In The News
The World Health Organization has formally “agreed to adopt the latest revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11), which includes gaming disorders among its recognized diagnoses,” GI.biz’s Brendan Sinclair reports. “Now with the 194 member states of the WHO agreeing to recognize gaming disorders (and the rest of ICD-11) effective January 1 of 2022, a number of gaming trade groups have released a joint statement calling on the WHO to reverse course.”
In case you missed it, President Donald Trump’s administration is considering a 25% tariff on Chinese goods that would impact “a number of categories related to gaming, including video game consoles and machines, coin-operated arcade machines, and parts related to the operation of coin-operated arcade games,” GD.biz’s Mike Futter reports. “The video game industry has already suffered a 10% tariff that impacts graphics card makers AMD and Nvidia.”
YouTube Gaming “will cease to exist on May 30th; visitors will get directed to a new channel for games on the main YouTube site instead. The app will also shut down,” Engadget’s Amrita Khalid writes.
Tencent’s done with Arena of Valor? “Tencent has now all but written off its original plans for ‘Arena of Valor’ and disbanded the game’s marketing team for Europe and the United States, two company sources with direct knowledge of the matter said” to Reuters. “The sources were not authorized to speak to media and declined to be identified.”
Zynga is selling its San Francisco headquarters for $600 million to Beacon Capital Partners, VentureBeat’s Dean Takahashi reports. “The social and mobile gaming company will lease back space in the ‘dog house’ and remain headquartered in San Francisco.”
Sonic the Hedgehog and his horrifying rendition in the upcoming movie have been delayed “three months, from Nov. 8 to Valentine’s Day. The delay follows fan criticism over the appearance and design of the titular blue hedgehog — particularly his teeth and lean legs,” Variety’s Dave McNary reports.
OUT: John Vignocchi is leaving Gearbox Publishing for a “dream job.”
Interviews: FLEGA’s David Verbruggen (GI.biz).
Extra Esports News:
FaZe Clan and Black Dragons have been accused of match fixing in Rainbow Six Pro League, Siege.gg reports. Black Dragons co-founder Denis “pings” Vidigal told Dot Esports’ Colton Deck that “the organization is ‘still waiting for the accusations and the proof.’ ‘We’re investigating everything that might have happened, who might be involved, etc.’”
Partnerships & Sponsorships:
DreamHack Mobile Series and Samsung are partnering, Esports Insider’s Adam Fitch writes. “Acting as the presenting partner, Samsung will provide mobile phones for the tournament and have a physical presence at relevant DreamHack events.”
TEKKEN World Tour and ASTRO Gaming are partnering, Esports Insider’s Laura Byrne reports. “The partnership will include ASTRO Gaming increasing the TEKKEN World Tour’s prize pool by matching the original purse of $100,000 (£78,000).”
GIRLGAMER Esports Festival and Mogul are partnering, Esports Insider’s Joe Wong reports.
Euronics Group is sponsoring ESL One Hamburg, TEO’s H.B. Duran writes. “Activations will include branding inside Euronics’ electronics retail stores, as well as in and around the venue.”
Interviews: State Farm representatives (EventMarketer).
Happy birthday Dan “Frodan” Chou!