Pixel P&L: Esports Production Insights and Tamil Nadu’s Online Gaming Curbs

Good morning! It’s Thursday, June 13. In today’s edition, we explore the intricate world of esports producers, examining their roles, skill sets, and earning potential. We also cover Tamil Nadu’s new legislation aimed at curbing online gaming hours, and more. 

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Anticipation is electrifying as the sold-out BGMI esports tournament in Mumbai kicks off. An arena transformed with neon lights and digital screens hosts 16 elite teams, with fans buzzing in excitement. Backstage, players and organizers ensure every detail is perfect, leading up to the 1:00 PM start.

But what does it take to bring such a grand event to life? Our in-depth article uncovers the secrets behind the scenes, revealing the meticulous work and diverse skills needed to become an esports producer. They are the backbone of every major tournament, coordinating everything from stage design to live broadcasts. From technical wizardry to flawless coordination, learn how these unsung heroes make the magic happen.

Plus, we break down the potential earnings in this field. Curious about how much you could make turning your gaming passion into a career? Discover the lucrative world of esports production and what it takes to thrive in this high-stakes industry in Aditya’s latest feature that details the journey of becoming an esports producer, highlighting essential skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and technical expertise.

South Indian state Tamil Nadu is moving toward passing legislation that places time and usage curbs on online and real money games, according to a report from The Economic Times (ET). The initiative is spearheaded by the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority (TNOGA), a five-member regulatory body formed in August 2023 to oversee online games in the state.

ET reports that TNOGA convened with top state government officials and senior gaming industry representatives, deciding to regulate all online games uniformly and focus on the time spent on gaming platforms to address addiction.

This initiative follows Tamil Nadu's April 2022 law that banned online games of skill like poker and rummy through the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022. The law was challenged by skill gaming companies at the Madras High Court. In its November 2023 judgment, the court ruled that the ban would be restricted to games of chance, leaving skill-based games like rummy and poker outside its scope. The state government then escalated the case to the Supreme Court, where it is still pending a hearing.

Krafton Announces BGMI Awards 2024

Krafton has announced the inaugural BGMI Awards 2024, a month-long in-game celebration for Battlegrounds Mobile India content creators and esports athletes. The event features 30 content creators across three categories: Jod Creators, Fashion Ke Deewane, and Esports Game Changers. Notable nominees include Mortal, Lolzzz, Dynamo, Payal, Kaashvi, Jonathan, Scout, and Goblin, who will be prominently featured in-game and on billboards. An exclusive offline BGMI Awards Pre-show will take place in Goa from June 3 to 6, and the event will be officially launched on June 8. 

Tata Play Debuts Ad-Free Anime Channel in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam

Tata Play has launched Anime Local, a dedicated anime channel. This ad-free channel broadcasts anime in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam to Tata Play subscribers for ₹2 per day on channel 681. Series featured include Naruto, Sergeant Keroro, Ninjaboy Rantaro, Naruto Shippuden, Black Clover, and Robotan, the same shows that air on Sony YAY! and Anime Booth with Airtel DTH. Anime Local can also be streamed on the Tata Play mobile app.

Singapore-based Team Flash and Ninjas in Pyjamas Forge Strategic MLBB Partnership

Singapore-based Team Flash and Swedish esports organization Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) have announced a strategic partnership in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). This collaboration marks NIP's entry into MLBB and positions Team Flash as the first Singaporean team to partner with a global esports organization. Under the new moniker NIP Flash, the team will compete in the MPL Singapore Season 7 playoffs, aiming to advance to the MLBB Mid Season Cup 2024 in Riyadh. The partnership also includes a co-branded logo and plans for collaborative merchandise.

Team Vitality Enters Honor of Kings with New Roster

French esports organization Team Vitality has unveiled a new roster for Honor of Kings, set to debut at the Honor of Kings Invitational Season 2 in Kuala Lumpur on June 29. This marks Team Vitality's entry into the game’s competitive scene, enhancing its global presence. Notably, Team Vitality is the only Western European organization in the Honor of Kings Partnership Program. 

Did you know that Tetris holds the unique distinction of being the first video game played in outer space? In 1993, Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr A. Serebrov made history by bringing his personal copy of Tetris on a Game Boy to the MIR Space Station. The game and the handheld console departed Earth on 1 July 1993 aboard the Soyuz TM-17 rocket.

During his off-time while orbiting the planet, Serebrov indulged in playing Tetris, making it the first video game to be enjoyed beyond our atmosphere. "Like all cosmonauts, I love sport. My particular favorites are football and swimming. During flight, in rare minutes of leisure, I enjoyed playing Game Boy," Serebrov wrote in an autographed note that accompanied the game and console at a 2011 auction.