The BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024 Counter-Strike 2 tournament took place in Copenhagen from 25-29 September. G2 Esports won the BLAST Premier Fall Final after defeating Natus Vincere and putting their own 9-game loss streak to bed. The Final ended with a score of 3-1: Ancient (13:9), Dust II (13:11), Mirage (11:13), Inferno (13:7), handing G2 supremacy in the tournament and direct qualification for BLAST Premier: World Final 2024.

Esports Charts, in collaboration with GG.BET, released a series of articles with overviews of the gaming achievements of various teams and players. Before the tournament got underway, a retrospective looking back at the viewership of previous Fall Finals, a prediction of the viewer numbers, and exclusive data about GG.BET customers’ bets on different teams winning were published. After the tournament, Esports Charts produced infographics about the results, as well as insights on viewership: popular maps, platforms with peak engagement, and info about winners G2 Esports and the players, their achievements, and popularity metrics. Betting fans could see the players and teams that were bet on the most, as well as which of them brought in the most winnings. The final article contained analytical insights into teams and players, allowing readers to take a deep dive into the more niche gaming stats and look back at the most electrifying moments of the tournament.

Analytics company Esports Charts is a widely recognized source of data about the popularity of esports events. In collaboration with international betting brand GG.BET, which has a wealth of experience in esports partnerships, the company regularly publishes data about tournaments which are not often seen by the community.

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.

The Emirates E-Sports Federation, in collaboration with ITW Universe, announces the launch of the E-Gaming League (EGL), a pioneering esports league set to debut in March 2025 in the UAE. Inspired by major sports leagues like the NBA, EPL, and IPL, the EGL introduces a unique franchise-based and draft system aimed at redefining competitive gaming.

The league will feature six franchise teams competing across various game genres, including MOBA, FPS, Sports, and Racing. Its innovative draft model will be the first of its kind in esports, promoting competitive balance and nurturing new talent.

Global qualifiers will kick off in early 2025, providing top amateur players a chance to earn spots in the player draft and compete alongside international stars. This process will solidify the UAE as a leading global esports hub.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakbout Al Nahyan, President of the Emirates E-Sports Federation, highlighted:
“The EGL will unify publishers, players, organizers, and brands to shape the future of esports in the region.”

Vivek Chandra, Director of ITW Universe, shared:
“The EGL will set a new global benchmark, making the UAE a key destination for esports talent and innovation.”

Saeed Ali Al-Tahir, General Secretary of the Federation, emphasized:
“The EGL provides a platform for new talent and positions the UAE as a global leader in the esports community.”

Nayeem Khan, Head of Gaming/Esports at ITW Universe, added:
“The EGL goes beyond a tournament—it’s an immersive entertainment experience with fan zones, community events, and live performances, elevating esports to mainstream sports entertainment.”

With the PC and Games market generating $92 billion in revenue in 2023, the EGL aims to elevate esports to new heights by incorporating proven sports frameworks, creating a sustainable ecosystem for talent development and global competition.

This announcement marks the start of an exciting journey, positioning the EGL as a flagship event in the global esports landscape.