Honor is committing $10 billion over the next five years to drive the AI transformation of its devices, intending to transition from a smartphone manufacturer to an AI-focused technology company.

CEO James Li Jian introduced the company’s “Alpha” initiative in Barcelona ahead of MWC 2025, describing a strategy for integrating AI across smartphones, tablets, wearables, and PCs. He emphasised the importance of industry collaboration, urging partners to share AI capabilities and support a more open AI ecosystem.

“This includes the industry becoming truly open, enabling seamless collaboration across different operating systems,” Li said, underscoring Honor’s goal of building an AI-powered multi-device experience.

Honor expands software support for Magic series

As part of its broader strategy, Honor is extending software support for its Magic series devices, providing seven years of major Android updates and security patches. The announcement follows Qualcomm’s decision to offer eight years of software support for its latest Snapdragon 8 and 7 series chipsets.

The extended update policy places Honor among the few global brands offering long-term software support, ensuring that Magic series users receive at least six major Android updates. The company states that this initiative aligns with its sustainability efforts, aiming to reduce e-waste by encouraging consumers to keep their devices for longer.

Honor says the move aligns with the EU’s Circular Economy and Ecodesign Regulation, which promotes longer product life cycles and environmental sustainability.

Honor’s AI push and market challenges

Honor has been working to integrate AI across its devices, recently incorporating DeepSeek’s R1 model into its Yoyo virtual assistant and search engine for smartphones and laptops.

The company has also formed alliances with big Chinese tech companies, such as Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance, to improve AI capabilities in its devices. Internationally, Honor collaborates with Google to integrate Gemini AI models into its devices.

Once a Huawei subsidiary, Honor was sold in 2020 to a consortium of buyers following US sanctions that limited Huawei’s access to key components. Honor continues to operate independently since then, but the Chinese smartphone market is becoming increasingly competitive.

According to IDC, Honor smartphone shipments in China declined 14.9% year on year in Q4 2023. The company’s market share dropped from 16.8% to 13.7%, leaving it fifth behind Apple, Vivo, Huawei, and Xiaomi.

Global expansion and growing market presence

While facing challenges in China, Honor has expanded in other markets. Shipments in the Middle East increased by 67% last year, reaching 3.2 million units, according to Canalys.

The company has also gained ground in Western Europe, surpassing Samsung Electronics to become the top foldable handset maker in Q2 2023, according to Counterpoint Research.

Honor’s global expansion efforts are ongoing, with the firm announcing plans to launch more than 30 products in Indonesia in 2025 as part of a larger strategy to enhance its presence in Southeast Asia.

Long-term vision for AI and sustainability

Honor’s focus on AI-driven devices and long-term software support complies with its goal of building a multi-device AI ecosystem. By providing longer software support, the company intends to extend the usability of its products and contribute to sustainability efforts.

As the battle for AI-driven smartphones heats up, Honor’s ability to differentiate itself through device longevity, AI-powered features, and international expansion will be critical to its growth strategy.

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Since its inception in 1994, Bluetooth has dominated short-range wireless connectivity, but its limitations have become increasingly apparent after three decades. With growing demands for faster data transfer, multiple device connections, and enhanced security, the ageing protocol struggles to keep pace with modern requirements. 

As IoT devices proliferate and wireless audio streaming becomes ubiquitous, China sees an opportunity to develop Bluetooth alternative technologies, citing concerns over Bluetooth protocols’ limitations. China’s Bluetooth alternative, Star Flash, is emerging as a potential game-changer in wireless communication technology, marking a significant global technological shift. The initiative, backed by Beijing’s Electronics Video Industry Association, represents more than just a technical upgrade – it’s a strategic move toward technological self-reliance.

The alternative to Bluetooth in China: the technical promise of Star Flash

The SparkLink Alliance, a consortium of hundreds of Chinese developers and manufacturers, including tech giant Huawei, is spearheading the development of Star Flash. According to Chinese IoT hardware vendor Qogrisys, the technology incorporates 5G network principles and offers several advantages over existing protocols. 

It promises enhanced multiple-device connectivity, improved power efficiency, longer battery life, and high-quality lossless stereo audio streaming capabilities. Its integration into China’s newly mandated ‘universal remote control standard’ sets Star Flash apart. It standard requires manufacturers to implement one of three communication methods: traditional infrared, conventional Bluetooth, or Star Flash. 

The strategic inclusion of Star Flash alongside established technologies provides a foundation for widespread adoption, starting with consumer electronics. 

Strategic implementation and global implications

The rollout strategy for Star Flash appears carefully orchestrated. Beginning with universal remote controls in 2025, the technology is positioned to rapidly penetrate the domestic market through mandatory implementation in televisions and set-top boxes. An article by The Register suggests that Chinese manufacturer Konka has already launched the first Smart TV compatible with the new standard, demonstrating the industry’s readiness to embrace the technology.

However, China’s ambitions for Star Flash extend beyond its borders. The SparkLink Alliance has actively promoted the technology to Japanese companies and the expanding BRICS bloc, suggesting a broader international strategy. The expansion could challenge the dominance of existing wireless protocols in emerging markets.

While developing alternative wireless technologies contributes to technological diversity and innovation, it raises questions about global tech standards and interoperability. A Star Flash success could influence how future wireless technologies are developed and adopted, potentially leading to a more fragmented wireless technology landscape, or one where the vaguaries of Bluetooth are consigned to history.

Critics raise concerns about potential surveillance capabilities (this being China), while supporters emphasise the technical advantages and the importance of diverse technological ecosystems. The reality likely lies somewhere in between—Star Flash represents both technological advancement and strategic positioning in the global tech arena.

As the wireless communication landscape evolves, the emergence of Star Flash invites us to look beyond traditional narratives of technological competition and consider how diverse or improved approaches to wireless communication might benefit global innovation. 

Whether this leads to healthy competition and innovation or further technological fragmentation remains to be seen. 

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Last year, the European Commission took a significant step by launching a comprehensive investigation into Microsoft’s practice of integrating its Teams application with the Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites, targeting the business sector specifically. Microsoft, recognizing the importance of this inquiry, committed to fully cooperating with the Commission and expressed its determination to find solutions that would mitigate any regulatory concerns.

