The Red Bull M.E.O. tournament is back for its seventh edition in India, offering mobile gaming enthusiasts a thrilling opportunity to compete in two fan-favourite games, the World Cricket Championship (WCC) and Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). Here is all you need to know about the tournament.
Red Bull M.E.O. tournament India to Feature BGMI: Set to Host LAN Finals in Chennai
Red Bull M.E.O has made a return to India with BGMI and WCC tournaments. This 2024 edition is highlighted by the LAN National Finals, set to take place in Chennai on December 1. The on-ground event will feature Red Bull Players, racing simulators, and more.
The registrations for BGMI Qualifiers are now ongoing on the official Redbull site with a deadline set for November 6. Redbull has assured that there is no limit to the number of team entries, which makes it an open-for-all tournament. Red Bull is also partnering with Skyesports to support team scouting through its Discord channel, providing solo players and incomplete squads a space to find teammates and strategize.
It is also announced that the later stages of the tournament will also be joined by Invited teams. After the registration phase, teams will battle it out in an online qualifier and only the top 32 teams will be advanced to the next stage. These 32 qualified teams will be making their way into pre-quarterfinals where another 32 invited teams partake.
Following an intense pre-quarterfinal stage, the top 32 teams will move on to the quarterfinals, structured in a round-robin format where four groups of eight teams each will vie for spots in the semifinals.
From there, only 24 teams will qualify for the semifinals, with each team grouped into three pools. The 16 best-performing teams will ultimately advance to the grand finale. The tournament culminates in a three-day National Finals, with the first two days of online play on November 26 and 27, and concluding in an electrifying LAN event in Chennai on December 1.
The Schedule for the Tournament is as follows:
Registrations: October 29 to November 6
Quarterfinals: November 20 to 22
Semifinals: November 23 to 25
Online Grand Finals (Days 1 & 2): November 26 and 27
LAN Grand Finals in Chennai: December 1
Fans unable to attend in person can still catch all the action live on the Red Bull Game On YouTube channel.
As in previous years, Red Bull is set to reward the champions with unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The winning BGMI team will receive an exclusive Red Bull Racing experience, allowing them to attend an F1 event. Meanwhile, the WCC champion will enjoy a matchday experience with the Rajasthan Royals, creating lasting memories beyond the game.
Last year’s edition was won by Celcius Esports which included experienced teams like XSpark, Soul, Godlike, Orangutan and More.
In a significant Diwali celebration for Indian gamers, NODWIN Gaming teamed up with Japanese gaming giant KONAMI to bring an exclusive esports event, the ‘eFootball Diwali Showdown’. Aman of S8UL was crowned the eventual winner of the special tournament, which included some of the most well-known gaming stars in India.
S8UL Aman Emerged as Champion of eFootball Diwali Showdown
The event, held on October 30, 2024, saw eight of India’s leading gaming influencers face off in a group stage and knockout tournament format. The roster included fan favourites such as Dreamboy, Yes Smarty Pie, Ezio18Rip, Sid, Senpai Spider, K18, and Binks, with S8UL Aman ultimately taking the top spot in a hard-fought final.
To add to the festive cheer, KONAMI introduced exclusive in-game rewards for Indian gamers. Players can now log in to eFootball and claim special Diwali-themed player packs featuring Indian football stars, allowing them to experience the thrill of playing with homegrown talent. Additionally, unique Diwali-themed jerseys are available for a limited time.
Tournament participants K18, Senpai Spider, and Yes Smarty Pie are also actively streaming the game and hosting matches on their respective YouTube channels, further engaging the Indian gaming community.
KONAMI’s commitment to the Indian gaming market is evident through these Diwali-focused initiatives. eFootball, being a free-to-play title, offers accessible and competitive gaming experiences to players of all levels.
Recently, eFootball was selected as an official title for the FIFAe World Cup, with India among the 18 countries invited to participate. Furthermore, the game is set to be featured in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s WAVES Esports Championship 2025 (WESC), solidifying its position in India’s growing esports ecosystem.
