Jonas Gundersen on LinkedIn: Last year, Valve corporation officially released Counter-Strike 2, taking… | 15 comments (2024)

Tencent’s gaming cash cow Honor of Kings sets sights on MENAHonor of Kings, Tencent’s massively fashionable mobile game, has its oculus acceptable connected the planetary marketplace successful 2024.Starting connected February 21, the multiplayer online conflict arena (MOBA) crippled volition beryllium disposable successful the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) portion arsenic good arsenic Eastern Europe and South Asia, according to an announcement from TiMi Studios, Tencent’s in-house gaming workplace that created Honor of Kings. The crippled archetypal ventured retired of China successful 2023, starting successful Brazil.Globally, astir 100 cardinal users — astir of whom are successful China contiguous — play the crippled each day. The rubric has go a household sanction successful its location market, defied the sex stereotype successful gaming, pioneered mobile esports, and popularized “loot boxes”, oregon randomized in-game rewards that whitethorn oregon whitethorn not person a monetary value.In portion acknowledgment to its occurrence with loot boxes, Honor of Kings has been an tremendous fiscal occurrence for Tencent. It was the world’s second-highest-grossing mobile crippled successful December, trailing lone aft Monopoly Go!, according to marketplace probe steadfast Sensor Tower.Most of those revenues came from China. Despite its tremendous occurrence astatine location since its inception successful 2015, the crippled has had a bumpy way abroad. TiMi archetypal attempted to present the rubric to overseas users successful 2017, erstwhile Arena of Valor was launched arsenic a Westernized mentation of Honor of Kings. The game ne'er took disconnected successful a meaningful way, and manufacture observers attributed its lackluster show to absorption missteps and a nonaccomplishment to afloat grasp Western culture.Level Infinite is Tencent’s effort to close its planetary expansion. Founded successful 2021, it’s based successful Singapore and Amsterdam arsenic the Chinese net giant’s international publishing arm.So acold determination appears to beryllium immoderate traction. As of February 6, Honor of Kings had amassed implicit 2 cardinal pre-registrations crossed MENA, Eastern Europe and South Asia.Tencent is anxious to replicate the game’s home occurrence with esports successful overseas lands. This upcoming summer, Honor of Kings is joining the Esports World Cup successful Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and shelling retired a $3 cardinal prize excavation to 12 competing teams.With its flourishing gaming population, the MENA portion volition beryllium an important trial for Honor of Kings’ 2nd effort astatine planetary expansion. The rubric is scheduled to participate North America, South America, and Western Europe aboriginal this year.https://ift.tt/tdMNWUo

How to build a PvP game with Esports and hardcore competitive features. 🎮🏅Checklist for beginners.During working on the PvP game it is often tempting to go towards advanced competitive gameplay or even eSports related features. Especially when team members are passionate about it. Is it hard to implement? It's not very difficult to do, but to make everything work together - that is the main challenge. Especially when it goes to the monetization and user engagement parts.1.🏆Great and popular games have better chances in the Esports field. And it is not working in reverse: games can support Esport and competitive perfectly, but that will not make it popular and interesting if it can’t bring some features to stand out in terms of gameplay and overall looks. So it is important to build a good game in the first place.2.🚀The game should be complete and interesting for the players even without Esports elements.Lot’s of players will play it without focusing on the competitive side. Maybe they will change their mind later in the end, but there should be enough fun for them even only with base game modes.3.⚽Build foundations of competitive like variation of “yard football” - the more people will be able to touch the basics of competitive, the better. It will build the engaged playerbase for more advanced tournaments. But it is better to keep it simple and meaningful to the players. It shouldn't be complicated and hard to use “because it is Esports”.4.🚯Don't sacrifice parts of the game for Esports sake. Especially if it is more important for more casual players, for long term goals or for the monetisation. Such steps may cripple the game’s success and hit the competitive part in the end too.5.🪙Don’t overinvest in the Esports field beyond reason. Find ways to measure costs and profits, the overall effectiveness. There always may be a point when meaningful and interesting activity can turn into glorified and costly vanity stuff.6.⚖If the PvP side of the game is too diverse in terms of balance (e.g. there is some active levelling or tier-based gameplay), it will be useful to develop some “competitive” slice of gameplay. For example it can work with selected content similar in power levels or can dynamically tweak power levels like in MMORPG’s.7. 🚧Hardcore competitive parts should be clear as possible of pay-to-win-like or DLC-based advantages. Because it devalues the very idea.8.🛠Build the infrastructure. Training rooms, detailed profile with advanced stats, custom lobby, replays, spectator mode, ability to try content and things like that. It is bread and butter for the competitive, better to prepare it in advance.9.🔫If you don’t have a lot of experience, it may be useful to start with doing simpler, more “casual” competitive features. Just provide players the means to compete.10.👑And if you have the experience, maybe you can share some useful tips as well? 🙂

