February 20, 2026: NODWIN Gaming today announced the strategic sale of its entire stake in the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world’s most iconic fighting game tournament, to RTS, its long-standing partner in the global esports ecosystem. The decision follows an ambitious long-term growth roadmap for EVO that calls for significant investment to scale the platform globally. NODWIN Gaming will continue supporting EVO’s expansion across emerging markets as a long term partner through its regional expertise, operational strength, and deep community relationships. As EVO enters a new phase of global expansion, the transition aligns the platform with RTS’ investment-led growth vision while allowing NODWIN Gaming to sharpen its strategic focus on emerging markets and new growth opportunities.

For over two decades, EVO has stood at the heart of the global Fighting Game Community, evolving from a grassroots gathering into a premier competitive platform that brings together players, publishers, and fans from around the world bound by their shared love for fighting game esports. With the tournament poised to scale further and expand its global footprint, RTS is well positioned to lead this next phase, building on the property’s legacy while preserving its community-driven ethos.

The transition marks a strategic portfolio realignment for NODWIN Gaming as the company continues to deepen its leadership across rapidly expanding gaming regions. By partnering with RTS on EVO’s future, NODWIN strengthens its ability to channel focus toward building sustainable ecosystems, investing in local IPs, and unlocking new avenues for growth across the Global South.

Additional updates about EVO’s emerging market strategy in partnership with NODWIN Gaming will be announced in the coming months.

Speaking on EVO’s asset transfer to RTS, Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, said: “EVO represents the passion, resilience, and spirit of the fighting game community, and it is a privilege for us to be part of that journey. As the platform steps into a new era of global opportunity, we see RTS as the right partner to build on its strong foundation and guide its continued evolution. For NODWIN, this is a strategic step that sharpens our focus on markets where gaming is witnessing extraordinary momentum. Our commitment to growing esports ecosystems remains unwavering, and we look forward to collaborating with RTS to bring EVO experiences to new audiences while continuing to shape the future of gaming across emerging regions.”

For NODWIN Gaming, the transition marks a deliberate step toward deepening its presence in emerging markets and fiscal discipline – a strategy that has led the company back into an EBITDA positive state as of Q3 2025 while maintaining an impressive 58% YoY growth in revenue which stands at INR 530.3 Crore (USD 58.5 M) for the first 9 months of FY 26.

Strategic collaboration strengthens NH7 Weekender’s commercial ecosystem while preserving its cultural legacy

The happiest music festival, NH7 Weekender, is back, and NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and e-sports, has announced a strategic partnership with Exceed Entertainment to lead sponsorship led monetization for the upcoming edition of the longest-running multi-genre music festival in India.

For more than 15 years, NH7 Weekender has built a powerful cultural legacy, becoming a definitive space for music discovery, youth expression, and unforgettable shared moments. NODWIN Gaming acquired the NH7 Weekender music festival and other intellectual properties from OML Entertainment in September 2021, marking a significant strategic move that deepened its footprint in live entertainment, music, comedy, and gaming. Under NODWIN’s stewardship, NH7 Weekender continues to thrive alongside youth-focused experiential IPs such as Comic Con India and DreamHack, strengthening the company’s position in multi-genre youth entertainment across India.

As NH7 Weekender prepares for its next edition, NODWIN continues to lead festival programming, creative direction, production, and long-term vision. Exceed Entertainment will focus solely on sponsorship sales, brand partnerships, and commercial expansion, enabling brands to tap into NH7’s highly engaged and culturally influential youth audience.
The partnership is rooted in shared values of youth culture, creativity, and brand-first experience design. Together, NODWIN Gaming and Exceed Entertainment bring complementary strengths, that is NODWIN’s expertise in large-scale live IPs like NH7 Weekender, Comic Con India, and DreamHack, and Exceed’s deep network in celebrity management, influencer programming, and experiential brand partnerships. This synergy enables richer sponsor-driven activations, curated talent integrations, and innovative monetization models that blend music, gaming, and pop culture, offering brands and audiences a more immersive, culturally resonant festival experience.

“NH7 Weekender has always been about music, culture, and the joy of shared experiences. With Exceed Entertainment managing sponsorship monetization, we look forward to unlocking new brand partnerships while we continue to build the authentic, high-energy festival experience our fans love.” Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder & Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming

“At Exceed, we don’t just follow the curve, we chart the course. Partnering with NODWIN Gaming on NH7 Weekender is not about another transaction; it’s about pioneering the next evolution of India’s live experience economy. The aim is to be laser-focused on bringing unprecedented brand partnerships and unique commercial monetization blueprints to this iconic IP. We will join the dots and unlock revenue streams for Weekender like we always do” Afsar Zaidi, Founder, Exceed Entertainment

PlayStation India Cup, exclusively on PS5 console esports tournament returns with a ₹4,00,000 prize pool, and a grand finale live at Delhi Comic Con on December 7th 2025.

NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports proudly announces the fourth edition of the PlayStation India Cup, featuring EA SPORTS FC 26 exclusively on PS5 console.

The tournament marks the return of India’s only official console esports tournament, and features daily online qualifiers, followed by an online playoffs. The top 8 players will progress to the grand finale which will take place during Delhi Comic Con at NSIC Grounds, Okhla, New Delhi from 5th December to 7th December 2025. Fans will witness the country’s top EA FC 26 players competing for a total prize pool of ₹ 4,00,000. With the rise of football fandom in India and the ever-growing EA SPORTS FC community, this year’s championship promises bigger competition and unmatched excitement.

The previous edition of the India Cup Finals at Delhi Comic Con 2024 also featured an immersive PlayStation gaming pavilion with hands-on demos and live commentary which saw strong engagement from Comic Con attendees.
This year, in addition to the sizable prize pool, all finalists will receive official PlayStation merchandise, making the competition even more rewarding for players who make it to the big stage.

How to Register

Registrations for the PlayStation India Cup open on October 08, 2025. Players across India can participate in the daily online qualifiers through the following steps:
Step-by-Step Registration Process

Step 1: Boot up the PlayStation 5 and ensure it is connected to the internet.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Events” or “Tournaments” section on the PS5 dashboard.
Step 3: Look for the “PlayStation India Cup FC 26” (EA SPORTS FC 26) tournament listing.
Step 4: Select the tournament and follow the on-screen prompts to complete registration.
Step 5: Confirm participation and monitor notifications for match schedules or additional requirements.

The Daily Cups conclude on November 10, 2025. Players are encouraged to register early to secure their spot in the daily qualifiers.

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said: “The console esports scene in India is a premium niche, and the PlayStation India Cup with EAFC captures that perfectly. Delhi Comic Con, where our journey began over a decade ago, provides the ideal stage bringing together fans who love both pop culture and competitive gaming. Hosting the tournament in our 40,000 sq. ft. Gaming Arena adds to the festival spirit of Comic Con, where football fans can compete, cheer, and experience EAFC like never before. It’s a true celebration of Delhi’s vibrant fandom and the growing console esports community in India.”

The tournament will be amplified with influencer-led content, live streams and weekly updates, ensuring both players and fans remain engaged throughout the journey.

For regular updates, follow NODWIN Gaming’s official social media handles and the PlayStation India community.

SARC Global, a leading strategic advisory and consulting firm, and NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading gaming and esports company, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the growth of esports in India. The collaboration will focus on tournament promotion, monetising NODWIN Gaming’s intellectual properties through sponsorships and subsidies, and advocating esports-friendly policies with government stakeholders.

SARC Global will leverage its expertise in policy advocacy, investment facilitation, and cross-border partnerships to secure government support for digital gaming, especially as states like Maharashtra, Bihar, and Rajasthan move forward with new pro-gaming policies.

The collaboration will create new commercial opportunities for esports and help in building a sustainable ecosystem, aligned with the goal of PM Narendra Modi towards Viksit Bharat,” said Sunil Kumar Gupta, Chairman SARC Global.

NODWIN Gaming CEO Gautam Singh Virk added that the partnership would “This partnership is an important step towards unlocking the true potential of esports in India. What we’re trying to do here is bridge the world of competitive gaming with the business and policy frameworks that will allow it to thrive in the long run. With SARC Global bringing their expertise in policy advocacy and investments, and NODWIN bringing our experience in building communities and IPs, we’re setting the stage for an esports ecosystem that is not only sustainable but also future-ready. ”

“The Maharashtra state government has recently announced a policy to promote and foster digital gaming, giving this emergent sector strong tailwinds. SARC Global can play a major role in facilitating, bringing investment, mentoring this sector and identifying partners across the world,” said Rajendra Bagade, Senior Partner SARC Global.

India’s esports sector is at a turning point, shaped by rising brand investment and new regulatory clarity. According to the 2025 FICCI-EY report, the number of brands investing in esports will grow from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025, driven by bigger tournaments, new titles, and deeper youth engagement. With the Online Gaming Act, 2025 now in effect, esports and casual games are formally encouraged. The law also creates a central regulator, offers incentives for infrastructure, and sets clear safeguards for young audiences.
As brands shift focus to compliant categories like esports, opportunities for sponsorships, prize pools, and large-scale youth campaigns are set to expand. This alignment between new regulatory protections, rising brand investments, and growing youth engagement is what makes the SARC Global–NODWIN Gaming partnership so vital at this moment. By combining SARC Global’s expertise in policy advocacy and investment with NODWIN’s leadership in esports and youth entertainment, the partnership is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this turning point and define India’s next chapter in global esports.

SARC Global is at the forefront of entrepreneurship, digital innovation, and policy advocacy across multiple industries. With a proven track record in facilitating investment and building international partnerships, the firm is uniquely positioned to integrate esports into India’s mainstream economy. Its approach combines sustainable growth with global collaboration, creating opportunities for businesses, players, and policymakers alike.

NODWIN Gaming, a leading global esports and entertainment company, has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Games and Esports Tribunal (IGET) to embed IGET’s dispute resolution framework across its operations. The MoU was signed during Global Esports Industry Week 2025 in Austin, Texas.

The adoption of the IGET framework ensures that disputes arising across NODWIN Gaming’s diverse portfolio—including tournaments, influencer management, content production, marketing, and brand activations—will be handled through a trusted, independent process. By enshrining IGET into its operational documentation and governance structures, NODWIN Gaming is reinforcing its long-standing commitment to integrity, fairness, and transparency, while further aligning with international standards that underpin the global growth of esports.

Established by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO AMC), IGET delivers tailored and globally accessible Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. Its remit extends across integrity-related cases, contractual disputes, sponsorship matters, and intellectual property conflicts—making it uniquely suited to the dynamic and international esports ecosystem.

