Asia
ESFI Conducts Special Meet with IOA
In a bid to discuss the growth of Esports in the country and hand over exclusive training kits produced by Hama to the Indian Esports contingent that will be participating at the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Esports Federation of India (ESFI) organised a special meet with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) at the IOA Office in Delhi on Wednesday.
The event was graced by Mr. Kalyan Chaubey, Joint secretary & acting CEO of the IOA who presented the training kits to Street Fighter V athlete Mayank Prajapati, League of Legends player Mihir Ranjan and FIFA ace Harman Tikka in the presence of Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of ESFI & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), Mr. Yugal Sharma, Vice President of ESFI and Mr. Prabhat Kumar, Vice-President of ESFI.
Mr. Chaubey also engaged in a discussion with the ESFI representatives and Indian athletes to motivate them for the Asian Games and talk about fostering an ecosystem that enables Esports to thrive in the country.
Addressing the queries of the Esports athletes present, Kalyan Chaubey, the Joint secretary & acting CEO of the IOA said, “We are confident about Esports having a strong future in India where it will generate a significant amount of interest driven by the young demographic of players in the country. Esports is a new-age sport that every country is playing and the upcoming Asian Games will mark the beginning of a marathon where we hope that our talented athletes help India take a giant lead against the other competitors. Just like the USA is synonymous with baseball, Finland is with ice hockey, and Brazil, Spain, and Germany are with football today, the world should be talking about India whenever we talk about Esports. The IOA remains fully committed to supporting our athletes & ESFI in every possible way, standing by them as they strive to achieve remarkable success and bring home medals.”
Esports recently gained official recognition as a multi-sport event by the government of India and is set to make its debut as a full-fledged medal sport at the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games. The country will be sending a proficient 15-member contingent to compete in four different titles including DOTA 2, FIFA 22, Street Fighter V and League of Legends at the prestigious tournament set to take place from September 23 to October 8.
Speaking on the occasion, Street Fighter athlete Mayank Prajapati commented, “We felt really good after meeting with Kalyan sir and having a positive discussion about Esports with him. His being as passionate about Esports as us gamers made the conversation enlightening for all of us and overall, it was a super productive experience. Also, a huge shout-out to ESFI & Hama for providing us with the gaming peripherals.”
The athletes secured their berth for the tournament by prevailing in the National Esports Championship (NESC 22) organised by the ESFI last year. The rest of the members of the Indian contingent will receive their training kits via courier.
“Hearing Mr. Kalyan answer our queries was quite reassuring for all of us. It was a motivating session that helped us realize how the IOA is supporting our endeavors and taking an active effort to further broaden the scope of Esports in India,” said League of Legends athlete Mihir Ranjan.
Comprising state-of-the-art gaming accessories including a mouse, mousepad, headset, keyboard and a bag, the training kits will enhance the performance of the country’s athletes when they represent India on the international stage.
“I was really happy to see Indian Olympic Association support us with top-quality facilities. It gives us motivation to perform better and make our country proud. The facilities provided to us will help us step up our game at the Asian Games,” said FIFA athlete Karman Tikka.
While the ESFI has been instrumental in preparing the Indian Esports contingent for the Asian Games, their recent multi-year partnership with FITGMR will be key to enabling a comprehensive training programme that will provide the athletes with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed on the global stage.
“We are extremely thankful to the IOA and Mr. Kalyan Chaubey for sharing their invaluable vision regarding the development of Esports in the country and extending their support in fostering its growth. India’s talented athletes competing at the Asian Games in Hangzhou will serve as a pivotal moment in the country’s Esports journey so far. The training kits presented to them today will equip them in their optimal preparation for the tournament, boosting their performance to let them play at the highest level. Everyone at ESFI is looking forward to working with the IOA to help our athletes make the country proud,” said Mr. Lokesh Suji, Director of ESFI & Vice President of the Asian Esports Federation (AESF).
