#Esports Charts

[heronetworkgg]

Disminución en la audiencia: VALORANT Champions 2023 registra bajas comparado con el año anterior

La fase de grupos del VALORANT Champions 2023, uno de los torneos de esports más esperados del año, ha experimentado una disminución en la audiencia en comparación con su edición anterior. Esports Charts ha presentado datos que revelan una disminución significativa en el número de espectadores y horas de visualización durante esta fase del torneo. […]

Ir a la noticia completa

[k-star-holic]

TOMORROW X Twogether Falling has wings

[margbarcisforever]

kind of want to do a more detailed rundown on how the LCS got to this point because it’s kind of unusual from a labor perspective (i mean besides the fact that they are professional gamers) and the venn diagram of people who know about this situation and are radical communists is probably a pretty thin slice. but also i’m lazy

[bugslaststraw]

Overwatch: the art of writing bad stories on purpose

Clocking in at just over 4k words: a semi-coordinated rant on the topic of Blizzard's history of lawsuits, Overwatch'es history of canonical queerness, and the strange marketing techniques that tie the two topics together. Written by someone who got into the game less than a week ago and likes it in a hatewatch "I love garbage" sort of way, intended for those less familiar with the topic at hand. I tried to source claims but it didn't work so let it be known that I did actual research but I'll probably get stuff wrong anyway so I tried to be funny about it here we go:

Section 1: Frat Boy Snowstorm and it's attempts at being progressive.

Try to focus. This is the most boring part.

So as I hope you all know by now, Blizzard is a pretty shit company. I say shit, because controversial sounds too unbiased. Most of us are familiar with the lawsuits against the company relating to sexual assault charges, unsafe working conditions for female employees and a quote "frat boy environment," of which they've been under fire for since 2018, but recently (early April '23 to be precise) they've also faced a lawsuit for sneakily coming up with a way to underpay their eSports champions. (Both of these are easy to look up if you want more info.) However, the company is a giant, that along with Overwatch released Call of Duty and a bunch of other games I don't recognise (fuck me I'm not an FPS person,) and, aside from the money they easily paid out, they really haven't faced any major consequences for their scummy behaviour.

This is exactly what they want, of course: for the whole thing to blow over as quickly as possible. Keep this in mind as we move on. That's the whole reason Section 1 exists: to remind you that Blizzard, like Disney, is a Big Corporate Company that will go to ridiculous lengths to make sure that the actually relevant controversies are forgotten in favour of smaller stupider shit.

If there's one thing Blizzard loves to do more than make their female employees uncomfortable, it's to tote around their progressiveness. Of course, this usually doesn't extend to Call of Duty or any of their more "grounded" "gritty" and generally masculine domains, but Overwatch specifically is a testing ground for all kinds of bullshit and we can't go a season without one billion articles about "Overwatch first game to have character of xxx nationality on playable roster" etc etc etc. People absolutely shit their pants every time the game announces a new queer hero or whatever, because since it's a Big Corporate Company and it's just barely achieving the bare minimum of inclusivity, of course, that's got to be a big deal right? Except of course that like Disney, Blizzard will do literally fucking anything to make sure their games stay relevant and that more people buy and play them, and these attempts at inclusivity can be assumed to be preformed mainly out of a desire to make money and cover up their scandals, and not because the people who call shots actually care. It becomes incredibly clear how Blizzard sees inclusivity as an idea when you consider their viral invention from last year, the Diversity Space Method.

To some of you this may look like a good thing at first, and originally I think it was, as the idea was to keep track of how many of their characters weren't any of these things displayed above so that they could keep that number down, but as soon as someone came up with the idea to assign a certain number of points to each character, the whole concept crashes and burns. You see, according to this chart here, (and as another Tumblr user famously put it), Torbjörn (3) is older than Lucio (2) is black. And I'm pretty damn sure that's not how that works.

No doubt a percentage of the artists and writes for the game had some sort of passion. After all, there is genuine treasure to be found in the character designs, animations and even some of the voice acting. But you know how it is when it comes to inclusivity; the artists so often never get to do more than drop hints and leave people guessing. Which leads us neatly into the next section.

Section 2: This game's kinda shit!

And I don't mean the game itself. Idk about that, I never played it (and my friends who do all have wildly varying opinions.) I am talking about the stories. When I first started "researching" (hatewatching) the shorts and comics for this game, I was angrily wondering why they all felt so hollow. It was like looking at AI generated art, it was like looking into the eyes of what you thought was a person and seeing two camera lenses staring back, it felt empty, it felt bland despite all the good character designs and the lore and the concepts and the colors and the nice clean lines. Something was missing, and it was uncanny as hell! Eventually though, I managed to narrow it down to a few key issues:

A lot of comics and shorts feel like ads above eveyrthing else, they're made to sell the game rather than be good, and they therefore lack passion.

Possibly as a result of this, they operate almost entirely on "tell don't show" rules, thereby feeling even more empty.

These stories still manage to lack substance and they don't really canonise a lot about the world or characters, especially regarding relations between characters, and,

the really interesting storylines are usually left uncontinued or unexplored, possibly due to aformentioned lack of passion and an egotistical but sadly fulfilled hope that people will download the game or at least read the rest of the comics to find out more.

All this put together make for a very strange experience in which you can, if you squint, see the fuzzy outline of a good story, good worldbuilding and interesting characters, and imagine that the details make sense. Which, granted, is usually what people do. If you use your brain or have experience in writing, however, it all falls apart.

Section 3A: Overwatch is a knock-off

Well, not exactly. But it does have a strange habit of borrowing from other games. For example, did you know I'm a TF2 fan? Probably. Did you know each individual TF2 class has an Overwatch equivalent? Me neither, until now. Scout and Tracer, Medic and Mercy, Sniper and Widowmaker, Spy and Sombra, hmm I'm sensing a pattern here, Demo and Junkrat (we'll get back to him later,) and so on.

"That's a coincidence," you say. "They're similar games, of course there are equivalents," you say. To that I says: you may be right. We may all collectively be overthinking this. We may all also collectively be overthinking the Omnic crisis as a whole and why it's so damn similar to Fallout's synths, they've both got robot racism and violent groups who want to kill the robots one of which is in Australia, which is a plot point in TF2 as well oh look at that, but again I'm sure it's all a big fucking coincidence right and sorry sorry I'll stop now.

It is actually genuinely possible that those are coincidences, no sass intended, but considering how Blizzard operates on the whole, I doubt it. They've already proven to be rather lazy with their stories. There's nothing wrong with having similar ideas or being inspired, but when it's as noticeable as this, along with everything else, I just can't help but feel disappointed.

Section 3B: Overwatch is also a porn category

Oh yeah, speaking of never properly canonizing relationships between the characters (and aging their underage characters up to eighteen for hitherto mysterious reasons, and releasing all those horny fanservice skins,) here's an utterly ridiculous fact: when Overwatch dropped in 2016, quite a lot of people didn't know it was a game because there was so much (animated, drawn etc) porn of it that it flooded and quickly rose to the top of the "games" category on most popular sites (hard to source for obvious reasons, but I've had a friend check for me.) It still sits up there, by the way, surpassed only by funny space bean game (I'm not kidding.) Why? Two reasons. One: all the game's female characters are impossibly beautiful and (in every case but like two post-launch releases) skinny and generally conventional as well. No surprise there. Two: the game models are well rigged, high quality and incredibly easy to get at, making it so that people can tank them down and use them for whatever they like without issue. Rumour has it that this is on purpose.