Stephen Hanna, Executive Director of the International Games and Esports Tribunal, commented:

“We are delighted to be working with NODWIN Gaming and to see their adoption of IGET’s framework as a cornerstone of their operations. By embedding IGET into their governance structures, NODWIN is setting an international benchmark for fairness and accountability. This decision reflects the values of integrity and trust that are vital to the continued growth and professionalism of global esports.”

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director, NODWIN Gaming, added:

“This partnership with IGET marks a pivotal step in our journey to scale NODWIN’s operations with the highest standards of governance. As NODWIN Gaming aggressively expands its footprint across emerging markets, ensuring that all stakeholders—players, partners, and collaborators—have access to a credible and transparent dispute resolution process strengthens the foundation of trust on which the esports industry must be built.”

About IGET (International Games and Esports Tribunal)

The International Games and Esports Tribunal (IGET) is a pioneering not-for-profit joint initiative by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and the World Intellectual Property Organization Arbitration and Mediation Center (WIPO AMC). IGET offers specialized Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services within the global video games and esports industries, administering integrity disputes (in collaboration with ESIC) and commercial and intellectual property disputes (in collaboration with WIPO AMC). Learn more by visiting www.iget.gg.

About NODWIN Gaming

NODWIN Gaming is a leading global gaming and esports company creating youth-focused entertainment in emerging markets. Since its founding in 2014, NODWIN has built a significant international presence by developing and monetizing intellectual properties across gaming, esports, pop culture, live events, and content. With a dominant position in the mobile-first youth demographic, the company operates in regions including South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Germany. NODWIN Gaming is backed by prominent investors such as Nazara Technologies, KRAFTON Inc, and Sony Group Corporation.
Learn more by visiting www.nodwingaming.com.

The association marks a defining moment for Indian esports, with Tesla Model Y cars set to be showcased at the grand finals of the country’s most-watched esports event from September 12 to 14

NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading gaming and esports company, today announced a collaboration with American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla for the Grand Finals of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS) Season 4. This is Tesla’s first-ever collaboration with an Indian esports tournament, marking a historic moment for the country’s esports industry.

The Grand Finals of BGMS Season 4 will be held from September 12 to 14, bringing together the top 16 teams in the country to compete in a high-octane LAN Final. Tesla, which recently entered the Indian market by opening experience centers in BKC, Mumbai, and Worldmark Aerocity, Delhi, will showcase one of the world’s best-selling cars, the redesigned Model Y, at the event, giving fans a firsthand look at one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road. The Grand Finals will open with the Tesla Light Show, which has become a viral cultural phenomenon at global events over the years.

Both Tesla and NODWIN Gaming share a forward-looking identity of innovation, disruption, and technology leadership. Tesla’s integration of software, EV technology, and even gaming into its cars mirrors the digital-first mindset of esports. Collaborating with NODWIN Gaming for BGMS enables Tesla and NODWIN to mutually enhance their presence in India, engaging directly with a vibrant, youth-first community at the forefront of digital entertainment. As the only esports tournament in India broadcast on national television, the entire collaboration created unparalleled visibility among Gen Z and millennial audiences, highlighting the growing cultural and commercial significance of esports in the country.

“At NODWIN Gaming, every season of BGMS is about pushing boundaries, and this year we’re proud to have Tesla join the journey. Their association reflects how esports in India has grown into a mainstream cultural and commercial platform that forward-looking brands want to engage with. Together, we’re shaping how global brands and gaming communities connect, here in India and beyond. Collaborations like this show what’s possible when innovation and culture come together,” said Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming.

According to the FICCI-EY Media and Entertainment Industry Report 2025, the number of brands investing in esports in India is expected to grow from 68 in 2024 to 75 in 2025, fueled by new titles, larger tournaments, and deeper engagement with youth audiences. Season 4 of BGMS is a testament to this surge, with a powerful line-up of partners including OnePlus as Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner, Android as Co-Title Sponsor, and TVS Motor Company entering its third consecutive year. The tournament also features Red Bull, Duolingo English Test, Swiggy, and Bisleri, further proving the sector’s growing ability to attract marquee global and Indian brands.

The BGMS Season 4 Grand Finals will be broadcast live on Star Sports Khel and on JioHotstar from September 12 to 14, airing during prime-time from 5 PM to 8 PM IST.

Nazara Technologies Ltd (NSE: NAZARA, BSE: 543280) announced that its board has approved the de-subsidiarisation of Nodwin Gaming Private Ltd following the latter’s proposed capital raise from existing shareholders. This will result in a loss of subsidiary status for Nodwin, but Nazara will remain a major shareholder in the company. Nodwin will have more autonomy for operations and financial decisions, positioning it for autonomous growth.

The move marks a strategic shift in Nazara’s portfolio focus, with the company opting not to participate in Nodwin’s fundraising round.

Key Highlights
Nazara to cease control: The company’s stake in Nodwin will fall below 50% due to share dilution from the capital raise.

– No sale of shares: The dilution will occur without Nazara selling any of its existing stake.
– Controlling rights waived: Nazara will relinquish certain controlling and restrictive rights to provide operational and financial flexibility to Nodwin.
– Nodwin to become an associate: Post-transaction, Nodwin Gaming will be reclassified from a subsidiary to an associate company.
Board Approvals

At its meeting held on July 16, 2025, Nazara’s board approved the following:

Shareholding dilution – Resulting in Nazara holding less than 50% voting power in Nodwin
Rights relinquishment- Waiver of controlling and restrictive rights held by Nazara
Reclassification – NODWIN to be treated as an associate, not a subsidiary

The move is subject to shareholder approval through a special resolution at the upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) scheduled for August 13, 2025, which will be held virtually.

A New Dual-Structure Format, All-Women Teams, and the Return of the Bounty System Add New Depth to India’s Most Watched Esports Tournament –

NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading gaming and esports company, announces the return of the OnePlus Android Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS). Season 4 of India’s most-watched esports event began airing live on Star Sports Khel and on JioHotstar from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM starting August 18 to September 14. Season 4 promises an even bigger, bolder, and more inclusive tournament experience with a prize pool of ₹1,50,00,000/-.

BGCS: Battlegrounds Mobile India Challenger Series 2025

A key highlight of this year’s expanded format is the introduction of BGCS, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Challenger Series, which serves as the official amateur feeder league into the Pro-level BGMS. Featuring 24 teams, BGCS is designed to spotlight the rising stars of Indian esports. Of the 24 BGCS teams, three will emerge from the The 24 participating teams in BGCS will consist of 2 teams from the OnePlus Campus Dominate qualifiers, 1 team from the TVS Raider Wicked Battles, 17 teams will be invited, and 4 all-women teams, marking a historic move towards gender inclusivity in mainstream esports. The Challenger Series will stream live on the NODWIN Gaming YouTube channel from 12:00PM – 3:00PM every day, featuring three intense matches daily.

“BGMS has grown into the marquee esports tournament of India and is now a cultural movement that reflects the passion, energy and limitless potential of our gaming community. Season 4 takes this vision further by championing inclusivity at every level, from campus qualifiers and grassroots challengers to professional athletes and all-women teams on national television. Our goal has always been to create a platform where every gamer, regardless of background, has a real path to greatness.” said Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming. “Together with our partners, we are nurturing the next generation of talent, celebrating inclusivity, and crowning the very best in Indian esports.”

Official Sponsors

OnePlus returns as the Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner of BGMS Season 4, reaffirming its deep investment in India’s gaming future. The brand also powers the OnePlus Campus Dominate initiative, bringing esports tournaments to college students across the country.

Marcel Campos, Director of Product Strategy, OnePlus India added “We’re excited to extend our partnership with NODWIN Gaming for BGMS 2025 as the Title Sponsor and Official Smartphone Partner. With the flagship OnePlus 13 series and the fan-favorite Nord series driving the action, this collaboration reflects our shared vision of elevating mobile esports in India. Together with NODWIN, we’re committed to delivering fast and smooth, ultimate – performance gameplay that empowers every gamer—from rising talent to seasoned pros.”

Android Co-Title Sponsor

Android as Co-Title Sponsor in its second year, continues to deepen their engagements with the community of gaming enthusiasts.

TVS Raider – Official Mobility Partner

TVS Motor Company enters its third consecutive year as Mobility Partner, reinforcing its sustained commitment to gaming and digital youth culture. As the force behind the TVS Raider Wicked Battles, TVS provides grassroots players a path into BGCS, the Challenger Series helping to elevate undiscovered talent and deepen esports penetration across Bharat.

Aniruddha Haldar, SVP (Marketing), TVS Motor Company said “At TVS Motor Company, we have keenly strived to building our rightful place in the world of the Gaming community. From initiatives like launching in metaverse ( the first motorcycle in the world to do so) to being a long term partner with Nodwin Gaming. We believe that BGMI master series 4 will again be a celebration of skill and Wicked excitement. TVS Raider the Wicked Ride returns as the partner. All the best to all participants and teams – have a wicked ride!”

Duolingo English Test makes its debut as the Official Learning Partner, bringing its mission of accessible, affordable, digital-first language proficiency for India’s youth aiming for global opportunities.
Tara Kapur, India Market Lead for the Duolingo English Test added “The BGMS is one of the most exciting sporting properties in India and hugely loved by Gen Z. As the Duolingo English Test grows and finds much admiration from the same audience in India, we are elated to partner with NODWIN Gaming for the first time and also bring alive the first-ever Gujarati language feed. Our mascot Duo will also make his presence felt across the tournament in his own distinct manner.”

Swiggy – Official Food Delivery Partner

Swiggy comes on board for the first time as the Official Food Delivery Partner, ensuring fast, reliable food and meal delivery for players, talent, and crew across the tournament.
Speaking about the association, Supriya Shankar, VP and Business Head, Swiggy Scenes, said, “At Swiggy, we cater to a wide range of users, including Gen Z who have a strong connection with BGMI. With over 200 million downloads and its status as a top esports preference, BGMI has transcended being just a game- it’s a vibrant hub for entertainment and socializing. Today, it is a powerful channel where Gen Z forges friendships and engages in real-time dialogue, often redefining traditional hangouts. Being part of BGMS Season 4, one of India’s most awaited esports tournaments, allows us to further engage with this dynamic community, while delivering favorite food quickly to players, talent, and crew alike.”

Red Bull returns for a second year with BGMS, energizing players to chase peak performance throughout the tournament.