With over 700 million downloads worldwide, eFootball has captured the hearts of gamers globally. The ‘eFootball Diwali Showdown’ is another step towards strengthening the game’s presence in India and celebrating the festive spirit with the Indian gaming community.
Fans of the beloved Death Note franchise have something exciting to look forward to this fall. Death Note: Killer Within, a new online social deduction game, will arrive on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 on November 5, 2024. Developed as an intense multiplayer experience, the game allows up to 10 players to take on the roles of iconic characters like Kira and L, engaging in a high-stakes battle of wits and deception. Moreover, the game will also be a day-one release for PlayStation Plus. Here is everything announced about the game.
Death Note: Killer Within Game Overview: Roles, Teams, and Phases
Players can choose from four different roles in Death Note: Killer Within: Kira, Kira Follower, L, or Investigator. Before the beginning of every match, players will be assigned a final role based on selection factors and role availability, which adds an element of unpredictability. Players will be divided into two teams with each role having unique abilities and objectives:
Team Kira: Consists of Kira and their followers, who aim to eliminate L.
Team L: Includes L and the Investigators, who work to arrest Kira and end their deadly spree.
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There are two different stages that the game goes through, named the Action Phase and the Meeting Phase. During the Action Phase, players have to gather clues and complete their respective tasks whereas, in the latter phase, players come together to discuss and attempt to arrest Kira based on suspicious behaviours during the Action Phase. Here is how a team can win:
if Team Kira manages to eliminate L successfully, they win.
Team L wins if they manage to capture Kira and dispose of the Death Note.
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Alternatively, teams can level up their Progress Gauge by completing objectives in the Action Phase, with the first team to max out the gauge claiming victory.
Gameplay and Strategies: How Each Role Plays Out
Every role in Death Note: Killer Within brings a unique strategic angle:
Kira: Holds the Death Note and uses it to eliminate NPCs and players, gathering player IDs by staying close to targets. However, Kira must act discreetly, as overtly suspicious actions will make them a target in the Meeting Phase.
Kira Follower: collaborates closely with Kira to steal IDs and use Transceiver for secret communication. By shifting suspicion, followers can even mislead investigators by inheriting the Death Note.
Investigators: Asking NPCs questions can let you actively gather clue and assist Team L’s efforts while avoiding close proximity to suspicious ones that might steal your ID.
L: uses unique skills, such as directing other players and setting up surveillance. In order to identify potential culprits and bring Kira to justice, L also leads team discussions.
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Character Optimization for Strategic Gameplay
Aside from its complex gameplay, Death Note: Killer Within lets users personalize their in-game characters by letting them add hats, glasses, masks, and other accessories to their avatars. Players can further stand out with custom nameplates and special animations that appear during key moments in the game, enhancing the overall immersive experience.
Death Note: Killer Within will provide voice chat and online cross-play to encourage teamwork and enhance player experience by facilitating communication and strategy. PS Plus members can also claim this game on November 5.
Sony Interactive Entertainment has unveiled the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for November 2024, featuring the supernatural horror game Ghostwire: Tokyo, the social deduction game Death Note Killer Within, and the adrenaline-fueled racing title Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged. All three titles will be available to PlayStation Plus all tier members starting November 5 for free.
PlayStation Plus November 2024 Monthly Games Lineup
Death Note Killer Within (PS4, PS5)
Releasing day and date on PlayStation Plus, Death Note Killer Within brings the world of the iconic anime Death Note to life as an online social deduction game for up to 10 players. Participants take on roles as either Kira, his followers, or as L and his team of investigators. Players are divided into teams with unique objectives: Kira’s group must protect the Death Note, while L’s team aims to eliminate Kira and disrupt his plans. This title delivers a strategic, high-stakes game of deception and deduction, making it a thrilling addition to the lineup. The game will also launch on PC on November 5.
