Earlier this month, the association’s Overwatch 2 esports team outperformed other universities in a tournament organized by the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Binghamton University’s Video Game Association brought home a major victory at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Spring Showdown invitational, outperforming dozens of universities across the East Coast. After hours of weekly late-night scrimmages, […]
Earlier this month, the association’s Overwatch 2 esports team outperformed other universities in a tournament organized by the Eastern College Athletic Conference.
Binghamton University’s Video Game Association brought home a major victory at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Spring Showdown invitational, outperforming dozens of universities across the East Coast.
After hours of weekly late-night scrimmages, the club’s Overwatch 2 esports team qualified for the tournament held earlier this month at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Ryan Calhoun, the Video Game Association’s president and a senior majoring in mechanical engineering in the 4+1 Degree Program for a master’s in business administration, said esports is just one of the club’s five subgroups, including the game development group, the GeoGuessr club, the Pokémon Go club and the Smash and Fighting Games club.
“The week prior, I’d say we probably spent about 10 to 20 hours practicing and reviewing in one week, preparing for this tournament,” said Trevor “Hank” Leone, a senior majoring in biochemistry. “We definitely put a fair bit of effort the week prior, but before that, we didn’t have a lot of time.”
Leone is one of eight members from the Overwatch 2 “A Team” who traveled to the invitational. According to Leone and Luka “Realz” Ero, a senior majoring in art and design, the team has won six SUNY Overwatch competitions and ranked in the top 50 out of 500 teams in official college tournaments.
“We, as the VGA, were lucky enough to be able to put this team together on minimal resources, being both financial and logistical resources,” said Calhoun. “The team funded itself to go to this LAN [Local Area Network], which is a decent risk for them.”
Over the past few years, esports have become increasingly popular worldwide, with players dedicating similar amounts of time and resources as traditional athletics. The Eastern College Athletic Conference held its first esports season in 2017.
Throughout the competition, the team’s strategy revolved around Ero’s performance as Sigma, an astrophysicist who can control gravity, said George “MrMann” German, a junior majoring in computer engineering.
“Only running Sig, like one team composition, definitely felt a little difficult at times,” German said. “We did just keep forcing it, though. We kept playing the same maps, we tried subbing out the tank player for another high-level tank player, and it didn’t work the same because everyone’s so used to running the same thing.”
“I think we just kept drilling the same composition until we basically got it down perfect,” he continued.
The team regularly communicates with each other through the organization’s Discord, a messaging platform popular in the gaming community.
Players can select three character classes in the Overwatch 2: damage, support and tank. For his role in the team’s strategy, Ero earned the MVP award in the tournament. Along with the team’s prize of $2,500, he received $500, a headset, a mouse pad and an MVP placard. As the team’s tank, Ero takes damage from the enemy team to protect his teammates in the game.
“I didn’t know I would get all these things,” Ero said. “I was overwhelmed in that moment, and it’s probably not something I’m ever going to forget.”
Despite facing the College of Staten Island in the final round, German and Ero said that playing against the home team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute was the most intense match of the night.
“I don’t want the VGA to fall into the shadows of esports,” Calhoun said. “If Binghamton does get a real program supported by the school, I would love to see, because VGA is effectively my child. I feel like I’ve built it up over the last three years and I would really like to see students collaborating with administration or University staff in order to make our esports program great in the future.”
SEGA and Sonic Team have unveiled “Racing Around the World,” a new brand campaign that will promote the upcoming release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. This campaign follows the footsteps of “Fearless: Year of Shadow,” which promoted Sonic X Shadow Generations and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 through various media initiatives. The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Racing Around The World campaign […]
SEGA and Sonic Team have unveiled “Racing Around the World,” a new brand campaign that will promote the upcoming release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. This campaign follows the footsteps of “Fearless: Year of Shadow,” which promoted Sonic X Shadow Generations and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 through various media initiatives.
The Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds Racing Around The World campaign begins with a partnership with Red Bull and stunt driver Brandon Semenuk, a three-time American Rally Association National Champion and five-time Red Bull Rampage Champion. They’ve created a stunt racing film with fun Easter eggs from Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds hidden within the video.
There will also be new racing-inspired brand partnerships, upcoming mobile game events, new merchandise, and much more. News and updates from the campaign will be available at the official Racing Around the World website throughout the year.