In a notable development reported by Reuters, Microsoft announced its decision to offer its Teams application globally—a chat and video conferencing tool—separately from its Office suite. This strategic move, coming six months after these products were decoupled in Europe, was designed to preemptively address potential EU antitrust penalties.

The strategic response from Microsoft to offer Teams separately

The investigation by the European Commission was triggered by a 2020 complaint from Slack, a Salesforce-owned workspace messaging application. Since its integration into Office 365 in 2017 at no extra cost, and its replacement of Skype for Business, Teams experienced a rapid rise in popularity. This was particularly true for its video conferencing features during the pandemic. Competitors have contended that this bundling strategy unfairly advantages Microsoft. In response to these concerns, Microsoft initiated the separate sale of these products in the EU and Switzerland on October 1 of the preceding year.

In detailing the company’s revised strategy through a blog post, Nanna-Louise Linde, Vice President for European Government Affairs at Microsoft, introduced a new pricing model for unbundled products. This adjustment, offering a reduction of US$2.17 monthly or US$26.02 annually, aims at serving the core enterprise clientele in the EEA and Switzerland more effectively.

Furthermore, Linde clarified that Teams would be accessible as a standalone offering, with a pricing set at US$5.42 per month or US$65.04 annually, catering to new enterprise clients. Those who previously integrated Teams into their suite have the flexibility to maintain their existing setup or transition to a Teams-excluded package.

Reiterating the company’s dedication to transparency and customer satisfaction, a Microsoft spokesperson conveyed the decision to extend the unbundling initiative worldwide. This adaptation, inspired by the European Commission’s feedback, is intended to offer multinational corporations enhanced flexibility in their licensing options across various regions.

Reflecting on Microsoft’s historical adjustments in response to antitrust challenges, particularly the lawsuit from the Justice Department in 1998, analysts like Rishi Jaluria from RBC Capital Markets point out that the current separation of Teams from Office marks a significant, though not unprecedented, shift in strategy. Despite these changes, the integration of Teams into business operations suggests that the immediate impact on the market might be limited.

Data from Sensor Tower indicates a consistent user base for the Teams mobile app, with monthly active users remaining steady at around 19 million in both the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. This stability suggests that the unbundling in Europe has not adversely affected the platform’s popularity.

Looking ahead: Licensing flexibility and pricing strategies

With the introduction of new commercial Microsoft 365 and Office 365 suites, excluding Teams for areas beyond the EEA and Switzerland, Microsoft is also presenting a standalone option for enterprise customers. Starting April 1, these offerings allow customers to continue their current licensing arrangements or explore the new, unbundled options. The pricing structure for Office suites without Teams ranges from US$7.75 to US$54.75, with the standalone Teams option priced at US$5.25, although variations may occur based on country and currency.

Despite proactive measures, Microsoft could still encounter EU antitrust challenges, with concerns arising over pricing strategies and the interoperability of competing messaging services with Office Web Applications. Analysts like Gil Luria from D.A. Davidson suggest that Microsoft’s forward-thinking approach may somewhat mitigate future regulatory scrutiny. Given Microsoft’s history of incurring 2.2 billion euros in EU antitrust fines over the last decade for similar bundling practices, the company is keenly aware of the stakes involved.

J.P. Gownder, a Forrester VP and Principal Analyst, regards the unbundling of Teams as a strategic maneuver by Microsoft in anticipation of regulatory actions from the EU and possibly other regions. This strategy not only levels the competitive landscape by providing a choice to consumers but also simplifies the licensing landscape for multinational companies, which might face complexities under varying regional agreements.

Gownder also anticipates that pricing will emerge as a critical discussion point, with Microsoft potentially advocating for higher individual pricing for components formerly bundled, citing increased operational costs. This move could necessitate substantial marketing efforts to clearly communicate the value and structure of the unbundled offerings.

While Gownder foresees regulatory bodies potentially viewing any price increases critically, interpreting them as punitive measures against EU companies, he believes that the essential purchasing behaviors of enterprises, particularly outside the EU, are unlikely to be significantly altered. They may continue to favor bundled offerings, which are now enhanced by the addition of an unbundled option.

Gownder further speculates on the potential savings for organizations currently using Zoom, which might find financial benefits in dropping the Teams component for an unbundled SKU, though the exact financial implications will depend on the forthcoming pricing details. Zoom and Slack are poised to capitalize on this market shift, though the fundamental dynamics of the market are expected to remain largely unchanged.

The competitive landscape and potential beneficiaries

This strategic pivot could be an advantage for Zoom, which has faced challenges in competing with Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of communication tools. Slack, having been integrated into Salesforce and having previously lodged an antitrust complaint with the European Commission in 2020, has been particularly vocal about the need for such a separation, viewing the bundling of Teams with Office as competitively unfair.

Despite occasional preferences for Zoom, the integrated offering of Teams with Office 365 has consistently attracted customers. This trend was highlighted by CNBC, which pointed out Zoom’s slowing revenue growth from explosive rates in 2020 and 2021 to single digits in recent quarters. Mizuho analysts suggest that Teams’ unbundling could help mitigate some of Zoom’s challenges in retaining enterprise customers.

Over the past year, Microsoft has reported nearly US$53 billion in revenue from its Office suite, including Teams, marking a 14% increase from 2022. The platform’s impact is undeniable, with Teams now boasting over 320 million active users monthly.

Salesforce’s acquisition of Slack in 2021 for US$27 billion, the company’s largest purchase to date, underscored the high stakes in the communication and collaboration tool market. Slack’s 2020 complaint to the European Commission against Microsoft’s practices highlighted ongoing competitive tensions, reminiscent of the ‘browser wars’ of the 1990s.

However, Slack’s stance towards Teams was more measured in 2019, with then-CEO Stewart Butterfield acknowledging the preference of many top customers for Slack over Teams, despite their use of Microsoft’s Office 365 suite.

Last year’s reports that Microsoft would allow companies to choose whether to include Teams in their productivity software subscriptions signaled a strategic shift intended to preclude further EU competition investigations. Subsequently, Microsoft began offering separate subscriptions for Teams and other productivity software across 31 European countries, aligning with the European Commission’s investigation into the bundling practices.