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Xsolla just launched their latest Spring 2024 state of the industry report. Some good nuggets in here, let's dive in 👇🏼1. The app stores are losing their monopoly grips in some territories, but they're still finding a way to get their high fees regardless of how developers sell. But this reflects a general trend—developers want flexibility in how they monetize their players. We of course already see this in web3, where there are many more payment options and monetization methods (like secondary sales) that exist outside the boundaries of the app stores in some instances. DMA still isn't a universal win for game developers and players (who get stuck with the 30% fee typically) but it's starting to break up the status quo. 2. Cross-play is now the expectation. And Playstation is the king of cross-play chat, driving 57% of the total cross-play chat. Players want to be able to play—and chat with—their friends in-game, no matter what platform they own. Like pt 1, this is a big win for players and flexibility for developers. The consoles themselves are seeing it as benefit, too: rather than losing consumers to another platform because their friends are all there, a gamer can stay put and still hang with friends. 3. eSports has hit the dead end of its current cycle. New funding is not flowing into eSports. The industry, in its current state, has been hit with the shutdowns of eSports programs by publishers and generally misaligned incentives. But maybe there's hope https://lnkd.in/gAfHyAS6Lots of other tidbits in there and definitely worth the read! https://lnkd.in/gstgA9NQ

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What is Elite gaming to me? My view is different because I am a gamer and I am a scholar, one of these 'tech type' Pokemon. I am not a psychologist, or a scientist, or not good enough for med-school. I'm a unicorn. So does elite gaming, does it equal E-sports? Let me make the distinction clear and simple. It's Elite gaming is about the outliers, it's about doing something special with gaming. Usually that means you'll be the rival, or have a rival, or be better than the rest. Enter Rivalgaz, the character of my livestream.My PhD is about 5 factors that make up what elite gaming is. So in E-sports, it's organised, it's competitive, it's Raygun at the Olympics but they're also world number 1 now too? I research 5 different distinct areas:1) The games we play and why they even 'elite'2) Ascription, how we, as people, sus it out, what is elite3) Acquisition, this is like the sports science guys from University of the Sunshine Coast. So how you get the skills, what happens in your body, in your mind, simply put the training.4) Competition, this is that element that is missing from just pure talent alone, there's a comparative element inherently 5) Achievement, what is the thing you have to actually do, and is it really elite? Is it legit.Elite gaming is simply about the doing thing at the level - it doesn't have to be organised per se. Plenty of incredible, amazing, and talented gamers that with insane skills and abilities that aren't represented or identify with the commoditisation of gaming, aka, Esports (or better said, professionalisation)Not that Esports doesn't have a place in elite gaming, quite the opposite, it's the home for most of it, most of the mainstream notions of it. So there's always a temptation to think of elite gaming like it's some kind of top 1% or Special Forces, or that guy has not 1 but 6 records in that game and you'll never compare. Well it is that but at the same time it isn't. Elite gaming is nuanced.Elite gaming to me sure is certainly the big and the badass competitions. You see all the games and headliners now and all the Esports groups trying to find their one in a million player or forge that team. But to me, it's also about the little guy, the unsung gamer, the person with the high score, the person who knows the game inside out, the person hiding their power level, the helldiver that turned the level 10 dive from a failure to a full extraction.#elitegaming #phd #gaming #esports

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All You need To Know About PvpPvP or Player versus Player, is a game mode that pits real players against each other in a competitive setting. Whether it is a virtual battle arena or an intense face-off in a first-person shooter game, PvP has taken the gaming world by storm and continues to captivate players of all ages.The concept of PvP has been around for decades, with games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat being pioneers in the genre. However, advancements in internet technology and online gaming platforms have revolutionized the way players engage in PvP, providing a global platform for gamers to test their skills against opponents from all corners of the planet.One of the key aspects that makes PvP so exhilarating is the unpredictable nature of competing against real individuals. Unlike facing off against computer-controlled opponents, human players can adapt, strategize, and react to your moves in ways that keep you on your toes. This dynamic environment provides a sense of unpredictability and a constantly changing challenge that keeps players engaged and coming back for more.PvP also offers a unique opportunity for players to showcase their mastery of a particular game or character. It serves as a benchmark to judge one’s skills and abilities, fueling the desire to improve and grow as a gamer. Whether it is mastering combo moves, perfecting aim and accuracy or outmaneuvering opponents, PvP provides a platform for players to push their limits and strive for greatness.Beyond the thrill and competition, PvP often fosters a sense of community among gamers. Many PvP games offer matchmaking systems that pair players of similar skill levels, thus creating a fair and balanced playing field. This allows players to form bonds, learn from each other, and even develop virtual friendships. Online forums, social media groups, and esports events dedicated to PvP further contribute to the sense of community and camaraderie between players.However, another significant aspect of PvP is the variety and diversity it offers. From intense one-on-one battles to team-oriented challenges, PvP games cater to a wide range of player preferences and play styles. Some players may prefer the fast-paced action of first-person shooters, while others may excel in tactical strategy games. Inclusion, PvP serves as the foundation for competitive esports. Esports has gained massive popularity in recent years, with professional gamers competing in tournaments for substantial prize pools. Games like League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Dota 2 have solidified their presence in the esports scene, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. The competitive nature of PvP has transformed gaming into a legitimate and respected sport, further legitimizing the skills and dedication required to excel as a professional game.#pvp#gamefi#Crypto