My question is, what has this influx of smut done to the game? You see, if there's one thing Blizzard loves more than making their female employees uncomfortable, bragging about inclusivity, and copying other games, it's pandering. And they pander to everybody, or at least to as many people as possible, usually all at the same time if they can get away with it. This, I have to theorise, is why all the characters seem to be flirting with one another, but only one or two actual relationships are canon. They simply don't want to piss off any part of their demographic, which they force as wide open as possible because money money money money money. This means embracing the porn and making sly references to that part of the fanbase with skins, voice lines, and odd comments in interviews.

Anyway, back to the lawsuits, or rather the consequences of them. You see, canon queerness in Overwatch comes in threefold. This is the story of two thirds of it.

Section 4: Toy Soldier and Knock-off Scout Adventures

This is Soldier 76. And he's gay.

Everybody clap for Blizzard now. It's coyly canonised in a short story titled Bastet. 76 here was never a very popular Overwatch character, lore wise, so I guess this move makes sense. I can see why, too. He's very plain and simple design wise, almost grounded, but not enough that you notice it at a glance. He looks like a plastic toy. Anyway, his queerness wont piss off too many dudebros long-term, since fewer people play him, but it gives everybody else something to chew on, so everybody wins right?. When was Bastet released again? Oh, January of 2019? What else happened around that time? The settling and aftermath of the first lawsuit? Great. That totally wasn't a cover-up for anything. Definitely not.

It's not like 76 is the first character to be confirmed as queer though. Blizzard's favourite Overwatch character Tracer is too, being confirmed as having a girlfriend named Emily all the way back in 2016.

That's good right? I mean, that was before the controversy even started! Surely they did this for normal, innocent reasons and oh who the fuck am I kidding she's a conventionally attractive female character kissing another conventionally attractive female character in a game dominated by male players with male devs and a porn category more expansive than the Bible and we know damn well why that happened.

We can but pray that someone who was in on this gave a shit. Maybe the artist. The writer. Somebody. But this is a barren and cold world and I dare not hope even for that.

Not to mention, both of these things were distinctly one-off notes. It's mentioned once, and then never again, and after 2019 there was a four year radio silence on the whole subject of queer characters that didn't change until the release of OW2. And yet, Blizzard loved to brag about how inclusive they are at every turn even back then. "Look at us," they say, as the characters stare at you from the computer screen with their dead, hollow eyes, "look at how good we are! Please buy our game."

The status quo would change significantly in 2023, however, with the introduction of their latest addition to the roster; Lightweaver. Lifeweaver. Lightweaver? Wait hold on

Section 5: The most annoying twunk to ever grace the earth flings you into the stratosphere

This is Niran "Bua" Pruksamanee, also known as Lifweaver.

He debuted on the 11th of April, 2023, and he's The First at a lot of things, which, of course, made headlines. "First Thai character in a major FPS game" was probably the most common one. I'd feel better about that if I didn't know it's most likely the result of Blizzard trying to cash in inclusivity points. The second First he has is the more controversial one, however: First Overwatch character to be confirmed queer on launch. That's right, after four years of Jack Shit, they're back on it! And, well.

You see, to fully understand my emotions about this you need to know who Lifeweaver is. Despite Overwatch being a game with Mr black-hole-head toes-out "yet another poor-taste representation of DID" Sigma and a football-sized foul-mouthed hamster in a mechsuit in it, neither of them manage to be very funny. Lifeweaver, however, is objectively fucking hilarious, for these main reasons:

His amicable, light hearted healer-character personality clashes with his backstory, in a way that actually works. Lifweaver is a scientist who dropped out of a prestigious academy to stop people from trying to A: steal and B: jail him for his invention: biolight (which is exactly what it sounds: light that grows like plants, or vice versa.) Because of this biolight stuff, he is canonically wanted in seventeen countries and counting. And yet he's so glad to be here, you can hear the smile in his voice, he's kind, he's carefree. And he flirts.

With, like, everybody. Notably Mercy, and apparently he was roomates with Symmetra and speaks very fondly of her. On top of that he's (very) low-key implied to at least want to flirt with Roadhog of all people (can't say I blame him, anyway I'll get back to him,) and, uuh. Baptiste? Who's Baptiste? Nope, never heard of him. Ex-mercenary who regrets his actions and now plays support to make up for all the murder he did? Is what you may be asking yourself. Seriously, nobody talks about Bap. Maybe that's why he's being brought back into semi-relevance now, as Lifeweaver canonically (and smoothly) asks him on a date at a nice restaurant, to which he, unsurprisingly, says yes. He's always been very flirty himself. That should technically make it four canon queer characters in the game, but Baptiste still has some plausible deniability because of his personality, so arguments can still be argued, as they say.

Back to Lifeweaver. More specifically his playstyle. This bright pink healer wants nothing but to help people and further science! His players, however, will gladly ruin your day for shits and giggles. You see, it's become a bit of a gimmick of Overwatch as a whole to let you move your enemies around the battlefield. Junker Queen has her magnetic gauntlet thing, Roadhog has a hook, everybody and their mom have knockback, etc. Lifeweaver, however, can move his friends around. He has an ability to pull his teammates towards himself which he can also use to sling some of them across the map if they cooperate and/or move wrong. He can also raise a platform under any player that tosses them (or their lifeless corpse) into the air. This is incredibly useful in a coordinated team where everybody's using voice chat, eg. the way Overwatch is actually meant to be played. Overwatch is, however, never played how it's meant to be played. Hilarity ensues.

The circumstances of Lifeweaver's release. Here's the thing. On the 4th of April 2023, exactly one week before his release, Blizzard was sued again, this time for underpayment and mistreatment of their eSports champions. Although it's impossible to create a whole character in a week, it's fully possible that at least some parts of Lifeweaver's personality and some of the stuff he calls to canon (we'll get to The Thing later I promise, be patient,) were influenced by this. It's comically well timed that such a controversial character dropped so soon after that scandal, and while the model and animations were definitely finalized before that, any given set of voice lines could've been phoned in on the night of April 4th for all we know.

Put together, all of this is either infuriating or ridiculous. Some days it's one, some days the other, and some days, I'm just not sure. Originally I hated Lifeweaver. He felt predictable to me, a cheap coverup, a stereotype, and an annoying one at that. But eventually I sort of came around, because he got so annoying that I kind of had to respect him for it. From there, I eventually ended up here. And I think a lot of other people, notably the players themselves, felt the same. Go figure.

Section 6A: No scummy marketing tactic is complete without queerbait!

