India receives some big news in the month of May as Krafton announces the return of PUBG Mobile in the form of Battlegrounds Mobile India. The region saw an influx of brand partnerships, capital, and tournaments, as well. Each month, ESI compiles the top Indian and SEA esports business developments into a single article.
These are the big stories for the month of May, in collaboration with AFK Gaming.
Top esports business developments in India and Southeast Asia, May 2021
Spotlighted story
Krafton announces Battlegrounds Mobile India
Image credit: Krafton
Eight months since PUBG Mobile was banned in India, Krafton announced the launch of Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), a localised version of the game that is believed to comply with Indian laws.
The announcement came on May 6th through a teaser video, followed by a pre-registration link for Android phones on May 14th. However, an exact release date is not known as of this writing. PUBG Mobile was the top esport in India before its ban, and the country’s thriving ecosystem saw names like Fnatic and TSM pick up rosters from the region. The game’s re-launch is also expected to be accompanied by news of Krafton’s renewed esport plans.
NODWIN Gaming partners with Riot Games to host Valorant Conqueror’s Championship for South Asia
Indian esports agency NODWIN Gaming announced that it has partnered with Riot Games to host the Valorant Conqueror’s Championship (VCC), which will serve as the region’s qualifier to the Valorant Champion’s Tour APAC Last Chance qualifiers. This South Asian division will see teams compete in multiple sub-regional qualifiers for a prize pool of INR 2.5m (GBP24.2k).
Note: NODWIN Gaming is a client of and minority stakeholder in AFK Gaming.
EVOS Esports reveals PUMA sponsorship
Credit: EVOS Esports
Indonesia based esports organisation EVOS Esports announced a partnership with global athleisure brand PUMA. The collaboration will see the release of a co-branded tracksuit which will be given to players who represent the organisation. Activations are planned that will include physical and virtual items as well.
Read more about it here.
BREN Esports announces Razer deal
Credit: BREN Esports
Southeast Asian esports organisation BREN Esports announced a partnership with Singapore-based peripherals manufacturer Razer. The deal names Razer the exclusive gaming chair partner and virtual gaming credit partner of BREN. Moreover, both parties will collaborate on a weekly content series that will be shown on the organisation’s YouTube channel.
Read more about it here.
Moonton partners with Esports Charts for MPL Malaysia
Credit: Moonton
Esports data analytics platform Esports Charts has announced a partnership with the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Malaysia. Esports Charts will provide MPL Malaysia with a range of data and statistics to analyse its broadcast performances. The deal is set to last for seasons seven and eight of the MPL.
Read more about it here.
Fnatic secures $17m investment led by Japanese conglomerate
Credit: Fnatic
British esports organization Fnatic announced that it had secured a $17m (~GBP12m) financing round led by Japanese business conglomerate Marubeni Corporation. The injection of capital comes alongside a strategic partnership that will help drive the organisation’s expansion into the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the organisation will also relocate its Rainbow Six Siege roster to Japan to compete in the regional circuit.
Read more about it here.
AFK Gaming is an India-based esports media and content company that aims to provide quality and consistent coverage about teams, players, tournaments and competitive video games with a primary focus on the Asian region.