Bisleri has joined as the Official Hydration Partner for the first time, ensuring participants stay refreshed and perform at their best during intense match days.
Broadcast Details

The BGCS (Battlegrounds Mobile India Champions Series) began on August 19 and will run for three weeks till September 7, streaming live on the NODWIN Gaming YouTube channel from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM every day, featuring three intense matches daily.

Following that, BGMS Season 4 is being broadcasted live on Star Sports Khel and on JioHotstar from August 18 to September 14, airing during prime-time from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, making it the only esports tournament in India with national television presence.

EVO ANNOUNCES NEXT PHASE OF INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION

Multi-year partnerships with Qiddiya and Sony Interactive Entertainment, and new ownership of Evo by NODWIN Gaming alongside existing shareholder RTS, will fuel the global growth of events, content, and experiences

The future for Evolution Championship Series (Evo) takes a major step forward today as the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game festival enters new ownership and multi-year partnerships. Strategic agreements with NODWIN Gaming, Qiddiya, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), and RTS will drive Evo’s international expansion, engaging content, and immersive experiences through 2028 and beyond.

SIE has sold its stake in Evo to NODWIN Gaming, a company backed by SIE’s parent, Sony Group Corporation. SIE will become a new global sponsor of Evo through 2028, and will continue its commitment to the fighting game community through the PlayStation Tournaments platform and key products currently in development that appeal to fighting game players.

“When SIE acquired Evo alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to help the Evo community grow and spotlight the skills and passion of fighting game fans on a global stage,” said Phil Rosenberg, SVP and Head of Global Partner Development & Relations at Sony Interactive Entertainment. “As SIE transitions to become an Evo sponsor, the momentum for Evo has never been stronger, following a successful Las Vegas event and upcoming expansion to new regions. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Evo globally.”

New co-owner NODWIN Gaming is a leading name in the South Asian gaming, esports, and youth entertainment industries, with Evo complementing its wide range of properties.

“Evo was built by a team whose authenticity and passion for the fighting game community are unmatched,” said NODWIN Gaming Co-Founder and Managing Director Akshat Rathee. “We will continue SIE’s great work and honor the legacy of everyone who has made it what it is today, while opening the door for a new generation to experience the spirit of Evo.”

Qiddiya, which became a global partner of Evo in 2024, announced today that the company is investing in RTS, co-owner and operator of Evo, and will extend its global partnership with Evo through 2027.

“Teaming up with Qiddiya strengthens the future of RTS and what we’re building with Evo, an event that lives up to its name by driving real transformation in the fighting game community through new opportunities, deeper connections, and meaningful growth,” said Stuart Saw, CEO of RTS.

The realignment and new partnerships will also support Evo’s vision for more original content to engage the community and continue to push the boundaries of creating more profound immersive experiences during the live events.

The popularity and global presence of Evo has continued to grow. Most recently, Evo’s flagship event in Las Vegas attracted fans and competitors from more than 60 countries and crowned champions across 16 fighting game titles. The festival show floor covered 14 acres, featuring major brand activations from Chipotle as the presenting sponsor, alongside AT&T, PlayStation®, Qiddiya, Nacon, Zenni, Red Bull, White Claw Zero Proof, Under Armour, Voodoo Ranger IPA, and Grand Archive TCG.

Beyond the US, Evo returned to Japan at Tokyo Big Sight and became the largest in-person tournament in the country’s history, with approximately 30,000 attendees. Evo will make its European debut at the Palais des Expos in Nice, France, on October 10-12, which has already broken a record for registrations. The event series is expanding to Singapore in 2027.

“In recent years, Evo hosted record-setting events in the USA and Japan, and our upcoming premiere in France is already breaking European records,” said Rick Thiher, General Manager of Evo. “These latest partnerships join the ongoing support from our global and regional partners in accelerating Evo’s expansion from hosting renowned live events to serving as a nexus point for fighting game culture worldwide.”

NODWIN Gaming, a leading name in youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, continues its exclusive partnership with District by Zomato as the official ticketing partner for its key IPs Comic Con India, NH7 Weekender and DreamHack India for the second year in a row.

Comic Con, NH7 Weekender and DreamHack, have built strong reputations and loyal fan bases over the years. With a diverse portfolio of IPs across pop culture, cosplay, music, esports and gaming, NODWIN Gaming is transforming youth entertainment in India by creating immersive experiences that truly connect with today’s audiences.

District by Zomato, the going-out platform, will offer users a seamless experience to discover, book and access these cultural celebrations.

Commenting on continuation with the partnership, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming said, “Ticketing is the final and most crucial step in connecting fans to our events, and our ongoing partnership with District by Zomato reflects the strong mutual trust we’ve built over time. Their commitment to delivering a seamless experience aligns perfectly with our goal of making India’s biggest cultural events accessible and enjoyable from the very first click.”

Sharing thoughts on the ongoing collaboration, District by Zomato spokesperson said, “At District, we believe in curating a seamless experience for discovering and accessing cultural celebrations. We’re excited to continue our collaboration with NODWIN Gaming, known for producing culturally engaging IPs, including Comic Con, NH7 Weekender, and DreamHack to bring these experiences to an even wider audience nationwide.”

NODWIN Gaming’s IPs across pop culture and music create powerful, youth-focused experiences rooted in community and self-expression.

Comic Con India, which is only expanding, and is now adding four more cities to its roster, bringing the celebration to 11 cities this year and cementing its place as India’s largest and most inclusive pop culture phenomenon. This aggressive expansion is backed by data and insights from the District platform, which affirms that Indian fans are hungry for a pop culture explosion, no matter the city. Meanwhile, NH7 Weekender continues to unite global music lovers at what remains the happiest music festival in the country. DreamHack India, now in its sixth year, is the Indian edition of the iconic global gaming festival and the legacy IP continues to lead the charge in building the country’s gaming and esports culture.

According to a recent report titled, “Shape the future: The revolution in Indian Media and Entertainment” released by FICCI pointed out, organized live events segment revenues is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% to reach INR167 billion by 2027 with 67% of marketers surveyed in 2024 expected to increase their events and activations spends in 2025 and 2026. Spending on brand activations across non-metro markets is also expected to grow, in order to tap into increasing non-metro spending, and widening urban geography.

The partnership with District, continues to strengthen NODWIN Gaming’s efforts in shaping India’s live event landscape. Building together not just a base of ticket buyers, but a growing community of engaged fans.

In a move that bridges academia and the creative industries, Comic Con India and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives across animation, gaming, comics, and extended reality (AVGC-XR). The agreement was signed by Ashish Kulkarni, Board Member, IICT, and Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India, during the inauguration of the IICT-NFDC Campus and the release of the WAVES Outcome Report in Mumbai.

The event was attended by senior government leaders including Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Honourable Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India; and Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.

Comic Con India is the country’s premier pop culture celebration and the largest platform for fans and creators of comics, gaming, animation, cosplay, movies, and all things geek culture. Since its inception, it has become a cultural phenomenon, bringing together millions of fans through annual events across multiple cities. With a strong focus on encouraging original content and nurturing homegrown talent, Comic Con India continues to shape India’s pop culture landscape and provide young creators with a vibrant stage to showcase their work.

IICT, a National Centre of Excellence exclusively dedicated to the AVGC-XR sector, was announced in May 2025 by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with industry bodies FICCI and CII.

Positioned to be a game-changer for India’s creative industries, IICT is envisioned to follow the successful model of India’s prestigious IITs and IIMs, offering world-class education, training, and industry exposure to aspiring students.

This strategic partnership brings together Comic Con India’s legacy of building fan-first platforms for creators with IICT’s national mandate to foster next-generation talent across creative disciplines. The collaboration aims to offer students immersive opportunities to showcase their work, engage with industry leaders, and participate in real-world creative environments.

Key highlights of the MoU include:

Student engagement at Comic Con India events, with a dedicated IICT Creative Showcase zone

Masterclasses and guest lectures by industry professionals from the comics, gaming, animation, and XR fields

Hackathons, design jams, and content showcases to promote original IP development

Internships and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities for IICT students at Comic Con India
Initiatives to grow India’s grassroots creator ecosystem, with a focus on youth, fan art, and indie content.

Shefali Johnson, CEO of Comic Con India, said,
“We are proud to collaborate with IICT as part of the broader AVGC-XR vision for India, and we are excited about the positive impact this partnership will have in nurturing homegrown creative talent—especially in the field of comics. This collaboration is about creating meaningful pathways for IICT students to engage directly with the industry. Through Comic Con India, students will be able to gain valuable mentorship from leading creators and professionals, connect with the wider pop culture community, enhance their creative skills, and understand the commercial aspects of their craft. We also aim to contribute to building a curriculum that reflects the practical needs of the industry, ensuring students are fully prepared to step confidently into their professional careers.”

Ashish Kulkarni, Board Member, IICT, added,
“Our goal is to make India a global hub for creative content creation & build the leadership thru Indigenous Intellectual Property for AVGC-XR and Film making. I believe this partnership perfectly aligns with the government’s AVGC-XR vision of building a globally competitive talent pool, and it will pave the way for Indian creators to make their mark not just nationally but on the world stage. Together with Comic Con India, we look forward to building a vibrant pipeline of storytellers, innovators, creators, publishers and cultural ambassadors from India carving the pathways for Indigenous IPs using transmedia eco-system.”

According to the FX & Beyond: Shaping India’s AVGC Landscape report, India’s AVGC‑XR sector currently represents nearly 20% of the broader media and entertainment industry, with revenues expected to grow from around US $3.9 billion in 2023 to US $6.8 billion by 2026. The sector is projected to generate over 160,000 new jobs annually, building toward more than 2 million direct jobs by 2030.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment to nurturing talent, accelerating IP creation, and building a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals in AVGC-XR fields. Specific programs and activations under the agreement will be announced in the coming months.