Valuable life lesson: it is very, very hard to tell wether or not something is queerbait by looking at the media itself. The possibilities that the perceived homoerotic tension is an accident, or a hint that's left vague for stylistic reasons, or simply a slow burn, are all present and impossible to rule out. The real way you find out if something is queerbait is by looking at the actual marketing. Listen to what devs say in interviews. Look at promotional material. Et cetera. Because I don't have the patience to watch those interviews, I can't actually say wether what I'm about to discuss is queerbait or a series of unfortunate accidents made as a result of Blizzard's bad habit of pandering, so I'll let you form your own conclusions and possibly go look it up on your own. (And then come back here and tell me about it because I'm so so curious.) I am probably going to go into excruciating detail on this next part. I am so sorry. I can't help but have favourites. So without further ado;

This is Jamison "Junkrat" Fawkes.

Or at least, it was back in OW1. (I promise the full body transparent background image is crucial.)

Anyway, this absolute bastard is a favorite of mine. (Having favourite OW characters? I am cringe but I am free.) He was in the game from launch, and remains one of the more interesting and, shall we say, least soulless characters in the game to this day. Not that there's that much to him. He never shuts up, he's clinically insane as a result of several concussions and a lot of radiation, and he really really likes blowing things up. Together with Roadhog, he's a freelance mercenary with little to no morals whatsoever, taking on whatever job gets them both cash, action, and buildings to explode.

Oh yeah, right. Mako "Roadhog" Rutledge, the quiet, stoic and occasionally terrifying two meter tall shit brickhouse with a stitched gas mask shaped like a pig snout and a massive hook on a chain. Sadly, although he's crucial to the segment, I can't really discuss him as much as I would like to because he has like five voice lines in total (an exaggeration) and half of them are just him telling Junkrat to shut the fuck up (not an exaggeration.) "Stoic, silent characters can be interesting without speaking," I hear you say. Yes, I reply, if they're well written. But this is Overwatch. Never ever get your hopes up about Overwatch.

Anyway, the trash rat and Mr Whole Hog here have an interesting history. Originally, they were simply friends, running around and doing Hilarious Antics™ (that were never very funny, other than in concept.) They feature in several comics together (none of which are very good,) they chat a lot in game and they have their own animated short called The Plan (which is the first Overwatch thing I ever consumed, also not very good, but hey, it landed me here.) And before I get into the queerbait part of this segment, let me just say that studying just this small part of Overwatch tells volumes about the writing all on its own. The tell-don't-show, the inconsistencies, the rampant ludonarrative dissonance... Stars, the comics want you to take Roadhog so seriously. They're leaning super hard into the edge with a brutal backstory and focus on making him as menacing as possible. Meanwhile, in game he, and I cannot stress this enough, walks around ass out the entire time. Google at your own risk. Don't say I didn't warn you!

There is this one voice line, triggered when interacting with one another, where Junkrat says somthn' like "You'll hook 'em, I'll cook 'em!" and Roadhog just sighs in frustration, but then there's another line, triggered the same way, where HE begins the saying, "I'll hook 'em..." "And I'll cook 'em!" In short, fuck you consistency, and this contrast could be really interesting if it was well written. But of course Overwatch will Never Ever elaborate on this, as per usual.

As the years went by, however, things got... A bit weird. Junkrat has always been friendly. According to him, he and Hoggie (he calls him that, not me) are the bestest of friends. And although Roadhog acts as though he hates Junkrat a lot of the time, this is very obviously just tsundere behaviour used to mask the fact that he does really like him quite a lot. But in what way? "Gayass," said half the fandom. "No, fuck you," said the other half, "this is clearly a father-son dynamic." "You're all homophobic," said the first half. "Maybe we are," said the second, "what are you gonna do about it?"

And Blizzard... Did nothing. Well, they did canonise their ages at some point, and there is about two decades inbetween the two (Junkrat is allegedly 25 although I find that hard to believe, I mean look at him, and RH is in his late forties) which one would assume suggests their support of the father-son thing, right? Man, if only it were that easy. First of all, the writing is so nondescript and vague that their actual dynamic doesn't resemble a parental one even in the slightest, especially not on Junkrat's tounge, and seeing as he's both more affectionate and more talkative I'll lend that it's appropriate weight. Predictably, there is also one line that is inexplicable, unexplainable and clearly an innuendo, where if you run Junkrat and eliminate an enemy RH, he'll say something like "I guess we know who's on top now, don't we?" This doesn't appear to be a reference to anything, trust me, I've tried to check. Excuse me while I take a sledgehammer to Blizzard's servers. Again, we can't assume anything's ever on purpose, but c'mon. Who greenlit that?

So, unsurprisingly, Blizzard is being annoyingly non-commital again, so as not to piss off either half of their fanbase. Things went kinda quiet after that. Anything released was, again, purposely vague.

And then OW2 happened.

Section 6B: Subtlety, lack thereof, and the art of applying a metallic texture to a default Blender orb

This is Junkrat, as his current in game model. Sad, right? How they forced him to take a bath before letting him into OW2? How they regrew his hair and ripped off his cooler patches? It's a fucking travesty. People are calling him "Cluttermouse" as a joke now. Why would they do this? They massacred my boy.

Anyway, if you're observant you'll notice he's got an earring now. Yeah, on his right ear. Yeah. What's that? You were on Tumblr in 2016? You remember all the circling posts about "earring on the right ear means person wearing it is gay" posts? You grew up a bit and assumed that was made up or blown out of proportion? You asked your mom one day and she confirms it was a very widely known symbol until around the century change? Some fans must've noticed. Most of them didn't, though, because most of them are twelve. Anyway, I tell myself (and you) that it doesn't actually have to mean anything. If you look at the design again you'll see Rattie here is very asymmetrical, and leaned to his-right-your-left, both of his prosthetics being on that side. (He even walks unevenly, which I love.) It's likely that the modellers simply had no clue about the earring symbolism thing, and just wanted to play into that asymmetry. Right?

...and then Lifeweaver dropped.

And then everyone lost their fucking minds.

Ya see, dearest readers (thank you for making it this far,) Lifweaver, Pink Petal Supporthero McGoodguy, has not one, but two conversations with Junkrat in game. One of them feels fairly normal, with them discussing the price on Lifeweaver's "noggin" and laughing about it a bit. The other one, oh boy, the other one goes like this:

��"Are you and Roadhog together?"

🐀"Do~ you ever see us apart?

🌸"No. I meant: are you couple?"

🐀"Yes!! A couple of dashing rouges! Not sure... What you're missing here."

Yeah. I'd lose my shit too. I guess I kind of did, but not for the reason you think. You see, this right here, in terms of pure writing talent, is fucking genius, because it manages to be controversial without actually confirming anything. By that I mean, that because Fawkes said "yes" quite enthusiastically, the half of the fandom that said "gayass" think he meant yes, but because he noped out of that yes with the "couple of dashing rouges" bit, the other half of the fandom think he meant no! This is where I really start to wonder if they called Junkrat's voice actor at 2 in the morning and went "hey bud take a few extra grand and help us record another few lines will you? We just got sued again."

This shit is simultaneously funny as hell, sad, and absolutely infuriating. In reality, Junkrat has approximately two braincells rattling around in his skull, of which he is constantly frying, due to all the concussions. He probably doesn't even know what his relationship to Mako is. That might've been the case, and it would've been a good joke, had Overwatch been a well-written game. Sadly, it's all shitfuck at worst and boring at best, and this latest little oddity just makes me even more convinced that Junkrat and his partner have been banished to Queerbait Limbo for the foreseeable future.