“Before I ever sat in a real race car, I was playing Sonic the Hedgehog, racing games, really anything with speed. That was my intro to racing. It all started with pixels and a controller, but the obsession with going fast was real from day one,” said Brandon Semenuk. “Getting to work with SEGA on this project was full circle–bringing racing into more people’s hands the same way it started for me.”
“The Racing Around the World fan celebration embodies everything fans love about Sonic from his superfast speed, bold attitude, and ability to inspire fans to push their limits,” said Marcella Churchill, Vice President of SEGA/ATLUS Brand Marketing. “Our partnership with Red Bull delivers a thrilling stunt racing film that brings key elements from the Sonic universe to life for fans worldwide. We hope it brings fans together and allows them to experience the excitement of the Sonic Racing universe like never before.”
The latest release in the mainline series, Sonic X Shadow Generations, launched on October 25, 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Final Weapon reviewed Sonic X Shadow Generations and gave the title a 4.5/5, stating that the game “delivers all the thrills you could hope for with almost none of the drawbacks.” A Nintendo Switch 2 version of Sonic X Shadow Generations will launch on June 5.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will release in 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Lastly, here’s a description of the game, via SEGA:
Race across land, sea, air, space, and time in Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds! Warp through Travel Rings into new dimensions where something new awaits around every twist and turn. Speed to victory solo or as a team in a variety of offline and online modes and compete against players from around the world. Build the ultimate machine to match your racing style, unlock gadgets to gain the upper hand, and unleash power-up items for the win!
The Valorant eSports team from Belmond-Klemme High School qualified for the state tournament in Marshalltown. The B-K team is the third seed in the Class 1A, Division 2 bracket with a 6-2 record in the regular season. The members of the team are, front row from left, Damian Woiwood and Blaike Allbee; back row, […]
The Valorant eSports team from Belmond-Klemme High School qualified for the state tournament in Marshalltown. The B-K team is the third seed in the Class 1A, Division 2 bracket with a 6-2 record in the regular season.
The members of the team are, front row from left, Damian Woiwood and Blaike Allbee; back row, Connor Holmgaard, Andrew McDaniel and Tavian Watts. Team members Will Hays and Kira Ricke were not availabile for the photo. The team is coached by Austin Lich.
Clean skincare brand BRMUD is partnering with esports agency FlyQuest to promote sustainable efforts across the gaming industry. Under the partnership, both entities will focus on creating immersive content, limited edition products, and fan activations that help introduce consumers in the esports space to BRMUD’s mineral-rich Boryeong mud, among other products. All efforts will be […]
Notably, FlyQuest describes itself as a “values-based” esports organization that aims to spark change through its ‘Good Game’ initiative, which merges social good with competitive gaming. The organization has previously worked with companies and groups that champion reforestation, ocean conservation, and mental health.
Interested consumers can learn more through FlyQuest’s website.
Image Credit: BRMUD, FlyQuest
TeachMeCode Institute has announced its partnership with HP to advance gaming technology education in MENA. The strategic relationship will elevate gaming technology education across the UAE and the broader region. The partnership integrates HP Gaming Garage, Esports Management, and the Game Development Academy with TeachMeCode Institute’s commitment to industry-aligned education, skills-based learning, and developing a […]
TeachMeCode Institute has announced its partnership with HP to advance gaming technology education in MENA. The strategic relationship will elevate gaming technology education across the UAE and the broader region.
The partnership integrates HP Gaming Garage, Esports Management, and the Game Development Academy with TeachMeCode Institute’s commitment to industry-aligned education, skills-based learning, and developing a sustainable gaming technology talent pipeline.
The collaboration yields an academically rigorous and practically relevant educational framework, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the global gaming ecosystem. The partnership expands TeachMeCode Institute’s footprint in the MENA region and positions the technology sector for a strong future job market.
The global gaming industry is projected to reach $312 billion by 2027, according to PwC’s Global Entertainment & Media Outlook. As the MENA region emerges as one of the fastest-growing gaming markets globally, the demand for skilled developers, interactive technology specialists, and immersive content creators has never been greater.
The gaming industry in the MENA region is growing rapidly, and TeachMeCode Institute and HP are introducing educational initiatives to address this growing demand and create future employment opportunities.
Alexandru Cocindau, chairman of TeachMeCode Institute said: “It is our privilege to collaborate with HP in equipping the next generation with future-proof skills in game technology, AI, and immersive digital experiences. Following our unprecedented growth in the region, throughout the UAE, and most recently in the Omani market, we recognise that partnerships of this caliber are essential to building a sustainable ecosystem. By welcoming HP into our network of industry leaders, we are laying the foundation for future successes, empowering talent, driving innovation, and strengthening economic resilience across the MENA.”
