Asia
Esports officially arrives in Japan, home of game giants
A crowd cheers, banging on balloons, in front of glitzy stages, each with a giant screen. The rising stars at the sprawling Makuhari Messe hall are the quietly seated men in hoodies and T-shirts, with names like Noppi and Refresh, jiggling on buttons and grimacing at screens.
Esports has officially arrived in Japan.
Although Japan is home to video game giants like Nintendo Corp., Sony Corp. and Bandai Namco, massive game fans as well as individual star game players, it’s surprisingly behind the rest of the world in esports — professional game-playing recognized as a sport that’s vibrant in the U.S. and Europe.
But with talk that elite computer gaming may become an official Olympic sport, Japan is determined to catch up.
Esports has become a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games, a sign that mainstream recognition is growing. Global esports fans are estimated to number 500 million by 2020, according to game-market researcher Newzoo.
Japan Esports Union, or JESU, was launched Feb. 1 to promote esports, issue licenses to professional players in Japan, standardize rules and qualifications and support and nurture future players. The union has won the backing of Japan’s game software makers as well as technology companies, such as video-sharing niconico.
That means big money can be legally up for grabs at tournaments, expected to spring up here, with powerful sectors at work to make sure esports is booming in Japan.
Game Party Japan 2018, at Makuhari, in the Tokyo suburb of Chiba, began Saturday and continues through Sunday as the first esports event after JESU was set up. The biggest cash prize goes to the winner of mobile game Monster Strike at 8 million yen ($73,000).
One reason Japan fell behind the rest of the world in esports is that Japanese game fans tend to play solitary games, like role-playing games, in contrast to the contest-style games that thrive in esports in the rest of the world, said JESU Vice President Hirokazu Hamamura.
But the appeal of watching esports is much like regular sports, such as soccer or baseball, Hamamura and other advocates say.
“It’s the story that is there,” he said.
Leopold Chung, an official with the International Esports Federation, or IeSF, which promotes esports, was at the weekend event to meet with JESU officials.
Chung said that anti-doping requirements, legal help with contracts and the protection of retired players are crucial. He believes esports holds potential for places like Africa because of the ability of digital technology to bring down borders.
“Because of the technology, our communities are connected,” he said.
Even esports believers acknowledge hurdles remain before “Call of Duty” can become as culturally mainstream as the 100-meter dash. Such violent games would be out at the Olympics, for one. And the Olympics’ nonprofit banner may conflict with the commercial nature of video games, they say.
“It’s a great alternative for children rather than watching TV all the time,” said Chester King, chief executive of British Esports Association and eGames, who is leading the push for esports to become a legitimate sport
“It’s like chess. You never get a parent saying to a child ‘you’re playing too much chess,'” he added, stressing that video games are good for mental fitness.
At the esports finals of “Street Fighter,” winner and star player Itabashi Zangief posed before cameras and received a trophy and cash prize, after smashing his opponent in a dazzling knockout on the screen.
“I played a good game, but I need to work harder,” he told the crowd.
Akihito Sato, a 28-year-old salesman, who was watching, said the appeal of esports is how quickly the satisfaction comes, unlike other spectator sports.
“When a match gets close, it’s so exciting to watch,” said Sato. “But it’s over in something like three minutes. It’s instant.”
Source: abcnews.go.com
Zitro showcased its latest innovations at this year’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia, held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. The event served as a stage to highlight Zitro’s new range of products and increased notably its presence in the Asian gaming market.
“Over the past years, we have established a strong presence in the Philippines, and we are determined to expand our reach in other countries within the region as well”, expressed Nadège Teyssedre, Zitro’s EMEA Director. “Asia is a key market for us, and we understand the importance of adapting our offering to the local culture. To that end, we have invested significant efforts into developing a wide range of games that cater to the tastes and preferences of this dynamic market”.
The Altius Glare cabinet featured the spectacular brand-new games Fú Shòu Link and Epic Kingdom. Fú Shòu Link is a 4-level multi-game inspired by oriental mythology, with an impressive Bonus Link and enhanced Boost feature. Epic Kingdom showcased a 3-level Bonus link, where players can win the MEGA with just 1 mega symbol at the final level.
The IIlusion Glare cabinet featured games such as Colossus Fire, with 2 scalable and independent progressive levels that vary based on the player’s denomination. Also on display was the popular Asian-themed title, Bashiba Link.