Section 7: In conclusion,

Blizzard is shitfuck company, Overwatch is shitfuck game, I spent at least three hours writing this up and probably more editing it together and in less than a month, it's June and Overwatch'es first in-game pride event drops. Needless to say, I'm scared.

How much time did you waste reading? Did I state fake news? Do you have additional trivia? Do tell. I'm so curious. This has been four thousand words of nothing. Goodbye.

[nemolfc]

𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 - 𝐜𝐞́𝐬𝐚𝐫 𝐚𝐳𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐚

・𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲: 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬

( 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢�� 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 )

𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐩*𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧, 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞'𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐳𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐚, [ 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐜: 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐞 ]

( he was the only reason i even followed spain in the 2022 wc, daddy vibes all around for my boy )

It's rare that you find a footballer keeping their head out of trouble, following or during their career - for César, he knew exactly what he wanted out of life, it'd been staring at him while he honed in his craft, from rising up the ranks in his boyhood club Osasuna, to thriving in Marseille to succeeding to great heights in Chelsea to finally closing both his national and club chapter in his hometown of Spain, retiring at the age of thirty five, following Atletico's impressive run in the 23/24 La Liga season.

Following his retirement, he had his mind set up on developing a centre specialized in granting young players more opportunities as well as backing to pursue a career in football, while also providing the necessities needed to ensure they're kept safe of any unnecessary distractions, and while he was part of several ventures such as his Esports team, his minor share as well as position as a board member of a minor team by the name of Hashtag United in the

Following his retirement, he had his mind set up on developing a centre specialized in granting young players more opportunities as well as backing to pursue a career in football, while also providing the necessities needed to ensure they're kept safe of any unnecessary distractions, and while he was part of several ventures such as his Esports team, his minor share as well as position as a board member of a minor team by the name of Hashtag United in the Isthmian League, this venture mattered the most to him seeing as several young players hardly make it to professional leagues.

The only issue was, he'd been entirely clueless on where to begin, sure he'd received an MBA and was well equipped, yet this was far beyond his expertise, and after asking around - he'd been lead to her, a successful business consultant that had been the key to several ventures in Spain succeeding to great heights, she was detached, a headstrong woman that knew exactly what she wanted and how she'd get it, hence why after several failed attempts to reach her, he was finally linked in, leading to their very first encounter.

Her methods were definitely unique, as well as the way she carried herself - she eyed out every possibility there is before devising the perfect plan for him, aiding him in advertisements, the proper methods to set in order for young players to be drawn to his venture as well as methodically using the budget he had set out.

During their encounters, he would silently observe her, often times being so distracted that he'd stumble over his words whenever she caught him, she'd been oblivious to his attraction while he couldn't believe that a woman like her even existed.

He never had the best of luck when it came to relationships as every woman he encountered, either desired fame, his money or merely the exposure of being with a football player which admittedly caused him to refrain from relationships for the final duration of his time in Chelsea up until his final days in Atletico, and now here he was ... completely infatuated by a woman that perhaps wouldn't think twice about settling with someone like him.

On one night, while they were in her office going over the latest growth chart of the centre, she is visibly beaming with pride over the statistics. " The social media exposure is growing expedentially quick every two weeks " She states, her tone dripping with pride. " Using the appropriate language has raised your engagement from forty eight per cent to seventy eight per cent, and it keeps on growing "

" That's a good thing, right? " He wonders, attempting to focus on the screen in front of him.

" It's not just good César, it's incredible " She exclaims, " You have passionate teenagers seeking opportunities finding a beacon of hope in the message you and your staff stand for, and I mean, look at the budget, you didn't overspend while also being able to provide these aspiring souls with the top technology and facilities to help them a step further towards their dream, if you ask me, what you're doing this past year is better than what these greedy board members and higher ups have been doing their entire lives, effectively killing the football sport with their need for money "

Her words worked to sent his heart rate to the roof, he could feel his heart thudding against his ribcage, he manages to force a smile across his lips. " I really appreciate it, I mean I don't think I could have survived without your help "

For the first time since they started working, her lips curl into a smile, an authentic smile which once again had led his heart rate beating ever so rapidly, " You're an honorable man César, I mean I have never met a football player who had managed to pursue and further educate himself beyond the pitch " she states with a soft tone, " And trust me, I met plenty "

Her words manage to incite a confused expression across his features, " You did? "

She nods, humming in response. " I've had less than stellar run ins with cocky football players that didn't know left from right, they came expecting me to do all the hard work, while they smiled at the cameras, took all the credit and would go on to say, that they have built their business from the ground up, all the while I have to sit back, play nice and pretend that all is well "

He shakes his head, breathing out a soft sigh, she wasn't lying and he knew it - he'd had the misfortune of playing with as well as going up against very awful humans, " Well I appreciate your hard work, cariña because you are a valuable reason that the centre had succeeded the way it did " Her eyes widened, cheeks flaming with a rosé tint at the usage of the nickname, which in turn caused him to blush and chuckle nervously, " I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable "

" No " She shakes her head, smiling at him. " It's fine, I don't mind, I was just surprised "

He nods, shyly looking away before he said. " How did you go about entering the business industry, if you don't mind me asking? "

She grows silent for a moment then she replied, " My mother, she -erm- " she paused, taking a moment to collect herself before she continued. " She raised me all on her own, my father had passed away in a car accident before I was born, she had me while she was in the midst of managing her own small business, she owned a jewelry brand that she started all on her own, and as I grew up, she'd become my role model, the way she gave her one hundred per cent to the brand, the love she had was showcased in every piece that every person who bought said that they firmly believed that these pieces were akin to a lucky charm, and when I asked her, she said that my father had dubbed her his lucky charm, and in turn, she wants to spread the love that he had given her to people that need it "

" That's very sweet and noble of her " He states, his tone sympathetic as he continued. " I bet she's proud of you "

" She was ... " She states, a sad smile across her lips. " Just before my graduation, a week actually " she fiddles with the bracelet on her left wrist. " She passed away peacefully in her sleep because of breast cancer "

He looks down then looks back at her, " I'm so sorry cariña " he wanted to reach out, to wrap an arm around her shoulder yet he held himself back, afraid of disrupting her space. " I'm sure she's looking down with pride over your achievements "

" I would like to hope so " She murmurs softly, before composing herself. " I think we have one last meeting before finally declaring that every is well, I mean I will still visit every now and then to check with you, but the way I see it, my work is done "

The notion of no longer spending time with her had admittedly left him slightly shattered, " Oh? " he murmurs.

" Relax " She giggles, the sound was akin to music for his ear. " You'll still see me from time to time "

And since then, she paid him occasional visits, even turning up at academy matches to support the aspiring teenagers he had gathered underneath the umbrella of his training centre, however each time he had believed he could confess his emotions to her, an invisible wall would hold him back so much so that he firmly believed she wouldn't feel the same way, up until ...

