Category: gaming

Xsolla Expands North American Footprint With Its First Canadian Office in Montreal

With This Continued Expansion Into Canada, Xsolla Sets to Enhance Support for Local Game Developers

MONTREAL—AUGUST 8, 2024—Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announces the opening of its first Canadian office in Montreal in collaboration with GameAddik. This strategic expansion into one of North America’s most dynamic tech hubs underscores Xsolla’s dedication to innovation and its mission to better serve the burgeoning gaming industry and developers in Quebec and across Canada.

Montreal has long been recognized for its dynamic gaming ecosystem and innovative tech community. By establishing a presence in this thriving city, Xsolla aims to expand its operations with incredible local talent and foster closer relationships with regional developers. The new office will serve as a hub for Xsolla’s operations in Canada, enhancing its ability to offer tailored and localized solutions to its current partners and thousands of new game developers and publishers in the region.

“Montreal is renowned for its dynamic gaming ecosystem and innovative tech community. Our presence here will enable us to better support our local and global partners and tap into the incredible local talent pool,” said Xsolla’s president, David Stelzer. “This new office in Montreal will be crucial in strengthening our relationships with local game developers and facilitating our mission to empower our partners to reach their full potential.”

As part of this expansion, Xsolla plans to hire up to 50 regional employees over the next two years, targeting a mix of roles in business development, customer support, and technical services. This investment will strengthen its capacity to deliver cutting-edge solutions and exceptional service.

This strategic partnership with GameAddik originated from the successful cross-service opportunities explored with its dedicated marketing solution, GameRebellion, creating a robust support system for game developers in Canada.

“We are excited about our collaboration with Xsolla, as our GameRebellion project shares a common vision of empowering studios to achieve greater success,” said Alain Carpentier, CTO at Gameaddik.

“Our partnership with Xsolla is a game-changer for GameAddik,” said Eric Jodoin, CEO of GameAddik. “Teaming up with such a prominent company allows us to better support the industry in striving for success.”

The new office will be a one-stop shop for companies looking for industry-leading and cutting-edge solutions to fund, launch, market, monetize, and sell their games to local gamers and fans of their games worldwide. Xsolla provides advanced tools and services to help game developers accelerate their business by reaching players who want to pay for their gaming experiences locally using their preferred payment methods. With the ability to enable transactions in over 130 currencies and 20 languages, Xsolla has already facilitated access to new gamers for game developers worldwide.

For more information about the Xsolla Canadian office, please visit xsolla.pro/montreal.

Chingari forays into Web3 gaming with the launch of Chingari Game Zone

Bengaluru, April 29, 2024 – Chingari, the world’s leading web3 live-streaming app, today announced its foray into the web3 gaming space titled Chinagri Game Zone. The move marks a significant milestone for the Aptos-backed tech company as it expands its offerings beyond live-streaming and into the burgeoning world of blockchain-based gaming. Built on the Aptos blockchain, Chingari Game Zone will leverage its expertise in social media, entertainment, and blockchain tech to create engaging and interactive gaming experiences for users.

The initial launch of Chingari Game Zone will include a curated selection of popular and engaging mobile games, Ludo, a voice communication-based web3 game. Ludo on Chingari Game Zone offers a unique experience to its users who can converse through voice communication with their competitors while playing the game. Users will be rewarded with Gari tokens for using the Chingari Game Zone. Further, Chingari plans to launch more games by the next quarter, expanding its web3 gaming portfolio to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Sumit Ghosh, CEO and Co-Founder, Chingari said, “Our goal is to create a seamless and engaging gaming experience that utilizes the benefits of blockchain technology. We believe that Web3 has the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry and provide a new level of excitement and competition for gamers worldwide. Moreover, our expertise in social media and entertainment and experience in blockchain technology positions us well to make a significant impact in the gaming industry through Chingari Game Zone.”

Chingari’s foray into web3 gaming marks a significant expansion of its offerings beyond social media and entertainment. The company has made significant investments in blockchain technology and has assembled a team of experts with extensive experience in blockchain development.

Expert Tips to Prevent ‘Gamers’ Neck’ and Stay Healthy

Image by 11333328 from Pixabay

Marathon gaming sessions are all fun and games – until you can’t move your head the next day. If you try out some of the tips and tricks below, you will find that you can stay comfortable for longer while gaming (and have less anxiety about the future of your spine!).

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, a game developer and the inventor of OnlineGames.io as well as a dedicated gamer himself, walks you through his tried and true methods for avoiding ‘gamers’ neck’.

