Video games and esports analytics provider Newzoo has revealed four new Latin American partnerships, with LOUD, GGTech Entertainment, Todosgamers, and Infamous Gaming. 

Amsterdam-based Newzoo will use data collected from its new partners to strengthen its esports markets forecasts, while the organisations themselves will benefit from detailed insights and analytics.

Discussing the partnerships Head of Esports at Newzoo, Remer Rietkerk, said:

“Latin America is one of the most exciting and promising esports markets in the world. By expanding our partnership base in the region, we not only further enhance our understanding of the market as a whole, but we’re also able to track the nuances that make its individual esports scenes (from Mexico and Colombia to Brazil and Chile) so unique.”

While CEO of Peru-based Infamous Gaming, Christian Andres Roque Castillo, added:

“We are happy to work with Newzoo. The global data and consumer insights are very useful, and the company is the world’s leading provider of games and esports analytics. This collaboration will help us make more accurate decisions on the esports market and understand quickly the trends in our public.”

And, Chief Strategy Officer of Brazil-based LOUD, Matt How, noted:

“LOUD has always relied on data to support our company strategy. Being in a new thriving industry such as esports allows us to constantly break the mold as we look for the best strategy to expand our business. In doing so, we must concentrate our efforts and resources efficiently; having Newzoo’s market insights is so pivotal as it allows us to be lean and data-driven whether for local or international goals.”

Newzoo uses the data it collects from its many partnerships to provide unique insights for its platform subscribers, and to compile reports, including its annual Global Esports Market Report.

GGTech Entertainment is aiming to build a worldwide community of technological innovation and business through esports and educational programs, while Todosgamers runs gaming communities for publishers and brands through its agency, esports platform and studio. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Newzoo’s constant efforts to expand its partnership program mean it has access to an incredible amount of data – which is becoming ever more valuable as organisations and businesses attempt to drive monetisation. 

The range of partnerships Newzoo has is particularly notable. In addition to dedicated partnerships with esports organisations and suppliers, it also harvests data from the wider gaming and esports community. For example, earlier this month the company expanded its collaboration with Reddit, adding sentiment and topic analysis insights to its platform. 

‘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.

Red Bull Racing Esports have opened a new state-of-the-art sim racing training facility in Milton Keynes, UK. 

Set to be the new home of the Red Bull Racing Esports Team, the facility will be used for training and competition, and also as an academy hub for aspiring sim racers.

Featuring a training area, competition area, console area, and diver locker area, the new facility is going to be named by fans, who have already submitted more than 4,000 entries through Red Bull Racing Esports’ Playseat competition. 

The training area is equipped with six F1 Esports Pro Series spec Playseats, each with Fantec setup and 240hz AOC screens, connected to a 9×9 video wall which displays driver data. A Citrix data dashboard is also provided for the Team Manager. 

In the competition area there are triple-screen setups and direct-drive wheelbases, providing force feedback. The console area provides a relaxed environment where team members can chill out, and is equipped with a 65” Philips OLED TVs, Playstation 5s, Xbox Series X, Playseat PUMA Gaming chairs, and Sonos Arc with additional speakers for Dolby Atmos surround sound.

The new facility will also be available for hire for a given number of days annually, and guided tours of the Red Bull Racing facility will also be offered. 

AYO.NEWS says:

That is one nice set-up and we’re sure the Red Bull team will appreciate the investment! Will it translate into more success in the Formula 1 Esports Series? We’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime, if anyone wants to book the facility for my birthday, it’s in June 🙂

‘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.

GameCo has partnered with US Bookmaking and Sky Ute Casino Resort to launch the United States first esports-dedicated sportsbook.

Initially, the esportsbook will be available digitally on premises at the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Colorado, and online to residents and visitors to the state. 

Las Vegas-based GameCo will leverage its partnerships with Askott Entertainment, GRID, and 10Start, in conjunction with its esports betting solution, to power a full 24/7 in-play betting offering. 

Discussing the new esportsbook, Sky Ute Casino Resort Assistant General Manager, Travis Garlick, said:

“Esports mobile betting has always been on the horizon and now the Sky Ute Casino Resort is excited to enter the arena. In conjunction with Sky Ute Casino’s service providers, U.S. Bookmaking, and GameCo, Sky Ute selected these associates to provide a unique customer experience that will infuse the world of esports with the excitement of the casino industry.”