In a landmark move poised to redefine the future of chess in India, NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem, has announced a strategic partnership with the world’s largest chess platform, Chess.com and India’s leading chess media and grassroots organisation, ChessBase India. The collaboration brings together three powerhouses from the worlds of esports, content, and competitive chess to create a unified ecosystem that nurtures talent, expands reach, and builds India’s presence on the global chess esports stage.
This strategic alliance unites the complementary strengths of three leaders in the chess and gaming ecosystem. NODWIN Gaming brings deep expertise in production, broadcast, and commercial strategy. ChessBase India offers unmatched access to India’s thriving chess community and grassroots networks. Chess.com contributes its expansive global platform, community, creator partnerships, and world-class tournament infrastructure. Together, they form a unique synergy that will fuel the co-creation and scaling of original IPs, deliver premium competitive formats, spark deeper engagement across both player and creator communities, and deliver great opportunities for brands to partner in the rapidly growing chess ecosystem.
Speaking on the announcement, Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said, “Chess is undergoing a cultural renaissance, from park benches and schoolrooms to sold-out esports arenas and creator streams. Chess has now become the fourth most-watched sport in the country after cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI tournaments. With this partnership, we’re not just supporting a heritage game, we’re aiding in its natural course of progression. By combining each organization’s unique strengths, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem that can take Indian chess from heritage to hype. It’s time the brilliance of our grandmasters meets the energy of our digital generation.”
Chess is getting an accelerated global attention, with over 7.6 billion games played worldwide on Chess.com in 2024 alone. The platform now boasts over 200 million registered users, with India seeing 9 million+ monthly active players, and an average of 550,000 new signups every month. Viewership has skyrocketed with 925 million total organic views, reflecting a 640% year-over-year growth.
The surge in visibility was recently reflected during the World Chess Championship, which was exclusively streamed in India through the combined efforts of NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India. The Gukesh Dommaraju-Ding Liren final match, which saw Gukesh being crowned as the World Chess Champion, attracted over 24 million views, with peak concurrent viewership hitting 200,000.
India is central to this surge. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai rank among the top chess-viewing regions globally. Indian users are predominantly mobile-first, with 80.9% of viewership on smartphones, and the largest age group being between 18 and 34 years old, highlighting the game’s deep connection with India’s digital-native Gen Z and millennial audiences.
Speaking on the alliance, Sagar Shah, CEO of ChessBase India, said, “This partnership is not just a business alliance — it’s a vision to grow the chess community in India from the grassroots to the grand stage. For the last decade, we’ve focused on building a robust chess culture in the country, and now, with NODWIN and Chess.com by our side, we hope to bring forth more opportunities to all those involved in the chess ecosystem.”
Avadh Shah, Country Director of Chess.com India, said, “Chess has been one of the most dominant and fastest growing sports in the last 3 years across India and the world. In terms of both participation and viewership, chess is experiencing record-breaking numbers—the highest we’ve ever seen. Given the excitement around the sport, it is only fitting that the leading companies within the ecosystem collaborate to further its development and invite partners to join this journey as well.”
The partnership also aligns with the rise of chess as a recognised esports discipline. At the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, chess will make its debut with a prize pool of $1.5 million. Leading Indian esports organization S8UL is set to represent India in competitive chess at the Esports World Cup with its powerhouse roster of Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram, marking the first-ever representation of an Indian esports team in competitive chess on a global stage. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition of chess as a spectator-friendly, high-skill esport.
As India prepares to make its mark on this new frontier, the alliance between NODWIN Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India promises to build the foundational infrastructure needed for long-term growth, from top-tier broadcasts and influencer-led content to community tournaments and professional leagues.
Together, NODWIN Gaming, ChessBase India, and Chess.com aim to build a robust ecosystem for Indian chess, one that honors the nation’s legacy, empowers creators, and establishes India as a global hub for online competitive chess.
ENDS

About NODWIN Gaming

NODWIN Gaming, a material and independent subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd. (BSE: NAZARA), holds a significant position in the global gaming and esports industry as a leader in emerging markets. Since its inception in 2014 by Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN Gaming has grown rapidly and was last valued at valued at $410 million as of November 2024 and has established a global presence in regions such as South Asia, Germany, Central Asia, Singapore, the Middle East and Turkey.

The company’s business centres around building and monetising #TimeshareOfMindshare across the youth of the emerging world. It has in its arsenal- gaming and esports IPs such as Leagues, Tournaments, reality shows, festivals, conferences, content, influencers and merchandise. Notable investors include Nazara, KRAFTON Inc, Sony Group Corporation, and JetSynthesys.

A key focus for NODWIN Gaming is the expertise in the mobile gaming and esports sector, where it has established a dominant position worldwide. By catering to the youth demographic, NODWIN is expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) by becoming increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. Their diverse range of intellectual properties that engage the youth spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy. This strategic expansion and cultivation of new intellectual properties are crucial to NODWIN’s aim of maintaining a significant role in the new age media economy of the global youth.

About Chess.com

Founded in 2007, Chess.com is the world’s largest chess website, with a community of over 200 million members worldwide and more than 10 million games played daily. Chess is one of the most popular games globally and Chess.com is committed to growing chess as a positive influence in the world. Chess.com was recognized by Fast Company’s list of Most Innovative Companies in 2024, as well as included on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies in 2023.

NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s leading esports and gaming company, has announced that Sony LIV has acquired the exclusive Hindi-language media rights for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, further amplifying the tournament’s reach and representation across India.
As part of the partnership, Sony LIV will stream matches from the Esports World Cup in India, bringing the action to millions of fans in languages they resonate with. Coverage begins with Chess (Hindi) on July 24, followed by Esports World Cup tournament action featuring the Indian team Aryan x TMG Gaming, winners of BMPS 2025, in Hindi on July 25. Tekken (English) kicks off on August 13. The Hindi-language broadcast will be available exclusively on the Sony LIV app and official website.
In addition to the Hindi-language broadcast, Sony LIV will also host English-language content, including weekly shows, and highlights spotlighting EWC athletes and teams, curated for both core and casual esports audiences. This collaboration follows NODWIN Gaming’s recent partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to manage media rights and regional distribution across South Asia.
Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, said, “Our goal is to bring the Esports World Cup to as many passionate fans across South Asia as possible, and this partnership with Sony LIV is a major step in that direction. It combines Sony LIV’s incredible OTT reach with NODWIN’s focus on building localized, fan-first esports experiences. With both Hindi and premium English content, we are creating a viewing experience that feels personal, immersive, and truly regional.”
[XXXX], [XXXxx], Sony LIV, added, “We are proud to be the exclusive Hindi broadcaster of the Esports World Cup 2025. Esports is rapidly becoming a key pillar of youth entertainment, and this partnership with NODWIN allows us to bring world-class esports content to our viewers both in their language and in formats that speak to their passion. We look forward to making this year’s EWC an unmissable experience.”
The Esports World Cup 2025, organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in summer 2025, featuring the world’s top esports clubs and players across multiple formats. With a record-breaking global prize pool of $70.45 million (over INR 600 crore) and an ever-expanding international audience, the tournament continues to raise the bar for competitive gaming worldwide.
With the addition of Sony LIV as the exclusive Hindi broadcast partner and NODWIN Gaming as the strategic regional media and marketing partner, the EWC is poised to reach unprecedented heights in South Asia. This aligns with the mission of making esports more inclusive, accessible and locally relevant.
The momentum in India is already building as the country gears up for its first-ever representation at the Esports World Cup. Aryan x TMG Gaming were recently crowned BMPS 2025 champions, earning their place to represent the country at the Esports World Cup. In chess, Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi made history as the first Indian to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2025 and will compete under the banner of global esports powerhouse Gen.G Esports. Joining him are Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa (India Rank: 1, World Rank: 4), Aravindh Chithambaram (India Rank: 4, World Rank: 11), Vidit Gujrathi (India Rank: 6, World Rank: 26) and Nihal Sarin (India Rank: 8, World Rank: 40), all representing the homegrown esports giant Team S8UL. Rising prodigy Aarav Dengla rounds out the contingent, making this India’s most formidable chess lineup ever on the global esports stage.
With top-tier Indian talent competing across multiple titles, the Esports World Cup 2025 presents a unique opportunity to showcase India’s growing presence in global esports and to unite audiences around a shared national dream.
ENDS

About NODWIN Gaming

NODWIN Gaming, a material and independent subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd. (BSE: NAZARA), holds a significant position in the global gaming and esports industry as a leader in emerging markets. Since its inception in 2014 by Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN has established a global presence in regions such as Taiwan, South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, Germany, Central Asia. The company’s business centres around building and monetising global youth access through pop culture, gaming, esports, live events and content through IPs such as Leagues, Tournaments, Reality shows. It engages with Artists, Content creators, professional esports athletes, teams. Notable investors include Founders investment vehicle Good Game Investments, Nazara Technologies (BSE: NAZARA), KRAFTON Inc, Sony Group Corporation and JetSynthesys.

A key focus for NODWIN Gaming is the expertise in the global south and the timeshare of mindshare of the global youth on mobiles. NODWIN has established a dominant position worldwide in this space. By catering to the youth demographic, NODWIN is expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) by becoming increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. Their diverse range of intellectual properties that engages the youth spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy. This strategic expansion and cultivation of new intellectual properties are crucial to NODWIN’s aim of maintaining a significant role in the global youth media, gaming and esports Arena​s.

For more information, visit www.nodwingaming.com

About Esports World Cup Foundation:

The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world’s top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. esportsworldcup.com

NODWIN Gaming, a leader in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to manage media rights sales across South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other surrounding territories.

NODWIN Gaming will act as the strategic support for the EWCF in the region, supporting with media rights sales and distribution strategies for the EWC across South Asia. The partnership aims to bring the Esports World Cup to a broader audience of fans in one of the fastest-growing esports markets globally. Additionally, NODWIN Gaming will act as the EWCF’s marketing partner for the Indian market, to conceptualize and execute local campaigns and initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission of elevating esports and gaming culture worldwide.

The EWCF is the nonprofit organization behind the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s largest multi-title esports competition. The 2024 inaugural edition featured 1,500 elite players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing across 21 titles for a record-breaking $60 million prize pool. With 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million in-person attendees, the EWC set a new benchmark for esports competitions worldwide.

With a proven legacy in managing media rights for the targeted distribution of world-class esports and entertainment content, NODWIN Gaming has successfully brought competitive gaming to mainstream audiences through multiple broadcast platforms, including television and OTT services. Its marquee IP, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS), is currently the only Indian esports tournament to air on national television, broadcasting on Star Sports for three consecutive years. The company has also delivered top-tier productions and media rights solutions for properties such as the eISL in collaboration with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the VALORANT Challengers South Asia with Riot Games, the Mountain Dew Arena with ESL India, and the Kingfisher India Premiership, among others.

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming said, “The Esports World Cup is a landmark moment for global esports, and we’re proud to partner with the EWCF to bring that experience to South Asia. This partnership is about more than just broadcasting a tournament – it’s about building a bridge between South Asia’s incredibly passionate gaming communities and the global stage that the EWCF represents. Whether it’s in India, Bangladesh, Nepal or beyond, our goal is to make world-class esports content more accessible than ever. We’re excited to work closely with the EWCF to not only grow the tournament’s reach but to also support the larger ecosystem and community it helps foster.”

