Pixel P&L: Krafton’s Rising Star Scheme and NIP’s $40M Windfall

Good morning everyone! We cover the launch of Krafton’s ‘Rising Star’ Program, NIP Group’s $40 Million fundraise from Abu Dhabi, IGX 2025’s postponement and more in today’s edition.

Krafton India Launches Program for Emerging Talent

KRAFTON India Esports has launched the ‘Rising Star’ Program aimed at empowering aspiring esports athletes and content creators, as announced on January 21, 2025. This initiative seeks to identify and nurture emerging talent within India's burgeoning esports landscape.

The program offers mentorship focusing on skill development in live streaming, content creation, and personal branding, providing participants with a comprehensive foundation for success. Aspiring candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 1,000 followers on social media platforms and participation in at least two official BGMI events.

Karan Pathak , Associate Director of Esports at KRAFTON India, emphasized that the program reflects the company's commitment to fostering a sustainable esports ecosystem. “Through grassroots development and unparalleled opportunities, this program aspires to strengthen the foundation of competitive gaming while inspiring a new generation of players and content creators,” he said.

NIP Group Secures $40M Funding from ADIO to Boost MENA Gaming

NIP Group Inc. has secured a landmark partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), receiving up to $40 million in funding over four years to bolster its expansion in the Middle East. The five-year agreement, announced on January 21, 2025, will see NIP Group establish its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The partnership aims to create a thriving local gaming ecosystem, with NIP Group contributing to job creation and advising ADIO on gaming strategies. ADIO's support will include access to financial and non-financial resources, facilitating NIP Group's growth across various verticals such as esports operations, game publishing, and talent management.

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?Quick Bytes

• IGX 2025 Postponed Indefinitely: The Indian Gaming Expo (IGX) 2025, scheduled for January 24-25, 2025, at Nesco Ground in Mumbai, has been postponed, sources told the Pixel P&L team. Tickets will be refunded.?

• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Ban Lifted in the U.S.: The game has been unbanned just 48 hours after its suspension. The game's developer, Moonton, announced that players can now access the title without any additional actions needed. Players will receive in-game rewards as compensation for the downtime.

• U.S. Firm Raises $5M to Build AI Detection Platform: AI or Not has secured $5 million in seed funding to enhance its platform aimed at combating AI fraud, deepfakes, and misinformation. The funding will accelerate the development of its "AI to detect AI" technology.

?? Did You Know?

Stanford researchers discovered that adults who played Pokémon extensively as children have a specific brain region that lights up when they see Pokémon characters. This region, called the occipitotemporal sulcus, is linked to visual processing of familiar objects. The study highlights how repeated childhood exposure to distinct visual stimuli, like Pokémon characters, can shape brain development in remarkable ways. Researchers suggest this phenomenon stems from the unique combination of detailed visuals, repetitive exposure, and focused attention required by the game.

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