Ghostwire: Tokyo (PS5)
Ghostwire: Tokyo invites players into a paranormal journey through a mysterious version of Tokyo, where the city’s population has vanished without a trace. As Akito, a young man bound to a powerful spectral entity, players will wield supernatural abilities to face eerie, otherworldly threats while uncovering the dark truth behind the disappearances. This atmospheric, first-person adventure blends action with the supernatural, offering a unique horror experience. Notably, Ghostwire: Tokyo is also available on the Epic Game Store until November 7 and accessible via Game Pass for subscribers.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged (PS4, PS5)
For racing fans, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged revs up the excitement with over 130 vehicles, including Hot Wheels Originals, Monster Trucks, and motorbikes, each offering unique racing styles. The game allows players to explore five new dynamic locations, compete across various game modes, and create their own tracks with a powerful Track Editor. Both single-player campaigns and multiplayer options make Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 a complete racing experience with endless customization possibilities.
Last Chance to Claim October’s Games
PlayStation Plus members have until November 4 to add October’s titles to their library. The outgoing lineup includes:
Indian Esports landscape is heavily dominated and occupied by BGMI for mobile and Valorant in terms of PC Esports. Pokemon Unite is trying make a significant position and in a recent development, The Pokemon Company has unveiled the details for the very first India League, a part of the Pokemon UNITE ACL 2025. Here are more details.
Pokemon Unite ACL 2025 India League: Teams, Prize Pool, Format and More
Pokemon Unite Asia Champions League 2025 is a multi-national tournament which will be held in Tokyo, Japan. The Pokemon Company in partnership with Skyesports has unveiled Indian regional qualifier for Pokemon Unite ACL 2025.
The PUACL 2025 India League will feature eight prominent Indian esports organizations, which have been carefully selected based on their competitive performance and community impact. The eight invited teams are:
GodLike Esports
Gods Reign
Global Esports
Marcos Gaming
Reckoning Esports
Revenant Esports
S8UL Esports
True Rippers
Over the course of eight matchdays, beginning on November 16, 2024 and ending on January 26, 2025, these teams will compete against one another, with games being held on every weekend.
The India League kicks off with seven days of Group Stage matches in a single-elimination format, providing teams a chance to earn vital points toward their playoff seeding. The Playoffs, scheduled for January 26, 2025, will follow a knockout round structure, determining the league’s champions and India’s representative at the Pokémon UNITE Asia Champions League Finals in Japan.
The league boasts a substantial prize pool of $40,000, distributed as follows:
1st place: $16,000
2nd place: $8,000
3rd place: $6,000
4th place: $4,000
5th & 6th place: $2,000 each
7th place: $1,200
8th place: $800
Adding to the excitement, The Pokémon Company will soon announce the Winter Open, an open-for-all tournament allowing individual players and small teams to compete. The winners of this event may have the opportunity to join the PUACL, representing India on the global stage in Japan, offering inclusivity for rising talents across the country.
It is no secret that Revenant Esports and Team XSpark are going to team up following BGIS 2024. Earlier today, the two powerhouses in the Indian esports landscape announced Revenant XSpark, a new organization. This powerful alliance aims to redefine the Indian esports landscape by combining their resources, expertise, and passionate fan bases.
Revenant XSpark BGMI Team will Feature Former XSpark Roster
The new Revenant XSpark banner proudly carries the roster of Sarang, Spraygod, Shadow, and Joker, with Osmium taking on coaching duties. This BGMI lineup recently achieved a historic milestone by winning both the BGMI Pro Series and the BGMI India Series, marking them as the only team in Indian esports history to win back-to-back official BGMI LAN tournaments. This unprecedented success has only heightened excitement surrounding the Revenant XSpark merger, as fans eagerly anticipate the team’s continued dominance.
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Adding to its expanding reach, Revenant XSpark has been selected as one of only 10 partnered organizations by The Pokémon Company to compete in the Pokémon UNITE ACL India League 2025. This marks a new phase for the organization, tapping into one of the world’s most beloved franchises. The team is expected to announce its Pokémon UNITE roster soon, adding further anticipation to the organization’s entry into this emerging league.