The EWCF is dedicated to supporting the long-term growth and financial sustainability of the global esports and gaming sectors. The foundation’s mission is to advocate for the entire ecosystem including players, fans, and businesses and to reinvest any proceeds back into initiatives that fuel the development of the industry.

“Our mission at the Esports World Cup Foundation is to create lasting impact for the global esports industry by setting new competitive benchmarks and forging partnerships that understand the nuances of each region. South Asia represents an incredibly dynamic and fast-growing gaming market, and NODWIN Gaming brings unparalleled knowledge, reach, and local trust to this ecosystem. By partnering with NODWIN, we are not only ensuring that the Esports World Cup reaches more fans, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to making esports more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.” stated Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.

Through this association, the EWCF strengthens its global presence while leveraging NODWIN Gaming’s deep-rooted experience in youth engagement, esports content, and regional distribution across emerging economies.

ENDS

About NODWIN Gaming

NODWIN Gaming, a material and independent subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Ltd. (BSE: NAZARA), holds a significant position in the global gaming and esports industry as a leader in emerging markets. NODWIN Gaming is valued at $410M USD (INR 3,441Cr) as of November, 2024. Since its inception in 2014 by Akshat Rathee and Gautam Virk, NODWIN has established a global presence in regions such as South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Turkey. The company’s business centres around building and monetising gaming and esports IPs such as Leagues, Tournaments, Reality shows. It engages with professional esports athletes, teams and content creators. Notable investors include Nazara, KRAFTON Inc, Sony Group Corporation and JetSynthesys.

A key focus for NODWIN Gaming is the expertise in the mobile gaming and esports sector, where it has established a dominant position worldwide. By catering to the youth demographic, NODWIN is expanding its Total Addressable Market (TAM) by becoming increasingly relevant in the rapidly evolving digital entertainment landscape. Their diverse range of intellectual properties that engages the youth spans esports, gaming, pop culture, music, and comedy. This strategic expansion and cultivation of new intellectual properties are crucial to NODWIN’s aim of maintaining a significant role in the global gaming esports Arena​.

For more information, visit www.nodwingaming.com

About Esports World Cup Foundation:

The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world’s top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. esportsworldcup.com

Banijay Asia, a part of Banijay Entertainment, and NODWIN Gaming, a material subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, today announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize esports, gaming, and youth entertainment in India. This collaboration marks a significant step in blending cutting-edge content with the booming gaming and youth culture ecosystem. As part of this alliance, Banijay Asia will take the helm in producing Playground, NODWIN Gaming’s flagship gaming reality show that has redefined the intersection of gaming, entertainment, and influencer culture in the region. The partnership will also bring new scripted and captive reality shows to daylight, with both companies co-developing new intellectual properties (IPs) and pioneering fresh content concepts across gaming, esports, and youth culture

Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO – Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India, commented, “This collaboration with NODWIN Gaming is an exciting extension of our vision to create content that resonates with evolving youth audiences. Gaming is not just a sport; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and a massive content opportunity. With Playground and our upcoming IPs, we aim to redefine engagement and storytelling in this space.” He further added, “I look forward to the creative collaboration with Akshat Rathee and Joost Roset who we previously worked with, in bringing iconic global IPs to India. This is an invaluable opportunity to create clutter-breaking formats in the youth and gaming space.”

With a diverse portfolio of high-impact IPs including the televised esports tournament – BGMI Masters Series (BGMS), Comic Con India, NH7 Weekender, and more, NODWIN Gaming is a key player in the gaming, esports, and youth entertainment ecosystem.

Talking about the partnership, Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder & MD, NODWIN Gaming, said, “Youth entertainment is evolving rapidly, and our partnership with Banijay Asia positions us perfectly to lead that change. With Playground, we’ve just begun to explore what’s possible. Backed by Banijay’s global expertise, we’re now set to scale the IP across multiple languages and markets, with the ambition of building an international format. At the heart of our approach is our philosophy of ‘timeshare of mindshare’. We’re not just creating content, we’re creating cultural moments. The Rusk creative team will stay actively involved as we expand the universe of Playground, aiming to grow from one show to between five and ten each year. This is just the beginning of a bold new chapter in gaming and youth content.”

With gaming emerging as one of the most influential youth-driven industries, this partnership is poised to set new benchmarks in how gaming and entertainment are consumed in India. By leveraging Banijay Asia’s expertise in content creation and NODWIN Gaming’s deep-rooted understanding of gaming communities, the collaboration promises to push creative boundaries and capture the imagination of young audiences nationwide.

Banijay Entertainment has strong expertise in the gaming space, via its global distribution arm Banijay Rights, with successful gaming activations leveraging key brands including Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror, Simon’s Cat, and MasterChef.

New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI): NODWIN Gaming has acquired esports broadcasting platform StarLadder for an initial consideration of $5.5 Mn (INR 47.65 Cr).

In a regulatory filing, the company said, “The acquisition of 100% of the share capital of StarLadder will be a combination of secondary sale and stock swap of NODWIN Gaming Pte shares for an initial consideration of up to $5.5 Mn.”

Furthermore, additional consideration will be payable upon meeting the earn-out targets, as the filing added.

After the acquisition, StarLadder will become a fully owned subsidiary of NODWIN Gaming Pte.

Shares of its parent Nazara Technologies were up almost 2% at INR 958.60 apiece, compared to its previous close of INR 940.00 per share, on the BSE intraday morning trade today (January 31).

The initial consideration of $2 Mn would be paid in cash, while the balance $3.5 Mn will be via equity shares swap with NODWIN Gaming Pte.

Founded by Roman Romantsov, StarLadder is a Ukrainian tournament operator that hosts international tournaments of games such as Dota 2, PUBG and HearthStone. Its web platform organizes online tournaments among professional and amateur teams.

Following the deal, Romanstov would become a shareholder of NODWIN Gaming Pte and continue to lead the business ahead.

“StarLadder and Roman are the superstars behind the Creme de la Creme events that esports fans have loved to see. Roman is considered one of the pioneers of esports event production with his deep insight in stage design, creative broadcast solutions and entrepreneurial energy. I have been a fan of his work for the longest time and cherish the opportunity to work and build NODWIN with one of my heroes. We have a vision of elevating and creating incredible community experiences, including more CS:GO tournaments for our amazing fans and partners, and look forward to taking them to more emerging markets. We are so proud to welcome such an amazing brand and founder into the NODWIN Gaming family.” Akshat Rathee said.

StarLadder’s merger would enable NODWIN Gaming to add the X factor in esports event and intellectual properties (IP) production, the company said in a statement.

“We live in an era of globalisation, where the synergy of resources, expertise, and potential drives success and paves the way for future growth. We are thrilled to have found partners and like-minded individuals who share our vision and ambition. Together with NODWIN Gaming, StarLadder is committed to creating extraordinary experiences for fans, delivering unforgettable events across multiple games and regions. Stay tuned for what’s to come!” Roman Romantsov, founder, StarLadder, stated.

The move comes as NODWIN accelerates its international growth through a series of acquisitions, including Comic Con India, influencer network Trinity Gaming, and esports marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming.

StarLadder, which has organised high-profile esports events such as CS:GO and Dota 2 Majors, will bring two decades of experience to NODWIN’s expanding portfolio.

The acquisition is expected to help StarLadder enter new markets and strengthen its position in the industry while aligning with NODWIN’s efforts to scale up premium esports content globally.

Mumbai, India, December 19, 2024 — NODWIN Gaming announced the acquisition of AFK Gaming Pvt. Ltd., a leading gaming and esports media company subject to closing formalities. AFK Gaming will become a fully owned subsidiary of NODWIN Gaming.

This acquisition strengthens NODWIN Gaming’s esports-related content production & distribution, and marketing & PR services capabilities. These capabilities will enhance NODWIN Gaming’s offerings to brands and publishers, making it a strong one-stop-shop for all esports & gaming-related marketing activities, thereby increasing the share of wallet of marketing budgets for NODWIN Gaming.

The acquisition of 93% of the share capital of AFK Gaming will be a combination of cash and stock swap of NODWIN Gaming shares for a total consideration of INR 7.6 Crores. NODWIN already owned the balance 7% of AFK previously. As part of this transaction, the founders will become shareholders of NODWIN Gaming and be integrated into different verticals in the NODWIN Gaming ecosystem.

In 2017, NODWIN Gaming led AFK Gaming’s first round of investment as a strategic investor, helping the founders turn their hobby into a business. This acquisition completes the lifecycle of NODWIN’s strategic investment into the company, making AFK a 100% subsidiary on close.

Founded in 2012 by Nishant Patel, Rakesh Ramchandran, and Siddharth Nayyar, AFK Gaming has been at the forefront of the Indian gaming and esports media industry for over a decade. Apart from providing the latest updates from the industry through its website and its specially curated gaming business newsletter Pixel P&L, its agency vertical, Max Level, offers bespoke marketing services to teams, tournament organizers, game publishers, and brands looking to connect with gaming and esports audiences. This includes campaign management, IP building, content production, video editing, consultancy, social media marketing, influencer programs, and public relations & communications as well. Its clientele includes brands like ASUS ROG, CyberPowerPC India, KRAFTON, Saudi Esports Federation, ESL Faceit Group, The Esports World Cup, Jio Games, TVS, and more. Max Level has worked closely with NODWIN Gaming for a majority of its IPs and white-label solutions.

Nishant will join the founders’ office to work on strategic initiatives across the NODWIN Group while building out Pixel P&L as a media product within the company. Rakesh will be a part of the larger NODWIN team, focusing on augmenting the company’s ability to build tech-led products and Siddharth will continue to head Max Level, focusing on high-quality, cost-efficient, marketing and PR services.

This acquisition further bolsters NODWIN Gaming’s services portfolio in the gaming and esports ecosystem.

Akshat Rathee commented: “I have known Nishant, Sid, and Rakesh since the inception of AFK Gaming. We all started out at the same time, while the esports industry in India was just beginning to pick up. We have built respect for each other over time by butting heads, competing, collaborating, and supporting each other when there was little hope. I have learnt to admire their ability to persevere, pivot and be true to the fan. This focus is to be treasured. Once you have that respect and understanding of our strengths and weaknesses, working together is a natural causality. As we come together as one group, I welcome them as shareholders of NODWIN Gaming and as leaders in our group. I look forward to the many missions we will pick up and go on together.”