Frequently Get Up and Walk Around

‘One of the fastest ways to relieve neck pain is to pause your game, stand up, and walk around for a little while,’ advises Marin. ‘This allows your body to move around and gets you out of the same position you have likely been sitting in for hours.’ The longer you are sitting with your neck bent, the likelier it is that it will get sore.

Invest in a Good Gaming Chair

Poor posture during gaming sessions can lead to back and neck issues like frequent headaches, reduced spinal mobility, and more. Marin says, ‘If you are a dedicated gamer, then it’s worth it to invest in an ergonomic gaming chair to reduce these symptoms and promote overall lumbar health.’

Check Your Posture Every 30 Minutes

If you are planning to have a gaming session that will last several hours, you need to make sure to take posture break checks throughout. ‘The best way to remember is to set timers on your phone for every 30 minutes to remind yourself to straighten up,’ Marin says. ‘If you’re playing with friends, you can all set timers and remind each other.’

Stretch Before and After Gameplay

A good ritual to get into to avoid ‘gamers’ neck’ is to have a stretching session before you sit down to play video games and after you are finished for the day. This will ensure that your neck and spinal cord stay limber and stretched out and will be less likely to get stiff and start hurting. And if you’re playing a competitive game, a little focus session beforehand could get your brain into the right mood to win!

Participate in Active Hobbies Outside of Gaming

Although gaming is an exciting and time-consuming hobby, it is good to find other activities you love, particularly things that require you to get outside and be active, like sports or hiking. Marin says, ‘Getting out there and doing some healthy exercise will strengthen your neck and back muscles, making it less likely that you’ll develop the dreaded ‘gamers’ neck.’

Unveiling the Wonders of Gaming Technology

In the 21st century, gaming has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar industry, offering an array of experiences that extend far beyond what was once confined to consoles and PCs. The driving force behind this evolution is gaming technology, a dynamic field that has brought us cutting-edge graphics, immersive virtual worlds, and even innovations in unexpected areas like healthcare and education. In this article, we’ll explore the marvels of gaming technology and its impact on our daily lives, including one facet where it has notably left its mark: real cash casino gambling.

The Gaming Revolution

Gaming technology has come a long way from the pixelated screens of early video games. Today, it encompasses a wide range of platforms and genres, from mobile gaming and console gaming to virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. The convergence of high-performance hardware, sophisticated software, and artistic creativity has taken gaming to new heights.

High-Definition Graphics and Realism

One of the most visible advancements in gaming technology is the stunning graphics and realistic environments that immerse players in virtual worlds. The power of modern GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) has enabled lifelike textures, lighting effects, and character animations, creating an experience that blurs the line between fiction and reality.

Online Multiplayer and Social Gaming

The rise of high-speed internet has led to the popularization of online multiplayer gaming. Gamers can now compete and cooperate with players from all over the world, creating a sense of community and competition that was once unimaginable. Social gaming has become a way to connect with friends, old and new, through shared virtual experiences.

Casino Gambling: A Gaming Industry Branch

Gaming technology has also significantly impacted the world ofbest casino bonususagambling. The transition from physical casinos to online platforms has been facilitated by advancements in security, payment processing, and realistic casino game simulations. Players can now enjoy the excitement of casino games like poker, blackjack, and slots from the comfort of their homes or even on the go, thanks to mobile gaming.

Beyond Entertainment: Real-World Applications

Gaming technology isn’t limited to pure entertainment. It has found applications in diverse fields. For example, the gamification of education has made learning more engaging and interactive. In healthcare, virtual reality is being used for pain management and therapy. Additionally, military training and simulation are benefiting from the immersive experiences that gaming technology provides.

The Future of Gaming Technology

The future of gaming technology is bright, with advancements like cloud gaming, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence-driven experiences on the horizon. The gaming industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and as technology continues to progress, we can expect even more groundbreaking innovations that will redefine our gaming experiences.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Gaming Landscape

Gaming technology has grown from a niche interest to a global phenomenon that touches all aspects of our lives. Its influence extends from the screen to the real world, as it revolutionizes how we entertain ourselves, learn, and interact with technology. Whether you’re a casual gamer or an enthusiast, the wonders of gaming technology are sure to continue shaping our world in profound ways.

Saudi Arabia fall short in 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship opening match against Jordan

Jeddah, 20 February 2024: The Saudi Arabia women’s national team fell to a 3-1 loss against Jordan in its 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) opener in Jeddah on Monday night. Despite a spirited performance throughout the 90 minutes from Lluís Cortés’ side, Jordan took control of Group A, where Saudi Arabia can still qualify for the knockout stage with matches against Lebanon and Guam still to come on Wednesday and Friday.

