USA Basketball is creating an E-National Team ahead of FIBA Esports Open II, inviting 30 of the top NBA 2K players for try-outs. 

The hopefuls will prove their skills this weekend in online virtual try-outs, where they will be divided into six different teams, competing in a round-robin tournament. 

Selecting the players will be USA Basketball E-National Team selection panelists, including NBA 2K League Community Ambassador Graham Borden; Wizards District Gaming Team Manager Patrick Crossan; Utah Jazz Gaming Coach Jelani Mitchell; Aerial Powers, 2015 World University Games gold medal winner and forward with WNBA Washington Mystics; and USA Basketball Youth & Sport Development Assistant Director Andrea Travelstead.

Seven players will be chosen to form a national team that will represent the United States at the FIBA Esports Open II, in the North and Central American Conference on 19-20 December, where they will compete against teams from Canada, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Puerto Rico. 

The 30 players who have accepted try-out invitations are:

• Amber  Sammons – “ABPureblood20”/HeartCrushers
• Wendi  Fleming – “ALittleLady87”/BallHerAlert
• Aaron  Rookwood – “Arooks”/Bucks Gaming
• Michael  Key – “BearDaBeast”/T-Wolves Gaming 
• Charles  Bostwick – “CB13”/Warriors Gaming Squad
• Chiquita  Evans – “Chiquitae126”/BallHerAlert 
• Rafel Davis – “Crush”Kings/Guard Gaming 
• Ryan Conger – “Dayfr”/Wizards District Gaming
• Artreyo Boyd – ”Dimez”/Mavs Gaming 
• Alaina Haney – “DjLayyy”/HeartCrushers
• Mihad Feratovic – “FEAST”/T-Wolves Gaming
• Dayvon Curry – “G O O F Y 7 5 7”/Grizz Gaming
• Samuel Salyers – “Gradient”/Warriors Gaming Squad
• Hazel Childress – “HazelChildress”/BallHerAler 
• Juan Gonzalez – “Hotshot”/Heat Check Gaming
• Brianna Novin – “icygrl”/BallHerAlert
• Ziah Minor – “iKilledZiah”/HeartCrushers
• John Mascone – “JBM”/Wizards District Gaming
• Kenneth Hailey – “Kenny Got Work”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Jake Knapp – “Legit 973”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Nidal Nasser – “Mama Im Dat Man”/Kings Guard Gaming
• Dayne Downey – “OneWildWalnut”/Blazer5 Gaming
• Malik Hobson – “OriginalMalik”/Knicks Gaming
• Ethan White – “Radiant”/76ers GC
• Ramo Radoncic – “Ramo”/Pistons GT
• Reginald Nash Jr. – “Regg”/Bucks Gaming
• Spencer Wyman – “Ria”/Jazz Gaming
• Gerald Knapp – “Sick One”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Eric Donald – “Timelycook513”/Raptors Uprising GC
• Zaeya Ishak – “Zae”/Hornets Venom GT

Though it will be the second FIBA Esports Open, the event marks USA Basketball’s entry into esports. The first round, which took place in June, involved five conferences with 114 players from 17 nations. For this round the event has been expanded to 38 national teams and seven regional conferences. Games will be played remotely on NBA 2K32, using the Pro-AM mode.

AYO.NEWS says:

It’s great to see USA Basketball get involved with the rapidly growing NBA 2K scene. Considering the first FIBA Esports Open, in June 2020, was such a big hit – attracting over 5 million social media views on the FIBA and National Federations’ social channels alone – we’re sure the second, expanded round will be an even bigger success, and demonstrate just how exciting basketball esports can be. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

Esports and influencer-focused data-driven payments platform Edge, has secured $1.5M USD in a funding round.

Blake Picquiet, co-owner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, led the investment round, which also attracted participation from Green Egg Ventures, Game Tech Partners, and Robert Reeg, former President of Mastercard Global Technologies.

London-based Edge uses blockchain-based smart contracts to automate the entire payment process, including contracting, payments, data tracking, management and analysis, and KYC and identity verification.

The solution integrates directly with games including Rainbow Six Siege, Overwatch, Call of Duty, CS:GO, DOTA2, League of Legends, and Fortnite, along with social platforms, including Instagram, Twitch, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, and Discord.  

The company says it will use the new capital to improve marketing and business development, and further develop its technology – including its new Edge Sandbox, designed to enable smart contracts to be created easily and quickly. 

Discussing the news co-founder and CEO of Edge, Adam Whyte, said:

“When we started Edge we were very focused on the value of smart contracts for both businesses and the individual. The esports and video games industry is young and fast-paced, and unfortunately certain processes and regulations often fall by the wayside.

