Experts explore intersection of culture, creativity at NGSC Riyadh

Experts in an NGSC panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games”. AN photo by Abdulrahman bin Shulhub
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Updated 05 September 2024
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Experts explore intersection of culture, creativity at NGSC Riyadh

  • The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion

RIYADH: People are more likely to invest in things they feel connected to, according to the founder and president of Works Collective, Nate Morley, speaking on a panel titled “Cultural Crossroads in Games” on the second day of the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh.

The panel brought together creative professionals from diverse fields, including entertainment, art, and fashion. They explored the impact of cultural influence on creative industries and emphasized the need to balance cultural authenticity with commercial success.

Je Alipio, director and head of business development at Walt Disney Co. for APAC & MENA, discussed how Disney innovates while maintaining the integrity of its beloved characters and stories.

“It’s really about finding the right partner,” he said, noting that collaborating with like-minded creatives who bring fresh ideas can unlock many opportunities.

Alipio also outlined two approaches to business collaboration: a top-down method, where Disney enters a partner’s space to inform or influence it, and a bottom-up approach, where partners are empowered to expand their ideas on a larger scale under Disney’s guidance.

Khaled Makhshoush, a Saudi artist specializing in digital pixel art, began his career inspired by video games. He discussed the cultural elements featured in his work and how he draws inspiration from his surroundings. “You start to see things — the places you grow up in, the city … that’s the main source of cultural inspiration.”

Makhshoush noted that when creating an image, his focus is not on accuracy but on conveying emotion. By “breaking it down and then rebuilding it” based on his interpretation, he fosters a connection between personal and cultural elements.

In discussing how to create culturally authentic gaming experiences, Morley remarked: “One of the worst things you can do is to be a cultural appropriator.”

He elaborated that while fostering a platform that invites people to contribute and expand ideas is valuable, appropriating elements from other cultures and using them as your own is problematic.

Morley stressed that collaboration and diversity are key to elevating a brand. He said that within a single brand framework, one can showcase a multitude of voices in various ways, adding that a distinctive mix of backgrounds and industries transforms the brand from a mere “copy and paste” entity into an inclusive “platform for expression.”

Nicola Mizon, COO and co-founder of Kutur Runway and Vitza DGTL, discussed the increasing efforts by fashion brands to integrate into the esports sector through advanced technology. She noted that there is a growing demand for audiences “to look their best.

“We want to create a fashion gaming platform that’s at the intersection of technology, commerce, and games and bring everyone together to celebrate the art of fashion in the digital space,” she said.

This involves engaging in discussions with local designers and creators to understand their needs for a gaming platform that allows them to feel celebrated and unrestricted in their creative expression, such as crafting innovative concepts like “dresses made of fire.”

Expanding the discussion on integrating fashion within both cultural and digital contexts, Reem Al-Kanhal, fashion designer and creative director of brand Reem AlKanhal, said: “Fashion is connected to everything.”

Al-Kanhal emphasized that, given the extensive time newer generations spend online, it is crucial to integrate cultural elements — such as traditional wardrobes and national landmarks — into games for the sake of cultural preservation.

She concluded: “I think (that) owning your story is your power,” highlighting its significance for personal ambition and maintaining cultural connections.


Inaugural Esports World Cup signs off with historic closing ceremony

Updated 26 August 2024
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Inaugural Esports World Cup signs off with historic closing ceremony

  • Sunday saw the first-ever EWC draw to a close as in the presence of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • 1,500 athletes and over 200 clubs competed across 22 tournaments and 21 titles over the course of eight weeks for a record-breaking $60m prize pool

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup ended on Sunday with a closing ceremony and the attendance of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and prime minister.

Over the course of eight consecutive weeks, the EWC hosted 1,500 athletes and over 200 clubs, with a record-breaking $60m prize pool up for grabs across 22 tournaments and 21 titles. 

The ceremony concluded the biggest weekend in esports history, which also featured the 2024 Esports Awards and 2024 New Global Sport Conference.