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The ongoing tension between China and the United States has escalated, with China implementing guidelines to phase out U.S. microprocessors in government computers and servers, including those from Intel and AMD. This initiative is part of Beijing’s broader strategy to replace foreign technology with domestic alternatives.

The Financial Times reports that this directive goes beyond hardware, targeting the replacement of Microsoft’s Windows operating system and foreign database software with local versions. This move is a reflection of China’s nationwide drive towards technological self-reliance, known as “xinchuang,” or IT application innovation.

China’s domestic focus and U.S. countermeasures

Amid increasing tensions, China’s latest procurement rules represent a substantial effort to cultivate domestic technological alternatives. These developments mirror actions in the U.S., where sanctions on Chinese companies for security reasons, legislation to enhance domestic tech production, and restrictions on advanced chip exports to China have intensified.

The rules, discreetly announced last December and effective this year, require government agencies and party organizations to prioritize “safe and reliable” technology for their IT purchases, focusing on domestically produced processors and operating systems.

On the day the guidelines were introduced, China’s Information Technology Security Evaluation Center listed approved “safe and reliable” technologies, exclusively from Chinese sources, including processors from companies like Huawei and Phytium, which Washington blacklists. These processors utilize a mix of chip architectures, and the operating systems are derived from open-source Linux.

The shift towards domestic technology extends beyond the government sector. State-owned enterprises have been instructed to transition to local providers by 2027, which poses significant financial implications for U.S. tech giants like Intel, AMD, and Microsoft, all of which have substantial sales in China. The approval of their products in the future will require the sharing of detailed R&D documentation and evidence of significant local development.

Local and provincial finance ministries are ensuring widespread compliance with the new guidelines, although some leeway remains for acquiring foreign technology. Nonetheless, the clear trend towards domestic technology is evident, with officials noting the necessity of additional justification for the purchase of foreign processors.

This inclination towards homegrown technology is anticipated to accelerate, particularly for server processors, due to the simpler transition of the software ecosystem, emphasizing China’s commitment to technological independence and the potential for a significant shift in global tech supply and demand dynamics.

What’s next for Intel and AMD?

The recent challenges faced by Intel and AMD, especially China’s initiative to eliminate U.S. microprocessors in favor of domestic options, emerge at a crucial time for both companies. For Intel, this unfolds as it embarks on an ambitious expansion in the United States, planning to create “the largest AI chip manufacturing site in the world” with a US$100 billion investment over five years.

Quartz has reported that Intel’s CEO, Pat Gelsinger, aims to establish a significant manufacturing site near Columbus, Ohio. This effort is part of a larger investment across four states, with potential construction starting as early as 2027. Supported by nearly $20 billion in federal funding and loans from the Biden administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, this initiative is designed to reinforce American semiconductor leadership.

The CHIPS and Science Act has allocated up to US$8.5 billion in direct funding for Intel, with eligibility for an additional US$11 billion in loans, to boost its semiconductor manufacturing presence in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon.

During a recent event featuring President Joe Biden at Intel’s Arizona campus, Gelsinger underscored these investments’ national economic and security benefits. He highlighted the critical role of semiconductors in the digital transformation of society and argued that chip production is fundamental to the future of humanity.

Gelsinger also addressed the competitive dimension of these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining leadership in the semiconductor field, particularly in light of the U.S.-China chip rivalry and the rapid advancements in AI technology.

Despite the U.S.’s former dominance in semiconductor development, it now produces less than 10% of the world’s chips and is not involved in manufacturing the most advanced semiconductors.

Intel’s strategic investments are expected to generate approximately 80,000 jobs, including direct positions within the company, construction jobs, and indirect roles in supplier and related industries. Furthermore, Intel intends to take advantage of a tax credit from the U.S. Treasury Department, worth up to 25% on over US$100 billion in qualified investments.

This contrast between Intel’s aggressive U.S. expansion and the challenges posed by China’s new procurement policies outlines a complex scenario. For Intel, and by extension AMD, China’s move towards domestic technology could signify a considerable market loss.

However, Intel’s substantial investment in U.S. manufacturing and government support represents a strategic shift towards bolstering domestic semiconductor production. This is not merely an economic strategy but a measure of national security and technological sovereignty amidst global competition.

AMD’s innovative response in China

So, that’s what’s going on with Intel. However, AMD was also in the spotlight, as it was recently in China. AMD’s recent appearance in China, marked by the Ryzen AI PC Innovation Summit in Beijing, showcased the launch of the Ryzen 8040 series and 8000G desktop solutions tailored for the Chinese market.

The practice of AMD and Intel marking processors without onboard graphics with an “F” suffix, likely due to iGPU performance issues during manufacturing, presents a unique strategy. Instead of discarding these units, they are repurposed and sold at a lower price, appealing to PC enthusiasts who prioritize discrete graphics cards over integrated GPUs.

Tom’s Hardware highlights that the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F underscore AMD’s competitive strategy across various price points. This strategy ensures a comprehensive range of products, extending from the affordable Athlon 3000G to the Ryzen 5000 series, and now includes the Ryzen 8000 desktop APUs (without graphics), further expanding the options available to AM5 motherboard owners.

Although specifics for the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F remain unknown (for now), it’s reasonable to infer they share similarities with the AMD Ryzen 8000G Series 65W Phoenix APUs, albeit without the iGPU. For instance, the Ryzen 7 8700G, with its 8-core/16-thread configuration based on the Zen 4 architecture, boasts boost speeds up to 5.1 GHz and a 65W TDP, alongside a powerful Radeon 780M GPU. The CPU specs for the F series are likely identical, with the notable absence of onboard graphics.

The lack of a Ryzen 5 8400G makes speculating about the Ryzen 5 8400F’s specifications challenging. However, it’s plausible that this new Ryzen 5 variant will feature a 6-core/12-thread (or possibly 6-core/6-thread) CPU configuration, adhering to the Zen 4 architecture but without integrated graphics.

It’s important to note that the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F may be exclusive to the Chinese market, thereby circumventing speculation regarding their pricing relative to the G-suffixed counterparts. Although speculation from HXL suggests these products are intended solely for China, AMD’s region-specific offerings have historically found their way to international markets, as evidenced by the Radeon ‘Golden Rabbit Edition’ GPUs now available in Western retail settings.