Nishant Patel, Rakesh Ramchandran, and Siddharth Nayyar, Co-Founders of AFK Gaming, stated: “Joining the NODWIN group feels like a homecoming for us. When esports was barely a coined term, Akshat and us agreed to work to grow the market rather than compete in an industry that had yet to prove itself. This led to a long and trust-imbued relationship where Akshat watched over us as a friend, investor, mentor and board member. Now that the industry has matured a bit, our existing synergies with NODWIN allow us to hit the ground running and we’re confident in our ability to unlock the next level of growth for the group!”

The acquisition comes at a time when NODWIN Gaming continues to grow in India and emerging markets worldwide. This deal complements NODWIN Gaming’s recent strategic moves, including the acquisition of Trinity Gaming India, Comic Con in India, German esports and gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming, West Asia and Turkey-focused marketing agency Publishme, Singapore-based live events firm Branded, and Turkish esports and gaming company Ninja Global.

December 5th, 2024: NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports, today announced that its parent company, Nazara Technologies Limited, has approved an investment of INR 64 Crores in NODWIN Gaming.

NODWIN Gaming’s Board has approved plans to initiate a private financing round to accelerate the company’s vision of becoming the #1 new-age youth media, gaming, and esports firm across emerging markets. As the first investor backing this investment, NAZARA and NODWIN boards have both ratified this investment that is in the form of convertible preferred stock.

The funds raised in this round will be primarily allocated to fuel NODWIN Gaming’s ongoing expansion momentum, focusing on enhancing its capabilities, growing its portfolio of intellectual properties (IPs), and strengthening its presence in emerging markets.

NODWIN Gaming has been growing organically and inorganically through acquisitions. In the recently announced quarter results of Q2 FY24, revenue grew 91% on a QoQ basis and 111% on a YoY basis. NODWIN has recently announced the investment and scaling up of Comic Con India and the Acquisition of Trinity Gaming.

Sharing his thoughts on this investment Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD, NODWIN Gaming said, “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Nazara Technologies for their unwavering support and trust in the NODWIN Gaming vision every step of the way. Their belief in our mission has been instrumental in driving our progress and success. As we continue on our growth and expansion journey, we remain fully committed to building a truly global company coming from India that leads with innovation, expanding our capabilities in New age media in emerging markets. Our focus is on capturing the attention and Timeshare of Mindshare of the global youth.”

NODWIN Gaming’s global expansion

Founded by Rathee and Gautam Singh Virk, NODWIN Gaming owns various IPs including prominent tournaments, festivals, and conferences in esports, gaming, music, comedy, pop culture, and live experiences that appeal to young audiences.

Recently, NODWIN has expanded its portfolio with several strategic acquisitions, including the German esports and gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming, events company Comic Con, West Asia and Turkey-focused marketing agency Publishme, Singapore-based live events firm Branded, and Turkish esports and gaming company Ninja Global.

Prior to this investment, as of Nov 2024, NODWIN was valued at $410M USD (INR 3,441Cr). In addition to Nazara, Krafton, JetSynthesys and Sony Group are existing shareholders in NODWIN Gaming.

November 29, 2024: NODWIN Gaming announced the acquisition of Trinity Gaming, a leading gaming agency and platform, in a deal valued at INR 24 Crore. This acquisition will see Trinity Gaming become a fully owned subsidiary of NODWIN Gaming, marking a significant step in expanding its reach and capabilities within the Indian gaming and content ecosystem.

The acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Trinity will be a combination of secondary sale and stock swap of NODWIN Gaming shares for a total consideration of up to INR 24 Crores. The consideration would be payable partly by way of Cash consideration upto INR 4.8 Crores and balance INR 19.2 Crores by way of a swap of equity shares of NODWIN Gaming. As part of this transaction, the founders would become shareholders of NODWIN Gaming and continue to lead the business going forward.

Founded in 2019 by Abhishek Aggarwal and Shivam Rao, Trinity Gaming has quickly established itself as a cornerstone in India’s gaming influencer ecosystem. Trinity Gaming is a Creator Service Provider (CSP) for Meta and the only Gaming MCN (Multi-channel Network) for YouTube in Gaming in India, managing over 1,000 creators from across the country, with prominent partnerships with global brands such as Samsung, Realme, iQOO, and Krafton.

Trinity’s expertise in content creation, digital marketing, and agency activations makes it a valuable addition to NODWIN Gaming’s portfolio, enhancing its ability to forge impactful partnerships with gaming creators and brands.

NODWIN Gaming will expand the portfolio of Trinity to other emerging markets such as Africa, SE Asia, Central Asia and Middle East across existing businesses and verticals of NODWIN Gaming. NODWIN Gaming will also merge its Unpaused Talent business with Trinity and have the founders of Trinity lead it.

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder of NODWIN Gaming, commented:  “Trinity Gaming has been a long-time partner and ally in the gaming ecosystem, and we’ve shared a strong relationship with Abhishek, Shivam, and their incredible team over the years. We are thrilled to welcome Trinity Gaming into the NODWIN Gaming family. Trinity’s deep understanding of India’s gaming creator ecosystem, coupled with their expertise in brand partnerships, agency activations, content creation, and community engagement, will be pivotal in further strengthening our footprint in the region. This acquisition allows us to offer more holistic solutions to our partners, from content creation to marketing services, while continuing to build a thriving gaming ecosystem in India.”

Abhishek Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Trinity Gaming, stated, “Joining forces with NODWIN Gaming is a momentous step for us. The synergy between our teams will accelerate our vision of creating unmatched opportunities for content creators in India, expanding the gaming ecosystem while helping brands connect more deeply with this highly engaged audience. We are excited about the future and the immense growth that lies ahead.”

Shivam Rao, Co-Founder of Trinity Gaming, added, “With NODWIN Gaming’s unparalleled expertise in esports and global reach, coupled with our focus on creators and brand partnerships, we are poised to deliver innovative and compelling solutions for the gaming community in India. This acquisition marks the beginning of a new era of opportunities for creators, and brands alike.”

This acquisition aligns with NODWIN Gaming’s vision of delivering immersive and holistic youth entertainment experiences. By bringing Trinity Gaming into their fold, NODWIN Gaming adds another critical touchpoint to engage with the youth demographic more effectively. As pioneers in this space, NODWIN Gaming continues to push boundaries, creating diverse offerings that resonate with the interests and aspirations of young audiences.

The acquisition comes as NODWIN Gaming continues to grow in India and emerging markets worldwide. This deal complements NODWIN Gaming’s recent strategic moves, including the acquisition of Comic Con in India, German esports and gaming marketing agency Freaks 4U Gaming, West Asia and Turkey-focused marketing agency Publishme, Singapore-based live events firm Branded, and Turkish esports and gaming company Ninja Global.

August 2024: NODWIN Gaming has entered a multi-year strategic partnership with Insider.in, India’s leading ticketing and events platforms. This partnership marks a milestone as Insider.in will become the official ticketing partner for NODWIN Gaming’s key IPs, including DreamHack, NH7 Weekender, and Comic Con India.

NODWIN Gaming’s long-standing relationship with Insider.in across various events has laid a strong foundation for this strategic partnership. Furthermore, the ticketing platform will start playing a crucial role in facilitating long-term synergistic brand partnerships for NODWIN Gaming’s IPs.

Insider.in has managed to establish its unique presence across 300+ cities by ticketing, marketing, and curating differentiated consumer experiences. The platform has become synonymous with urban culture by hosting experiences across music, comedy, sports, and theatre among other genres of entertainment.

This synergy aligns perfectly with NODWIN Gaming’s vision of creating unparalleled entertainment experiences across markets, allowing events to tap into a broader audience base.

Among its flagship events are DreamHack India, the nation’s gaming festival, Comic Con India, the premier destination for all things pop culture, and NH7 Weekender, the longest-running multi-genre music festival in India.

The partnership with Insider.in will further bolster the prominence of these events, providing a smoother ticketing experience and increased accessibility for audiences.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Akshat Rathee said, “We are delighted to team up with Insider.in as our official ticketing partner across 3 of our iconic IPs. Our past collaborations have always been exceptional and this partnership is a natural progression in our shared vision for excellence.

“NODWIN Gaming is committed to becoming the premier destination for youth entertainment with our exclusive IPs, and this partnership is a significant step toward that goal. Insider.in’s expertise and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance audience experiences for Comic Con India, NH7 Weekender, and DreamHack India. Together, we look forward to creating iconic memories and delightful experiences for everyone,” he continued.

Speaking about this strategic collaboration, Varun Khare said, “We are thrilled to announce this multi-year ticketing partnership with Nodwin Gaming for their iconic IPs like NH7 Weekender, Dreamhack, and the globally renowned Comic Con editions. Our longstanding partnership has been a testament to our shared commitment to excellence in live entertainment that focuses on providing unmatched entertainment to fans across the country. With tremendous fan support for all of these IPs, we are excited to elevate consumer experiences and set new benchmarks in the industry.”

June 2024: NODWIN Gaming International Pte Ltd has signed definitive agreements to increase its existing 13.51% stake in Freaks 4U Gaming GmbH, a Berlin-based gaming and esports agency to 100% in tranches through a share swap valued at up to Rs 271 crore.

NODWIN Pte initially increased its existing stake in Freaks 4U Gaming to 57%, and the remaining 43%, held by founders Michael Haenisch, Matthias Remmert and Jens Enders, will be swapped at a later time at its option.

Existing investors of Freaks 4U Gaming, being co-investors of FRE and Game.Fin S.R.L will become shareholders of NODWIN Pte. This acquisition is understood to enhance NODWIN Gaming’s capabilities, bringing in the expertise, experience, and network of the Freaks 4U Gaming team. It is expected to contribute towards NODWIN’s revenues going forward.

Moreover, this move is intended to bolster NODWIN Gaming’s access to developed markets and execution and planning capabilities in PC gaming and publishing support services.

“By integrating Freaks 4U Gaming’s expertise and resources, I believe we are poised to deliver services and expand our global footprint in the gaming and esports industries. We also welcome all existing shareholders of Freaks 4U Gaming as NODWIN Gaming’s shareholders,” said Akshat Rathee.

April 2024: The Global Esports Federation (GEF) has partnered with NODWIN Gaming, a subsidiary of India’s Nazara Technologies, appointing the company as a Portfolio Management Company (PMC) to help drive the expansion of its global events portfolio.

The strategic partnership aims to enhance the reach of GEF’s significant events, especially the Global Esports Tour, across various emerging markets.

Managing key markets in South and Central Asia

NODWIN Gaming, a premier gaming and esports company based in South Asia, will manage key markets in South and Central Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia.

The company is entrusted with exclusive rights to develop and promote GEF-licensed esports events in over 20 countries, including India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Dubai, Bahrain, Jordan, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as the entire continent of Africa.