Reflecting on the event, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “The EWC has underscored the transformative impact of esports and the pivotal role that this incomparable industry now plays in cultures and societies all around the world — its inclusive and empowering nature is something truly unique.

“For eight successive weeks, this unparalleled event has brought the entire international gaming community together like never before, inviting all to participate in this milestone moment in gaming and esports history. We could not be more delighted with what’s transpired this summer; it’s a historic moment in time that Saudi Arabia and the world will always remember fondly.”

 

Alongside a series of live performances, the ceremony saw Saudi Arabia’s hometown heroes, Team Falcons officially crowned as the first-ever EWC Club Champions. Having stormed to victory in an exceptional campaign that included two tournament championships and six Top 3 finishes, Team Falcons’ chairman, Mossad “Msdossary” Al-Dossary collected the $7mn first prize and EWC Club Championship trophy.

After the awards presentation, winning players throughout the EWC were also honored in the Celebration of Champions.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWC Foundation, called the tournament an “incredible success.”

The first-ever Esports World Cup has concluded after eight weeks of action in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“The EWC has been an incredible success in year one, driving global esports to new heights,” he said.

“I’m proud of accomplishing what we set out to do — bringing together the best games, clubs, and players while offering a life-changing prize pool and building the world’s largest esports festival. Congratulations to Team Falcons, who were rewarded for their competitive excellence and investment across many new games by becoming the first EWC Club Champions. I can’t wait to gather the best of the industry again for another epic EWC in 2025.”

Throughout its duration from July 3 — Aug. 25, the EWC drew 500 million viewers who consumed over 250 million hours of content. Additionally, it was confirmed that the event recorded its highest peak concurrent viewership during the League of Legends competition, when 3.5 million people watched legendary superstar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok guide T1 to victory over Top Esports.


Industry leaders share key ingredients for success in gaming, esports at NGSC Riyadh

Updated 25 August 2024
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Industry leaders share key ingredients for success in gaming, esports at NGSC Riyadh

  • Persistence, open mindset, creativity highlighted by leading entrepreneurs in panel discussion   

RIYADH: Leading figures from the esports and gaming industry gathered in Riyadh at the New Global Sports Conference on Sunday to share their secrets for success.

A successful entrepreneur will display “persistence on an unparalleled level,” said Jens Hilgers, general partner and co-founder of BITKRAFT Ventures. 

Hilgers was speaking during a panel discussion entitled “Rebooting Success.” He touched on the creative nature of the gaming industry and the challenges of finding inspiration in the field.

“Having a mindset open to be inspired by personal experiences or meeting influential individuals is important when it comes to creativity in esports and gaming,” Hilgers said. 

Tim Morten, co-founder and CEO of Frost Giant Studios, highlighted the importance of mentorship and working with seasoned experts in the field of esports and gaming.

Morten said that his motivation stems from a desire to surpass his previous work — he is driven by the challenge of outdoing the projects he has previously worked on, adding that having the freedom to implement his vision in the way he believes it should be done has been a key factor in his approach to this new venture.

Yannick Theler, CEO of Steer Studios, said that one of the key takeaways from his experience as an entrepreneur in the esports and gaming industry is the crucial role of assembling the right team for success.  

“My vision is about developing people, growing teams, and creating a fanbase to bring people to the big gaming events, as I did when I was an ice hockey player.”

Theler stressed that the collective effort of a well-organized team is essential for navigating the challenges and opportunities in a dynamic industry.


New era unveiled as NGSC Riyadh highlights synergy between traditional sports, esports

Updated 25 August 2024
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New era unveiled as NGSC Riyadh highlights synergy between traditional sports, esports

  • Top athletes such as Neymar are playing a pivotal role in leading traditional fans to esports, panel discussion told
  • Virtual reality and other immersive technologies ‘bridging the gap between physical and digital experiences,’ panelist says

RIYADH: Traditional sports and esports are converging, with new technologies enhancing fan engagement in both arenas, the second day of the Next Generation Sports Conference in Riyadh was told.

