MUMBAI: NODWIN Gaming, which works in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). it will manage media rights sales across South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other surrounding territories.

NODWIN Gaming will act as the strategic support for the EWCF in the region, supporting with media rights sales and distribution strategies for the EWC across South Asia. The partnership aims to bring the Esports World Cup to a broader audience of fans in one of the fastest-growing esports markets globally. Additionally, NODWIN Gaming will act as the EWCF’s marketing partner for the Indian market, to conceptualize and execute local campaigns and initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission of elevating esports and gaming culture worldwide.

The EWCF is the nonprofit organisation behind the Esports World Cup (EWC), a multi-title esports competition. The 2024 inaugural edition featured 1,500 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing across 21 titles for a record-breaking $60 million prize pool. With 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million in-person attendees, the EWC is focussing on setting a new benchmark for esports competitions worldwide.

NODWIN Gaming added that it has brought competitive gaming to mainstream audiences through multiple broadcast platforms, including television and OTT services. Its marquee IP, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS), is currently the only Indian esports tournament to air on national television, broadcasting on Star Sports for three consecutive years. The company has also delivered top-tier productions and media rights solutions for properties such as the eISL in collaboration with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the VALORANT Challengers South Asia with Riot Games, the Mountain Dew Arena with ESL India, and the Kingfisher India Premiership, among others.

Akshat Rathee, co-founder, MD NODWIN Gaming said, “The Esports World Cup is a landmark moment for global esports, and we’re proud to partner with the EWCF to bring that experience to South Asia. This partnership is about more than just broadcasting a tournament – it’s about building a bridge between South Asia’s incredibly passionate gaming communities and the global stage that the EWCF represents. Whether it’s in India, Bangladesh, Nepal or beyond, our goal is to make world-class esports content more accessible than ever. We’re excited to work closely with the EWCF to not only grow the tournament’s reach but to also support the larger ecosystem and community it helps foster.”

The EWCF is dedicated to supporting the long-term growth and financial sustainability of the global esports and gaming sectors. The foundation’s mission is to advocate for the entire ecosystem including players, fans, and businesses and to reinvest any proceeds back into initiatives that fuel the development of the industry.

“Our mission at the Esports World Cup Foundation is to create lasting impact for the global esports industry by setting new competitive benchmarks and forging partnerships that understand the nuances of each region. South Asia represents an incredibly dynamic and fast-growing gaming market, and NODWIN Gaming brings unparalleled knowledge, reach, and local trust to this ecosystem. By partnering with NODWIN, we are not only ensuring that the Esports World Cup reaches more fans, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to making esports more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable,” stated Mike McCabe, COO Esports World Cup Foundation.

Through this association, the EWCF aims to strengthen its global presence while leveraging NODWIN Gaming’s experience in youth engagement, esports content, and regional distribution across emerging economies.

MANILA — Acer secured the top position in the Philippine personal computer market in Q1 2025, with a 35.7% total market share, a 34.2% share in consumer notebooks, and an impressive 40.6% share in gaming laptops, according to market research firm GfK. Acer also delivered a strong performance in April, with its notebook segment reaching a 36% market share, further cementing its dominance.

Acer’s success can be credited to a multi-faceted marketing approach, including strategic partnerships with brand ambassadors. This method has proven very effective in expanding Acer’s nationwide reach and strengthening its local branding efforts.

A prime example is Acer’s partnership with the “Kings of P-pop,” SB19. This collaboration has been key in maintaining Acer’s relevance to its customer base, especially among the younger demographic. The partnership between Acer and SB19 began before their official ambassadorship for Acer Day and endorsement with Acer and Acerpure in 2021.

“Our partnership with SB19 works because we share the same values and energy. Also, the group’s strong social media presence and its ability to create engaging content have allowed us to reach and connect with our customers,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director at Acer Philippines.

Recently, Acer co-presented SB19’s “Simula at Wakas” world tour stop in Taiwan, further strengthening the brand’s connection with SB19’s fans. SB19 also visited Acer’s Taipei headquarters as “one-day employees” to experience the brand’s innovations firsthand.

Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen, along with Pan-Asia Pacific President Andrew Hou, personally met with the group and gifted each member a Predator Helios 18 gaming laptop.

During the group’s visit to Taiwan, SB19 visited Acer’s product experience center. They also tried the latest gaming laptops and the FreeSense Ring smart wearable developed by Acer Fashion. They participated in a design workshop to brainstorm ideas for laptop aesthetics and compact home appliances.

As the partnership marks its fifth year, Acer and SB19 look forward to more fruitful and productive years together.

For more information about Acer, follow Acer Philippines on its social media platforms: @AcerPH on Facebook, @acerph on Instagram, and @acerphils on Twitter, or go to www.acer.com.

TLDRs;

• Tencent rolls out new parental controls during China’s two-month summer break to reduce minor gaming addiction.
• The initiative includes real-time monitoring, customizable playtime limits, and educational tools for families.
• This move aligns with China’s long-standing regulations that restrict minor access to online games.
• Tencent’s efforts reflect a growing global trend toward stronger digital safeguards for young users.

Tencent Games has launched a new summer initiative aimed at helping parents better regulate their children’s gaming behavior during the extended school break.

With minors now having more free time and screen exposure likely to rise, the company is offering a suite of parental tools designed to limit gaming hours, track usage in real-time, and promote healthier digital habits.

The campaign focuses on strengthening family oversight at a time when concerns about gaming addiction typically peak. The two-month-long school holiday in China often coincides with a surge in online activity among minors, which has prompted both regulators and gaming firms to take proactive measures. Tencent’s summer move appears to be a direct response to both growing parental concerns and the country’s continuing regulatory push.

China’s strict regulations continue to shape industry behavior

Tencent’s new measures are consistent with the broader regulatory environment in China, where the government has enforced some of the world’s toughest rules on youth gaming. Since 2019, restrictions have included a 90-minute daily limit on weekdays, a gaming curfew between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., and monthly spending caps based on age.

Rather than waiting for new directives, Tencent has taken a self-regulatory stance by introducing enhanced tools for families. This includes customizable time limits, educational content for parents, and integration with schools to raise awareness about screen time and online behavior. These additions reflect Tencent’s strategic alignment with government goals while attempting to foster a more responsible gaming culture.

Real-time control and education are central to Tencent’s approach

What sets Tencent’s program apart is its emphasis on direct parental involvement. Parents can now access real-time reports of their children’s gaming hours, adjust playtime limits on the fly, and access materials designed to help guide conversations about healthy gaming. This blend of technical control and educational outreach shows a shift toward empowering families to take more active roles in their children’s digital lives.

Research has shown that family-based interventions can significantly reduce problematic gaming behavior. One study involving over 300 students found that when parents were equipped with both monitoring tools and learning resources, children showed better self-control and reduced signs of addiction. Tencent’s initiative appears to build on this model by combining real-time controls with awareness campaigns.

Industry trend points to increased global focus on youth protection

Tencent is not alone in its efforts to safeguard younger users. Globally, gaming and social media companies are under increasing pressure to enforce child safety standards. YouTube, for instance, recently raised the minimum age for live streaming to 16. Similarly, platforms like Roblox have enhanced parental control dashboards to allow parents more visibility and control over their child’s gaming behavior.

While China’s regulatory regime is more rigid than most, companies worldwide are converging around similar goals, limiting excessive screen time and protecting minors from digital harm. Tencent’s summer initiative shows how large platforms are responding not only to legal mandates but also to societal expectations around responsible tech use.