This strategic maneuver by AMD, amidst Intel’s substantial investment in expanding U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, reflects the broader dynamics of global technology competition and adaptation. As both companies navigate the complexities of international markets and political tensions, their initiatives in China and the United States underline the intricate balance between local adaptation and global strategic positioning.

As China forges ahead with its plans for tech independence, the ripple effects are felt deeply by semiconductor heavyweights such as Intel and AMD. The unfolding scenario underscores a pivotal moment in the semiconductor sector, spotlighting the intricate dance between national ambitions and the interconnectedness of global technology ecosystems.

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2023 has really been all about bringing back the classics. Remakes, remasters, and ports are totally ruling the gaming scene right now. Can you believe that these kinds of games snagged nine of the top ten spots in the highest-rated games list from March through June? They were also some of the most eagerly awaited releases.

The Nielsen report shows that the cashflow from the top video game remakes nearly doubled in 2020 when you compare it to 2018. That’s why everyone’s calling it the golden age of remakes and remasters.

But why are these game makeovers killing it in today’s super-competitive market? Let’s take a look into what gamers and game-makers think about the whole trend.

Millennials are right at the heart of this big comeback. According to a report by Newzoo, 80% of millennials are gamers. They grew up with the classic video games from the 80s and 90s, which are now getting a fresh coat of paint.

It’s more than just playing games for them; it’s about reliving those epic childhood moments. Now that they’ve got money to spend, millennials are a big reason why remakes and remasters are so popular. They’re not just stuck in nostalgia; they’re actively shaping the market. And it’s not just a passing phase – studies like the one from ExpressVPN show that their love for gaming is here to stay, even outpacing the enthusiasm of the Gen Z crowd.

Challenges in the gaming industry

The gaming industry has faced mounting pressures due to escalating consumer expectations for high-quality content delivered quickly, driven by rapid technological advancements and fierce competition. Developers now need larger teams and more time to produce content that meets these expectations.

In response to the industry’s overgrowth during the Covid-19 pandemic and the current economic challenges, developers and investors have adopted a more conservative financial approach. This cautious stance has led some to focus on game renewals to mitigate development risks while still delivering high-quality products.

The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment, serves as a prime example of the longevity that remakes and remasters can offer. Launched in 2013, the game has seen updated versions released with each new console generation, ensuring it remains relevant and accessible to gamers on any platform. This strategy has kept The Last of Us in the spotlight, contributing to its enduring success and even inspiring a hit television series in 2023.

Analyzing the optimal timing for game renewals

Likewise, game renewals offer other developers a way to keep their franchises relevant, expand their consumer base, and build anticipation for future titles. Beyond their direct sales and engagement benefits, remakes, remasters, and ports can reinvigorate interest in the original games, as shown in a Newzoo study. This was evidenced by the launch of the Resident Evil 4 remake in March 2023, which led to a significant spike in monthly active users for the original 2005 version on Steam. These benefits demonstrate the positive impact of well-executed game renewals on a franchise.

Virtuos, in collaboration with IDG Consulting and Strategic Game Consulting (SGC), compiled a comprehensive dataset of over 200 remakes and remasters, complete with sales figures dating back to 2012. Utilizing “Owners,” a metric provided by SGC indicating the number of unique players with a game in their library, as a proxy for sales, this study provided deep insights by cross-referencing this data with consumer reviews and developer interviews of prominent game renewals.

The initial question facing many in the industry is whether to opt for a remake or a remaster. The popularity of remasters surged in 2014, coinciding with the release of the PS4 and Xbox One. Developers leveraged the enhanced graphical capabilities of these new consoles to update the visuals of their most successful and beloved titles, resulting in a positive reception from players, as indicated by strong sales figures for remasters in that year. Noteworthy remasters from this period include Grand Theft Auto V, The Last of Us Remastered, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, all launched relatively close to their original releases.

But the excitement for remasters began to wane in subsequent years. The transition to the PS5 and Xbox X|S in 2020 did not replicate the 2014 success, partly because graphical enhancements were less impactful due to higher expectations and the prevalence of backwards compatibility, diminishing the appeal of purchasing essentially the same game for new hardware.

With the next console generation anticipated around 2028, and rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2 releasing in early 2025, there’s potential for further expansion and success for remakes. The future of remasters, however, hinges on the technological advancements these new consoles offer.

The analysis reveals that remasters launched shortly after their original games tend to perform better, benefiting from the titles’ continued relevance and competitive edge. The most successful remasters, averaging 13.8 million sales, were those released within five years of their originals, primarily in 2014, to capitalize on the new console generation.

This strategy was less prevalent in 2020-2021, with developers choosing to remaster older titles from the PS3 and Xbox 360 era for the latest consoles, resulting in a longer average gap between original and remastered versions. Despite this, the remasters of 2020, such as Saints Row: The Third Remastered and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered did not replicate the success of their 2014 counterparts, largely due to their focus on graphical improvements over gameplay enhancements. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, released two years after the original, was a notable exception, achieving significant sales.

Remakes, though, tend to succeed when enough time has passed to allow for significant technological and gameplay improvements. The dataset shows that remakes generally involve games over a decade old, with only a small fraction involving shorter intervals between original and remake versions. Successful remakes often follow a gap of at least 9 years, as seen with The Last of Us Part 1 and Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir. But for games less than a decade old, developers must carefully assess whether the remake will add enough value to justify its purchase.

Nostalgia’s crucial role in video game remakes and remasters

Studies have shown that the appeal of remakes and remasters to gamers often lies in the nostalgia they evoke, allowing players to revisit the fond memories associated with the original titles. For example, a significant portion (36.5%) of players of Black Mesa, a 2020 remake of Half-Life, had also experienced the original Half-Life game on Steam.

The success of a game renewal hinges on the developer’s ability to pinpoint, examine, and highlight the elements that trigger nostalgia among players.

The aspects of a game that players remember most fondly tend to be its standout moments or levels, rather than an all-encompassing recollection of the entire game. These memorable elements can range from the initial discovery of a unique location to an unforgettable line spoken by a favorite character.

This understanding was pivotal for the team behind the Resident Evil 4 remake in 2023. To maintain the game’s nostalgic value, they paid homage to iconic moments, including the Del Lago Easter egg and memorable lines like “Where’s everyone going? Bingo?”