While Co-founder and CEO of GameCo, Blaine Graboyes, added:

“GameCo is proud to work with US Bookmaking and Sky Ute to continue moving the industry forward by providing the first-ever dedicated esports book in the U.S. We are thrilled to provide a comprehensive solution that enhances the esports betting industry for our Colorado players wherever and whenever they want to play, and we’re looking forward to bringing these kinds of innovations to additional US markets soon.”

In August, GameCo launched a dedicated esports brand, iGameCo. Its esports betting solution combines Askott Entertainment’s Chameleon Gaming Platform, GRID’s data and streaming solutions, and 10Star’s trading services. 

To ensure compliance with Colorado’s regulatory framework, the project is being overseen and monitored by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) to ensure match and wagering integrity. 

AYO.NEWS says:

GameCo has been leading the way in terms of introducing video game-style skill-based elements into casino gaming for some time, so it seems natural it would enter the esports betting industry. Though this initial launch is rather geographically limited, we’re sure it won’t be long until it rolls out into other regulated US markets. 

In September, AYO.NEWS’ very own Simona Pinterova caught up with GameCo CEO & Co-founder, Blaine Graboyes, to find out more about the newly launched iGameCo brand. 

‘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.

Major League Soccer (MLS) and Electronic Arts have announced the competitive schedule and new online format for the 2021 season of eMLS, Major League Soccer’s esports league. 

The season will feature a $70,000 prize pool and will be headlined by eMLS Cup presented by Coca-Cola on March 20-21. Competition will occur on EA SPORTS™ FIFA 21 and will be played exclusively on PlayStation®4 (PS4).

With the health and safety of all participants at the forefront, the entirety of the 2021 competitive eMLS season will be online. Two clubs are new to eMLS next season – Inter Miami CF and Saint Louis City SC – which puts total club participation at 27. 

Each Club is represented by a professional FIFA player in all eMLS competitions in a quest to be crowned the best FIFA ‘21 player in North America. Some Clubs are retaining their FIFA player from last season while other Clubs will be signing new players. The full 2021 eMLS roster will be released on Thursday.

Looking forward to the new season Senior Vice President of Properties and Events, Major League Soccer, Camilo Durana, said:

“With an expanded roster of clubs and the return of many of our top competitors, we’re excited to announce our 2021 eMLS season.

 “eMLS has become a successful and important part of our annual calendar, enabling our League and clubs to connect with fans across North America and all over the world, while highlighting our most exciting players. With the continued and enhancing support of our partners and increasingly competitive field, this eMLS season promises to be our best season yet.”

While Group Director & FIFA Competitive Gaming Commissioner, Brent Koning, added:

“The popularity of the eMLS continues to grow as this marquee tournament is another example of FIFA’s elevation into a tier one esport.

“Our partnership with MLS and the 27 MLS clubs provides another engaging avenue for attracting new fans and partners to the sport through compelling competition.”

The 2021 eMLS season will be comprised of three live-streamed tournaments that each take place over the course of two days, doubling the content hours of the 2020 eMLS season. 

The season will kick off in January with eMLS League Series One presented by Coca-Cola, continue in February with eMLS League Two presented by Coca-Cola and conclude in March with eMLS Cup presented by Coca-Cola. 

Ahead of each League Series, all 27 Clubs will play in online qualifier games with the top 8 Clubs in points making it to the respective League Series knockout tournament. After League Series concludes, the top 11 Clubs in total points will automatically qualify for eMLS Cup. 

The remaining 16 Clubs will compete in a Last Chance Qualifier tournament to battle for the final 12th seed of eMLS Cup. The New York Red Bull’s eMLS competitor, George Adamou, is the reigning eMLS Cup champion from 2020.

2021 eMLS Season Schedule:

• Jan. 16-17 – League Series One
• Feb. 13-14 – League Series Two
• March 20-21 – eMLS Cup

Fans can tune in to all three competitions (detailed below) on Twitch.tv/MLS, Twitter.com/MLS and MLSsoccer.com.

eMLS is an Official League Partner of the EA SPORTS™ FIFA Global Series – the global competitive FIFA ecosystem – whereby players can advance from the FIFA 21 Global Series Playoffs to the FIFA eWorld Cup. 