Additionally, The company has non-exclusive rights to host events globally, which supports its plans for extensive collaboration with subsidiaries and strategic partners.

Impact on the global esports landscape

The partnership between NODWIN Gaming and the GEF is poised to significantly influence the esports and gaming scenes in emerging markets.

By leveraging NODWIN Gaming’s established presence and expertise, the GEF aims to foster sustainable growth and enhance the global esports ecosystem, which includes over 155 member federations and engages billions of participants worldwide.

Leadership comments

Mario Cilenti, Chief Operating Officer at GEF, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are thrilled to have NODWIN Gaming and Cinematic on board as our Portfolio Management Companies for the South Asia and North America markets, respectively. Their capabilities and extensive experience make them ideal partners to advance the Global Esports Federation’s mission and further engage with esports communities across key growth regions.”

Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, also shared his excitement: “The world of esports is evolving towards true global celebration of esports titles across the world. The Global Esports Federation truly epitomizes the hopes and aspirations of all the developing world markets that NODWIN seeks to develop. We believe our partnership with the GEF will bring the best of esports opportunities to the youth of the emerging world.”

Expanding global reach and influence

Recently, NODWIN Gaming acquired Turkey-based Ninja Gaming and invested in Germany-based Freaks 4U Gaming to further solidify its ability to expand the GEF-licensed events across non-exclusive regions, including Europe and North Africa.

These developments are expected to significantly enhance the company’s reach and influence in the global esports markets, supporting its vision of connecting communities and inspiring youth worldwide through esports.

March 2024: NODWIN Gaming has announced a strategic partnership with JSW Sports, an Indian sports promoter and pure play sports management enterprise, to monetize and market its gaming, esports, and cultural intellectual properties (IPs). As per the company, the collaboration is set to redefine and empower the rapidly evolving esports ecosystem within the country.

The partnership further solidifies NODWIN’s strategic focus as a sports media company. With esports and sports having a very large audience and media overlaps in India, the association brings together NODWIN Gaming’s expertise in esports operations and esports content creation, complemented by JSW’s extensive experience and footprint across sports, especially their commercial vertical.

Commenting on the partnership, Akshat Rathee said, “We at NODWIN Gaming are happy to announce our partnership with JSW Sports, a momentous milestone in the esports ecosystem. NODWIN Gaming’s technical know-how and leadership in the esports and gaming domain, combined with JSW Sports’ commercial expertise, positions us to unlock unprecedented opportunities in the distribution and monetization of esports content. Our shared goal is not only to empower the esports ecosystem but also to establish new benchmarks for the future.”

Additionally, the combined strengths of the two industry leaders are also focused on launching new esports-focused intellectual properties in India, educating the market and important stakeholders along creating the right partnership platforms for brands and advertisers.

NODWIN gaming’s esports IPs are celebrated for their unique appeal, offering a diverse and dynamic range of content to suit the entertainment needs of the community. Furthermore, the collaboration also aims to showcase rich and engaging storytelling within the esports domain, catering to the ever-evolving interests of the gaming community.

“India has one of the largest esports viewing audiences in the world, estimated at roughly 150 millions viewers. That number swells up to 290 million when you combine it with both, esports playing titles and fans. Talking more numbers, In 2024, the revenue in the esports market is forecasted to reach US$124.8m, and that number will only grow exponentially in the years to come. In JSW Sports and NODWIN, we see two market-leaders with the kind of synergies to capitalize on these trends, and change the game when it comes to distributing and monetizing esports content,” Divyanshu Singh, COO, of JSW Sports, added.

January 2024: Nazara Technologies-owned gaming company NODWIN gaming announced that the company has acquired Comic Con India, which hosts pop cultural festivals in India.

NODWIN gaming will acquire 100% of the shares of Comic Con India at a valuation of ₹55 crore through a combination of cash and share swap from the founders of Comic Con India – Jatin Varma and Karan Kalra.

Comic Con India was founded in 2011. The company organizes various festivals across India, in segments like comics, cosplay movies, TV shows, merch, gaming, and much more. “For more than a decade, we have worked tirelessly to build a unique space in India for promoting and celebrating popular culture,” said Varma.

The festivals are held in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai.

The founders will continue to operate the business under NODWIN. The managing team at Comic Con India will also become shareholders in the gaming company by swapping 275 million of their Comicon India shares with NODWIN shares.

NODWIN said that the acquisition will help the company in expanding its presence in the global entertainment landscape. “Integration of Comic Con India will amplify and diversify the offering of Nodin to all opportunities that target the youth in India. With the continued intersection of Gaming/ Pop Culture/ esports into one interactive entertainment sector, Nodwin will add a robust IP that is scalable both in India and Internationally,” said Akshat Rathee.

February 2024: Esports firm NODWIN Gaming on Wednesday said it was acquiring Istanbul-based esports and gaming firm Ninja Global FZCO.

NODWIN did not disclose the consideration for the 100% acquisition of the latter. Ninja Global conducts tournaments, broadcasts, and otherE sports-related activities across Turkey and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The acquisition will help NODWIN “enhance the company’s existing capabilities to offer solutions to publishers and brands in the Middle East and the Turkey region,” the firm said in a statement.

On October 6, NODWIN fully acquired game marketing agency Publishme, which focuses on West Asia and Turkey, for $2 million.

The latest acquisition “also readies NODWIN Gaming to expand to Central Asia, where the mobile games market is experiencing rapid growth,” the firm added in a statement.

NODWIN is a subsidiary of listed gaming and media firm Nazara Technologies, where it is the largest revenue driver of the parent firm. For the quarter ended December, NODWIN brought in Rs 134 crore in revenue. However, the division registered negative earnings before tax, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) of Rs 2 crore, said Nitish Mittersain, co-founder of Nazara Technologies.

At the time, Mittersain had told ET that the parent firm was “not pushing for margins for NODWIN” as the firm believes that “it is a business with a very large growth opportunity, and we would prefer an aggressive growth stance for the near future for this division.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Akshat Rathee said, “We are thrilled to warmly welcome Gokhan Kazar and Doruk Demisar, Founders of Ninja Dubai and their team into the NODWIN Gaming family, marking a significant addition to our valued network. This strategic acquisition not only unlocks a plethora of new opportunities but also opens doors to numerous fresh possibilities for us as a leading gaming and esports media company. As NODWIN Gaming actively broadens its global footprint, with a special focus on key emerging markets within the new BRICS+ global network, the integration of Ninja is a natural and essential step forward. This move positions us to empower local esports ecosystems, understand, and unlock the potential of multiple emerging markets.”

January 2024: NODWIN Gaming, the esports subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, on January 31 announced an investment of €8 million (about Rs 75 crore) in Germany-based Freaks 4U Gaming in exchange for a 13.51 percent stake, as the company looks to bolster its capabilities in global markets.

As per the deal, NODWIN Gaming’s Singapore subsidiary is investing €4.4 million (about Rs 41 crore) to buy a 7.4 percent stake. The firm is also converting its €3.6 million (Rs 33.26 crore) investment, made via a convertible note in December 2023, to a 6.1 percent stake.

The gaming company has also obtained a right to acquire majority control of Freaks 4U Gaming through a stock swap with shares of NODWIN Gaming in the future.

Founded in 2011, Freaks 4U Gaming is a global full-service agency that specializes in esports and gaming. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, the firm offers a range of solutions including strategic brand and marketing consultancy, social media and community management, editorial services, event management and logistics, and creative services.

It also delivers broadcast productions as one of the most prominent esports content creators worldwide apart from providing other community-oriented solutions. The firm has regional offices across Europe, Asia, and North America and employs over 190 people.

In August 2021, Freaks 4U Gaming raised €15 million from Co-Investor Partners, a private equity investor focused on high-growth, small and mid-sized companies in German-speaking countries. The company’s turnover as of December 31, 2022 was at €38.25 million.

“NODWIN Gaming dominates in emerging markets (including India) while Freaks (4U Gaming) leads in developed markets…Together, Freaks (4U Gaming) and NODWIN Gaming will become even more relevant for global consumer brands and game publishers to operate seamlessly across emerging and developed markets,” Nazara Technologies said in a stock market filing.

As part of this agreement, NODWIN Gaming and Freaks 4U Gaming will start exclusively utilizing resources in each other’s key territories such as personnel, equipment, and facilities.

NODWIN Gaming will get access to the Freaks 4U Gaming network across the developed markets, the PC ecosystem, and its full-service capabilities. Meanwhile, Freaks 4U Gaming will get access to NODWIN Gaming’s emerging market network, and facility capabilities in the mobile esports and youth culture ecosystems.

“Our collaborative journey with Freaks (4U Gaming) is growing stronger, especially in the realms of PC and mobile gaming. We hold continuous admiration for the team at Freaks as we jointly explore new avenues for cooperation,” said Akshat Rathee in a statement.

“This financial contribution is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing together on this shared venture,” he said.

NODWIN Gaming said it will appoint ESL Faceit group’s Niels Wolter as a nominee on the advisory board of Freaks 4U Gaming. He will consult on strategy, operations, and integration, ensuring that the “synergy benefits identified by NODWIN Gaming and Freaks 4U Gaming are realised in a timely manner”

Michael Haenisch, CEO of Freaks 4U Gaming, said “Under Akshat’s leadership, NODWIN has become a force to be reckoned with in the emerging market and the global landscape of gaming and esports. I am excited to be working alongside Akshat and his team, as we further our discussions on how Freaks and NODWIN will collaborate and grow together in this strategic alliance.”

January 2023: Gaming and esports media firm NODWIN Gaming’s Singapore unit has acquired a 100 percent stake in in-game marketing agency Publishme for $2 million from parent firm Nazara Technologies and Publishme co-founder Ozgur Ozalp, as the company looks to boost its international presence.

As per a stock market filing, NODWIN Gaming’s Singapore subsidiary NODWIN Gaming International Pte Ltd is purchasing an 82.81 percent stake from Nazara’s Dubai unit for $2 million in cash and the remaining 17.19 percent stake from Ozgur Ozalp for $1.

Following this transaction, Publishme will rename itself as NODWIN Gaming in the Middle East but retain the Publishme name in Turkey, its original market. Ozgur Ozalp will take over as the CEO of NODWIN Gaming Dubai.

The deal is expected to enhance NODWIN Gaming’s existing solutions capabilities for brands and publishers as the company continues its global expansion, particularly in the BRICS global network whose members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt and Argentina.