Feedback from players indicates that the Resident Evil 4 remake was well-received by both newcomers and veterans, showcasing the development team’s ability to effectively capture the original game’s spirit. Successfully recreating key moments is crucial for appealing to returning players, ensuring they have a satisfying experience that honors their memories of the original game.

Remakes and remasters offer the benefit of having existing content and the wisdom of hindsight, which is not available when creating new IPs. Developers can use this to their advantage by analyzing the original game’s reception, identifying the aspects that resonated with audiences, and integrating these elements into the remake or remaster.

Therefore, it is essential for developers working on game renewals to conduct research to identify and preserve the elements most valued by players, ensuring these are maintained in the updated version. Do that, and it looks like game remakes are here to stay.

If you’re going to remake a game, think more Free Guy than Pixels. Thanks, The Entire Gaming Community.

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Apple recently showcased two new MacBook Air models featuring cutting-edge M3 processors, signaling a strong belief in the appeal of these enhanced models to consumers eager for the latest in AI-enhanced computing technology.

The M3 chip brings a significant performance leap to the MacBook Air, offering speeds up to 60 percent faster than its M1-equipped predecessor and an astonishing 13 times faster than the fastest Intel-based MacBook Air model. Apple has dubbed the M3-powered MacBook Air “the pinnacle of consumer laptops for AI,” thanks to its upgraded, more efficient Neural Engine.

These MacBook Air models are available with either 13-inch or 15-inch displays, both embodying a sleek, lightweight design. They boast up to 18 hours of battery life, a vibrant Liquid Retina display, and new features such as support for dual external displays and wi-fi speeds that double the pace of the previous generation.

In the United States, the pricing begins at US$1,099 for the 13-inch model and US$1,299 for the 15-inch version.

The performance of the M3 MacBook Air

Both models are now open for orders, with shipping expected to start within the week. Since 2020, Apple has shifted to using its proprietary chips, moving away from Intel. This transition towards AI-integrated personal computers is anticipated to contribute to a revival in the PC market by 2024, following a slump lasting over two years after the pandemic.

Apple reported a slight increase in Mac sales, totaling US$7.78 billion in the most recent quarter, following a significant downturn in the quarter before.

Delving deeper into the M3 chip’s specifics, it uses groundbreaking 3-nanometer technology, significantly enhancing the MacBook Air’s performance and capabilities. The chip has an 8-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, and can support up to 24GB of unified memory. This setup ensures the MacBook Air is not only up to 60 percent faster than the M1 model but also maintains up to 18 hours of battery life, significantly longer than its Intel-based counterparts, letting users experience the M3’s speed across various activities, from routine tasks to more demanding endeavors like photo and video editing or software development.

The M3 chip also introduces a new generation GPU that supports advanced gaming features like hardware-accelerated mesh shading and ray tracing, leading to highly realistic gaming experiences. It also enhances video quality with its latest media engine, that supports AV1 decode, ensuring efficient and high-quality streaming.

With the M3 chip, MacBook Air’s performance is elevated in several ways, including faster AI-enhanced image processing with Photomator’s Super Resolution, quicker Excel spreadsheet management, and superior performance and battery life compared to laptops with Intel Core i7 processors.

Choosing between M2 and M3

When considering whether to opt for the M2 or M3 MacBook Air, it’s clear that the M3 chip offers significant advancements. Benchmark tests reveal that the M3 outperforms the M2 in single-core tasks by around 17% and in multi-core tasks by roughly 21%. Its GPU performance also sees a 15% improvement over the M2. The M3 introduces a new GPU architecture, including Dynamic Caching, for optimized memory allocation, benefiting performance and energy efficiency. This is especially advantageous for graphics-intensive applications.

Despite the similarities between the 16-core Neural Engine of the M2 and M3, the M3’s 3nm fabrication process enhances the execution of machine learning and AI tasks more efficiently. It also maintains up to 24GB of unified memory, but utilizes the new process for improved memory bandwidth utilization.

The energy efficiency of the M3 chip is another highlight, offering higher performance without significantly increasing power consumption. This makes it especially attractive for laptop users who prioritize a balance between power and battery life.

While the M3 chip is undeniably an upgrade from the M2, with its higher transistor count and enhanced CPU and GPU performance, the necessity of an upgrade for current M2 users depends on their specific needs. For new purchasers or those upgrading from older models, the M3’s improvements will be distinctly beneficial.

A personal take on the M2 vs M3 decision

Discussing personal perspectives on choosing between the M2 and M3 chips, it’s evident that these laptops, particularly the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air priced at US$1,299, reflect the cost of technological advancements. The 13-inch M3 model starts at US$1,099, matching the M2’s launch price in 2022. However, two years post-launch, the M2 is now available for US$999.

Opting for the M3 model brings the fastest wi-fi support, crucial for heavy downloading tasks or gaming, thanks to the new wi-fi 6e standard. The M3’s superior performance, particularly for AI applications and demanding tasks like video editing or graphic design, makes it a worthy investment for those seeking the best available technology.

Conversely, for users whose primary activities include web surfing, streaming, and remote work, the M2 MacBook Air offers a reliable and more affordable option.

The M3 MacBook Air’s launch isn’t just exciting news for the tech world; it’s the dawn of a new chapter in personal computing. With significant leaps forward in speed, efficiency, and technological innovation, we’re not just looking at what meets the tech-savvy user’s needs today. Apple is laying the groundwork for the digital future we’re all heading towards.

So, when you’re considering which MacBook Air to go for, the M2 or the M3, remember that Apple has something for everyone. Each model offers a unique blend of style, performance, and features, ensuring that your choice isn’t just about picking a device—it’s about choosing your next companion on oyur digital journey. It’s more than a decision between specs; it’s about selecting the perfect partner for wherever your digital adventures might take you.

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Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. made a significant impact at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona by unveiling its latest AI advancements. These innovations, encompassing the new Qualcomm AI Hub and a suite of AI-powered commercial devices, utilize Snapdragon and Qualcomm platforms to elevate user experiences and offer robust tools for developers across various device types.

