Pixel P&L: Will Esports Bring a New Era to the Olympics?

Good Morning, it’s Friday, June 21. In today’s edition, we delve into the strategic reasoning behind the International Olympic Committee's push to include esports in the Olympic Games. We also report on Adidas and KitKat's latest venture as sponsors for the Esports World Cup, and more.

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In 2018, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach declared that violent "killer games" would never be part of the Olympic movement, drawing a clear line between traditional sports and the burgeoning world of competitive gaming. However, this firm stance is set to undergo a dramatic shift. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the IOC is poised to vote on the establishment of the Olympic Esports Games, marking a significant departure from its previous position.

As global interest in traditional sports wanes, the Olympics faces a critical challenge: how to remain relevant to younger audiences. Our latest feature examines the hurdles currently confronting the Olympics and how esports might offer a solution.

Yet, this potential integration raises concerns. The upcoming vote in Paris could redefine the Olympics, potentially embracing digital competition as a modern counterpart to traditional athletic prowess. Read our in-depth analysis to understand the full scope and implications of this pivotal moment.

The Esports World Cup (EWC) has secured partnerships with Adidas and KitKat, marking a significant boost for the event scheduled in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 4 to August 25, 2024.

Adidas will serve as the official merchandise sponsor, supplying players with an exclusive line of apparel and providing co-branded shirts for event staff. This partnership underscores Adidas' continued investment in the esports sector, following its recent collaboration with North American organization 100 Thieves. Adidas has a history with EWCF, having previously partnered for the Gamers8 event in July 2023.

KitKat, Nestlé’s chocolate brand, is also joining forces with EWC. KitKat’s involvement is aimed at promoting the importance of taking breaks during gaming. The partnership seeks to integrate KitKat’s "Have a Break" slogan into the gaming environment, emphasizing the need for strategic pauses during competition.

In the months leading up to the event, The Esports World Cup has also secured partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including industry awards show: the Esports Awards, and Saudi coffee brand Barn’s Coffee.

Amouranth Joins Wildcard Gaming as Co-Owner, Expanding Her Business Ventures

Wildcard Gaming, a North American esports organization, has announced that popular content creator Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa has joined as a co-owner. Siragusa, who has over 14 million followers across platforms such as X, Kick, Twitch, and OnlyFans, is venturing into esports for the first time. Known for her diverse investments in gas stations and a horse ranch, she continues to expand her business portfolio. The financial terms of her significant ownership stake were not disclosed. 

S8UL Onboards Three New GTA RP Content Creators

S8UL has added top gaming creators Sunny Jha, Adil Maniar, and Arpit Wadhawan to spearhead its GTA RP (Grand Theft Auto Role-Play) roster. This strategic move is set to bolster S8UL's influence in the GTA RP community, focusing on role-play and narrative-driven interactions. Jha, Maniar, and Wadhawan each bring a distinct approach to the game, attracting substantial followings. The integration aims to enhance S8UL’s GTA RP server's popularity and attract a broader audience. 

Gigabyte Launches New AI-Centric Gaming Laptops in India: Aorus 16X and G6X Series

Gigabyte has introduced two new gaming laptop series in India, the Aorus 16X and Gigabyte G6X. Both feature 16-inch displays with 16:10 aspect ratios. The Aorus 16X is powered by Intel's 14th Gen HX processors, while the G6X uses the 13th Gen HX chips. They support Wi-Fi 7 and offer AI-centric features. Prices range from ₹96,999 to ₹1.89 lakh, with availability starting in July. Both laptops claim to include advanced AI technology for enhanced gaming and AI applications.

AniMetro x WaConne AniFest Set to be Odisha's Largest Anime Event

On June 30, 2024, the Rail Auditorium in Bhubaneswar will host the AniMetro x WaConne AniFest, touted as Odisha’s largest anime event. Organized by DBS Chronicles and Funhub Odisha, the festival runs from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Backed by WCP India and Animyst, it features cosplay, AMV contests, art showcases, merchandise shops, and food stalls. This year, the event highlights Indian VTubing, with WCP India showcasing their virtual YouTubing platform. Guests include Hindi voice actors Sanket Mhatre, Parul Bhatnagar, Nachiket Dighe, and Lohit Sharma. The schedule includes panels, competitions, and a prize ceremony.

Did you know that EA Redwood Shores, the developers behind the iconic horror game Dead Space, took inspiration from real-life car accident photos? This unsettling approach was part of their commitment to creating a truly terrifying and realistic experience. The team wanted to ensure that the game’s visuals were as gruesome and horrifying as possible. By studying actual accident scenes, they were able to replicate the chaotic and visceral nature of trauma, enhancing the game's immersive atmosphere.

The decision to use such graphic reference material underscores the lengths to which the developers went to evoke genuine fear and discomfort in players. Dead Space, released in 2008, quickly gained a reputation for its intense and immersive horror elements. The game's protagonist, Isaac Clarke, navigates the eerie and blood-soaked corridors of the USG Ishimura, a mining spaceship overrun by necromorphs—horrifically mutated human corpses.

The attention to detail paid off, as Dead Space became a landmark title in the survival horror genre. The unsettling realism of the necromorphs and the grotesque environments contributed significantly to the game's success and lasting impact. So, next time you play Dead Space, remember the disturbing dedication of its creators to authenticity and fear.