In parallel, Revenant XSpark has recently joined forces with IPL team Gujarat Titans to launch the BGMI Titans tournament. This open-for-all competition has already drawn attention within the community, signalling the organization’s commitment to building and nurturing grassroots esports.
ScoutOP Onboars as Revenant XSpark Brand Ambassador
Adding star power to the mix, Tanmay “ScoutOP” Singh—an icon in the Indian gaming scene with over 10 million followers—has come aboard as the official brand ambassador for Revenant XSpark. Known for his pivotal role in creating and mentoring the Team XSpark lineup, ScoutOP brings not only his expertise but also his massive fan following, which spans India and beyond.
Revenant XSpark is committed to creating a vibrant esports ecosystem in India. The organization plans to compete in multiple popular esports titles, develop original community IPs, organize fan activations, forge innovative brand partnerships, and expand its reach internationally.
To celebrate this momentous merger and the addition of ScoutOP to the team, Revenant XSpark will host a special meet-and-greet event in Mumbai in November. Fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favourite players and ScoutOP himself.
The newly launched Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has quickly become a standout success for Activision and Treyarch, with players deeply engaged in its campaign and delving into its multiplayer and Zombie modes. Amid the excitement, new reports have been surfacing regarding the next Call of Duty 2025 game. Here are more details.
Call of Duty 2025 Will Bring Back the Original Zombies Crew
Recent reports have been suggesting that Call of Duty 2025 will revive the franchise’s iconic Zombies mode, bringing back the original crew with a nostalgic yet refreshed storyline. Fan-favourite characters—Dempsey, Tank, Takeo, and Nikolai—are set to return with a twist, appearing as older versions, potentially hinting at deeper character development and narrative shifts.
According to Insider Gaming, leaked information from several playtest sessions indicates that the new Zombies storyline will revolve around a strong enemy who seeks to use the original crew’s “Dark Aether Essence.” It is anticipated that players will be challenged by this villain’s ambition to resurrect an ancient universe through novel gameplay and a dark, compelling story. Both new and veteran players may expect an intriguing experience as the plot promises to combine nostalgia with fresh content.
In addition to Zombies, Call of Duty 2025 is expected to continue the Black Ops storyline. Set as a follow-up to Black Ops 2, the campaign will reportedly feature returning characters Harper and Mason in a mission to save the world from a new villain emerging after Menendez’s death. The campaign promises a thrilling plot and will likely explore the legacy of the Black Ops universe through modernized gameplay and visual elements.
As details continue to surface, it’s clear that Call of Duty 2025 aims to bridge classic elements with innovation, appealing to both long-term fans and newcomers.
Epic Games will give away a couple of games every Thursday for gamers. This time, it is offering Ghostwire Tokyo, an action-adventure game set in Modern Japan and Witch It, a multiplayer hide-and-seek game. Check out more details.
Epic Games Giving Away Ghostwire Tokyo for Free This Week
Epic Games Free Games for this week are Ghostwire Tokyo and Witch It. Both games will be available to claim from October 31 to November 7, 2024, at no additional cost.
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Ghostwire Tokyo is played in First-person perspective and it is set in a supernatural version of Tokyo, where the city’s population has mysteriously vanished. Players take on the role of Akito, a young man possessed by a powerful spirit, who must use his newfound abilities to combat the supernatural forces that have taken over the city.
The game’s story delves into Japanese folklore and urban legends, with players encountering a variety of spirits and yokai as they explore the haunted streets of Tokyo. The plot revolves around the disappearance of the city’s inhabitants and the shadowy figure known as Hannya, who is believed to be behind the chaos.
The game was launched on March 25, 2022, for Windows and PlayStation 5 which later arrived on Xbox Series X/S on April 12, 2023, along with the ‘Spider’s Thread’ content update. This update expanded the game with new enemy types, additional skills, side missions, fresh story cinematics, and further areas of Tokyo to explore.