Durga Malladi, senior vice president and general manager at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., introduced the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for smartphones and Snapdragon X Elite for PCs. These products mark a significant leap in the adoption of on-device AI. The Qualcomm AI Hub, developed under Malladi’s guidance, is designed to maximize the potential of these technologies, facilitating the creation of captivating AI-driven applications. The Hub, with its extensive AI model library, simplifies the integration of pre-optimized AI models into applications, improving speed, reliability, and privacy.

The Hub features a comprehensive collection of over 75 pre-optimized AI and generative AI models, including Whisper, ControlNet, Stable Diffusion, and Baichuan 7B. Optimized for Snapdragon and Qualcomm platforms, these models enhance AI efficiency, reduce memory usage, and improve power conservation across various device formats. The Qualcomm AI Engine accelerates hardware, yielding up to four times faster inferencing. This lets developers seamlessly integrate these models into their applications, reducing time-to-market and unlocking on-device AI benefits like immediacy and privacy.

These optimized models are accessible on the Qualcomm AI Hub, GitHub, and Hugging Face, with the Hub continuously updating with new models and extended support for various platforms and operating systems. Developers are encouraged to engage with these models on cloud-hosted devices powered by Qualcomm Technologies’ platforms for early access to new features and AI models.

Clement Delangue, co-founder and CEO of Hugging Face, expressed excitement about hosting Qualcomm Technologies’ AI models. Optimized for Snapdragon and Qualcomm platforms, these models are poised to revolutionize mobile development and edge AI applications, making AI more accessible.

Groundbreaking AI advancements from Qualcomm AI research

Qualcomm AI Research demonstrated the Large Language and Vision Assistant (LLaVA) on an Android smartphone for the first time. This large multimodal model, with over 7 billion parameters, processes text and images to facilitate complex interactions with an AI assistant, enhancing privacy, reliability, and personalization.

It also presented he first implementation of Low Rank Adaptation (LoRA) on an Android smartphone. Using Stable Diffusion with LoRA, users can generate customized images. LoRA optimizes AI models for efficiency and scalability, broadening the scope from language vision models to personalized AI assistants.

On the Windows PC front, Qualcomm AI Research showcased a 7+ billion parameter large multimodal model that processes text and audio inputs, generating detailed conversations about the audio.

Showcasing generative AI capabilities across device categories at MWC Barcelona

Qualcomm Technologies demonstrated its generative AI capabilities across various device categories:

• Smartphones: Flagship AI smartphones like the Honor Magic6 Pro, OPPO X7 Ultra, and Xiaomi 14 Pro were displayed, each featuring unique generative AI features.
• PCs: The Snapdragon X Elite’s on-device AI capabilities were showcased using the GIMP image editor, highlighting rapid image creation using generative AI.
• Automotive: AI-driven features were demonstrated with the Snapdragon Digital Chassis Platform, aimed at enhancing the driving experience.
• Consumer IoT: The Humane AI Pin, a novel screenless AI device running on Snapdragon, was featured.
• Connectivity and 5G Infrastructure: The Snapdragon X80 Modem-RF System and Qualcomm FastConnect 7900, the first AI-optimized wi-fi 7 system, were introduced. Additionally, AI enhancements in network management were showcased, including an AI assistant for RAN engineers, an AI-based open RAN application, and a 5G network slice lifecycle management suite.

The Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System and FastConnect 7900

Qualcomm also announced the Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System, the seventh generation of its 5G modem-to-antenna solution. The Snapdragon X80, featuring a dedicated 5G AI Processor and 5G-Advanced-ready architecture, achieves several world-first milestones. It is the first 5G modem with fully integrated NB-NTN satellite communications support and introduces a 6-antenna architecture for smartphones, 6X carrier aggregation, and AI-based mmWave range extension for fixed wireless access customer premise equipment (CPE).

The Snapdragon X80’s dedicated tensor accelerator powers revolutionary AI innovations, enhancing data speeds, latency, QoS, coverage, location accuracy, spectrum efficiency, power efficiency, and multi-antenna management. Malladi emphasized the Snapdragon X80’s role in advancing 5G and intelligent computing, showcasing Qualcomm Technologies’ synergy of cutting-edge AI and modem-RF technology. The Snapdragon X80 is set to empower OEMs and operators with unrivaled 5G Advanced capabilities and performance, with commercial devices expected to launch in the second half of 2024.

The recently introduced FastConnect 7900 is a groundbreaking wi-fi 7 system, the first to deliver AI-optimized performance integrating wi-fi 7, Bluetooth, and Ultra Wideband in a single chip. Utilizing AI, the FastConnect 7900 adapts to various environments, optimizing power consumption, network latency, and throughput. It integrates Ultra Wideband technology, wi-fi Ranging, and Bluetooth Channel Sounding, creating a suite of proximity technologies for enhanced security and device management.

Javier del Prado, Vice President and General Manager for Mobile Connectivity at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., lauded the FastConnect 7900 as a technological marvel, setting new standards in Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth while integrating Ultra Wideband on a 6nm chip. Building on the legacy of Qualcomm’s first-gen Wi-Fi 7 technology, the FastConnect 7900 introduces a new connectivity paradigm, bringing advanced AI, proximity, and multi-device experiences to popular devices.

Qualcomm’s showcase at MWC Barcelona isn’t just about launching new products; it’s definitely a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation in AI and mobile technology. From empowering developers with their AI Hub to pushing the boundaries with the Snapdragon series, Qualcomm is steering us towards a more connected and intelligent future.

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Stepping into the future of smartphone technology, Honor has made a significant stride at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona with the announcement of the global release of its flagship Magic 6 Pro.

Approximately six weeks after introducing the Magic 6 Pro in China, Honor made an announcement at MWC regarding the worldwide release of this new flagship device. Additionally, the company unveiled the pricing for the exclusive Porsche Design Honor Magic V2 RSR. This special edition of the Magic V2 foldable phone boasts enhanced specifications and a design inspired by the renowned German automobile manufacturer.

Honor, a prominent Chinese tech firm, has marked its global presence with the launch of the Magic 6 Pro smartphone, which has an innovative eye-tracking AI feature. This cutting-edge technology lets users control and navigate their cars remotely by gazing at their phone screens.