A young and tech-savvy generation is rapidly advancing the gaming technology market, experiencing significant growth in recent years. Statistics predict that the gaming industry will grow by almost $2 billion by 2027, with an estimated 80 million gamers. These statistics reveal the need for highly skilled professionals in game development, real-time 3D visualisation, and interactive technology that outpace the availability of qualified talent.
According to the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), the global gaming workforce has to grow by at least 30 per cent over the next five years to meet industry demands. The MENA region, home to over 377 million gamers, is rapidly transitioning from a consumer-driven market to a developer-led innovation hub.
A game development training programme for Omani nationals, that equips learners with essential game design and development skills using Unity, one of the world’s leading real-time development platforms.
As the launchpad for the TeachMeCode and HP Gaming Garage partnership, this programme showcases a shared commitment to developing local talent, expanding access to industry-standard education, and establishing the region as a hub for interactive digital creation.
TeachMeCode Institute and HP are working together to accelerate this transition to:
● Deliver industry-aligned training in game development, AI-powered interactive design, and immersive experiences.
● Develop structured learning pathways that bridge technical education with direct industry applications.
● Support diversity and accessibility, ensuring that gaming technology education is available to a broad spectrum of learners.
● Enable students to engage in real-world project development, equipping them with a competitive edge in the workforce.
The MENA region is rapidly emerging as a technology hub, backed by government initiatives, investors, and an expanding tech ecosystem. TeachMeCode Institute is at the forefront of technology education in the UAE, expanding its reach through impactful partnerships with industry leaders and government-backed initiatives. The newest collaboration with HP Gaming Garage is part of a broader strategic vision to establish the region as a global epicenter for game technology development, immersive media, and interactive AI applications.
TeachMeCode Institute will introduce collaborations with leading industry partners, global technology providers, and regional economic development initiatives in the next few months. These partnerships will expand the scope of gaming technology education beyond the classroom and into real-world applications on a large scale.
Mayank Dhingra, global director of Education Strategy at HP said: “HP Gaming Garage reflects our commitment to innovation in education, empowering the next generation of gaming professionals with the tools, skills, and industry expertise they need to succeed. Through our collaboration with TeachMeCode Institute, we further shape gaming technology education to be globally connected, locally relevant, and focused on the future.”
The primary goal of this partnership is to develop the workforce. Students will gain practical industry-ready skills that reflect authentic workflows using AI-powered game development, procedural world-building, and real-time 3D visualisation.
Additionally, BIELA, TeachMeCode Institute’s AI-powered development platform, will serve as a proof of concept, demonstrating how AI can empower developers, accelerate workflows, and reduce barriers to entry in the technology innovation space.
TeachMeCode Institute and HP will unveil the first phase of their collaboration in the coming months, with detailed announcements on curriculum structure, training programmes, industry-recognised professional certifications, tech industry engagement initiatives, and mentorship programmes.
For more information, visit the website: Teachmecode.ae.
Tune Talk has launched a new in-app feature, “Games and drama in Tune Talk app”, positioning itself as the first telco in Malaysia to offer both streaming and gaming directly within its mobile application. The new feature allows users to stream dramas, play casual games and earn rewards. The rollout is part of the telco’s […]
Tune Talk has launched a new in-app feature, “Games and drama in Tune Talk app”, positioning itself as the first telco in Malaysia to offer both streaming and gaming directly within its mobile application.
The new feature allows users to stream dramas, play casual games and earn rewards. The rollout is part of the telco’s effort to expand its digital services and keep users engaged within its ecosystem.
The features are available exclusively through the Tune Talk app. The ‘Drama’ section offers a curated selection of streaming content, while the ‘Games’ section includes instant-play titles that don’t require installation. Users can earn ‘Tune Points’ through engagement, which can be used to unlock content, remove ads or access perks.
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The new in-app feature was developed in partnership with Jolibox, a cloud entertainment platform that provides embedded streaming and gaming technology. Tune Talk said in a statement, that the collaboration allows it to deliver a seamless experience without relying on external downloads or platforms.
“We’re not just enhancing connectivity. With Games and Drama, we want to give users more ways to enjoy their time in the app,” said Gurtaj Singh Padda, co-founder, executive director and CEO of Tune Talk.
