Cover-Credits:
AFK Gaming
It’s Friday, July 12. In today's feature story, we delve into how Minecraft is becoming a game changer for Indian education. We also examine Riot increasing its focus on League of Legends in India, and more
If this is your first time reading this, sign up here
From Ramayana to Dwarka: How Minecraft is Changing Indian Education
Forget boring history classes! Across India, students are diving into the pixelated worlds of Minecraft, transforming the way they learn about ancient civilizations, mythology, and more. Imagine exploring the legendary cities of Ramayana and Dwarka, not from a textbook, but through your own digital creations.
This isn’t just a game—it's the future of education! Teachers are turning to Minecraft to make lessons on history, coding, and mathematics come alive. The pandemic may have shut down schools, but it’s also unlocked a powerful new way to engage students across the country. Kids are now eagerly building and exploring historical sites, sparking meaningful discussions and a deeper love for learning.
But is Minecraft the ultimate game-changer for Indian education? Dive into our latest feature where Abhimannu explores how Minecraft is taking Indian classrooms by storm and what this could mean for the future of learning.
Riot Games Doubles Down on Indian Community for League of Legends
Riot Games has unveiled a strategic initiative to enhance its presence in India, targeting the fervent fan base of its acclaimed MOBA title, League of Legends (LoL). This move underscores Riot Games' dedication to the Indian gaming sector, fulfilling the growing demand for a more tailored and immersive gaming experience.
In 2024, Indian LoL enthusiasts can anticipate a series of innovative engagements and community-driven activities. Riot Games plans to collaborate with local content creators, produce original localized content, and spearhead influencer-led open tournaments and exhibition matches. The agenda also includes multiple community tournaments, robust Discord activities, and official merchandise giveaways on the LoL IN/SA Discord server, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection with the South Asian gaming community.
"We're thrilled to elevate League of Legends' presence in India. This game is more than just entertainment; it's a global sensation that thrives on passion, competition, and enjoyment. We've witnessed India's vibrant gaming culture, and we're committed to amplifying that enthusiasm," stated Arun Rajappa, Country Manager, Riot Games, India and South Asia.
In collaboration with The Esports Club, Riot Games is set to launch the inaugural community cups powered by Zotac Gaming. The open-for-all tournament series kicks off on July 11, 2024, with additional seasons extending through December. Moreover, The Esports Club Streamer Clash will showcase India's premier content creators, streamers, and players competing for rewards and recognition.
Quick Bytes
Microsoft Relinquishes Non-Voting Observer Seat on OpenAI Board
Microsoft has relinquished its non-voting observer seat on OpenAI's board, citing "significant progress" by the AI company. Keith Dolliver, Microsoft's deputy general counsel, conveyed this decision in a letter to OpenAI, stating the observer role was "no longer necessary." Microsoft assumed the position in November during Sam Altman's temporary ousting as CEO. With this move, OpenAI is expected to eliminate board observers altogether.
Top Gacha Games Earn $357.4 Million in June
According to Sensor Tower data via GachaRevenue, the top 10 gacha games generated a combined $357.4 million on mobile in June. Leading the pack was Honkai: Star Rail, which earned $93.5 million globally, outpacing Genshin Impact for the second consecutive month. Genshin Impact, also developed by HoYoverse, garnered $67.5 million. Wuthering Waves, a new title from Kuro Games, secured third place with $25.8 million in global earnings.
We explored the rise of Gacha games in the east and the potential dangers and pitfalls that this could cause in our feature story published in May.
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 with Enhanced Gaming Capabilities
At the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, alongside the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro. These latest additions feature advanced Galaxy AI and are the "slimmest and lightest" yet, boasting increased durability with Armor Aluminium and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Performance is a highlight, with both models powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform. Gamers will appreciate the upgraded cooling systems, with the Z Fold 6's 1.6x larger vapor chamber and the Z Flip 6's first-ever vapor chamber. The Z Fold 6 also offers enhanced graphics with ray tracing on its 7.6-inch display.
Pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 start at ₹109,999 and ₹164,999, respectively, with general availability from July 24.
Riot Games Cancels League of Legends-Based Platform Fighter
Riot Games has reportedly ceased development on a League of Legends-based platform fighter, codenamed Pool Party, inspired by Super Smash Bros Melee. According to journalist Mikhail Klimentov, the project involved around 70-80 developers and was shelved in late May. Initially conceived as a hardcore fighting game, it evolved into a more casual party game. The decision follows the disappointing performance of similar titles like MultiVersus, which struggled to retain players. Riot's other League-based fighter, 2XKO, remains on track for a 2025 release.
Did You Know
Did you know that playing video games may enhance your ability to lucid dream? In a recent study that bridges the worlds of virtual reality and the subconscious, researchers have uncovered a fascinating link between video gaming and the phenomenon of lucid dreaming. Marc Sestir of the University of Central Arkansas and Jennifer Peszka of Hendrix College led the investigation, revealing that gamers may have an edge when it comes to experiencing lucid dreams—those vivid nocturnal adventures where the dreamer is aware of the dream state.
Published in the journal Dreaming, the study surveyed 297 participants to explore the potential relationship between gaming habits and lucid dreaming. While general gaming activities did not show a direct correlation, an intriguing pattern emerged among those who engage with physical gaming systems such as the Nintendo Wii or Microsoft Kinect. These individuals demonstrated a notably higher propensity for lucid dreams.
Lucid dreaming, long a subject of intrigue, offers more than just an extraordinary sleep experience. Sestir and Peszka's research hints at its potential therapeutic benefits. They propose that frequent lucid dreaming, possibly facilitated through gaming, could aid in the treatment of conditions such as PTSD. The ability to consciously navigate dreams might offer a novel approach to managing and alleviating symptoms of trauma.
Quote of the Day
Enlightenment is knowing the value of one's ignorance.”- Lee Sin, League of Legends