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The lawsuit filed by OpTic Gaming's Seth ‘Scump’ Abner and Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez against Activision Blizzard has been dismissed by the US District Court.The duo's claim accused Activision of monopolizing the Call of Duty esports scene, controlling nearly every aspect of its operations, from high entry fees to sponsorship deals.The heart of the lawsuit was the challenge against the "extortionate" $27.5 million entry fee for the CDL.Beyond this, it highlighted issues like competition restrictions, organizational mismanagement, and tight control over revenue streams.However, the court's decision to move the case to neutral arbitration means no colossal payday for OpTic Gaming, at least through litigation.This lawsuit spotlighted ongoing concerns within the CDL and Activision Blizzard's management of its esports ecosystem, which has seen controversy.With Overwatch and Call of Duty esports facing challenges, many fans and participants worry about the future of these leagues.The outcome of the neutral arbitration remains to be seen, but the dismissal marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion about the balance of power in esports leagues.The community's hope for a return to the "good old days" of Call of Duty esports is loud and clear, yet it seems the path to that nostalgic state is fraught with obstacles.Activision Blizzard's handling of the CDL and COD Challengers, alongside issues like game quality and broadcasting deals, has left fans and teams alike looking for a turnaround.Will thisprompt a reevaluation of how the league operates, or will it be business as usual?The gaming world watches on, hoping for a revival of the competitive spirit and community engagement that once defined Call of Duty esports.

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The FaZe Clan comeback story is underway and is truly 🍿 worthy. After a tumultuous 2023, the company has returned with a new owner in GameSquare and the original founders back in the business calling the shots around the brand vision. FaZe's position has always been about the crossover of gaming into mainstream internet culture and the social buzz of the relaunch generated over 350M+ views/impressions and over a million engagements over the last two weeks. I'm aware that certain people feel a certain way about the brand but you can't discount their ability to generate conversation on the internet. Esports and gaming is hungry for the next big moment around a breakthrough game (GTA6 next?) and that was previously generated with Fortnite in 2018-2020 that lead into PEAK gaming around the pandemic as everyone was locked at home. This period drove record revenues for the publishers and increased investor interest around the esports ecosystem. Gaming had become a bit stale in 2024. FaZe Clan is capitalizing on the trend towards IRL content with a revamped roster but not abandoning the core by leaning into buzz worth gaming events with: A COD tournament hosted by FaZe Kaysan this week (and sponsored by Xfinity) that delivered arguably the most high profile collection of streamers that I can recall including xQc, Bronny, Train, Sketch, Nadeshot, and most of the FaZe Clan creator roster. The event peaked at over 200K CCVs and was pure madness over a five hour period.Today is seeing a FaZe Friday event (also partnered with Xfinity) that is one of the largest weekly community events with FaZe Swagg playing with NBA star Devin Booker to promote his latest skin in Call of Duty. The internet community has been vocal about wanting the "old" FaZe but in all honesty they weren't watching montage videos and gaming clips in the same way that they were a decade ago. It is important to be innovating and going the direction of the modern trends found increasingly on TikTok & Twitch. Watch this space.