The Global Series shifted to a completely online format and will be region-based in 2021. eMLS is a Tier 1 League Qualifier for the North America region which enables the top three finishers at eMLS Cup to receive direct seats to the PS4™ Global Series North America Regional Playoffs.

eMLS players finished the FIFA 20 global competitive season in strong form and will look to keep up the momentum for FIFA 21. FC Cincinnati’s eMLS player, FCC Fiddle, and Atlanta United’s eMLS player, Paulo Neto, were champions of the North America and South America EA SPORTS™ FIFA 20 Summer Cups, respectively. With these two trophies, eMLS finished the FIFA 20 season with more regional titles than any other domestic soccer league in the world.

New this season, JLab becomes the official audio and microphone partner of eMLS and competitors will wear JLab Play headphones and use Talk Microphones. eMLS competitions will also feature SCUF Gaming controllers. Specializing in high-performance customized gaming controllers and accessories, SCUF controllers enable gamers to improve their gameplay by completely redefining control.

Cheez-It® & Pringles® are returning as the Official Snack Partner of eMLS and will be the presenting partner of eMLS Player Lounges and eMLS Player Profiles, a digital series highlighting the player’s personal stories. PlayStation® continues its partnership as the Official Console Partner. Coca-Cola continues its partnership as the Official Carbonated Beverages and Water Partner and will be the presenting partner of eMLS League Series and eMLS Cup.

For more information on eMLS, including participating clubs and player signings, visit www.MLSsoccer.com/eMLS.

AYO.NEWS says:

No doubt many will be disappointed to learn that yet another major esports tournament has been forced totally online, but still, we expect this year’s action will be more popular than ever, which can only be a good thing for the entire FIFA esports ecosystem in the long-run. 

‘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.

Red Bull Wololo, the Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition 1v1 online tournament, is set to return for a third season in January 2021. 

From 2 January, competitors will battle it out on a global stage, to find out who can forge the strongest civilisation. According to organisers, there’s going to be a brand new story introduced, and the prize pool is the biggest yet.

The competition will be split into two parts, with Open Qualifiers taking place over two weekends, and the eight qualifier winners invited to the finals to take on the top eight pros from II and Age of Empires professional players Mr_Yo, TheViper, Hera, Liereyy, TaToH, TheMax, Nicov, and Capoch.

Qualifier prizes, including official Red Bull Wololo hoodies, gaming mousepads, AOC Gaming monitors, and custom engraved wooden tankards, will be awarded to the top 128 players. The 16-person Finals will take place over five days, from 16 January, with a “remarkable prize pool” up for grabs. 

The Red Bull Wololo III will see players face off in one-on-one competition in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. Starting in the Feudal Age, the action will rage across 12 new and existing maps. A new story will add a unique twist to the overall narrative – with players representing Asian Civilisation, rather than the Western one of Red Bull Wololo I and II. 

The event will be streamed globally and hosted by well-known Age of Empires 2 casters, including T90Official, Nili_Aoe and Dave_Aoe.

Red Bull Wololo III takes place on the following dates and at the following times. You can catch the main event on the official Red Bull Twitch and YouTube channels.

Qualifier 1: Saturday, January 2 & Sunday, January 3

Qualifier 2: Saturday, January 9 & Sunday, January 10

Main Event: Saturday, January 16 & Sunday, January 17

Main Event: Friday, January 22 & Sunday, January 24

AYO.NEWS says:

Games like Age of Empires might not grab the esports limelight like other titles, but it’s an extremely popular title and makes for very interesting competitive play, so it’s great to see Red Bull is continuing to support Wololo. 

‘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.

Queens Gaming Collective has announced a new monthly streaming series called QueensVS. 

The new series will highlight the new female-led collective’s talent, and is being billed as a “celebration of women empowerment and inclusivity.” QueensVS starts with 5-hour live stream on Thursday 17 December at 3pm (PT). 

It will also form part of the line-up for the Entertainment Software Association Foundation’s Say Goodbye to 2020 For Good charity streaming event, which will feature influencers, celebrities, and streamers playing popular games to raise awareness and funds for selected charities, including the Foundation’s scholarship program. 

You can donate to the cause at Tiltify. 

As reported last month, Queens Gaming Collective has raised $1.5M in a seed funding round led by BITKRAFT Ventures, and has put together an impressive advisory board, including top experts from the H. Wood Group, along with senior executives from Amazon, Spotify, TikTok, and Twitch.

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