“This launch is more than entertainment. It’s proof that a telco can lead in user experience, not just network coverage. And we’re proud to be setting a new benchmark not only for Malaysia but for the region,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tune Talk’s head of marketing, Shawn Lim said “Today’s users expect more than just connectivity. We wanted to simplify how people access entertainment by integrating it into the app they’re already using.”
The move also reflects Tune Talk’s shift to operating as a cloud-native telco, giving the company flexibility to introduce new features more quickly and tailor experiences through automation, the company stated.
Malaysia’s mobile-first population offers strong potential for such features. As of early 2025, the country has 43.3 million mobile connections, more than the total population, and 97.7% of Malaysians are internet users, according to Digital 2025: Malaysia by DataReportal.
Jiayuan Mao, director of global partnerships at Jolibox, said the collaboration aims to make it easier for users to access content without friction. “By embedding our platform into the Tune Talk app, we’re helping users watch, play and earn rewards in one place,” said Mao.
Tune Talk said more features are planned as part of its move toward becoming a more lifestyle-oriented service provider. Currently, ‘Dramas’ will be accessible to Tune Talk Epik 50+ plan users, while ‘Games’ will be available for Epik 50+ and Epik 35+ users, beginning with one-month free access.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Tune Talk announced a collaboration with foodpanda Malaysia to offer monthly free pandapro subscriptions for its Epik 50+ users, allowing them to access exclusive foodpanda benefits such as discounted delivery and restaurant deals.
This also comes on the back of the telco’s recent launch of the DUM DUM data SIM, a plug-and-play travel SIM made for inbound travellers to Malaysia. The travel SIM does not require any registration, which Tune Talk said empowers travel with convenience and clarity.
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Earlier this month, five seniors from West High School travelled to San Antonio to compete in the EGF Overwatch 2 National Championship, bringing it home undefeated. West High seniors Hunter Burch, Eric Leyva, Ulysses Cervantes Carrillo, Erick Rodriguez, and Dismas Tapia said they’ve been playing together for a number of years […]
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Earlier this month, five seniors from West High School travelled to San Antonio to compete in the EGF Overwatch 2 National Championship, bringing it home undefeated.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
For years, e-sports has been touted as this niche thing, but with professional and amateur leagues all across the world, it’s clear to see that there’s a lot more to it including chances to further academic careers. I’m Sam Hoyle, your neighborhood reporter, and for five West High School students, they’ve made their way into the thick of it, bringing home a national championship.
“Going through that entire tournament, not dropping a single round the entire time, and then getting onto that big stage and being able to have a clean sweep, and then, you know, getting to celebrate right after is an amazing feeling,” said Burch.
Earlier this month, members of the West High School Vikings esports program traveled to San Antonio to compete in the EGF National High School Championship for Overwatch 2, a team-based first-person shooter, and obliterated the competition finishing undefeated. Hunter Burch, Eric Leyva, Ulysses Cervantes Carrillo, Erick Rodriguez, and Dismas Tapia have played together for a handful of years, and many said as they close out their high school careers, they’re happy to have done it together.
“It’s like a brotherhood, almost like a family. It’s like we first started. It’s like friends and we really know each other, and it like, really started to grow,” said Eric Leyva.
“It’s just a huge accomplishment. We were able to reach just working together throughout the years. We’ve always wanted to reach something way, way beyond, like, just the district league. So national championship was, like, super fun to work for,” said Cervantes Carrillo.
And like any other sports team, they’ll miss the grind being right next to one another fighting to become the best.
“This, the environment, the team you know, playing together. Do you think you’re gonna miss it?” asked 23ABC. “Yeah, honestly, like, I thought when we won, I thought I would cry or see my coach cry, because, like, that was the last experience we would have together. And that’s kind of like, I don’t know. It’s just like, hurts me that we won’t be together,” said Erick Rodriguez.
All five are seniors and have plans for after high school. Some plan to try and play e-sports at the collegiate level, others plan to take a step back. For Tapia, he plans to take a step back and enlist in the Navy, but he’s not discounting a comeback in the future.
“Maybe in the future. I was told that there’s actually e-sports in the Navy, so I might do that. But after I probably would if I ever go to college,” said Tapia.
And while they’ve been successful, West High isn’t the only school in the KHSD that has E-Sports. To learn more about the programs across the district, be sure to check out this story online. In Bakersfield, SH, YNR.
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