“Our ambition initially was to create something that would make the industry safer, and over time we’ve found our Edge technology has multiple purposes. We see huge value in connecting data, contracts and payments. If you’re running an influencer campaign and the required content isn’t posted, the contract isn’t fulfilled and payment won’t be made. We can monitor in-game and social performance and only pay when content is delivered. It’s as simple as that.”

While lead investor Picquet added:

“We invested in Edge because we believe in their vision. Using data to power and automate business makes sense in a global economy that is increasingly measured in reach, clicks, likes and engagements.

“We love the intersection of sports, tech, and media investments. Edge is enabling the growth of the influencer, streaming, and gaming industries by providing a purpose-built solution. Edge uses new world solutions for new world industries. 

“Their executive team couldn’t be better assembled to tackle this complicated problem with a simple solution. We are excited to give Edge lift-off internationally and look forward to supporting their growth in the US initially.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Even for the most experienced, the complexities of handling payment processes and remaining compliant can be tedious, time-consuming, and frustrating, so smart contract-based platforms like Edge offer a fantastic solution, and it’s great to see the company get the backing it deserves. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

Electronic Arts (EA), the National Hockey League (NHL), and the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA), have renewed their partnership. 

The multi-year renewal will enable EA SPORTS to continue to develop the officially licensed NHL video game, EA SPORTS NHL® 21 for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. It follows a similar renewal of its licensing deal with the National Football League (NFL) earlier this year. EA SPORTS also publishes the officially licensed FIFA series. 

Commenting on the partnership Executive Vice President & Group GM, EA SPORTS, Cam Weber, said:

“We are thrilled to accelerate fun hockey experiences for years to come pushing the industry forward with our long-time NHL and NHLPA partners.

“The EA SPORTS NHL franchise these past 30 years has become synonymous with hockey culture, and this extension will ensure it remains at the forefront of connecting millions of fans around the world to the sport through interactive entertainment.”

While NHL Chief Brand Officer & Senior Executive Vice President, Brian Jennings, added:

“EA SPORTS NHL continues to introduce new fans to the sport through its realistic and entertaining approach to the game.

“The past eight months illustrates how EA is a critical extension to real-world sports, as fans turned to EA SPORTS NHL to play and watch hockey while we temporarily paused during the pandemic. 

“Our shared approach for competitive gaming has enabled the League to create a touchpoint to younger fans who may experience the NHL for the first time through EA SPORTS NHL. Sustained connection that enhances fandom is what EA delivers and we look forward to continuing the incredible partnership.”

Although the NHL’s official esports ecosystem is not as developed as other major franchises, like NBA 2K League, it has been steadily developing, with the league expanding its commercial esports partnerships through deals with companies like Honda and Great Clips. 

EA SPORTS also recently released a special retro version, NHL 94 Rewind, to give all those who appreciate the charm of old school 16bit games a treat. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Given the huge commercial success of EA SPORTS’ franchised titles, it’s almost inconceivable that this agreement wouldn’t be extended, but it’s still welcome news and illustrates the strength of the sim sports sector in video gaming and esports. 

Staying with the publisher, earlier this week the company announced it’s recent EA SPORTS™ FIFA 21 Challenge had smashed viewership records, with an Average Minute Audience of over 250K. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

In-app game app and mod creation and monetisation platform Overwolf has launched the beta version of its new CurseForge app.

The app is set to replace the mod tab in the Twitch client, and will help gamers and mod authors to manage mods and addons for supported games, starting with World of Warcraft. 

As previously reported, Overwolf acquired CurseForge from Twitch in the summer, with the aim of empowering mod authors to create better experiences, and help them earn a living from their creations. At the time, Overwolf had more than 30K creators and a library of more than 90K game mods and apps. 

Built on the Overwolf framework, the dedicated new app is available for Windows (with a Mac client to be launched on 17 November), and is launching ahead of the WoW Shadowlands expansion, giving gamers the chance to download addons before release. 

Discussing the news Overwolf CEO and Co-founder, Uri Marchand, said:

“We’re building our roadmap by listening to community suggestions on which features the players and mod authors would like to see in the new home for CurseForge. Essentially, we are giving the community the keys to shape the future of CurseForge.

“Overwolf is focused on empowering mod authors with tools and services to build, share and monetize their amazing gaming creations with gamers. As part of our mission to put in-game creators first, we are fully committed to paying CurseForge mod authors 50% more by 2022, compared to what they’re making today.”

