Good Morning. It’s Monday, July 28. In today’s feature, we explore how Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are transforming gaming and other industries in India. We also highlight Dubai’s new initiative for the gaming and esports industry, an F1 driver’s collaboration with Valorant, and more.
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India's VR Explosion: How Virtual Reality is Transforming Lives and Industries
In the bustling streets of Mumbai, a young student slips on a virtual reality (VR) headset and is instantly transported from her small apartment to the majestic ruins of ancient Rome. Meanwhile, in a Delhi hospital, a surgeon rehearses a complex procedure in a risk-free virtual environment. These scenes, once pure science fiction, are now a thrilling reality in India, where the VR market is exploding.
Imagine a world where students explore ancient civilizations from their classrooms, doctors perfect surgeries before ever making an incision, and shoppers try on clothes without leaving home. This is the future of VR in India, and it's happening now.
India's VR market, valued at $1.83 billion in 2020, is projected to skyrocket to $14.07 billion by 2027. Tech-savvy youth and affordable VR headsets are fueling this explosive growth. Big names like Zatun and Simulanis are revolutionizing gaming, education, and healthcare. Mahabir Doctor’s Hub in West Bengal is using VR for mind-blowing pre-surgical planning and patient education.
Abhimannu’s latest feature explains how India’s VR industry is enabling everything from jaw-dropping gaming experiences to life-saving medical simulations.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce Launches Gaming and Esports Group to Propel Industry Growth
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has partnered with leading gaming industry figures to establish the Dubai Gaming and Esports Group (GEG). Officially launched in January 2024, GEG aims to fortify the gaming sector’s development and foster collaboration among industry stakeholders.
GEG, comprising 29 key members, will be led by a board of seasoned industry veterans including Kishan Deepak Palija, CEO of Geekay Group, as Chairman; Wadih Al Sayah, CEO of Al Musaed, as Vice Chairman; Rajib Roy, CEO of Royex Technologies LLC, as Director of Membership and Marketing; Edward Kondrat, Business Development Manager of Gen.G, as Secretary General; and Saeed Sharaf, CEO of Esports Middle East, as a board member.
GEG aims to facilitate the growth of its gaming industry by advocating for supportive policies, providing market insights, and creating networking opportunities.
"The introduction of GEG is a pivotal moment for the gaming sector in the UAE," said Kishan Palija. "Our focus is on creating a vibrant community where businesses, developers, and enthusiasts can connect, innovate, and grow together." Wadih Al Sayah emphasized the importance of collaboration and funding support, while Saeed Sharaf highlighted the potential to position the UAE as a global leader in gaming and esports.
Quick Bytes
Dubai to Host Games of the Future 2025
Dubai has been selected to host the Games of the Future 2025, following an announcement at a ceremony in Istanbul. Scheduled for autumn 2025, the event will gather thousands of athletes and esports professionals from nearly 100 countries. Qualifiers are currently underway through the World Phygital Community’s Phygital Games 2024/25 tournament. This decision aligns with Dubai’s ten-year Program for Gaming 2033, which aims to attract tech companies and global talent to strengthen the city’s role in phygital development, a blend of digital and physical realms.
F1 Driver Yuki Tsunoda Showcases Valorant-Themed Helmet at Belgian Grand Prix
Japanese F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda made a splash in the gaming world today by donning a Valorant-themed helmet during the F1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. Amidst the Red Bull and sponsor logos, the helmet showcased a drawing of Jett with her floating knives, a nod to the game's ultimate ability. This move highlights Valorant's growing popularity among high-profile figures, following Elon Musk and Ben Affleck's attendance at last year's VCT finals in Los Angeles. Tsunoda's choice underscores the increasing crossover between traditional sports and esports.
Google Enhances Play Platform with Dual Game Feature and New Play Pass Additions
Google today unveiled significant updates to its Play platform, enhancing game-related features. A new feature for Google Play Games on PC allows users to run two games simultaneously—one for active play and another for resource grinding, particularly targeting idle games. New additions to Play Pass include "Asphalt Legends Unite," available now, "Call of Duty: Mobile" and "Candy Crush Saga" on August 1, and "Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance" later this year. Additionally, Google introduced new rewards for Play Points members, including VIP experiences at San Diego Comic-Con.
Xiaomi Reclaims Top Spot in India's Smartphone Market, Surpassing Samsung
China's Xiaomi has reclaimed the top spot in India's smartphone market after six quarters, surpassing Korea's Samsung, which dropped to third behind Vivo in the June quarter. This marks a notable resurgence for Chinese brands in a fiercely competitive sector. Xiaomi's shipments surged 24% annually, increasing its market share to 18% from 15% a year ago, according to Canalys. Vivo, in second place, maintained an 18% share with 4% annual growth, while Samsung's shipments fell 8%, dropping its share to 17%. Realme and Oppo ranked fourth and fifth with 12% and 11% shares, respectively. Overall, total mobile shipments grew 1% year-on-year to 36.4 million units.
Did You Know
Did you know that milk is being promoted as the "performance drink of gamers"? The "Gonna Need Milk" campaign by MilkPEP, representing the US fluid milk industry, has been advocating this for a couple of years now. While you might not hear gamers touting milk for its performance benefits, the campaign has led to something noteworthy: the funding of a women's Fortnite tournament called "The Milk Cup," with a $250,000 prize pool.
The Milk Cup, designed with input from the gaming community, aims to address the needs of gamers and promote gender equality in esports. This initiative, produced by Radiant in partnership with the Women of the eRena series, boasts the largest women's esports prize pool in North America. The championship event this fall will see the winning trio take home $75,000.
Quote of the Day
The circumstances of one's birth are irrelevant it's what you chose to do with the gift of life that determines who you are”- Mewtwo, Pokemon: The First Movie