The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has announced that DACH CS GmbH (DACH CS), a tournament organiser seeking to revitalise competitive Counter-Strike in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, has officially joined ESIC membership.

By joining ESIC, DACH CS commits to upholding the highest standards of competitive integrity. The membership requires the league to implement ESIC’s Integrity Programme across all of its tournaments, tackling key issues such as match-fixing, cheating, and doping, fostering a culture of fair play within the region.

As an ESIC member, DACH CS will integrate ESIC’s codes of conduct, actively cooperate in investigations, and enforce ESIC’s rulings. This commitment aligns DACH CS with global best practices, ensuring that the DACH Counter-Strike esports scene operates with a proven integrity framework.

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Stephen Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of ESIC, said: “DACH CS’s dedication to rebuilding and strengthening the competitive Counter-Strike scene in the DACH region makes them a valuable addition to ESIC’s growing membership. Their commitment to competitive integrity and fair competition aligns perfectly with our mission to safeguard esports. We look forward to working closely with them to support a sustainable and transparent ecosystem for players, teams, and stakeholders in the region.”

Anton Christoph, Founder & Managing Director of DACH CS, said: “At DACH CS, we’re on a mission to take the Counter-Strike Scene in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to old and new heights! We’re super excited to be joining forces with ESIC, as we’re confident that this is a vital step in keeping our community’s most prized values at the heart of our operations. By teaming up with ESIC and aligning with their globally recognised integrity standards, we’re making a promise to you, our players, teams and stakeholders, to provide a competitive environment that’s both trusted and well-structured. We are excited to work closely with ESIC to build a sustainable and respected esports landscape in the DACH region.”

The global esports organisation GIANTX has officially launched Night Mrkt, a creative marketing agency designed to help brands authentically connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha through gaming and digital culture. After months of operating behind the scenes and collaborating with brands across various industries, GIANTX is taking the next step by officially launching Night Mrkt as a strategic initiative aimed at equipping companies with the insights, tools, and campaigns needed to engage today’s digital-first audiences.

With headquarters in London and Málaga, Night Mrkt will focus on international markets, particularly the UK, Europe and the United States. The agency is built to navigate brands through the evolving entertainment ecosystem, offering strategic consulting, digital activations, and tailored content campaigns that resonate with digitally native audiences who favour interactive experiences and online communities over traditional media.

Marketing Built for the Digital Generation

Night Mrkt is led by José Díaz, CEO of GIANTX, alongside Mark Carter, Director of the agency and Chief Commercial Officer of the organisation. With over 20 years of experience in gaming, esports, and digital engagement, the team is dedicated to helping brands establish an authentic presence within this rapidly growing landscape.

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“With the launch of Night Mrkt, we are bridging the gap between brands and the digital-native generations who are shaping the future of culture. Gaming is no longer a niche interest—it’s a global movement at the intersection of entertainment, music, fashion, and digital experiences. Brands that fail to engage authentically in this space risk missing out on one of the most influential and engaged audiences in the world,” said Mark Carter, Director of Night Mrkt and Chief Commercial Officer of GIANTX.

Carter also emphasised the importance of a data-driven and trend-based strategic approach: “By leveraging our deep expertise in gaming ecosystems, cultural trends, and digital engagement, Night Mrkt delivers bespoke, insight-driven strategies that help brands navigate this dynamic space with authenticity, creativity, and impact. We’re excited to help brands unlock the full potential of gaming and digital youth culture in ways that drive both cultural relevance and tangible business results.”

A core service of Night Mrkt is Brand Strategy Development for Engaging Gamers & Digital Youth Culture. With over 20 years of expertise at the intersection of gaming, music, fashion, and entertainment, Night Mrkt helps brands authentically connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Through deep insights, audience segmentation, and cultural trend analysis, the agency crafts actionable strategies that drive meaningful engagement. From content innovation to experiential activations, Night Mrkt ensures brands seamlessly integrate into the digital-first world of gaming and youth culture.

A Booming Industry: The Future of Gaming & Digital Entertainment

The gaming industry continues to expand at an unprecedented rate. According to Statista, the global gaming market was valued at $249.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to surpass $300 billion by 2025. Furthermore, 83.1% of internet users worldwide engage with gaming in some form, whether by playing or consuming related content.

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While Night Mrkt primarily focuses on brands looking to enter the gaming and esports space, the agency also works across multiple industries, including fashion, technology, film, hardware, automotive, and food & beverage. Its client portfolio already includes JD Sports, Agon by AOC, EWC, and Universal Pictures, among others.

The agency will also work closely with GIANTX, the global esports organisation, to develop innovative content and activations, leveraging GIANTX’s expertise and influence in the esports ecosystem.

With Night Mrkt, GIANTX reinforces its commitment to helping brands navigate the evolving digital entertainment landscape, offering a deep understanding of the gaming industry and a strategic approach to reaching the next generation of consumers.