He'd been invited to a charity gala designed to raise awareness and help raise funds to combat Leukemia which had affected several children, and as he was present in the venue, he didn't plan nor expected to run into her once again as it had been approximately eight months since they last encountered one another, she had been in the midst of a conversation with a grand investor when their eyes met, her eyes lit up with joy which elicited a smile from him, excusing herself - she walked towards him, surprising him by wrapping her arms around his shoulder, and muttering. " I didn't think I would see you again " before she pulls back to smile at him.

He mirrors her smile, " You know how occupied I had been " he chuckles before adding on, " I was thinking of reaching out but I didn't think you'd be free considering how occupied you are "

She nods in understanding, " I have been keeping up with your centre, I see a lot of players have joined La Liga, it's very impressive "

" It is, I mean, sometimes I still don't believe it " He laughs.

" You should, you're one of a kind César " She nudged him playfully before adding on, " Tell you what, why don't we sit together through the rest of the night " she leans in to whisper, " This is a good cause but these people are fake "

He laughs once again, " You're right "

They spent the rest of the night chatting together, while she was obliviously unaware of what was brewing inside of him, he was on the verge of insanity, not only was she so intelligent, yet tonight as she sat next to him, he couldn't help but admire how effortlessly beautiful she looked, dressed in an elegant crimson silken dress that hugged her like second skin, her hair was curled perfectly to cascade around her soft features that were enhanced by the makeup she wore, his heart was palpitating so rapidly that he was aching just to reach over to kiss her senseless.

As the night came to an end, he offered to drive her back to her hotel despite her insistence that she can go on her own, once they'd gotten to her hotel - they walk in together, heading towards the elevator for a brief ride that was overtaken by an obvious wave of tension between them, they walk out together and head towards her hotel room, upon stopping in front of her door, she turns around to look at him, she opens then closes her mouth quickly.

His gaze travels in the blink of an eye from her eyes down to her lips then back to her eyes before he noted her pupils dilating, " Cariña " he whispers hoarsely, leaning in. " Tell me I'm not the only one feeling this "

Her lips parted, a shaky breath escapes before she shakes her head softly. " No "

His hand rests on her cheek, his thumb caressing the soft skin. " Can I kiss you? " he whispers.

She nods, letting out a soft sigh as his lips press entirely over hers, moving in a harmonious rhythm, it was gentle, showcasing both a concealed longing as well as clear hesitance on his end which had disappeared the moment she rests both her hands on the back of his neck, deepening the kiss and further inciting a grunt from him. " Let's take this inside " she whispers against his lips.

They waltz into her room, she closes the door behind them before they moved further in, just then she turns to him, their lips find one another, this time with an added passion that saw them struggle to remove each other's clothing for a brief bit, once they were entirely bare, he gently lays her on top of the soft mattress while his lips continued to pepper kisses across every inch of her skin, her lips part and soft sounds escape her lips. " Oh my god "

" You're so incredible " He murmurs, pressing kisses in every corner there is. " So intelligent, so unique, so beautiful "

Each praise sent shockwaves directly to her lower abdomen, inciting arousal that seeped through her walls, " Please "

He lowered himself, coming face to face with her swollen and prominently aroused walls, " Oh my ... cariña " he whispers in awe before tentatively darting his tongue to lick a long and leisure stripe to tease her. " So delicious " he groans before latching his lips over her walls.

" Oh " She whimpers, digits threading through his hair whilst he started to tease the inside of her walls with his tongue as well as his thumb that rubbed her clit. " Fuck, just like that ... just like that, Oh my god "

He placed one palm to steady her while he continued to devour her like a starved man that hasn't eaten in what felt like an eternity, she had become a withering mess in a matter of seconds, the sensation setting every nerve ablaze spurring towards a shattering orgasm, a soft whine escapes her lips. " Yes ... yes, don't stop - Fuck " her back arches off the bed, she collapsed as he climbed back up to capture her lips in a gentle kiss.

He then pulls back and smiles, " You taste so addicting cariña "

" You're so good at that " She giggled, pulling him for another kiss,

Suddenly, he stops then pulls back before groaning in frustration, " I don't have a condom on me "

She smiled, then gestured to her bag, " Go look over there "

He raised a brow which caused her to giggle, " I may have expected that tonight will happen, so I had to be safe "

He laughs, then press a soft kiss to her lips. " See what I mean, you're intelligent and beautiful " he fetched the wrapper then climbed back on top of the bed, he rolls the condom over his cock after tearing it open, he teased her slick walls before leisurely thrusting himself entirely inside of her.

He sighs softly, " Oh cariña " he murmurs, resting his forehead on top of hers. " You feel so good wrapped around me like that "

She moans in response, closing the space between them with a gentle kiss, " Please " she pleads.

He stills for a brief moment before leisurely setting a pace, thrusting in and out of her, the skin to skin contact coupled with his lips trailing gentle kisses and bites on her neck created a beautiful sensation of friction that enveloped them like a blanket. " Fuck " she whines, " It's so good, feels so fucking good "

" Yeah? " He cooed in her ear, " You were made for me cariña, you're my girl, all mine " he murmurs.

" Yes " She gasps, wrapping her arms around his shoulder, with one hand trailing to create marking across his back. " Fuck, fuck ... just like that "

His pace grows rapid while his groans deepen, " Oh my ... you're squeezing me, you're squeezing my cock entirely cariña, I don't think I'm going to make it any longer "

" Please " She whines, " Please ... I'm so close "

His thrusts grow sloppy until both of them reach their highs simultaneously, he then collapse next to her, the pair attempting to catch their breaths before he pulls her in for a kiss then murmurs with a soft tone, " You're mine now, I mean it "

She smiled, " I wouldn't have it any other way "

[thetoxicgamer]

The surprise VCT underdogs consistently topping viewership charts at Masters Tokyo

One team in particular has captured everyone's attention during both the group and playoff stages of the VALORANT Champions Tour Masters Tokyo thanks to a remarkable underdog run, with many people tuning in to see them live. In both the groups and playoff stages of the VALORANT Champions Tour Masters Tokyo, one team, in particular, has earned everyone’s attention thanks to an incredible underdog run, with plenty tuning in to catch them live. Sole Chinese representative EDward Gaming, in their third international tournament appearance, is going deep after a 2-0 win against LOCK//IN finalists LOUD in their second playoff game on June 18. They’ve drawn a lot of attention along the way, playing with house money and eliminating teams like NAVI, T1, and LOUD—teams fans expected to make it deeper in the tournament. Every tournament has its team that everyone loves, and this time around, it’s the sole Chinese team left standing. The team has a lot of curious eyes watching, seeing just how far this Chinese dream team can go. Most notably, their group stage win over NAVI on June 13 reached just shy of 400,000 viewers according to EsportsCharts. Many thought viewership for the squad had peaked until their win over LOUD on June 18 registered a chart-topping 505,803 peak viewers. https://twitter.com/ValorantEsports/status/1670297602204762112 As of the time of publishing, EDG’s win over LOUD is the most viewed game in the tournament, and the only one to top half a million viewers. In fact, EDG has three of the top six most viewed games in Tokyo, along with the most viewed group stage match with their NAVI series. While many were tuning in to follow EDG’s run through the tournament livewire duelist Zheng “ZmjjKK” Yongkang has garnered a huge following over the last week for his insane Operator Jett play, leading the tournament in plenty of stats. As well as this, with the massive amount of Chinese esports fans across all games—as well as the lack of another Chinese squad to support—regional fans got to see their team beat the best the Americas had to offer. EDG pulled off the upset victory, with the squad gaining fans across the world—something EDG themselves recognized and appreciated. For older fans of VALORANT, teams like Sentinels, TSM, and FPX were the ones who usually garnered the most viewership internationally. Chinese teams never got that chance, and when they did, they were bounced out before developing that run that can build up a fanbase outside of your region. Paper Rex essentially did that in 2022, and EDG might be the next fan-favorite team. EDG will continue in the lower bracket, facing one of the losing teams from the upper bracket semifinals on June 20. But, even if they lose their next game, it’s hard to see this run as anything but a win for EDG and Chinese VALORANT as a whole. Read the full article