Taking place in Jeddah until February 29, the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship is the first official 11-a-side women’s tournament ever held in Saudi Arabia. This year’s eighth edition welcomes seven nations alongside the hosts, including Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Guam, and Nepal.

The WAFF Women’s Championship is the latest international football tournament making its way to Jeddah, where both the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2022 WAFF Women’s Futsal Championship have been held.

Golden Girl Koko to Make Comeback at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

German Athlete Makes Long Awaited Return To Running Scene

Ras Al Khaimah (UAE) 15 February 2024: One of European athletics’ most exciting talents will return to the international running scene when Germany’s Konstanze Klosterhalfen makes her debut at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on February 24.

The 27-year-old, who holds national records at both 5,000m and 10,000m, enjoyed a whirlwind 2022 winning European Championship gold at 5,000m and beating a world-class field to win the Valencia Half Marathon in a personal best time of 65:41.

That time in Valencia makes her the second fastest German woman in history at the 21.1km half marathon distance and, should she be back to her best after recovering from injury, she could well target the German record (65:18) as well as the European best of 65:15 in Ras Al Khaimah.

Widely known as ‘Koko’, Klosterhalfen joins a powerful elite field for the 17th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, an event hosted by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) on the rapidly developing Al Marjan Island.

She will line up alongside the likes of New York Marathon champion Tamirat Tola, defending Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon men’s champion Benard Kibet Koech, women’s World Half Marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir and former women’s Half Marathon World Record Holder Ababel Yeshaneh for what will be the German runner’s first race on the international calendar for more than six months.

“I’m certainly looking forward to returning to racing, especially at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon as it is a race I’ve heard a lot about,” said Klosterhalfen.

“Overall I am happy with how my training has been going and I’m ready to test myself and see exactly where I am after a good training camp”

As she aims to recapture the form she produced since bursting on the scene as a 5,000m bronze medallist at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon may witness something special from the darling of German athletics whose career highlight remains that stunning 5,000m European Championship win in Munich two years ago.

As well as elites chasing personal nests and course records, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon will also see thousands of runners coming together in the associated 10km, 5km and 2km runs with registration open at rakhalfmarathon.com

Transfer of Al Hilal’s home matches to Kingdom Arena

Riyadh, 16 February 2024: The Saudi Pro League’s Competition Department has approved Al Hilal’s request to move their home matches in Riyadh from Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium to Kingdom Arena.

This was following approval based on field inspections by relevant authorities, which confirmed the readiness of Kingdom Arena to host Al Hilal’s home matches. Therefore, the Roshn Saudi League matches listed below will be played at Kingdom Arena:

Follow all the latest developments on Twitter at @SPL_EN (https://twitter.com/SPL_EN ) and on Instagram at @SPL (https://www.instagram.com/spl ), or visit the website https://spl.com.sa/en for more information and updates.

SPORTIME Pickleball Announces Second and Third Locations in New York and New Jersey as Part of Broad Expansion Plan

New York, February 14, 2024: Sportime Pickleball announced today it has signed two leases in prime locations: Westbury, Long Island and Wayne, New Jersey. SPORTIME Pickleball Westbury (575 Merrick Ave.) will open in the fall of 2024 and SPORTIME Pickleball Wayne (Willowbrook Plaza) has a planned opening in the spring of 2025. These are SPORTIME’S second and third announced dedicated pickleball club locations, which will be the two largest and most comprehensive facilities in their markets, joining an 11 court facility under construction in Armonk, NY.

“We are excited to announce our newest SPORTIME Pickleball locations in Westbury and Wayne, with more great locations coming soon,” said Claude Okin, President & CEO of SPORTIME. “For the ever growing masses of pickleball lovers in the Tri-State area, and for those who will no doubt be joining those legions in the months and years to come, SPORTIME Pickleball locations will provide the highest quality indoor pickleball facilities and programs, consistent with the SPORTIME brand. We are proud to have been a racket sports leader in our region since 1994”.

The 50,000 square foot SPORTIME Pickleball location in Wayne, NJ will include 20 indoor courts and is located in the busiest shopping district in the State, with 16 million visitors each year. This will be the largest indoor pickleball facility in New Jersey and will feature a stadium court, food and beverages and event spaces. In addition to a high volume of daily play and instruction, it is expected to be a major destination site for local and national pickleball tournaments, as well as for large-format group and corporate events.

