goal of improving parent-child communication and relationships. Parenting Challenge Workshops: Communicating & Engaging Gaming Youths at Home through Role Play As a follow up to the webinar, participants put the theories and communications strategies learnt to good use through role play sessions of common scenarios in families. These practical sessions helped to contextualise the learnings and deepened participants' understanding of the theories through re-enactment in a safe environment. TeleTrip Festival Families and friends teamed up to battle each other in a casual and community-style gaming tournament, uniquely designed to be inclusive and fun for all. Two family-friendly game titles, Brawl Stars and Roblox: Super Striker League were featured in the telematches - albeit with a twist through a special rewards system that celebrates a myriad of accomplishments, beyond just the highest score. This serves to ignite participants' creative, strategic gameplay and teamwork while ensuring that the games are accessible to every member of the family. Following its Singapore office launch in late 2020, Tencent recently launched Level Infinite, the company's global games publisher arm in Singapore. "Through our collaborations, we are also enabling the sustainable growth of the gaming industry by nurturing young talents, supporting local studios and investing in innovation in Singapore, and around the world," Sun concluded. <END> About Tencent: Tencent uses technology to enrich the lives of Internet users. Our communication and social services, Weixin and QQ, connect users with each other and with digital content and services, both online and offline, making their lives more convenient. Our targeted advertising service helps advertisers reach out to hundreds of millions of consumers in China. Our FinTech and business services support our partners' business growth and assist their digital upgrade. Tencent invests heavily in talent and technological innovation, actively promoting the development of the Internet industry. Tencent was founded in Shenzhen, China, in 1998. Shares of Tencent (00700.HK) are listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. About SOOS OIO: SOOS OIO is a social enterprise that develops youth holistically in our fast-evolving world. We believe in harnessing the positive benefits of games through play for social and personal growth. Since 2018, TeleTrip, our community gaming event, have gathered gamers to play, learn and grow together. Beyond community gaming, we also have The Game Addiction Talk for schools, with tools like the COMEBACK Game Dependency Test and the COMEBACK Gamer Player Type Test to help them better understand their students. We conduct workshops for the Ministry of Education in Singapore to empower educators with insights about gamers' motivation for better engagement and support. Our annual Parents Webinar: Understanding Games, Gamers and Game Dependency is the platform where we share our insights to parents. SOOS OIO is pronounced as "su-s su-s". SOOS is the English transliteration of the Hebrew word, meaning, a horse. OIO is the Hebrew cursive letter word for horse, less the vowel.