While creator Mythic Dungeon Tools, one of the leading WoW addons with over 10M downloads, Nnoggie, added:

“CurseForge has always been the place where players could get the most up to date version of Mythic Dungeon Tools (MDT) and countless other great addons. Overwolf has reached out to the addon community to ask for feedback and ideas for potential new features to ensure that the development of the CurseForge platform benefits everyone including addon authors, but also the players. 

“A lot of changes have been made based on feedback and suggestions to improve the overall experience of the platform, and I am really excited to see what’s in store for CurseForge in the coming months.”

Support for Minecraft and other games should be added on 17 November 2020, and the Twitch client will be withdrawn from 30 November – from which point all exploration, updating, and downloading of mods and addons will be through the new CurseForge app and website.

Israel-based Overwolf now has a team of over 70 developers, product managers, designers, techies, and geeks, working to support gaming app developers and mod authors. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Though the modding scene was already evolving into an industry in its own right, the hard work and investment being put in by Overwolf is helping to create an infrastructure that will catalyse things further, constantly adding depth and value to games – which can only benefit modders, gamers, plus the original game developers and publishers. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

ONE Esports has teamed up with Chinese game developer Moonton, to create the Mobile Legends Professional League Invitational (MPLI). 

The event will feature 20 teams from across Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Singapore, to fight it out on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang to win a share of a $100K prize pool. The tournament will be livestreamed in five languages; Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa Melayu, Burmese, English, and Filipino. 

Discussing the news CEO of ONE Esports, Carlos Alimurung, said:

“I’m proud of how the ONE Esports and Moonton relationship has blossomed to now include this unique competition, which, for the first time, will enable the best teams from each of the four Mobile Legends Professional Leagues to compete in an online tournament.”

While Moonton Esports Managing Director, Lucas Mao, added:

“The MPL Invitational is an event that can give the opportunity for our teams from different MPL countries to play in a professional setting so as to gauge each region’s level of play against one another.”

And, Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Wishnutama Kusubandio, noted:

“I highly appreciate and support ONE Esports’ 2020 Mobile Legends Professional League Invitational as a virtual sports tourism event that will create compelling and engaging travel experience content to encourage domestic tourism travel in Indonesia, while adhering to health protocols.”

ONE Esports is the esports division of sports media company ONE Championship.

Moonton was founded in 2014, and has since developed three popular titles; Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Mobile Legends: Adventure, and Magic Rush. 

AYO.NEWS says:

The mobile esports ecosystem in Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing and most exciting in the world, so it’s great to see ONE Esports and Moonton create more opportunities for teams from the region. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is backing an initiative by esports organisation LDN UTD, aimed at tackling youth unemployment. 

Through the new LDN UTD Inter-Borough Esports Championships, young Londoners will be given the opportunity to compete against each other in FIFA 21 or NBA 2K. The tournaments will be streamed on Twitch and hosted by Rambo, founding member of LDN UTD’s Social Impact Thinktank and lead FIFA content creator. 

Youngsters in Hackney, Kingston, Lambeth, and Lewisham, will also get the chance to attend various digital workshops, hosted in partnership with Staffordshire University London – one of the first schools offering a specialised esports degree – the University of Salford, and the University of East London. The workshops will focus on subjects including video editing, social media management, and graphics design. 

Special guests, including FaZe Clan’s FIFA star Tassel ‘Tass’ Rushan will also be making appearances, and some lucky attendees will get the opportunity to intern for LDN UTD. 

Discussing the initiative Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“The growth of esports over the past 12 months has been considerable. The industry is generating millions of pounds for our economy, as well as creating much-needed jobs for our community, particularly here in London. With that growth comes a level of responsibility, and I am proud that my Sport Unites programme is able to help fund LDN UTD, an organisation who are using their platform and the power of esports.”

While Founder and CEO of LDN UTD, Oliver Weingarten, said:

“The broader perception of esports is often focused around the very best individuals or teams competing in global tournaments—but in reality, there are lots of other roles that play a vital part in creating this hyper-modern entertainment form and we’re hoping to shine a light on that over the coming months.

“As the epicenter of the UK’s esports industry, we want to encourage young people from across London that this isn’t just something you do at home with your friends, it really is a viable career option.”

LDN UTD currently fields teams in League of Legends and Dota 2, and has commercial partnerships with Razer, HyperX, Logitech G, ESL, Chipotle, Low Cost Glasses, 1080 Media TV, and Bio Synergy. 

AYO.NEWS says:

With the UK and other countries facing many years of economic hardship thanks to the insane actions of politicians, including Sadiq Khan, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s perhaps a little grating that the Mayor is involved with this otherwise extremely positive initiative. 

So, kudos to LDN UTD and everyone else involved in this project – we’re sure it will be the spark that leads to many exciting careers. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

All original content featured on this site is © Pentagon Digital Limited, 2020.