This includes a 51 percent stake purchase in Singapore-based live events firm Branded in an all-cash deal of up to $1.3 million last month; buying the gaming and adjacent IP businesses of OML Entertainment for Rs 73 crore in September 2021, including the popular NH7 Weekender music festival; and picking up a 10.26 percent stake in digital media firm Rusk Media for Rs 10 crore in December 2021.

NODWIN Gaming also bought a 35 percent stake in gaming accessories maker Brandscale Innovations, which makes high-quality and affordable gaming audio gear under the brand name Wings in April 2022 and purchased comics, pop culture, and superheroes merchandising retailer Planet Superheroes for Rs 4.9 crore in January 2022.

It owns various IPs including prominent tournaments, festivals, and conferences in esports, gaming, music, comedy, and live experiences that could appeal to gaming enthusiasts. It operates across multiple offices in South Asia, Singapore, the Middle East, and Turkey.

In May 2023, NODWIN Gaming raised $28 million from new investors Sony Group Corporation and Innopark and existing investors such as Nazara, Krafton, and JetSynthesys. The round valued the firm at $349 million, a significant jump from its earlier valuation of $135 million when it last raised funds in March 2021.’

“This strategic acquisition not only brings in a host of new opportunities but also paves the way for a multitude of fresh possibilities for us as a leading gaming and esports media company,” said Akshat Rathee.

Nazara chief executive Nitish Mittersain also said they see significant synergies between NODWIN Gaming and Publishme. This transaction will give NODWIN a stronger foothold into the Middle East esports market.

Publishme is a gaming marketing agency that works with game publishers in Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. It helps companies with game launch plans, social media management, sponsorship, and activations. Nazara Technologies had acquired a majority stake in Publishme for Rs 20 crore in June 2021.

April 2023: The Singapore subsidiary of NODWIN Gaming, the esports and gaming arm of Nazara Technologies Limited, has acquired a 51pc stake in the Singapore-based full-service live media company Branded.

With this acquisition, NODWIN Gaming will not only acquire all of Branded’s existing event IPs including ‘All That Matters’, ‘It’s a Girl Thing’ and ‘CreatorWorld’‘, etc, but it will also onboard a capable international team led by an industry veteran in Jasper Donat that will also focus on growing international sponsorship revenue for all of NODWIN Gaming’s IPs both in India and globally.

“We are excited to bring Branded into our fold at NODWIN Gaming adding its multiple facets to expand and grow our ecosystem. We share very similar synergies be it our common love for gaming, sports, music, esports or entertainment, so this was a near-perfect match. IPs like ‘Gaming Matters’, ‘Sports Matters’ and ‘It’s A Girl thing’ will add a new dimension to what we already offer. We will also look at the talented branded team taking our existing IPs such as Playground, The Premiership, NH7 and others international,” said Akshat Rathee.

Branded is a leading Singapore-based live media company that has built award-winning owned-and-operated platforms including All That Matters, Asia’s premiere conference and connections hub featuring Music Matters, Sports Matters, Gaming Matters, Marketing Matters, Arts Matters, Live Matters, Digital Matters and most recently Learning Matters.

Branded also produces It’s A Girl Thing, an empowerment platform and touring festival for young women, and Creator World, one of Asia’s newest event platforms for young influencers

“Over the past few years Branded has transformed from a live event IP creator and producer to a live media company and we are really excited to become a part of the NODWIN Gaming family with their vision and commitment to the business of growing media and entertainment and the communities around them. We are looking forward to expanding our existing events and IP and co-creating new, exciting properties around the APAC region and beyond,” Jasper Donat, Co-Founder and CEO, Branded.

April 2022: NODWIN Gaming, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Limited, has entered into a strategic investment in Wings Lifestyle, a gaming accessories brand that designs and deals in high-quality and affordable gaming audio gear.

Through this association, NODWIN aims to scale up and strengthen its retail presence and accelerate its direct-to-consumer approach for the gaming and Esports audiences in India.

As part of this investment, NODWIN Gaming will roll out a custom series of gaming headphones themed around popular Indian gaming and Esports talents and influencers under its umbrella and popular Esports organizations in the country.

Wings Lifestyle was founded in 2018 by Nishit Sharma and Vijay Vekateswaran joined him as a co-founder in 2021 and has since become one of the leading brands in earbuds with a focus on the mobile gaming segment. The gaming accessories include top-quality gaming earbuds and gaming neckbands with product expansion planned into headphones, keyboards, soundbars, speakers, and mice.

As part of its 360-marketing approach to cover all avenues of the gaming ecosystem, Wings Lifestyle collaborates with gaming content creators, esports athletes, and tournament organisers. The digitally-focused brand retails through Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, as well as its website.

“We built the company completely bootstrapped for the last three years and have successfully brought it to where it is today. We now feel it is the right time to get external funding and grow Wings to become a global gaming brand. NODWIN Gaming and Wings share a common vision of supporting and growing the gaming community and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner in this journey,” Nishit Sharma and Vijay Venkateswaran, co-founders, of Wings Lifestyle, said.

“Strategic investments like these will enable the company to achieve its vision of creating a successful multi-dimensional gaming and Esports strategy,” Akshat Rathee said.

 “We believe that Wings Lifestyle and NODWIN Gaming share multiple synergies; be it our influencers, our tournament IPs sponsorship, or our gamer community businesses. This investment will hopefully fill in the gap created by the huge demand for customised earbuds and headphones among the gaming and Esports community,” he added.

January 2022: NODWIN Gaming has acquired direct-to-consumer retailer Planet Superheroes to expand its merchandise play.

“The board of directors of  NODWIN Gaming has approved the acquisition of 27,987 equity shares of Rs 10 each of Superhero Brands Pvt. Ltd. from existing shareholders, in one or more tranches, aggregating to 100% equity stake for a consideration of Rs 4.90 crore,” the regulatory filing stated. “With this, Superhero Brand shall become the wholly owned subsidiary of Nodwin and subsidiary of Nazara.”

The deal will allow NODWIN Gaming to offer its users global merchandise from the likes of Marvel and Disney to Hamleys and Toys R Us, according to a statement. The partnership will also expand Planet Superheroes’ current offerings to include gaming merchandise from Krafton, Gameloft, Riot Games, etc.

Planet Superheroes has also built a proprietary social commerce engine that it will integrate with Nodwin’s in-house assets to create a first-of-its-kind “influencer-first” merchandising engine, the statement read.

Founded in 2014, Mumbai-based Planet Superheroes is an omnichannel brand that retails licensed character merchandise. The variety ranges from action figures, collectibles, toys for kids, fashion and home accessories, stationery, and apparel. The company claims to have serviced more than 2 lakh consumers and shipped over 5 lakh orders since incorporation.

The company had a revenue of Rs 4.99 crore in the fiscal ended March 31, 2021, down from Rs 8.17 crore in FY20 and Rs 7.43 crore in FY19.

“There is huge untapped monetisation potential for gaming companies via merchandising and we share a common vision in realising this potential,” Jaineel Aga, founder, and chief executive at Planet Superheroes, said. “I believe we will get two immediate wins—a larger consumer base for our existing IPs and a new supply of licenses and partnerships in the gaming industry.”

December 2021: NODWIN Gaming has acquired a strategic 10% stake in the digital content IP media network Rusk Media. To assert its dominance in the Indian esports ecosystem, the company has been on an expansion and consolidation spree since its funding in March this year.

With this investment in Rusk Media, NODWIN Gaming aims to deepen and widen its portfolio of content IPs in the gaming and esports ecosystem.

“As a leader of esports in the South Asian region, we aim to eventually have a significant presence across the entire ecosystem in this sector. Through our investment in Rusk Media, we aim to take further steps in the massification of esports and gaming by creating entertainment-first gaming IPs for the GenZ,” Akshat Rathee, managing director, NODWIN Gaming, said.

Rusk Media, the Gen-Z first digital content IP network, offers content for audiences in the 15-25 age group with a focus on equal viewership across genders. NODWIN Gaming expects to massify entertainment-first gaming and esports content in the country through this association and enable media platforms to have access to content that the Gen Z cohort is looking for, it said in a statement.

“We’re excited to have NODWIN Gaming as a part of our journey to revolutionize entertainment for the Gen-Z and millennial audience. We want to bring together the worlds of entertainment and esports and create digital-first IPs that are made for gaming fans,” Mayank Yadav, CEO, of Rusk Media, stated.

NODWIN Gaming is the material subsidiary of Nazara Technologies Limited. It acquired the gaming and adjacent IP businesses of OML Entertainment recently. It has a presence in India, as well as across emerging and developed global markets such as Africa and North America.

September 2021: NODWIN Gaming acquired the gaming and adjacent intellectual property business of media and entertainment company OML Entertainment for ₹73 crore.

As part of the transaction, Ajay Nair, managing director, of OML Entertainment, will join NODWIN’s board, it added. NODWIN owns OML’s IPs, such as Bacardi NH7 Weekender, YouTube Fan Fest, and India’s biggest hip-hop league Breezer Vivid Shuffle.

“We’re getting access to some of the IPs that OML has created specifically for the youth, where there is a big crossover of gaming, music, and comedy. We’re also getting access to all the talent which is now increasingly focusing on gaming.”

Akshat Rathee said the company is interested in OML’s IPs that help create multi-stage experiences between music, comedy, and gaming. The deal will help the “massification” of esports and gaming in India, he added.

March 2021: NODWIN Gaming has raised Rs164 crore in equity investment from South Korean gaming firm Krafton which has picked up a minority stake in the company. Krafton is best known for intellectual properties and games such as PlayerUnknown Battlegrounds (PUBG), TERA, Golf King, Castle Burn among others.

This is NODWIN’s third round of funding as it has already raised funds from Rakesh Jhunjhunwala-backed Nazara Technologies Limited and JetSynthesys Private Limited, backed by Infosys Limited co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan.

“Esports sits at a wonderful intersection of sports, entertainment and technology where nations such as India can pave the path. With Krafton coming on board, we have an endorsement from the mecca of gaming and esports – South Korea, on what we are building from India for the world based on our competence in mobile first markets.” said Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director, NODWIN Gaming.

The company intends to channelize these funds to accelerate the development of esports in South Asia, Middle East and Africa, support talent, provide better gaming infrastructure and technology and conceptualize, organize and execute a multitude of tournament IPs at the national and international level.

“Krafton is excited to partner with NODWIN Gaming to help foster the promising esports ecosystem and engage with our fans and players in India,” said Changhan Kim, CEO of Krafton. “Taking the momentum from this partnership, we will explore additional investment opportunities in the region to uphold our commitment and dedication in cultivating the local video game, esports, entertainment, and tech industries.”