Upon release, Ghostwire: Tokyo received generally positive reviews, with critics applauding its game design, presentation, and storyline. However, reactions were mixed regarding the game’s technical polish, the depth of its combat mechanics, and some repetitive gameplay elements.
Epic Games Free Games This Week: How to Claim Ghostwire Tokyo?
Head over to the Epic Games Store and log in with your credentials.
Then, Browse down for the Free Games Section. Alternatively, click here to get redirected to that particular page.
Then click on Ghostwire: Tokyo game and then, click on the ‘Get’ option coloured in blue.
The game will be added to your account library where you have to download and install the game through Epic Games Launcher. (The game will remain in your library as long as Epic Games decides to pull it off).
This is not the first time that Epic Games has offered Ghostwire: Tokyo for free. The game was offered for free in October 2023 in collaboration with Prime Gaming. Xbox or PC Game Pass users can also play the game for free through Game Pass. On the other hand, The game is available with a 75% discount on Steam (til Nov 4) and PlayStation Store (til Nov 2).
In a major restructuring move, Sony has announced the closure of Firewalk Studios, the developer behind Concord, and mobile game studio Neon Koi. This decision impacts roughly 210 employees (Bloomberg reports), marking a significant shift in Sony’s development strategy as it aimed to refine its live service offerings. The news comes shortly after Concord was pulled offline following a challenging launch.
Sony Shuts Down Concord Studio and Neon Koi Studio
Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, delivered the news in a message to PlayStation staff, confirming the closures and emphasizing Sony’s commitment to lessons learned.
“We have spent considerable time these past few months exploring all our options,” Hulst stated. “After much thought, we have determined the best path forward is to permanently sunset the game and close the studio. I want to thank all of Firewalk for their craftsmanship, creative spirit, and dedication.”
Concord, which debuted on August 23rd for PS5 and PC, experienced a disappointing market response, with estimates of under 25,000 sales and peak player counts reaching only 697 on Steam. As a result, two weeks after the game’s release, on September 6th, Sony decided to take it down. Sony plans to make use of its live service capabilities in spite of Concord’s poor performance in order to improve future projects in this competitive genre.
Even while Hulst has confirmed that mobile gaming is still a top priority, the closing of Sony’s mobile game studio Neon Koi also demonstrates a change in the company’s mobile gaming strategy. Neon Koi was developing an unnamed AAA mobile live-service action game when the company was acquired in 2022 under the name Savage Game Studios. However, this project will not continue after the studio closes.
“With this re-focused approach, Neon Koi will close, and its mobile action game will not be moving forward,” Hulst shared. “Both decisions were given serious thought, and ultimately, we feel they are the right ones to strengthen the organization.”
This news highlights the challenging landscape of the gaming industry, where even major companies like Sony are not immune to setbacks and the need for strategic adjustments. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important for developers and publishers to adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences to ensure long-term success.
Game of the Year Winners: The past decade has been transformative for the gaming industry, witnessing groundbreaking advancements in technology, storytelling, and game design. The sheer scale of visual realism, complex narratives, and the ever-growing gaming communities have made this an era of exceptional creativity and influence.
The Game Awards, founded in 2014 by Geoff Keighley, celebrates top achievements in gaming each year. Known for honouring the best games and featuring exciting announcements, it has quickly become a key industry event. Despite some criticism over its format, it remains a major occasion for uniting developers, publishers, and fans worldwide.
Each year, the coveted Game of the Year award goes to a title that not only exemplifies excellence in design and gameplay but also tells stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Here’s a look at the past decade’s winners, with an overview of each game’s legacy and impact.
Game of the Year Award: List of Titles that Received the Award from 2014
Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014)
Dragon Age: Inquisition combines strategic warfare with an uplifting narrative to immerse players in a realm of profound political intrigue and magic. As the Inquisitor, players wielded the power to unite a fractured land threatened by dark forces. Its bright open-world design and excellent storyline earned it the title of Game of the Year, demonstrating Bioware’s skill at crafting massive, character-driven stories.
