Pixel P&L: NH7 Weekender’s Bold Expansion Plan
Karnataka is doubling down on gaming with an Esports Summit and Game Developers Conference. NH7 Weekender is expanding into Jaipur, Indore, and Noida, tapping into new markets. In Myanmar, the first-ever Mobile Legends: Bang Bang league has launched, setting the stage for an esports push. More on these developments in today’s Pixel P&L.
NH7 Weekender Expands to Jaipur, Indore, Noida After Pune Setback
NH7 Weekender is expanding its footprint with day-long editions in Jaipur, Indore, and Noida this March, bringing its signature festival experience to new cities. The lineup features singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad, rap duo Seedhe Maut, folk-fusion pioneers Euphoria, and music legend Usha Uthup.
The Jaipur edition on March 28 at Zee Studios will spotlight local favorite Kuhad alongside Akshath and Frizzell D’Souza. On March 29, Indore welcomes Uthup, Euphoria, and fusion band The Western Ghats, while Noida hosts a hip-hop-heavy lineup, led by Seedhe Maut and featuring Chaar Diwaari and Yung Sammy.
“Entering these markets is in line with our vision of extending the NH7 experience nationwide,” said Nodwin Gaming’s Akshat Rathee. The expansion comes after the festival’s Pune edition was canceled last December due to last-minute law and order concerns.
Karnataka to Host Esports Summit, Game Developers Conference in 2025
Karnataka will host an Esports Summit and a Game Developers Conference later this year, the state’s minister for IT, Priyank Kharge, announced at Bengaluru GAFX 2025, underscoring efforts to strengthen the state’s gaming ecosystem. The initiatives aim to develop talent in competitive gaming and game design while fostering innovation in original IP.
Kharge highlighted Karnataka’s investments in incubators, Centers of Excellence, and skill development programs like Nipuna Karnataka to expand its AVGC-XR sector. He said the state’s policies and incentives are designed to position India as a global creative technology hub, transitioning Karnataka from a service provider to a leader in game development and content creation.
?? On Our Radar
Can Myanmar become South Asia’s next esports powerhouse??
MOONTON Games and Game Cast Network (GCN) are launching the country’s first professional Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) league, the Myanmar Super League (MSL), on March 14, 2025. It’s a bold move that could elevate Myanmar’s standing in the competitive gaming world or expose the limits of its esports ecosystem.
Myanmar has shown flashes of esports potential. The country has flirted with greatness before. Burmese Ghouls’ runner-up finish at the M2 World Championship and Falcon Esports’ Top 6 placement at M6 proved that Myanmar can compete at the highest levels. But these were isolated successes, not products of a sustained system. The arrival of a professional league could change that, providing much-needed infrastructure, offline events, and visibility for up-and-coming players.
Commercial interest is already following. Smartphone brand Infinix has signed on as the presenting partner, an early indication that brands see MLBB as a viable market in Myanmar. If MSL proves successful, it could set a precedent for more investment in the country’s gaming industry.
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?? Did You Know
Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise of all time, with an estimated $98.9 billion in total revenue since its debut in 1996. The bulk of its earnings—$91.6 billion—comes from retail sales, fueled by its massive trading card and merchandise empire. Mobile games like Pokémon GO have contributed another $6.13 billion, while the franchise’s box office earnings total $1.16 billion. Even its lesser-known ventures, such as jet aircraft liveries, have generated millions. With continued success across gaming, TV, and merchandise, Pokémon remains an unrivaled global phenomenon nearly three decades after its launch.
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