SPORTIME Pickleball Westbury will feature 13 dedicated indoor pickleball courts and will be the largest indoor pickleball facility in New York State. Its proximity to the Meadowbrook Parkway and The Roosevelt Field mall, along with thousands of other businesses and densely populated residential areas, make it an ideal pickleball hub for Nassau County.

Daren Hornig, SPORTIME’s partner in their pickleball venture, is leading the company’s real estate expansion efforts. “These two locations, along with our first location in Armonk, the numerous additional locations we are currently negotiating, and those to follow, will enable SPORTIME Pickleball to be the leader in this space in the Tri State area. While aggressively lining up sites, we are also being very selective, in that all of our locations will be accessible and will allow us to build out high quality, regulation playing spaces, including high ceilings and full court dimensions,” said Hornig.

SPORTIME Pickleball’s 3 signed leases represent over 110,000 square feet and will boast 45 indoor courts. The company is actively negotiating agreements throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City, as well as in prime locations in New Jersey and Connecticut.

NCAA Champion And WNBA Draftee, Alexis Morris Signs With The Harlem Globetrotters

ATLANTA, February 9, 2024 — The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, synonymous with basketball excellence and global entertainment, today announced the signing of former Louisiana State University (LSU) star and WNBA draftee, Alexis Morris to the Harlem Globetrotters, it was announced today by Keith Dawkins, President of Harlem Globetrotters and Herschend Entertainment Studios. Morris becomes the seventh current woman to join the organization, the most in the organization’s storied history, as they will celebrate their centennial in 2026.

“The Harlem Globetrotters have a storied history of signing some of the world’s most accomplished and coveted talent; Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, “Curley” Neal, Lou Dunbar, Lynette Woodard and now, Alexis Morris,” said Dawkins. “As the global basketball landscape continues to evolve the Globetrotters are well positioned to offer unparalleled opportunities for professional basketball players looking to develop, and showcase, their amazing skills, make a positive impact in the community, while also benefitting from the plethora of business opportunities that our brand has to offer them. It’s an opportunity unlike any in sports. Signing Alexis reflects our commitment to pursuing the best ballers from around the world.”

Morris, who has begun her Harlem Globetrotters training and will be joining the domestic arm of the 2024 Tour, will take to the court for the first time as a Harlem Globetrotter on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball and The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Her extensive and rigorous schedule will also include stops at Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, on Sunday, February 18 and Madison Square Garden, Manhattan, NY, on Saturday, February 24.

Morris, known for her exceptional ball-handling and court vision, will take the court with her self-titled moniker, Alexis ‘The Show’ Morris alongside her elite teammates. The Texas native was selected in the second round of the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun and is currently a free agent. She returned to North America after starting the current season in Turkey with Ilkem Yapi Tarsus of the Turkish women’s Super League. Alexis is believed to be the first athlete to join the Harlem Globetrotters while also entertaining elite professional offers since Connie Hawkins, who played for the team and went on to a Hall of Fame Career with the Phoenix Suns.

“I’m excited to join the Harlem Globetrotters and want to thank the leadership team for giving me an opportunity to grow my personal and professional career while playing the game I love,” said Morris. “There is a lot to learn from my coaches and teammates and I’m excited to highlight the level of basketball and entertainment of the organization. ‘The Show’ is now a part of the growing legacy of Harlem Globetrotters basketball.”

She will join the six women athletes who make up the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals this winter, including Fatima, ‘TNT’ Lister, Cherelle ‘Torch’ George, Arysia ‘Ace’ Porter, Kaylin ‘Sunshine’ West, Eryka ‘Spice’ Sidney, and Kayla Gabor. She also joins nine other rookies who joined the 2024 World Tour this season. Fans can expect exclusive content of her time with the team through “My Rookie Season” on Harlem Globetrotters Youtube channel.

Morris, a dynamic point guard and a top scorer on LSU’s 2023 National Championship team, brings a stellar blend of skill, athleticism, and showmanship to the iconic Harlem Globetrotters. Her electrifying style of play and passion for the game align with the team’s commitment to delivering unparalleled entertainment to audiences worldwide.

The Harlem Globetrotters’ rich legacy of combining sportsmanship and entertainment, continue to attract top-tier athletes who embrace the joy of basketball. Follow the Harlem Globetrotters on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes content and more team updates as they travel the world.

ABOUT THE WORLD-FAMOUS HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS / HERSCHEND ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS

The Harlem Globetrotters® are THE originators of basketball style; captured by their dynamic athleticism, unique skill and historical influence on the modern game of basketball. Since 1926, the Globetrotters, proud members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, have used their legendary global tour to showcase their iconic brand of basketball to tens of millions in over 124 countries and territories across six continents.