BioWare is gearing up for Inquisition’s sequel’s release, Dragon Age: The Veilguard on October 31.
Release Date: November 18, 2014
Platforms: PlayStation 3/4, PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a standard in open-world role-playing games, captivated players with its meticulous world-building, compelling story, and intriguing side quests. Players encountered one of the best-designed fantasy worlds in gaming while assuming the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter with a moral code. The game became a lasting favourite and a genre-defining title because of its richness, dramatic storylines, and challenging combat system.
Release Date: May 19, 2015
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (2019), PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S (2022)
Overwatch (2016)
Overwatch redefined the competitive shooter genre by introducing a colourful, diverse cast of heroes with unique abilities. Its focus on team-based gameplay and strategy brought new dynamics to multiplayer shooters. The game’s success went beyond gameplay, creating a global community and impacting the resonating esports scene while popularizing “hero shooters.”
On October 3, 2022, the Overwatch servers were shut down in preparation for the beta release of its sequel, Overwatch 2, the next day.
Release Date: May 24, 2016
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (2019)
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Nintendo reinvented the iconic Zelda series in Breath of the Wild, offering a huge vast open-world setting that encouraged exploration and discovery. The challenging puzzles, dynamic weather systems, and physics-based gameplay raised the bar for open-world gaming. The game was a landmark title of the decade because of its adaptability and emphasis on player agency.
Release Date: March 3, 2017
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Wii U
God of War (2018)
God of War changed the course of the classic action franchise by incorporating Norse mythology and a more complex, mature storyline. The game, which followed Kratos and his son Atreus, featured the visceral combat that players adored while delving into themes of parenthood and redemption. This reimagining set a high bar for character development in action games.
Release Date: April 20, 2018
Platforms: PS4, later on PC (2022)
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
FromSoftware’s Sekiro brought a fresh perspective to the action genre with its intense, skill-based combat and stealth mechanics. Set in a reimagined Japan, the story follows a shinobi on a path of vengeance. The game’s unforgiving difficulty and unique combat system appealed to fans of challenging gameplay and set it apart as a bold, unique experience.
Release Date: March 22, 2019
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia (2020)
The Last of Us Part II (2020)
A masterful blend of storytelling and gameplay, The Last of Us Part II explored complex themes like revenge, redemption, and the human cost of survival. With its lifelike graphics and emotionally intense narrative, the game pushed boundaries and sparked discussions across the gaming community. This sequel enhanced its predecessor’s legacy, leaving a lasting impact.
A remastered version of the game was launched earlier this year which again received decorated acclaim from critics.
Release Date: June 19, 2020
Platforms: PS4, Remastered version on PS5 (2024)
It Takes Two (2021)
It Takes Two celebrated cooperative gameplay in a unique storyline about family and relationships. It was created specifically as a two-player game and distinguished itself as a creative journey for players with its captivating puzzles and inventive gameplay elements. The game was a memorable experience because of its unique level design and sincere storytelling style.
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch (2022)
Elden Ring (2022)
Elden Ring brought the signature challenge of FromSoftware’s games to a grand open-world setting, combining intense combat with an expansive world crafted in collaboration with author George R.R. Martin. Players explored a beautifully haunting landscape filled with hidden lore, creating an experience that was both punishing and rewarding, cementing the Elden Ring as a cultural phenomenon.
Release Date: February 25, 2022
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)
A return to the roots of classic RPGs, Baldur’s Gate 3 immersed players in a deeply interactive world with unparalleled choice and consequence. By incorporating elements from Dungeons & Dragons, it gave players the ability to influence the plot through their choices. Its status as one of the most significant role-playing games of its era has been cemented by its compelling story, deep character interactions, and vibrant world-building.
Release Date: August 3, 2023 (PC), September 6, 2023 (PS5)