[buzzbeat]

LEC 2025 Winter Split records opening week viewership decrease

Image credit: Michel Konkol/Riot Games theLeague of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC)The 2025 season kicked off last weekend, with viewing numbers for the Winter Split lower than the 2024 edition. It was the most popular match Carmine Company reverse Movistar Koiwith peak viewership reaching 591,961, according to the data platform eSports Charts. Keep reading LEC Winter Split 2025: format,…

[digitsland]

SkySports-Organized Red Bull MEO 2024 BGMI National Finals Smashes Records With 124K Peak Viewership

The Red Bull MEO 2024 – BGMI National Finals, organized by Red Bull India And Sky Sportsbecame the most watched tournament in the history of the Red Bull MEO The tournament achieved a peak viewership of 124,934According to Esports Charts. Notably, this is the highest peak viewership ever recorded in the history of the Red Bull MEO. This represents a Remarkable 239% increase Compared to the…

[nancywilliamsblog]

What’s Happening in the Entertainment World Today

The entertainment world is always changing, bringing new movies, TV shows, music, and exciting events that keep people entertained. Whether it’s about your favorite actors, musicians, or the latest trends, there’s always something happening. In this blog, we’ll talk about the latest entertainment news, trends, and how American cultural research plays a big role in understanding what people like.

1. The Rise of Streaming Services

In recent years, streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video have become very popular. These platforms allow people to watch movies and TV shows anytime, anywhere. As technology improves, streaming has become one of the most important ways to enjoy entertainment.

What’s New in Streaming?

Many streaming services are starting to create their own shows and movies. For example, Netflix has hit shows like Stranger Things and The Crown, while Disney+ has new Star Wars and Marvel shows. Streaming also gives people access to old favorites and classic movies, all in one place. This makes it easier for people to find something they want to watch, no matter their age or interests.

2. Music Industry Trends

Music is a huge part of entertainment, and in 2023, we saw new trends and changes in how music is made and enjoyed. One big change is the rise of online platforms where people can listen to music, like Spotify and Apple Music. These services let people find new artists, listen to playlists, and even share music with their friends.

What’s Happening in Music?

Pop stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé are breaking records with their music and live performances. They are using social media to connect with fans and keep them updated on new releases and upcoming tours. Also, TikTok has become a major way for new songs to go viral. When a song gets popular on TikTok, it often becomes a hit on the music charts as well.

3. Movies and TV Shows: What’s Hot Right Now

Movies and TV shows are always in the spotlight in the entertainment world. In 2023, there were some exciting new movies that people couldn’t stop talking about. Big-budget superhero films, like those from Marvel, and family-friendly movies from Disney, continue to be hits.

What’s New in Movies and TV?

One of the most talked-about movies this year was Barbie. It became a global sensation, with people of all ages excited to see it. Another big film release was Avatar: The Way of Water, which made waves at the box office with its amazing visuals and exciting story. On TV, we saw the return of popular shows like The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon.

Some of these shows are also influenced by American cultural research, which looks at what people in the United States enjoy and want to see on screen. By understanding trends and interests, filmmakers and TV networks can create content that appeals to a wide audience.

4. Gaming: The Growing World of Video Games

The world of video games is constantly growing, with new games, consoles, and technology being released every year. In 2023, there were exciting new game releases like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Starfield. Gaming has also become a major part of pop culture, with big esports events and influencers who stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.

How Are Video Games Changing?

Video games are becoming more realistic and interactive, with advanced graphics and immersive storylines. Some games now allow players to enter open worlds, where they can explore and make their own choices. Virtual reality (VR) is also becoming more popular, offering gamers an even more realistic experience.

5. American Cultural Research and Its Role in Entertainment

American cultural research helps to understand what people enjoy in movies, music, games, and more. It looks at how different groups of people think, feel, and act. This research helps the entertainment industry know what content will be popular and what people want to see.

Why Is American Cultural Research Important?

By studying American culture, researchers can see what values, interests, and experiences are important to people. For example, themes like diversity, equality, and social issues are becoming more common in films and TV shows because they reflect what’s happening in society. As entertainment continues to evolve, this research helps creators make better choices about the content they produce.

6. Entertainment News Update: Social Media’s Influence

Social media plays a huge role in entertainment news update today. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter let fans follow their favorite celebrities, share content, and discover new things. It also allows creators to directly connect with their fans, which can make them even more popular.

How Does Social Media Change Entertainment?

Social media has become the fastest way to learn about new releases and events. For example, when a new movie trailer drops or a celebrity announces a concert tour, it’s usually first seen on social media. Fans can also use these platforms to create and share content, making entertainment more interactive and personal.

7. Sustainable and Inclusive Entertainment

As the world focuses more on protecting the environment and being inclusive, the entertainment industry is starting to change too. We’re seeing more movies, TV shows, and music that highlight environmental issues or represent a wider variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

We can expect to see more content that is not only entertaining but also teaches people about important topics like climate change, diversity, and human rights. Entertainment will continue to be a way for people to connect, learn, and share ideas, all while having fun.

Conclusion

The entertainment world is always changing, and there are plenty of exciting things happening today. From new streaming shows and movies to the rise of social media and video games, there’s something for everyone. American cultural research helps creators understand what people enjoy, allowing them to produce content that reflects what’s important to society. As we look ahead, it’s clear that entertainment will continue to evolve, bringing new experiences for people to enjoy. Whether it’s through music, movies, games, or social media, the entertainment world will keep us entertained and connected in many new and exciting ways.

[adriaticpulse]

MPL Philippines bilježi preko 1,6 milijuna gledatelja u vrhuncu sezone

Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL Philippines), najjača liga u jugoistočnoj Aziji za igru Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, zabilježila je svoj najveći broj gledatelja do sada tijekom 14. sezone. Prema podacima s platforme Esports Charts, sezona je dosegnula vrhunac od 1,6 milijuna gledatelja, uz prosječno oko 130.000 gledatelja tijekom više od 161 sat emitiranja. Prethodni rekord za…

[gamingamigos]

[cstewart8]

eSports event(s)

For anyone wondering what eSport is, it is a competitive video game organisation and is short for electronic games, there are different events for eSports such as single player, multiplayer and team format that is usually played by professionally video game players. eSport is lucky that it can host different tournaments and events all over the world for the best to compete against other. There has always been a debate when it comes to eSports and that is it a sport or is it not.

