Skyesports, a premier global IP and community builder for gaming and esports, and Realme have wrapped up the Realme Campus Gaming League, a national collegiate esports tournament.

The Grand Finals took place at the SIGMA Auditorium, Sri Sairaam Engineering College, Chennai, and witnessed the top 16 college teams from across India compete in Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) to crown the champions.

Galactic Wolves emerged victorious, securing the title and taking home INR 200,000 from the event’s total prize pool of INR 400,000. The fight went down to the penultimate game, where Galactic Wolves secured a first-place finish to climb to the top of the overall standings.

The Realme Campus Gaming League was launched with a mission to empower college students across India and provide them with a platform to showcase their esports talents in BGMI. The tournament attracted record participation, with more than 2,700 teams from over 200 colleges nationwide vying for a spot in the Grand Finals. To ensure the representation of local talent, Skyesports also organized a local qualifier at the Sri Sairaam Engineering College, with two teams earning their place in the Finals.

Adding to the excitement, renowned gaming personalities Jonathan Gaming and Jelly graced the Grand Finals, interacting with participants and sharing valuable feedback. Jonathan Gaming, fresh from his third-place finish in the BGMI Pro Series (BMPS) 2024 with GodLIke Esports in Kochi, inspired the young competitors with his insights and experience.

Commenting on the tournament, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said, “Partnering with Realme for the Campus Gaming League has been an incredible experience, as they share our commitment to developing grassroots esports. This tournament was not only a thrilling spectacle for esports fans, but it also offered a platform for college students across India to showcase their talent. The high participation highlights the immense potential at the grassroots level and underscores the importance of fostering and nurturing this talent for the future of Indian esports.”

A Realme spokesperson said, “We are thrilled to support the burgeoning collegiate esports scene in India through the Realme Campus Gaming League. At the LAN Finals in Chennai, players competed in the Realme 13+ 5G which proved to be a formidable device for esports players and casual gamers alike. The event saw over 10,000 participants and garnered more than 250,000 views on social media, showcasing the immense interest and engagement in esports at the grassroots level.”

The Realme Campus Gaming League has set a new benchmark for collegiate esports in India, further cementing Skyesports’ and Realme’s commitment to supporting esports at all levels.

Music has always been seen as a universal language that breaks down barriers and brings together people from various cultures and backgrounds. Gaming is another medium with similar potential, and the relationship between the two stretches back decades to the iconic melodies of Super Mario.

As the world has progressed, so has the relationship between music and gaming. Today, they intersect in numerous innovative ways beyond just a simple theme song, yet their ability to captivate audiences through this immersive connection remains unchanged.

A standout instance of this evolving relationship are the virtual concerts held by well-renowned artists Marshmellow and Travis Scott in the popular game Fortnite. Just as halftime performances at the Super Bowl attract global attention, these virtual events drew similar viewership, with over 10 million attendees for Marshmellow’s concert and 27.7 million unique players participating in Travis Scott’s event.

This immense engagement not only showcases the evolution of music and gaming interactions but also emphasises how deeply gaming influences music consumption. On this International Music Day, let’s explore how music and gaming are creatively connecting in India, much like these international events.

One of the most creative ways music and gaming came together in India was when NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, brought gamification to its popular music festival, NH7 Weekender. The lineup was revealed through an interactive game where users explored a virtual NH7 venue and collected coins to uncover the performing artists.

NODWIN Gaming has also frequently blended music with esports. They teamed up with popular artists Seedhe Maut and Sez On The Beat to produce an anthem called ‘NHK,’, for the Valorant Conquerors Championship (VCC), showcasing top Valorant players from South Asia. Another notable instance was when they organised the Android Carnival during the grand finale of Battlegrounds Mobile India Master Series (BGMS) Season 3, featuring a live performance by renowned musician Garv Taneja, also known as Chaar Diwaari.

