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E-Sports

Microsoft to give license of popular video game franchise ‘Call of Duty’ to Sony for the next 10 years

In a surprising move, Microsoft has announced that it will be licensing the popular video game franchise ‘Call of Duty’ to Sony for the next 10 years. The news was first reported by UK-based gaming publication, GameByte, and has since sent shockwaves through the gaming community.

The ‘Call of Duty’ franchise has been one of the most successful in the video game industry, with millions of copies sold worldwide since its initial release in 2003. The game has become a staple in the gaming community, with yearly releases and a dedicated fanbase.

Microsoft’s decision to license the game to Sony has caught many off guard, as the two companies have been fierce competitors in the gaming space for years. However, Microsoft has stated that the move was made to “better serve the needs of the gaming community.”

In a statement released to GameByte, a Microsoft spokesperson said, “We believe that licensing ‘Call of Duty’ to Sony for the next 10 years will allow us to better serve the needs of the gaming community. We have always been committed to providing gamers with the best possible experience, and we believe that this move will help us achieve that goal.”

The spokesperson also noted that the decision was made after careful consideration and that Microsoft will continue to work closely with developers and publishers to ensure that gamers have access to the best games and experiences possible.

Many in the gaming community have expressed surprise and confusion over the move, with some questioning Microsoft’s motives. However, others have pointed out that licensing ‘Call of Duty’ to Sony could be a smart business decision, as it would allow Microsoft to focus on other areas of the gaming industry.

Industry experts have noted that the move could also have implications for the future of the gaming industry as a whole. With Microsoft and Sony both owning major gaming franchises, some have speculated that the two companies could eventually work together to create a more unified gaming experience for players.

Overall, Microsoft’s decision to license ‘Call of Duty’ to Sony for the next 10 years is a major development in the gaming industry. While the move may come as a surprise to many, it could ultimately lead to a more cohesive and streamlined gaming experience for players around the world.

by Team SNFYI

In a move that reinforces WPBL’s structured and strategic approach, the league has announced the elevation of Charlotte Whitby-Coles as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). Having played a pivotal role in player scouting, management, and relations during WPBL’s inaugural season—along with her on-ground expertise—Charlotte was instrumental in ensuring a seamless, world-class sportainment experience in the recently culminated inaugural season. In her new role as COO, she will drive strategy along with overseeing operations, production, and execution, rewarding her contribution. Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of WPBL, said, “Charlotte has brought tremendous value to WPBL, ensuring our first season delivered on its promise of top-tier pickleball action on the court and unmatched entertainment off it. Her career spans multiple fields, including sports and entertainment, with extensive experience in tennis, pickleball, film production, and academia. This unique, holistic perspective makes her the ideal choice to lead WPBL to even greater heights. Women make up 40% of the pickleball community of India and throughout the world and are an integral part of the sport. We are committed to integrating more women into every aspect of pickleball, and having Charlotte taking on leadership role in the WPBL is reflective of how we can achieve this goal and promote the inclusion of women in the sport.” As a former tennis player, Charlotte has spent over 17 years running a tennis and pickleball academy in Panchgani, introducing the sport to schools and expanding grassroots participation. She grew up playing tennis in the UK, playing at an U18 national level and college tennis, which has provided her with a strong foundation in competitive sport and athlete management. Her understanding of player management and engagement has been integral in curating a diverse and competitive talent pool for WPBL. Reflecting on her new role, Charlotte Whitby-Coles said, “I have known Gaurav and Arati for a long time now and we share a great respect for each other as friends and professionals. I have witnessed at close quarters their impressive ability to execute their vision and ideas successfully, and the grand scale of season 1 was testament to that. The journey so far has been amazing, so the decision to accept this new role was an easy one. I am truly grateful and honoured for the opportunity and trust bestowed upon me and I look forward to working with Gaurav and Arati and the whole team at WPBL to make Season 2 even bigger and better.” WPBL’s first season, held in Mumbai from January 24 to February 2, showcased top international talent with Bengaluru Jawans being crowned champions. About the World Pickleball League (WPBL)  The World Pickleball League (WPBL), promoted by Natekar Sports and Gaming, a brainchild of former Indian No. 1 tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, is at the forefront of transforming pickleball in India. WPBL is dedicated to elevating the sport through world-class events, immersive fan experiences, and a thriving community, setting new benchmarks for the game’s growth. Debuting in January 2025 with six teams, WPBL is dedicated …