Pricing and availability of the Honor Magic 6 Pro

Priced at around US$1,407, the Magic 6 Pro, featuring 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, will hit the markets from March 1st. In contrast, the Porsche Design Magic V2 RSR, equipped with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, is set to retail at around US$2,625 and will be available from March 18th. These products are expected to be accessible in European regions, although their availability in the US market remains uncertain.

Already available in China, Honor is actively working towards integrating this tool in international markets. In the lead-up to the annual MWC in Barcelona, starting February 26th, tech and telecom companies are eagerly releasing new products and features, anticipating that the current interest in generative AI will enhance their business prospects.

In the realm of smartphone manufacturing, there is hope that the growing fascination with AI technology will rejuvenate the somewhat stagnant smartphone market. But experts caution that the emergence of generative AI could raise legal and ethical issues. Competing with giants like Apple and Oppo in China’s smartphone arena, Honor wants to incorporate the advanced LlaMA 2 large language model (LLM), akin to ChatGPT, into its global phone offerings.

Given that it’s 2024, AI-powered capabilities form a significant part of Honor’s offering for the Magic 6 Pro. The company intends to support the AI-based eye-tracking feature initially previewed at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Summit last year. According to Honor, this feature will detect when users view notifications on the phone’s Dynamic Island-style interface (termed the “Magic Capsule” by Honor) and automatically open the corresponding app without needing physical interaction.

Other AI-driven functionalities include the “Magic Portal,” designed to identify mentions of events or addresses in messages, automatically linking them to suitable maps or calendar applications. Furthermore, Honor is developing an AI tool capable of creating videos from photos using text prompts, processed on the device through its MagicLM technology. This innovation underscores the company’s affinity for its “Magic” branding.

Beyond AI: Magic 6 Pro’s flagship specifications

Apart from its AI-focused attributes, the Magic 6 Pro stands as a conventional flagship phone. It is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and boasts a substantial 5,600mAh battery, supporting rapid charging of up to 80W wirelessly via cable and 66W. The phone features a 6.8-inch 120Hz OLED display, offering a resolution of 2800 x 1280 and a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, although typical usage will see brightness levels closer to 1,800 nits.

The rear of the phone houses a trio of cameras within a large circular bump. The primary 50-megapixel camera has a variable aperture, toggling between f/1.4 and f/2.0, allowing users to adjust the depth of field in their photos. Accompanying this are a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 180-megapixel periscope camera with a 2.5x optical zoom. The device also boasts an IP68 rating, offering the highest dust and water resistance level in mainstream phones.

The “Porsche Design” version of the Honor 6 Pro features a camera bump reminiscent of the German sports car, offers 1TB of storage, enhanced durability for its external display, and includes a stylus. Another Porsche-themed edition of the Magic 6 is slated for release in March, though its design details have yet to be shared.

The Porsche Design Honor Magic V2 RSR mirrors the original Magic V2 in many aspects, maintaining its slim and lightweight design, measuring just 9.9mm thick when folded and weighing 234 grams, partly due to its titanium hinge. Both versions share the same camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 20-megapixel telephoto camera.

But the Porsche edition still operates on last year’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a consequence of the Magic V2’s initial launch in China back in July 2023.

As per 2023 data from the International Data Corporation, Apple held a 17.3% market share in China, closely followed by Honor with 17.1%.

Honor is also launching the new MagicBook Pro 16 laptop, featuring an AI tool that allows users to seamlessly transfer applications, such as messaging apps, between devices, such as from an Android smartphone to a Windows PC, with a simple drag-and-drop action.

In a recent statement, George Zhao, the CEO of Honor, expressed a firm belief in the transformative impact of collaborative synergy, particularly in the age of AI.

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The Nintendo Switch is a massive hit. It’s sold over 130 million units, beating the Wii and catching up to the DS handheld. That means everyone’s wondering – what’s Nintendo’s next move?

Well, Nintendo’s making it clear that the Switch is still its main focus going into 2024, despite all the buzz about a next-gen console. During its latest earnings call, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, talked about this but remained tight-lipped on a successor to the super popular Switch. But, fingers crossed, we might get some juicy details about what’s next, maybe even a hint at a Switch 2, in its next earnings update in early May.

Rumors and speculations: the Nintendo Switch 2 release date

Speaking of the Switch 2, there’s a lot of gossip going around. Initially, people were saying it would drop in fall 2024, just in time for the holiday shopping craze. But now, some insiders chatting with VGC are hinting at a release date in the first quarter of 2025.

And guess what? VGC’s not the only one hearing these rumors. A video from a Brazilian journalist and some buzz picked up by Eurogamer are pointing to early 2025 as well. Seems like we might have to wait a bit longer for the next big thing from Nintendo.

If the Switch 2 (which is just a tentative name) launches in early 2025, it’ll be hitting the shelves around the same time as its predecessor, which debuted in March 2017. Two sources close to VGC have even confirmed they’re working on games for this new console, targeted for an early 2025 release.

This “later” release date could be a blessing in disguise for developers, giving them extra time to polish up their launch titles.

Take Metroid Prime 4, for example. Announced way back in 2017, its development hit a reset button in 2019, and we’ve been in the dark about it for five years. There’s some chatter, especially from folks at Polygon, that Nintendo might be saving this big title for the launch of their new console.

The Switch 2, whenever it arrives, is definitely going to have big shoes to fill. Its predecessor isn’t just Nintendo’s top-selling console; it’s also outperformed the latest from Sony and Microsoft.

The financial impact of a delayed Switch 2

In the world of finance, Nintendo’s shares took a 6% dip recently on the 19^th of February, 2024. This came after reports from various gaming media, and Bloomberg, suggested that Nintendo’s next-gen console might be pushed back to early 2025 instead of launching later this year.

Though Nintendo hasn’t dished out specifics about a new console, the company has made it clear that it is always cooking up new hardware and software. The gaming giant is expected to eventually launch a new device to take the baton from the aging Switch.

Nintendo even boosted its sales forecast for the Switch earlier this February, as reported by Reuters. Despite nearing its eighth year, the hybrid home-portable device is still attracting consumers. “We want to maintain the momentum of the Switch business,” said Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa during an earnings briefing.