Asia
Jetapult Strengthens AI Expertise: Onboards Industry Leaders, Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain

Jetapult, an AI-driven gaming investment firm, has strengthened its AI suite by bringing on board two industry leaders—Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain. This move reinforces Jetapult’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced AI capabilities across mobile game studios, with a clear focus on solving real industry challenges. These include streamlining content production through large-scale asset generation, automating UA creatives and ASO strategies in a post-IDFA world, and integrating performance and user data systems to enable smarter, faster decision-making.
Oz Silahtar, an MIT alumnus and serial AI entrepreneur, brings deep expertise in machine learning and generative AI. He previously founded Tarentum AI and UA Hero (acquired by TapNation), and was Head of EMEA at Leonardo.ai, which was acquired by Canva in 2024. At Jetapult, he will guide studios in applying global AI best practices to boost operational efficiency and content innovation.
Joining him is Dr. Arjun Jain, a generative AI and computer vision expert with a Ph.D. from the Max-Planck Institute. He has held key roles at global tech leaders like Apple and is best known for his pioneering work on motion capture technology at Weta Digital for Steven Spielberg movies (The Adventures of Tintin). At Jetapult, Dr. Jain will lead efforts in large-scale asset generation and AI-assisted content creation, streamlining production pipelines across mobile gaming studios.
Oz Silahtar, Partner, AI Platforms, Jetapult, said, “As an AI entrepreneur, I’ve always been focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with machine learning and generative AI. I see Jetapult’s vision as a bold and timely move to transform mobile gaming. The team is exceptional, and the opportunity to apply AI — from rapid content creation to precision player targeting — is immense.”
Sharan Tulsiani, Co-founder and CEO of Jetapult, said, “AI isn’t just a tool — it’s the new infrastructure for how games will be built, scaled, and experienced. At Jetapult, we’re not just adapting to this shift — we’re leading it. By bringing in experts like Oz and Dr. Jain, we’re doubling down on our belief that the future of game development lies in AI-native studios. With our GamePac AI platform, we’re giving studios the ability to move faster, create smarter, and operate more efficiently — unlocking a new era of scalable, data-driven creativity in mobile gaming.”
Jetapult’s proprietary GamePac AI suite is built to unlock greater efficiency for studios by integrating AI directly into everyday workflows. Currently used across its portfolio companies, GamePac helps automate asset creation, generate performance-optimized ads, and equip game teams with tools that drive speed, creativity, and smarter decision-making—laying the foundation for more scalable and efficient game development.
Jetapult is actively enhancing its AI capabilities by recruiting top-tier talent, including engineers, researchers, and creatives. The company is focused on building the next generation of AI-native studios across high-growth markets, where creativity and automation converge to unlock new opportunities in gaming.
The post Jetapult Strengthens AI Expertise: Onboards Industry Leaders, Oz Silahtar and Dr. Arjun Jain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Riot Games announces Legends Ascend South Asia

Riot Games has announced the launch of Legends Ascend South Asia in association with Aftermath Ventures. Kicking off on April 27, the tournament will be an open-for-all, online-only amateur competition, marking a bold new chapter for competitive League of Legends in the region.
Legends Ascend South Asia runs for four months and features a robust tournament structure, including three open qualifiers, a round-robin league stage, and double-elimination playoffs. With a prize pool of INR 10,00,000, the tournament reflects a strong commitment to building a structured and credible competitive scene for League of Legends players in the region. The winning team will also qualify for the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Wildcard Playoffs, where teams will battle for a place in the LCP promotion and relegation tournament.
Speaking on the upcoming Legends Ascend, Arun Rajappa, Country Manager India & South Asia, Riot Games, said: “Legends Ascend is about giving players in South Asia a real shot at competitive League of Legends. It’s a step towards building a stronger, more connected community where players and fans can all find more ways to play, engage, grow, and be part of something bigger.”
Tailored for the region’s core League of Legends players, Legends Ascend offers a structured, high-intensity environment that rewards skill, strategy, and consistency. Open to teams from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, the tournament presents a global competitive model, delivering a professional experience from start to finish. Teams can sign up for open qualifier #1 by registering here.
