Olympic Esports Scrapped Until 2026?
We’re covering a postponement of a major esports tournament, the iconic Ramayana anime film’s earnings after its rerelease, more layoffs hitting Ubisoft and Phoenix Labs.
IOC Postpones First Olympic Esports Games to 2026-2027
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has delayed its inaugural Olympic Esports Games from 2025 to 2026 or 2027 to develop a new organizational structure, according to a report from SportBusiness.
The delay, attributed to challenges adapting the Olympic model (which relies on National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to form teams and International Federations (IFs) to oversee sports) to esports’ decentralized ecosystem. No games, qualification processes, or venues have been announced. Saudi Arabia was named host in December 2023 under a 12-year partnership.
The IOC has yet to detail collaboration with gaming stakeholders. Saudi Arabia, a key esports investor and host of Riyadh’s 2024 Esports World Cup, is expected to influence the event’s framework.
Remastered Anime Film "Ramayana" Earns ₹2.8 Crore in India
The 4K remaster of 1993 anime film Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama has grossed ₹2.80 crore ($337,000) in India since its January 24 release, per trade site Sacnilk. Distributed by Geek Pictures India, AA Films, and Excel Entertainment, the film (available in Hindi, English, Tamil, and Telugu) features updated visuals overseen by screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad (Baahubali, RRR).
Fans criticized the lack of original 1997 Hindi/Tamil dubs, which licensor TEM Co. Ltd. said were irrecoverable due to lost audio masters. New Hindi voice actors replace iconic roles originally voiced by Arun Govil and Amrish Puri.
Initially slated for October 2024, the release was delayed to expand theater access. Directed by Koichi Sasaki, Ram Mohan, and Yugo Sako, the film was previously screened at festivals but had no wide theatrical run until now.
⚡Quick Bytes
Saudi Arabia to Honors Esports Achievements at Annual Awards
The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) will hold its fifth annual SEF Awards on January 31 at Riyadh’s SEF Arena, recognizing achievements across 19 categories, as part of efforts to bolster the Kingdom’s role in the global esports sector. In a release, SEF CEO Turki Alfawzan cited recent milestones, such as Team Falcons’ Esports World Cup victory and Team Saudi’s FIFAe Rocket League win, as examples of the country’s competitive progress.
Game Studios Ubisoft and Phoenix Labs Announce Layoffs
Ubisoft and Phoenix Labs announced significant layoffs this week, reflecting ongoing challenges in the gaming industry. Ubisoft is cutting 185 jobs as part of a restructuring effort, including the closure of its Leamington, UK studio, which contributed to titles like Far Cry 5. Meanwhile, Vancouver-based Phoenix Labs, known for Dauntless and Fae Farm, laid off the majority of its staff, citing operational changes. Both companies expressed gratitude to affected employees and pledged support during transitions
💡Did You Know
Did you know that Nintendo once sent a sarcastic certificate of appreciation to gaming magazine Game Informer? After the magazine gave the Nintendo’s first two critically acclaimed Mario Party games low scores (3.5/10 for the original and 5.25/10 for the sequel), the company sent out a framed certificate of appreciation that read “Nintendo appreciates Game Informer for their well written and glowing reviews of Mario Party and Mario Party 2.”
It was even co-signed by Nintendo of America Chairman Howard Lincoln and Nintendo of America President Minoru Arakawa. The plaque is still reportedly displayed at Game Informer’s office.
📜Quote of the Day
“The culmination of love is grief and yet we love despite the inevitable. We open our hearts to it... To grieve deeply is to have loved fully. ”
Faye, God of War: Ragnarok
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