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On May 17, GamesIndustry.Biz, citing Esports News UK, reported that, "Player1 Events has reportedly laid off an unknown number of staff, believed to be the majority of the company, and shut down long-running UK video games event Insomnia Gaming Festival." https://lnkd.in/eVYgUJpFTo all individuals affected, we are here to offer support through our three homes:Home 1- 🔗 AMIRSATVAT.COM: Our main hub provides 15 resources to assist you in finding work, featuring a fully updated design.- 🔗 Games Org Support Posts: Find a template at AMIRSATVAT.COM (Category 4, Resource 10). If you can provide information from your team (with their consent), I’ll help edit and disseminate the final product, reaching 100,000+ people. These posts are highly effective in increasing visibility, and we've done 97 of them.Home 2- 🔗 Discord: Join us at discord.gg/amirsatvat, our live extension of community resources. With over 3,000 members, we are currently in an open-join phase.Home 3- 🔗 LinkedIn: Our community here includes over 87,000 members, with 1-3 daily posts offering support and career assistance in the games industry.How the Broader Community Can Help:- Spread the Word: Reshares and comments on this post amplify the visibility of these resources.- Offer Support: Utilize the 13 ways listed on AMIRSATVAT.COM under "How You Can Help" to assist, or simply lend an ear or advice on our Discord server.- Join Our Movement: Volunteer with us at AMIRSATVAT.COM to support our colleagues in the games industry. Our network has facilitated over 1,900 jobs and 34,000 coaching conversations to date, the largest impact of any games organization on earth, and has been visited by over 3,000,000 gamers lifetime.

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GOOD MARKETING STRATEGY FOR "PRESTIGE" OR LOST SALES POTENTIAL?From being the most-awaited skin to a soaring ban rate - how did Faker's Ahri skin become the most beloved unreleased skin to the most hated one?Everyone in the League of Legends player and Esports community has yearned for Faker's Ahri skin since nearly his first Worlds' Championship. While we finally got the coveted skin a decade later, the fanfare was exchanged with ban pledges and outrage. As a digital marketer, I understand the rationale of the "luxury pricing" to make the skin bundle more prestigious - fitting Faker's unparalleled success in the LoL Esports scene. However, is $500 (USD) a reasonable price for an in-game cosmetic that offers no resale value? (As per Riot Games rules, account trading and selling is an offense that warrants bans). Many fans were eager to buy the bundle but were instantly turned off by the exorbitant price. I would wager that a good percentage of League of Legends players would have been willing to swipe their cards for a "Faker-special Skin" had the price been more reasonable.Do you think Riot Games lost huge sales potential, or were they right about the "luxury" pricing? Let me know your thoughts below!Read More: https://lnkd.in/gqJtFjAt#Gaming #Esports #DigitalMarketing #Marketing #RiotGames #LeagueofLegends

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This is a classic Minecraft game — played IRL by 40 of the largest creators — in front of 1,000+ screaming fans as the finale of Twitch Con. That's huge for not only the game, but the future of esports & digital commerce:This past weekend, long-time creator team Noxcrew headlined Twitch Con for the second time, bringing their famous 𝐌𝐂 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 event series to life with in-person participants, and even an IRL take on a fan-favorite building game using real, physical blocks. Everything came down to a clutch 2v1 comeback, with a Dutch creator winning for their home audience. Couldn't write a better ending if you tried. But the real story is what's to come... 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬:🍿 Twitch Rivals isn't esports, but something new 🏆Twitch Rivals — the "esports" series that produced this all — isn't really esports so much as a new hybrid genre. Yes, 𝐌𝐂 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 and other events in it pit top creators against each other. Sure, they're competitive. But that's not all there is to it. First of all, these participants aren't top players showcasing their skills so much as fan favorites making content. They're thinking not just about winning, but also the story and the vibes. The result is moments you can't find elsewhere in gaming. That are compelling online, and electric in-person.⛏️ It's no surprise to see Minecraft at the center of it 🎬For the same reason Minecraft was the first (and only) game to pass 1 trillion views on YouTube, it's not shocking so many Twitch Rivals events are set in the game. More so than an engine, it's become a narrative canvas. And even after 15 years of accumulated story, there's more to tell. "Minecraft content" isn't content about Minecraft... but through it, with it, enabled by it. And that's something that no other platform seems able to replicate or mimic, even as Roblox & Fortnite surpass the game in Monthly Active Users being F2P.👾 Digital to physical events → digital to physical commerce 📦When the event ended, Twitch staff told the audience they had one more surprise: that fans could come up as they left and grab one of the cardboard Minecraft blocks used in the show, taking it with them. Few were staying in Rotterdam. This mean lugging, ultimately, a cheap piece of cardboard on their flights (which were international for many). And yet they were gone in minutes. Of all the merchdanise at the con and exclusive items I've seen Microsoft/ Mojang Studios release before: I've never seen something so coveted.With the 15th anniversary & Minecraft movie next year, the game is launching a commercial empire like no other. And as they do, the challenge will be finding ways a player fixated on collecting diamonds will want to collect knick-knacks IRL just as much. This weekend, we saw that happen for pieces of cheap cardboard. Imagine what could be done with licensed products...

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