Their series, “Harlem Globetrotters: Play it Forward,” produced in partnership with Hearst Media Production Group, airs on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo as “Harlem Globetrotters: Ganando Con La Comunidad.” The hit series, which reaches a million viewers each week, garnered an Emmy nomination in its first season and put the brand back on network television for the first time in 40 years.

In addition to Hearst, other media partners include Hidden Pictures, Atmosphere TV, Reach TV, and Viral Nation. The brand continues to grow its roster of partners with expansion across a variety of categories including, consumer products, retail, travel, QSR/Food, just to name a few. Additional partnerships include, Sprayground, Undercrwn, Macys, Hybrid, Hoop Culture, Citi, Alaska Airlines, as well as our official ball partner, Spalding and our official tour partner, Jersey Mikes.

Coined by the U.S. State Department in 1951 as Ambassadors of Goodwill, the team leverages their moniker to drive its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts around their strategic pillars of Health & Wellness, Education, and Community Empowerment. These efforts have yielded partnership with the likes of Microsoft, U.S. State Department Sports Diplomacy, The National Archives Foundation, ‘Great Assist’ in partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs, Campus Multimedia Court of Creativity, and Comic Relief Red Nose Day.

Saudi Arabia to host 2024 West Asian Football Federation Women’s Championship

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 6 February 2024: Saudi Arabia will host the 2024 West Asian Football Federation (WAFF) Women’s Championship this month – the first official 11-a-side women’s tournament ever held in the Kingdom.

A milestone moment for women’s football in Saudi Arabia, the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship will take place from 19-29 February in the coastal city of Jeddah with the upcoming eighth edition set to welcome eight teams.

The host nation will be joined by Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and two guests – Guam and Nepal. The tournament will begin in group stage format with two groups of four, followed by the semi-finals and final with matches played at the King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City stadiums.

The WAFF Women’s Championship is the latest international football tournament making its way to Jeddah, where the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup had recently been held. Jeddah also played host to the 2022 WAFF Futsal Championship where the national team rose to the occasion in front of its home fans and ended the tournament in second place with a silver medal.

This upcoming edition also marks the Saudi Arabia women’s national team’s first-ever appearance in the WAFF Women’s Championship, as well as the first competition under Lluis Cortes, the new head coach. Since his appointment in December, the team has kicked off a new era in impressive fashion under the former Barcelona treble-winning coach, recording successive 2-0 victories against Syria.

Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting the WAFF Women’s Championship. Looking ahead to what promises to be a brilliant tournament, we’re especially excited about the impact this will have in terms of inspiring women and young girls across the Kingdom while supporting women’s football development nationally and regionally.

“The individual and collective success of our domestic leagues, together with our success in hosting two editions of the SAFF Women’s Friendly Tournament and the 2022 WAFF Futsal Championship, shows that the foundations are in place for us to take the next big step in our journey. This means hosting an official 11-a-side competition. We’re excited to welcome members of the wider football ecosystem together for an incredible event – one that’s certain to showcase the full power of football as a force for good and a platform for turning dreams into reality.”

Commenting on the announcement, WAFF General Secretary Khalil Al Salem thanked SAFF for its continuous engagement and support for women’s football in the West Asia region, highlighting the two parties’ shared vision of nurturing women’s football and driving growth throughout the ecosystem.

Al Salem added: “For WAFF, our mission has always been to promote football development by various means – including by organising championships across territories and paving the way for countries to compete and fans to become inspired. This announcement is the latest testament that our direction of travel is positive. With the WAFF Women’s Championship heading to Saudi Arabia, teams are competing in official competition in a new setting – with more opportunities to test themselves at the international level in front of audiences whose number one passion is football.

“There is no doubt that this tournament will witness high-level competition and exceptional organisation, building on the Saudi Arabian Football Federation’s successful track record in hosting football tournaments at various levels.”

Women’s football in Saudi Arabia is going through an exciting period of progress. The senior women’s national team’s first-ever match in 2022 and entry into the FIFA world rankings in 2023 were milestone moments for women’s football in the Kingdom, while the Women’s Premier and First Division Leagues have sparked greater interest and participation with matches broadcast nationwide and globally.

Additionally, the number of female players, clubs, and referees is growing nationally. Since 2021, the number of professional female players in Saudi Arabia has increased by 195%, with the number of clubs up by 56% and women’s national teams up by 300%. The number of women’s football coaches has risen by 797%, coaching courses by 557%, and referees by 66%.

New grassroots initiatives and infrastructure projects are also building a promising future for women’s football in Saudi Arabia.