Pixel P&L: What’s Holding Back Cloud Gaming in India

Good morning. It’s Monday, July 8. In today’s feature story, we delve into the myriad of cloud gaming options available in India, examining why these services still fall short for the discerning gamer. 

We also highlight Revenant Esports' triumph in VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2, Nintendo’s take on AI, and the shocking incident of a man unnoticed for 30 hours after dying in a PC café.

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In 2019, Jio promised to revolutionize gaming with JioFiber, offering 4K gaming through almost any controller. Akash Ambani himself flaunted seamless FIFA 19 gameplay. But fast forward to 2024, and where are those blockbuster games and epic multiplayer experiences?

FIFA is MIA, multiplayer games are scarce, and the Microsoft partnership fizzled out. Yet, JioGamesCloud, launched in December 2023 with over 300 games, insists it’s ready to dominate. And they’re not alone – AntCloud and Xtreme Gaming Services are jumping into the fray with bold claims.

Abhimannu tested multiple of these services for our latest feature, expecting mind-blowing experiences. The verdict? A complex mix of affordability, accessibility, and significant drawbacks. Is India on the cusp of a gaming revolution, or are these promises just smoke and mirrors?

Revenant Esports clinched the championship title in the VALORANT Challengers South Asia Split 2, securing their spot at the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Ascension: Pacific. Remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, the team earned the championship trophy along with a $20,000 prize.

In September 2024, Revenant Esports will face formidable opponents from Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, and other regions in Tokyo, competing for a coveted place in the VCT Pacific League 2025.

The LAN playoffs, hosted by NODWIN Gaming in collaboration with Riot Games, showcased high-stakes matches at the NODWIN Gaming Arena in Chattarpur. Revenant Esports triumphed over top regional contenders, including Velocity Gaming, True Rippers, and Orangutan. The event drew significant attention, peaking at 13,155 viewers and maintaining an average concurrent viewership of 3,761, with a total of 178,332 hours watched.

Nintendo Prioritizes Unique Value Amidst Growing AI Trends, Cites Intellectual Property Concerns

Nintendo remains cautious about generative AI, despite its potential for technological advancements. Addressing investors, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa highlighted ongoing issues with intellectual property rights associated with AI. "In the game industry, AI-like technology has long been used to control enemy character movements," Furukawa noted, emphasizing Nintendo's decade-long expertise in creating optimal gaming experiences. He assured that the company will remain flexible in adapting to technological developments while focusing on delivering unique value that cannot be replicated by technology alone. 

Esports World Cup Teams Up with Amazon and Jameel Motorsport

The Esports World Cup, currently taking place in Saudi Arabia, has partnered with Amazon and Jameel Motorsport. Amazon will offer discount codes to ticket holders and integrate Esports World Cup-related questions into its Alexa digital assistant. Jameel Motorsport, a division of Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, will feature activities such as karting and VR racing. Additionally, the event will include a 'Jameel Motorsport Park,' where fans can participate in motorsport-related activities and purchase co-branded merchandise. These partnerships aim to enhance attendee engagement and expand the event's reach, according to a release.

Watch Dogs Movie Begins Filming After Decade-Long Wait

The long-awaited Watch Dogs movie adaptation has commenced filming, Ubisoft confirmed via social media on Wednesday. The post featured a clapboard from the set, marking the start of production more than a decade after the project was first announced. The film is directed by French filmmaker Mathieu Turi and produced by New Regency Productions. The screenplay, penned by Christie LeBlanc with revisions by Victoria Bata, features Australian actress Sophie Wilde and Tom Blyth. Margaret Boykin, head of content at Ubisoft Film & Television, is producing alongside New Regency. The adaptation brings the popular video game series to the big screen.

Man Dies in Chinese Internet Cafe, Staff Unaware for 30 Hours

A 29-year-old man died in an internet cafe in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, remaining unnoticed for 30 hours as staff assumed he was asleep, according to a report by South China Morning Post. The man entered the cafe on June 1 for a lengthy gaming session and was last seen getting breakfast on June 2. When a worker found him unresponsive on June 3 at 10 p.m., police were called. The cafe’s boss explained that employees often avoid waking customers to prevent irritation. The man's brother-in-law criticized the cafe for failing to notice his condition earlier while local police continue to investigate the incident.

In 2008, a Texas high school sparked national debate by suspending and later expelling a student for creating a virtual map of his school in the popular PC shooting game Counter-Strike. The student, an avid gamer and aspiring game designer, meticulously recreated the school's layout, complete with hallways, classrooms, and other key features. The map, intended for use in the game's multiplayer mode, was discovered by school officials who viewed it as a potential threat.

The decision to expel the student was driven by concerns over school safety, especially in the wake of numerous school shootings across the country. However, the incident also highlighted a clash between digital creativity and real-world implications. Critics argued that the school's response was an overreaction, stifling the student's creativity and interest in game design. Supporters of the expulsion maintained that any simulation of a school environment in a violent game could be perceived as a precursor to real-world violence.