Nintendo’s upcoming Direct

Looking ahead, Nintendo is gearing up to reveal part of its 2024 Switch lineup. On the 21^st of February at 9AM ET, Nintendo is hosting this year’s first Nintendo Direct. The Verge has reported that it is expecting a 25-minute showcase featuring games from Nintendo’s publishing and development partners, all slated for release in the first half of 2024.

It wasn’t exactly a secret that a Nintendo Direct was around the corner. Microsoft and PlayStation have already shared their upcoming releases, and a quick glance at Nintendo’s pattern shows it likes to kick things off in early February.

After many rumors and even a data miner’s report, the Nintendo Direct might be when Tango Gameworks finally announces that Hi-Fi Rush is coming to the Switch – especially since Phil Spencer, the head of the Xbox brand and leader of the global creative and engineering teams responsible for gaming at Microsoft, has confirmed that four previously Xbox-exclusive games will be hitting other platforms like the Switch and PS5.

And in the realm of long shots, but still holding onto hope, it’s been half a decade since Nintendo said Metroid Prime 4 was getting a reboot and moving over to Retro Studios, who worked on the first three Primes. It’s been seven years in total since the company announced the game, but let’s not dwell on that too much. Maybe this Direct will shed some light on that, or perhaps Nintendo’s playing it close to the chest for the eventual Switch 2 reveal.

The delay in the Switch 2’s release, though a source of disappointment for eager fans, offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of game development, market expectations, and corporate strategy. As Nintendo navigates these waters, the gaming community watches with bated breath, curious about the future, yet appreciative of the present era of the Switch.

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The esports industry is soaring, capturing widespread attention as more individuals consider gaming as a viable career option, largely due to the significant rewards on offer.

Recent research has identified the most lucrative esports games, with Dota 2 leading in terms of tournament payouts.

This study, conducted by CSGO gambling site CSGOLuck, analyzed the top 500 esports tournaments with the biggest prize pools. The data was grouped by game, totaling the winnings from all tournaments, and the average potential earnings were calculated by dividing this sum by the number of tournaments.

Analyzing esports tournament winnings: from Dota 2 to CrossFire

Dota 2 has emerged as the top earner in these tournaments, boasting a total prize pool of approximately US$273,424,334. The game has hosted 59 events with over 3,790 participants. The average prize for Dota 2 tournaments stands at around US$4,634,310, the highest in the world. Additionally, it’s one of the most popular games globally, with about 435,000 monthly players as of December 2023.

Fortnite ranks second, awarding US$95,364,800 in total winnings. Since its 2017 release, the game has seen 63 tournaments and over 6,800 players. Fortnite tournaments offer an average of US$1,513,726, more than 65% less than Dota 2‘s average.

PUBG Battlegrounds holds the third spot, with an average winning of US$2,033,634 across 40 tournaments and a total prize pool of US$81,345,392.

In fourth place is Arena of Valor, distributing US$71,999,058 in total, with an average top prize of US$2,249,970.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has given away US$60,771,952 across 70 tournaments, the highest number of any game. The average top prize is US$868,170.

League of Legends, a game with over 140 million monthly players, ranks sixth. Its average tournament winnings are around US$1,525,444, with a total prize pool of US$53,390,571.

Call of Duty, a veteran in the esports realm, has awarded over US$39,954,000 across 36 tournaments, making it the seventh-highest-paying game. The game’s Modern Warfare III re-release was the second-best-selling game of 2023.

Overwatch, with US$21,360,000 in total payouts, claims the eighth spot. Since its 2016 launch, the game has attracted over 20 million monthly players and hosted 13 tournaments.

Rainbow Six Siege is the ninth highest-paying game, with 11 tournaments totaling US$20,461,709 in prizes, averaging US$1,860,155 per tournament.

Lastly, CrossFire is tenth, with US$12,337,483 distributed across 17 tournaments. This game is particularly popular in Asia and offers an average prize pool of US$725,734.

The top ten games with the highest total prize pools are as follows:

The global impact of esports tournaments

A spokesperson from CSGOLuck commented on esports’ growing popularity, attributing it to a perfect mix of strategy, skill, and entertainment. They said that esports attracts a global audience through accessible online platforms and high-stakes competitions. The integration of technology and competitive gaming has propelled players to celebrity status and drawn massive viewership.

The spokesperson added that esports events have become cultural phenomena, thanks to sponsorships, substantial prize pools, and mainstream acceptance, reflecting the changing landscape of digital gaming media and consumption in this century.

It’s important to note the rise in mobile esports, driven by the increasing accessibility and power of smartphones. This sector has grown significantly, with tournaments offering million-dollar prize pools and attracting substantial viewership numbers. The past few years have marked mobile esports as an industry to watch.

Mobile esports: the rising star of tournament gaming

As 2024 progresses, there’s much anticipation for the mobile esports scene. Despite the general esports winter, mobile esports has remained popular, especially in developing regions less affected by the current macroeconomic climate.

2024 is set to be a pivotal year for mobile esports, partly due to the establishment of the Esports World Cup as a critical event. This development, reported by Esports Insider, signifies a significant shift in the industry.

Replacing Gamers8, the Esports World Cup will feature a range of esports titles across PC, console, and mobile, making it a significant event for mobile esports. Many major mobile esports titles are expected to participate in the World Cup.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has already confirmed its Mid Season Cup at the event, with hints that PUBG Mobile and Free Fire might also participate. PUBG Mobile‘s mid-season tournament is set to take place in Saudi Arabia, and Free Fire‘s roadmap suggests its involvement in a global esports tournament in July, likely the Esports World Cup.

Thus, 2024 is a crucial year for establishing the Esports World Cup as a major recurring event in mobile esports. With its existing experience and infrastructure from hosting Gamers8 in the past years, Riyadh is set to host an even bigger Esports World Cup.

This anticipated event is expected to significantly impact the mobile esports landscape, highlighting the sector’s growth and potential. With various titles across multiple platforms participating, the Esports World Cup is poised to become a landmark event in the esports calendar, particularly for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Overall, the evolution of esports, especially in the mobile domain, reflects a dynamic shift in the gaming industry. It underscores the growing significance of mobile platforms in the competitive gaming space and the expanding opportunities for players and viewers alike. 2024 promises to be a transformative period for mobile esports, with the Esports World Cup leading the charge in elevating the status and reach of these competitions on a global scale.

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