A panel discussion, titled “Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Sports and Esports,” examined how these two realms are influencing each other, and what the future holds for their convergence.

The panel featured Andrew Chen, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz; Eric Shanks, CEO and executive producer of Fox Sports; Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation; Michael Metzger, managing partner of Drake Star; and Peter Hutton, board director at the Saudi Pro League.

It kicked off with a look at the historical evolution of traditional sports media, and how digital technologies have transformed traditional sports, from the early days of radio broadcasts to today’s sophisticated streaming services. In parallel, esports have seen meteoric growth, with live-streaming platforms and social media playing a pivotal role in its rise.

Chen set the stage by addressing the financial dynamics reshaping the esports sector. He highlighted a significant transformation in funding patterns, where the world is witnessing a pivotal shift from investing heavily in esports teams to focusing on broader components such as game studios and creator tools.

This change, he said, comes in response to the challenges faced by team-based investments and the increasing importance of new technologies like AI and VR in enhancing fan engagement.

Shanks provided a glimpse into how traditional sports broadcasting is evolving to integrate esports elements. He stressed the importance of blending esports aesthetics with traditional sports coverage.

He also discussed the challenge of creating a “connective tissue” that links traditional sports fandom with esports. He said that the goal is to forge a deeper, more personal connection for fans through virtual reality and other immersive technologies, bridging the gap between physical and digital experiences.

Meanwhile, Metzger addressed the shifting investment landscape in gaming and esports. He noted a reduction in valuations and deal flow following the COVID-19 pandemic, but highlighted the current resurgence in investment activity. He pointed to an increase in funding for early-stage companies and esports infrastructure, as well as significant investments from local athletes and international tech giants.

Metzger added that with a growing interest in VR and AI, and recent high-profile IPOs, the future looks promising for investors in this space.

Speakers also discussed the impact of technology on enhancing competitiveness and fan engagement in sports. They stressed the importance of learning from esports to improve traditional sports’ appeal, adding that esports teaches how to create multiple narrative perspectives and interactive experiences, which are essential for engaging today’s younger audiences.

Innovations like customizable VR experiences and real-time stats integration were praised by the panel for offering fans a more personalized viewing experience. They argued that these technologies could be adapted to traditional sports to create a more dynamic and engaging spectator experience.

The panel concluded with a discussion on how traditional sports can learn from esports in terms of fan engagement and content delivery, with bin Homran highlighting the potential for integrating in-game customizations and real-time highlights to attract younger audiences. He stressed the importance of creating engaging, interactive experiences that cater to the digital-native generation.

“I think the integration of the in-game customizations is really important. I think one of the most important things that esports fans love to customize things in their games. They like to have a specific skin. They like to have a specific NBA item that they love to be recognized with,” he said.

He added: “At this moment, we have a lot of sports figures that are involved more in esports, like Neymar, or the other athletes that are investing more in esports, and they are leading the traditional fans to all esports.”


Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

Updated 24 August 2024
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Patrice Evra: ‘E-sports can be 10 times bigger than football’

  • Ex-Manchester United star: ‘This generation want gaming. It can be bigger than football 100%’
  • Final day of New Global Sport Conference takes place at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on Sunday