(How Esports Changed the Game: From Media Laughingstock to Media Craze, n.d.)

The eSport industry has gained a lot of money especially over the last 10 years because of how popular video games are these days and during 2020-2021 it went into a different stratosphere because of lockdowns when people were not working at home or school people would play video games. (Pizzo et al., 2018) stated “in 2015 eSport made over $325 million dollars in revenue and two years later eSports made $465 Million dollars in revenue.” The revenue towards eSport is expanding and is just getting higher and higher every year.

(CNBC International, 2019)

The number one key element for eSports is tourism attraction Vegara-Ferri, J. M., Ibáñez-Ortega, D., Carboneros, M., López-Gullón, J. M., & Angosto, S. (2020). Stated “In recent years eSports has developed new ways to make the event and tournament for visible for the spectators.” eSports want to make every event more visible not just for spectators streaming it online but for spectators that have travelled to wear the event and/or tourntament is located.

Thompson, J., Taheri, B., & Scheuring, F. (2022). Stated “in the eSport world there are over 500 million virtual audience around the world.” With eSport growing day by day it is allowing for a social and economic boost for the city that is hosting the event/tournament. eSport having a popular following is allowing fans to purchase flights and hotels to be the eSport is happening and boosts the business that are near the event.

(Esports Charts, 2022)

As you can see from this graph above and this is the list of the top five games being played and streamed from the eSport viewership in 2024. The graph also is showing how much the prize pool is worth for each game in the top five.

‌References

CNBC International. (2019). Esports is growing into a $1 billion industry | CNBC Sports [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0hlP84HeMU&ab_channel=CNBCInternational

‌Esports Charts. (2022). Most Popular Esports Games 2022 | Esports Charts. Escharts.com. https://escharts.com/top-games?order=peak

Funk, D. C., Pizzo, A. D., & Baker, B. J. (2018). eSport management: Embracing eSport education and research opportunities. Sport Management Review, 21(1), 7–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smr.2017.07.008

How esports changed the game: From media laughingstock to media craze. (n.d.). Www.youtube.com. Retrieved May 15, 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_GxPXXLc-w&ab_channel=theScoreesports

‌Pizzo, A., Baker, B., Na, S., Lee, M., Kim, D., & Funk, D. (2018). eSport vs. Sport: A Comparison of Spectator Motives. 27(2), 108–123. https://scholarshare.temple.edu/bitstream/handle/20.500.12613/7113/PizzoBakerEtAl-JournalArticle-2018.pdf?sequence=1

Thompson, J., Taheri, B., & Scheuring, F. (2022). Developing esport tourism through fandom experience at in-person events. Tourism Management, 91, 104531. https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/46438/1/1538660_Taheri.pdf

Vegara-Ferri, J. M., Ibáñez-Ortega, D., Carboneros, M., López-Gullón, J. M., & Angosto, S. (2020). Evaluation of the tourist perception of the spectator in an eSport event. Publicaciones, 50(1), 371-384. https://revistaseug.ugr.es/index.php/publicaciones/article/view/15992

[kirawat]

Entrance w88 2024

Unveiling the Secrets to W88 Entrance in 2024

The thrill of the game, the adrenaline rush of a winning bet – online casinos offer a world of excitement for those who dare to enter. But with so many options available, choosing the right platform can feel like navigating a labyrinth. If you've stumbled upon the name W88 and the whispers of its enticing features, you're on the right track. Today, we're here to shed light on the enigmatic entrance to W88 and guide you through the process like a seasoned explorer.

Why W88? A Reputation Preceding Its Entrance

Before we delve into the specifics of ทางเข้า w88 2024 (entrance w88 2024), let's address the elephant in the room – why W88? In the vast landscape of online casinos, W88 stands out for several compelling reasons:

Unmatched Game Variety: From classic casino staples like slots and roulette to the thrill of live dealer games and the ever-growing world of esports betting, W88 boasts an extensive library that caters to every player's preference.

Lucrative Bonuses and Promotions: New players are welcomed with a generous sign-up bonus, and the rewards don't stop there. W88 continuously rolls out enticing promotions, loyalty programs, and tournaments, keeping the excitement alive for seasoned players as well.

Seamless User Experience: W88's platform is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Whether you're a tech wiz or a casual gamer, the website's intuitive interface and mobile compatibility ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Safety and Security: W88 prioritizes player safety. They employ top-tier security measures to safeguard your financial information and personal data, allowing you to focus on the fun of the game.

These are just a few reasons why W88 has garnered a loyal following in the online gaming community. Now, let's unlock the secrets to your personal entrance w88 2024 adventure.

Charting Your Course: A Step-by-Step Guide to W88 Entrance

Entering the world of W88 is a breeze. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate your entrance w88 2024:

Head to the W88 Website: Open a web browser and visit the official W88 website.

Locate the Registration Button: Look for a prominent button labeled "Register" or "Sign Up." It's usually situated at the top right corner of the homepage.

Fill Out the Registration Form: The registration form will typically require basic information like your username, email address, password, and preferred currency. Ensure you choose a strong password for enhanced security.

Review and Accept Terms & Conditions: Before hitting submit, take a moment to review W88's Terms & Conditions. This ensures you understand the platform's rules and regulations.

Welcome to W88! Once you've submitted the form, you'll be greeted by a confirmation message and redirected to your personalized W88 account.

Congratulations! You've successfully unlocked your entrance w88 2024. Now, to truly embark on your gaming journey, you'll need to make a deposit.

Fueling Your Fun: Depositing Funds at W88

W88 offers a wide range of secure and convenient deposit methods to suit your preferences. Here's a quick overview:

E-wallets: Popular options like Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz provide instant deposits for a seamless gaming experience.

Debit/Credit Cards: Use your Visa or Mastercard for a familiar and secure deposit method. Processing times may vary depending on your bank.

Online Banking: Transfer funds directly from your bank account for a safe and reliable deposit option.

Once you've chosen your preferred method, follow the on-screen instructions to complete your deposit. Remember, claiming your welcome bonus might require a minimum deposit amount, so be sure to check the bonus terms before proceeding.

Exploring the Treasure Trove: Games Galore at W88

With your account funded, it's time to delve into the treasure trove of games W88 has to offer. Here's a glimpse into the exciting categories that await you:

Slots: From classic fruit machines to feature-rich video slots with captivating storylines and bonus rounds, W88 boasts an extensive library to suit every taste and budget.

Table Games: Test your skills and strategies at iconic table games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Poker. You can even choose from various table limits to cater to your bankroll.

Conclusion

W88 presents a compelling online casino experience with its unmatched game variety, lucrative bonuses, user-friendly platform, and commitment to safety. By following this guide, you've successfully unlocked your entrance to W88 in 2024. Now, prepare to embark on an exciting adventure filled with endless entertainment and the potential for big wins. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!