by Team SNFYI

TB Sports Network Pvt. Ltd, the parent company of The Bridge, has announced a pivotal leadership transition. Co-founder and Director Shuvro Ghoshal has resigned, marking the end of a significant chapter in the company’s journey. Shuvro’s strategic decision is driven by his long-standing aspiration to complete his master’s degree, a goal he is on the brink of achieving in the United Kingdom. The resignation comes at a time when The Bridge is well-positioned within the sports journalism industry. Shuvro’s decision to step down is driven by his commitment to personal and professional growth. He is currently in the final stages of his master’s program and is also serving as a Board Member at a prestigious National Governing Body (NGB) in the UK.  During his tenure at The Bridge, Shuvro has elevated the brand to a leading position in sports journalism and athlete storytelling. Reflecting on his departure, he said, “Stepping down from my role at The Bridge is a bittersweet moment for me. Leading The Bridge has been an extraordinary journey. We created a platform that not only covers sports but also tells stories about athletes who inspire. I am proud of what we’ve achieved in the past five years.”  Under his leadership, The Bridge achieved significant milestones during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with record-breaking levels of engagement and interaction, which was even highlighted on X (formerly Twitter) by ex-Sports Minister of India, Kiren Rijiju. “The Bridge was founded with the vision to bring forward the voices of athletes that often go unheard. As I transition to a new chapter, I am confident that the team will continue to uphold this mission and elevate the platform to even greater heights,” Shuvro added.  In addition, Ghoshal has transferred his ownership stake in The Bridge to investor Narendra Firodia for an undisclosed amount, leading to a realignment in the company’s shareholding structure. Narendra Firodia added, “When I met Shuvro six years ago, his passion for sports was evident. The Bridge has become a leading name in the sports industry thanks to the efforts of Shuvro and Arshi. I’m confident he’s moving on to even greater achievements. I wish him all the best.” TB Sports Network Private Limited will continue to function under the leadership of investor Narendra Firodia, co-founder Arshi Yasin and dedicated team members.  Source Link

by Team SNFYI

MENATech Entertainment, the Middle East arm of the international gaming company GGTech Entertainment, has announced a remarkable growth in Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports (AUE) tournaments with over 100 teams registering in the KSA and a total of 2,194 students participating, almost a 57% growth from the last season. Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports is a global initiative operating in 26 countries, designed to integrate the diverse needs of the expanding esports industry by hosting competitions for university students. This platform not only fosters community and friendship through online and in-person events but also serves as a gateway for students to gain early professional experiences in various fields such as programming, design, marketing, and law, thus aligning with the industry’s demand for a wide range of professionals. In its commitment to expanding participation, AUE welcomed over 10 new universities from the KSA, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and broadening the talent pool within the esports community. This initiative is a global effort, with AUE impacting over 100,000 students across 26 countries and 2,600 universities. GGTech’s engagement further amplifies this reach, boasting over 600,000 registered participants across various competitions. AUE stands out by encouraging collaboration and fostering community among students through diverse games like FIFA, VALORANT, and PUBG Mobile, highlighting the platform’s role in enhancing academic and social connections. Last year, the competition solidified strategic support with companies like Shahid and Deliveroo. Hosting 85% of the gaming enthusiasts in the MENA region, AUE has placed an early bet on the KSA as an up-and-coming esports hub. The country is gearing up to solidify its position as the global epicentre of esports by hosting the Esports World Cup in the summer of 2024, and the construction of the megaproject ‘Qiddiya City Esports Arena’, the first stadium created for the immersive gaming and sports experience. The esports market in KSA, valued at $1 billion in 2021, is on a trajectory to explode to $6.8 billion by 2030. Furthermore, with the rollout of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, KSA aims to boost its GDP by about 50 billion riyals and create 39,000 new job opportunities by 2030. Mario Perez, CEO of MENA Tech Entertainment, highlights, “With the esports industry projected to reach $1.6 billion in turnover by 2024 and an expected 24.7% increase in worldwide spectatorship, the booming sector mirrors the growth within Amazon UNIVERSITY Esports. As we reflect on the triumphs of this year’s tournaments, we’re eager to deepen our collaboration with universities and their students in the KSA. The enthusiastic response by both the teams and individual participants reaffirms the increasing influence of AUE within the educational domain, showing a promising future.” In KSA and the surrounding region, the goal remains to sustain growth and extend the reach of GGTech’s endeavours to an increasing number of students for its competitions, training and educational components. Moreover, this year will witness the return of the AUE Masters, an in-person event where students from the region can exhibit their gaming skills and passion, and interact and make connections …