Mansoor ‘Nabu’ Ahmed, Founder & CEO, Aftermath Ventures, said: “Legends Ascend South Asia is more than just a tournament—it’s a platform built to empower a new generation of League players in the region. From playing the game ourselves to now hosting it for the community, this moment is incredibly special. Our partnership with Riot Games marks a milestone in our mission to create consistent, high-quality opportunities for emerging talent. We’re excited to see South Asia rise, compete, and make its mark on the global League of Legends stage.” All matches will be broadcast on Aftermath Ventures’ FragNation YouTube Channel, giving fans front-row access to every game-changing moment, clutch play, and underdog stories that could define the next breakout star.
The initiative is a step forward in Riot’s long-term mission to cultivate a sustainable competitive community in South Asia by creating more opportunities for amateur players in the region.
Legends Ascend South Asia: All You Need to Know
- Registration: Registrations for the Legends Ascend begin on April 27, 2025.
- Registration Link: Teams can sign up for open qualifier #1 by registering here.
- Tournament Format: Teams from across South Asia can compete through 3 Open Qualifiers, followed by a Round Robin League stage, and culminating in double-elimination playoffs.
- Duration: 27th April to 3rd Aug 2025
- Broadcast: Live Broadcast for Legends Ascend begins on May 4 on Aftermath Ventures’ FragNation YouTube Channel
- Prize Pool: INR 10,00,000
○ The winner also qualifies for the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Wildcard Playoffs.
Key Dates
- Open Qualifier #1:
○Registrations: 27th April to 3rd May
○Matches: 4th to 11 May
- Open Qualifier #2:
○Registrations: 12th to 17th May
○Matches: 18th to 25th May
- Open Qualifier #3:
○Registrations: 26th May to 31st May
○Matches:1st to 8th June
Round Robin League: 13th June to 20th July
Playoffs (Top 4 Double Elimination): 25th July to 3rd August
Join the Action
The Legends Ascend South Asia Amateur Online Championship is the beginning of a new chapter for League of Legends in the region. Whether you’re a player looking to prove your skill or a fan ready to cheer
for your favorite underdog, Legends Ascend invites everyone to witness the rise of South Asia’s next generation of League stars.
Stay tuned to Riot Games India & South Asia’s social channels and Aftermath Ventures’ FragNation YouTube channel for live match coverage, team stories, and tournament updates. Get ready for action-packed weekends as the Legends Ascend live broadcast goes live starting May 4, exclusively on the Fragnation YouTube channel.
The post Riot Games announces Legends Ascend South Asia appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
ZITRO TO SHOWCASE CONCEPT CABINET LINE AND NEW GAMES AT G2E ASIA 2025

As excitement builds for G2E Asia 2025, Zitro is set to make a powerful statement with the debut of its all-new CONCEPT cabinet line alongside a portfolio of new, tailor-made game titles designed specifically for the Asian gaming market. This year’s lineup reflects Zitro’s continued evolution as a key player in gaming innovation, offering both cutting-edge hardware and captivating content.
Among the titles on display will be Legendary Sword, Triple Charm Journey, Fairyland Quest, King Fu Frog, Merging Fu Pots, Lucky Vaulty, and Cash Totems—each developed with exciting features, enhanced with rich narratives, and high-quality multimedia to elevate player engagement across diverse markets.
Zitro’s rising influence in Asia is evident. The company’s recent expansion in the Philippines—where Zitro’s slot games are among the top performers in casinos within Entertainment City—underscores its rapid success in the region.
“We are proud to showcase our latest innovations at G2E Asia 2025,” said Sebastián Salat, President International of Zitro. “Our commitment to the Asian market remains steadfast, and we are confident that our player-centric products—crafted with deep understanding of the region’s vibrant gaming culture—will resonate with both operators and players. The introduction of our CONCEPT cabinet line and ambitious 2025 game release roadmap in place marks a new chapter for Zitro in this market, and we look forward to sharing it with the Asian gaming community.”
The post ZITRO TO SHOWCASE CONCEPT CABINET LINE AND NEW GAMES AT G2E ASIA 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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