RIYADH: Electronic sports can be “10 times bigger than football,” former Manchester United player Patrice Evra said at the New Global Sport Conference 2024 on Saturday.
Evra, 43, a UEFA Champions League and five-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, spoke as a panelist at the NGSC, a two-day conference being held at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.
The former left-back spoke at a session called “Becoming a Modern Sports Hero — Sports, Gaming and the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence” alongside Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, the Brazilian national who is a star Counter-Strike II player for FURIA Esports.
The session explored how modern-day sports stars have redefined excellence in their respective fields, and parallels between traditional sports and competitive gaming, delving into the mindset, dedication and strategies that propel each to the pinnacle of their careers.
Speaking on the sidelines of the NGSC, Evra said: “Without hesitation, e-sports can be bigger than football — e-sports can be 10 times bigger than football.
“This is the new generation. Don’t forget, old school, our parents didn’t let us play (gaming), so we couldn’t do it. This generation want gaming. It can be bigger than football 100 percent.
“You can see the fans in the arenas where all these gaming competitions happen, like at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh … It’s serious. Kids have time to play and love it.
“The professionals train eight hours per day; footballers train two, maximum three hours per day. It’s going to be so big.”
FalleN, 33, told the conference: “I started playing when I was a kid. I was part of the first generation who knew what e-sports could be. I’m very happy I pursued my dreams and very happy to be here now.”
The second edition of the NGSC, themed “The Future of Fandom,” is hosting more than 60 global speakers, 200 CEOs and 1,200 attendees.


Lessons in resilience from football legend Patrice Evra and esports star FalleN

Updated 05 September 2024
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Lessons in resilience from football legend Patrice Evra and esports star FalleN

  • The message of the two stars to the next generation of athletes and gamers included being passionate about life

RIYADH: A footballing icon and esports star have revealed the untold truths of maintaining excellence in traditional and modern sports at the New Global Sports Conference in Riyadh.

In a discussion on the “Becoming a Modern Day Sports Hero” panel, former Manchester United star Patrice Evra and Counter-Strike titan Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo shared their personal struggles and triumphs.

While reaching the pinnacle of success may be challenging, staying at the top demands unmatched resilience, discipline and an unwavering commitment to personal and collective growth, they said.

“The key words are resilience and discipline,” said Evra, who also played for the French national team for more than a decade. “It’s easy to reach the top of the pyramid, but to stay at the top, that’s when it’s difficult.”

Toledo, of Brazil’s FURIA Esports, discussed the parallels between traditional sports and esports with Evra. The two stars highlighted the personal and external motivators that led them to decorated careers.

The Brazilian said that for the first 10 ten years of his career, his parents were against the idea of their son going into professional gaming. Toledo admitted he had doubts and believed that “gaming wasn’t a reality at the time.” But his hobby soon began to feel like a real opportunity, though no one else could see it at the time.

Starting out in Brazil, Toledo began by watching established European gaming competitions and professional players. “Then I was able to start competing against them,” he said. “Then I was able to be part of the best team in the world for two years in a row.”

When asked how players maintain the physical and mental requirements of professional sport, both stars admitted to suffering a mental toll due to the immense pressure of outperforming themselves every single day.

However, Evra added: “Being depressed when you play at the highest level is a luxury. You can’t afford that because you have too much responsibility, and too many people counting on you. You can’t let them down.”

The players also talked about the necessary sacrifices that go along with ambition — the dark side of success.

Evra told a short story about his son, Lenny, who, aged three, said that he hated Manchester United because “they took my dad away.”

For Toledo, there was a surprising physical toll in practicing Counter-Strike for hours on end. The Brazilian star has suffered recurring lower back issues due to sitting, and advised all young gamers to take physical fitness and ergonomics seriously.

He touched on the importance of etiquette as well, warning that gamers often forget they are talking to other people who have real reactions and emotions.

Toledo warned aspiring esports players to avoid “losing yourself in the ecstasy of gaming.”

The message of the two stars to the next generation of athletes and gamers included being passionate about life, dedicating all efforts to achieving the best possible outcomes for themselves and the people around them, pushing for the collective good as they strive for individual success, and, most importantly, forgetting about a plan B.

“I never fix a goal in my life,” Evra said. “Sometimes you don’t reach it, you get disappointed. So, I just push myself, push myself to be the best every single day.”

Evra added that at the beginning of his career, he made his first promise to his mother: “Mom, when I sign my first professional contract, I will buy you a house.”

That promise was kept when Evra went from a kid playing on the street to a decorated footballer.