Commenting on the significance of music in gaming and esports, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming stated, “Music plays a pivotal role in enhancing gaming and esports experiences. Iconic collaborations, like Linkin Park and Imagine Dragons’ anthem for League of Legends Worlds becoming the sound of gaming culture show how music can resonate deeply with players and audiences alike. Virtual concerts in games like Fortnite by renowned artists like Travis Scott and Ariana Grande also took the world by storm. Games like FIFA have also seamlessly integrated music into their gameplay, creating soundtracks that define each edition and connect with fans worldwide.”

“For gamers, music creates an immersive atmosphere, whether they’re casually playing or competing in tournaments. As a youth entertainment-focused company, NODWIN Gaming recognizes the intrinsic significance of music in gaming and is committed to creating experiences that merge the two, maximising the timeshare of mindshare for our audiences,” he added.

Music plays a crucial role for gamers by enhancing their focus, building excitement, and creating a more immersive and engaging experience. According to Deloitte’s Digital Media Trends Fall Pulse Survey, gen Z gamers have a strong relationship with music. The survey found that 42% of Gen Z gamers listen to other music while gaming, and 34% of them hear music within a game and then seek it out online to stream or purchase.

Naman Mathur, Co-founder of S8UL, India’s leading esports and gaming content organisation says, “Music has always been a huge part of almost every gamer’s journey. Whether it is getting pumped before intense matches or connecting with my community during streams, music has always helped me feel more immersed in the experience. The characteristic music track of each game is something so familiar and exciting for the gamers. Singers like Alan Walker have collaborated with us in the past, clearly highlighting the connection gamers share with music!”

When it comes to in-game music, iconic titles like Grand Theft Auto, Cricket ‘07, or FIFA have soundtracks so ingrained in popular culture that a simple note can immediately remind fans of the game. Music in games can intensify emotions, enhance storytelling, and elevate the overall experience for players.

SuperGaming, a leading Indian game developer, understands this interplay well. Their upcoming game Indus Battle Royale, which is inspired by Indian culture, weaves Indo-futuristic music into its gameplay, crafting an auditory experience that complements its futuristic yet culturally rooted aesthetic.

“Behind every unforgettable gaming moment is a carefully crafted soundtrack that intensifies that experience. For us, the Indo-futuristic soundscape we’ve created not only complements the visual and interactive elements of the game but also enhances the player experience. It creates an atmosphere that pulls players into another world, making each experience on Virlok more vivid and memorable,” commented Roby John, Co-founder and CEO of SuperGaming.

As gaming continues to grow in both reach and cultural impact, music remains at its heart. Whether through game soundtracks, collaborations or interactive experiences this powerful symphony of gaming and music will continue to mesmerise audiences for the foreseeable future.

Fun88, a leading online gaming platform, announced the continuation of its partnership with legendary cricketer Dale Steyn as its brand ambassador. This collaboration, which began in 2023, has significantly strengthened Fun88’s credibility and trustworthiness in the global gaming industry. The company is excited to have Steyn with them for another year, connecting with fans everywhere.

Dale Steyn, a former South African cricketer renowned for his exceptional cricketing career and celebrated as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the sport, brings with him a wealth of experience & a legacy of excellence. His association with Fun88 underscores the platform’s commitment to providing a safe, secure and reliable gaming experience for all users.

Dale Steyn said: “From humble beginnings to the world stage, I made it through hard work, dedication, and belief. I pushed limits, broke barriers, and never forgot to have fun. Now, with FUN88, my journey continues. Whether it’s your next big game or a shot at fame, Fun88 is your guide. Play Fun, Win Big!”

Over the past year, Steyn’s role as a brand ambassador has played a pivotal role in elevating Fun88’s reputation. His professionalism, along with his love for sports, matches Fun88’s values of transparency, caring for customers and providing top-quality entertainment. His presence has helped Fun88 connect with sports fans on a deeper level and bring them closer to the action. As Fun88 continues to expand, the platform is looking forward to strengthening its relationship with Steyn.

Fun88 is a leading name in the sports industry, sponsoring well-known teams and events across various sports like cricket, football and kabaddi. The platform is dedicated to promoting sportsmanship and connecting fans with their favorite games through innovative, engaging experiences, offering exciting opportunities for sports lovers to interact with teams and events through betting and live-action features.