[nqvbleble]

The rise of Vietnam's gaming community: Esports, Streaming, and Influencers

The Vietnamese gaming community has grown dramatically in recent years, altering the country's recreation scene. This transition is being driven by a variety of causes, including the growing popularity of esports, the proliferation of streaming platforms, and the rise of influential streamers. Esports, or competitive video gaming, has grown in acceptance in Vietnam, with players earning national and international recognition (VietNamNews, 2022). Titles like League of Legends, Free Fire, and PUBG Mobile have become household names, attracting a diverse audience of gamers across different platforms (Streams Charts, 2024). This spike in popularity has been spurred by the accessibility of gaming, made possible by the commonplace availability of smartphones and the affordability of PC cafés.

Streaming platforms have played a significant role in the development of the Vietnamese gaming community. Platforms like Facebook Gaming, Nimo TV, and Twitch allow gamers to interact, share their experiences, and watch live broadcasts of their favourite games (VnExpress, 2020). These platforms have democratized gaming by allowing anybody with an internet connection to join the community. Furthermore, streaming platforms also have facilitated the growth of influencial streamers who are currently playing significant positions in the gaming industry (J. Clement, 2024). Streamers such as Do Mixi, Refund Gaming, and Misthy have massive followings and have a major impact on their viewers. Their colourful personality and gaming abilities entice viewers, increasing engagement and establishing a sense of unity among gamers.

Streaming platforms and renowned streamers have a far-reaching impact on consumer behaviour and game industry trends. As influencers, streamers frequently work with game developers and marketers to promote new releases and items to their following (Dursun Z., 2023). This mutually beneficial interaction between streamers and gaming industry stakeholders has driven the community's growth and helped to commercialize gaming culture. However, it calls into question the impact of economic interests on game content and customer preferences (Viktor, 2024).

The emergence of the Vietnamese gaming community is a multidimensional phenomena fueled by the confluence of esports, streaming platforms, and important figures. As the community evolves, stakeholders in the sector face both possibilities and problems. Understanding the intricacies of this ecosystem, as well as exploiting the power of esports and streaming platforms, allows stakeholders to capitalize on the Vietnamese gaming market's enormous potential and contribute to its long-term growth and development.

References:

Dursun, Z 2023, ‘How Influencers and Streamers Affect Game Popularity - Ratic’, Ratic, viewed 20 March 2024, <https://ratic.io/how-influencers-streamers-affect-game-popularity/>.

J. Clement 2024, ‘Gaming video content worldwide - Statistics & Facts’, Statista, viewed 20 March 2024, <https://www.statista.com/topics/3147/gaming-video-content-market/#dossier-chapter1>.

VietNamNews 2022, ‘Báo VietnamNet’, VietNamNet News, viewed 20 March 2024, <https://vietnamnet.vn/en/livestream-game-platforms-in-fierce-competition-827819.html>.

Viktor 2024, ‘The Global Impact of Gaming Influencer Marketing’, Influencer Marketing Factory, viewed 20 March 2024, <https://theinfluencermarketingfactory.com/gaming-influencer-marketing/>.

VnExpress 2020, ‘Vietnamese gamer tops international streamer ranking - VnExpress International’, VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam, viewed 20 March 2024, <https://e.vnexpress.net/news/life/trend/vietnamese-gamer-tops-international-streamer-ranking-4197460.html>.

Streams Chart 2024, ‘Most Watched Vietnamese Streamers, last 7 days’, Streams Charts, viewed 20 March 2024, <https://streamscharts.com/channels?lang=vi>.

[buzzbeat]

NLC Winter 2025 smashes viewership record with 177,000 viewers

Los Ratones, a new team created by Caedrel, entered the NLC in 2025. Image credit: Los Ratones the Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC) 2025 Winter Season It broke the previous viewership record, peaking at 177,121 viewers, according to the data platform eSports Charts. The record was achieved during the series between NORD Esports and Los Ratonesa team created by popular League of…

[superdigitalappsandgamesblog]

What Are The Trick Responsibilities Of A Game Coach?

The function of a game coach, also called an esports coach or even games coach, is actually varied and also critical in the development and also excellence of reasonable pc gaming teams or even individual gamers. As esports remain to get popularity and recognition as a legit sport, the need for knowledgeable and also competent video game trainers has improved substantially.

Some Secret Duties That Game Coaches

Player Development

Some of the key obligations of a league of legends coaching is to promote the development and also improvement of private players within the team. This includes assessing each player's strengths and weak points, offering constructive comments, and also designing tailored training programs to enrich their skill-sets.

Crew Strategy and Techniques

Video game trains are in charge of developing total staff methods as well as techniques for various video game circumstances. This features composing methods for certain opponents, chart or level tactics, and also in-game decision-making methods. Trainers usually learn opponents' gameplay and formulate counter-strategies to obtain an one-upmanship.

Functionality Review

Game coaches closely observe gamers' efficiency during method sessions and also very competitive matches. They utilize different resources and metrics to track key performance red flags like accuracy, reaction time, communication, as well as synergy. By examining efficiency information, instructors can pinpoint areas for improvement and adjust instruction plannings as needed.

Searching as well as Recruitment

In many cases, video game trainers are actually involved in searching as well as enlisting new talent for the crew. This might consist of attending esports events, hunting on the web events, and also networking within the pc gaming community to determine encouraging gamers who can easily support to the team's results.

Emotional Help

Affordable games could be psychologically demanding, and game trainers usually supply psychological assistance as well as incentive to players. They assist players deal with stress, handle stress and anxiety, and maintain a good mindset in the course of both victories and also defeats. Additionally, coaches may resolve disputes as well as nourish a supporting staff lifestyle.

Strategic Preparation as well as Planning

Game trains devote notable opportunity looking into game auto mechanics, meta-strategies, and patch updates to remain in front of the competition. They establish long-term game plans for the staff, including instruction schedules, method regimens, and competitors calendars. Coaches likewise make sure that players are well-prepared for upcoming suits through carrying out pre-match reviews as well as likeness.

Interaction and Management

Successful communication is important for any kind of prosperous group, and also armor league of legends participate in a vital job in fostering very clear as well as reliable communication one of staff member. They work as innovators as well as advisors, delivering advice and also direction to gamers both details of the video game. Trainers also work as intermediaries in between players and administration, sharing reviews and dealing with concerns coming from both sides.

Neighborhood Interaction

Game coaches might represent the staff in several area events, media meetings, and also advertising tasks. They help develop the team's brand and supporter base through engaging along with followers, taking part in on the internet discussion forums, as well as developing satisfied including tactic manuals or video tutorials. Trainers additionally work together with supporters and companions to safeguard backing as well as help for the crew's tasks.

Regular Learning and also Improvement

Esports is actually a quickly developing business, and also video game trainers need to keep informed regarding the current styles, procedures, as well as strategies in the games world. They participate in seminars, conferences, as well as workshops to expand their understanding as well as capabilities. In addition, coaches find comments coming from players, fellow coaches, and industry professionals to consistently hone their coaching approach.

In recap, game instructors play an important function in the effectiveness of competitive gaming groups through delivering assistance, approach, as well as support to players. Coming from player development as well as functionality analysis to critical preparation and also community engagement, video game trainers use several hats to guarantee that their group stays affordable and productive in the powerful globe of esports.