Among the slot highlights for the Allure Glare cabinet was Fu Pots, offering up to 7 different bonus links. This exciting lineup also included Mighty Hammer, and the award-winning 88 Link.
The company’s online division, Zitro Digital, showcased its product portfolio for online casinos such as the recently launched Bashiba Link series with its Emperor game, in addition to the 88 Link series featuring Kokeshi Dolls, Maneki Neko, Daruma Mystery, and Koinobori Party. These titles are now part of a wide range of video slots, including popular products such as Link King, Link Me, and the Pick & Win Series, as well as the most extensive collection of video bingo games in the market.
In the words of Zitro’s International President, Sebastián Salat: “We are truly humbled and deeply grateful for the overwhelming response and resonance our products received at G2E Asia. Our goal is to approach the Asian market in a broader sense, by developing a range of products thoughtfully adapted to the unique tastes and requirements of players in this market. The extraordinary level of positive feedback of our products is proof that we are moving in the right direction. We are inspired by this success to continue pushing boundaries and expanding our offering and ensuring that our products provide the best gaming experiences for players across the region”.
BMM Testlabs, the world’s original gaming test lab and product certification consultancy, is pleased to attend the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore between May 30 to June 1, 2023. BMM Testlabs’ expert team in Singapore is prepared to discuss BMM’s many services for the global gaming industry throughout the event.
“BMM Testlabs is pleased to participate in the G2E Asia exhibition this year in Singapore as the industry in Asia rebounds from the challenges of recent years,” the APACAF Executive Vice-President and General Manager for BMM Testlabs, Kirk White, said. “G2E Asia is a leading event for the gaming entertainment industry in the region, so the opportunity to attend is important for our team. Throughout the exhibition our team of experts will connect with our clients to support and guide them with their upcoming compliance strategies.
“BMM Testlabs is monitoring the many ongoing changes to technical compliance requirements in various markets globally, so we encourage all G2E Asia attendees to visit our Singapore office and our team attending G2E Asia in Singapore to receive important updates and information.”
“BMM Testlabs remains the testing laboratory of choice throughout Asia, providing local support for Asian manufacturers, content providers and operators,” the Asia Business Development Vice-President for BM Testlabs, Jeffrey Fong, said. “BMM Testlabs offers an unmatched understanding of the region’s technical compliance requirements and our team of experts will be available at G2E Asia Singapore to provide professional help and expertise to all attendees to ensure the compliance of gaming products now and in the future.”
BMM Testlabs is committed to delivering the highest quality certification and compliance services for both land-based and iGaming gaming products. BMM Testlabs tests and certifies EGMs, ETGs, CMS and other land-based products. For iGaming, BMM is the premier testing laboratory for certifying IP blocking, sports betting platforms and games and live slot and table solutions specific to the market. BMM Testlabs also provides the best customer experience for on-time certification that is within budget in the region.
To schedule appointments with BMM Testlabs’ world-renowned product certification and compliance services teams, please contact Jeffrey Fong (Jeffrey.Fong @ BMM.com) or Vineet Malhotra, Asia Technical Services and Compliance Vice-President for BMM Testlabs, (VMalhotra @ BMM.com).
BetConstruct is set to turn some heads with its cutting-edge products and solutions at the upcoming G2E Asia being held May 30 – June 1, in Singapore.
G2E Asia is one of the premier events in the iGaming market for major stakeholders and players to explore the latest trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the Asian gaming sector. The event will centre around networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration opportunities for key executives in the industry.
BetConstruct will use this medium to unveil its latest advancements in gaming technology and bring its extensive portfolio of cutting-edge products and solutions, aimed at revolutionising the gaming experience.
The main highlights of the event include the groundbreaking Fastex ecosystem with innovative ftNFT terminals and Esports-focused Sportsbook solutions. The ftNFT terminal is a state-of-the-art solution allowing visitors to buy and sell NFTs right from the spot. Additionally, with the Esports industry experiencing immense growth, BetConstruct’s sports betting solution provides operators dynamic and engaging Esports betting experience with its live streaming capabilities, real-time odds and extensive market coverage.
Visitors can also explore BetConstruct’s land-based offerings at its dedicated corner, as well as learn more about FeedConstruct products and how to implement them in their business.
BetConstruct will showcase its vast catalogue of offerings at stand B1307 in Marina Bay Sands from May 30 to June 1. All visitors are welcome to join one of the biggest iGaming events in the area and engage in the pool of possibilities.
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