https://www.scmp.com/rss/326784/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Lynn Farah Lynn Farah Streaming platform Twitch is turning its most followed stars into mega millionaires. A new generation of social media stars, Twitch streamers can potentially earn big bucks from sponsorships, advertising revenue, influencer partnership programmes, tiered subscriptions, merch sales and tips from their subscribers. Here are some of the richest Twitch streamers at the time of writing, according to Celebrity Net Worth’s calculations. 8. Raúl Álvarez Genes (AuronPlay), 36 Estimated net worth: US$10... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3293761/8-richest-twitch-streamers-2025-net-worths-ranked-ninja-and-shroud-youtuber-pewdiepie-and-onlyfans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3293761/8-richest-twitch-streamers-2025-net-worths-ranked-ninja-and-shroud-youtuber-pewdiepie-and-onlyfans?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:00:36 +0000 Blizzard Entertainment, the video game giant behind World of Warcraft, is resuming its partnership with NetEase under its new owner Microsoft, marking a revival of the most enduring US-China video game partnership that had an acrimonious break-up over a year ago. Confirming an earlier South China Morning Post report, the two companies renewed a publishing agreement that will cover games under the previous arrangement, including World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and other titles in the Warcraft,... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3258471/microsofts-blizzard-resumes-netease-partnership-bringing-world-warcraft-back-chinese-players-after?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3258471/microsofts-blizzard-resumes-netease-partnership-bringing-world-warcraft-back-chinese-players-after?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Apr 2024 05:10:40 +0000 Blizzard Entertainment, the video game giant behind of World of Warcraft, and long-time Chinese partner NetEase are expected to announce a new deal this week that will allow for a highly anticipated comeback to the country. The two companies are expected to announce on Wednesday that they have reached a new agreement for the distribution of Blizzard titles in China, according to a person familiar with the matter who declined to be named, confirming local media reports. However, it could take at... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3258405/blizzard-entertainment-and-netease-renew-partnership-week-bringing-games-world-warcraft-back-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3258405/blizzard-entertainment-and-netease-renew-partnership-week-bringing-games-world-warcraft-back-china?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:00:36 +0000 Tencent Holdings, the world’s largest video games publisher by revenue, is bringing popular shooting game Valorant developed by subsidiary Riot Games to mainland China, three years after its global debut as it seeks to bolster its domestic market position. Riot Games, which became a subsidiary of Tencent in 2011, is also the developer of League of Legends, a game which underpinned Tencent’s rise as a global gaming power. Tencent said Valorant is its “most important game published this year” and... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3227334/tencent-launch-hit-game-valorant-china-it-seeks-domestic-successor-league-legends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3227334/tencent-launch-hit-game-valorant-china-it-seeks-domestic-successor-league-legends?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Jul 2023 23:00:14 +0000 NetEase, China’s second-largest video gaming company, has slapped World of Warcraft creator Blizzard Entertainment with a lawsuit in a Shanghai court to demand 300 million yuan (US$45 million) in compensation, according to local reports, plunging the end of their 14-year business partnership on the mainland last January into controversy. The lawsuit was filed by NetEase affiliate Shanghai EaseNet Network Technology after a dispute arose from the US video game publisher’s move to suspend services... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3218341/chinese-video-gaming-giant-netease-slaps-blizzard-entertainment-lawsuit-shanghai-after-14-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3218341/chinese-video-gaming-giant-netease-slaps-blizzard-entertainment-lawsuit-shanghai-after-14-year?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:30:09 +0000 On the day that Petr Wang, a 24-year-old university student living in southeast China, found out that US game developer Blizzard Entertainment was ending its 14-year licensing partnership with NetEase to bring its popular titles on the mainland, he decided it was time to abandon StarCraft. It was a hard decision for Wang, who became a fan of the military sci-fi franchise at age 11 and still has cherished memories of watching live streams of the game. “I was disappointed, angry and a bit numb,... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3207602/blizzard-game-fans-china-bid-farewell-beloved-titles-world-warcraft-licensing-pact-netease-ends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3207602/blizzard-game-fans-china-bid-farewell-beloved-titles-world-warcraft-licensing-pact-netease-ends?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Jan 2023 01:00:18 +0000 US video game publisher Blizzard Entertainment will next Monday suspend the operations of World of Warcraft and its other popular online games in mainland China, following failed talks with NetEase for a six-month extension of their licensing agreement. Hangzhou-based NetEase rejected the proposed extension offered by Blizzard last week, according to a statement on Tuesday posted by the US firm’s local office on Chinese microblogging service Weibo. The short-term extension was an option under... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3207139/us-publisher-blizzard-pushes-ahead-suspension-games-china-after-netease-rejects-six-month-extension?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3207139/us-publisher-blizzard-pushes-ahead-suspension-games-china-after-netease-rejects-six-month-extension?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Jan 2023 13:00:12 +0000 Chinese video gaming giant NetEase is disbanding the local team responsible for operating titles licensed from US game publisher Blizzard Entertainment, according to three people familiar with the matter, as the two parties put an end to one of the most profitable and enduring US-China business partnerships in the world’s largest video gaming market. The Shanghai-based unit under Shanghai EaseNet Network Technology, an affiliate of NetEase – China’s second-largest video gaming company by revenue... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3206753/netease-team-handling-blizzard-games-china-dissolve-14-year-partnership-comes-end?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3206753/netease-team-handling-blizzard-games-china-dissolve-14-year-partnership-comes-end?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Jan 2023 12:30:16 +0000 World of Warcraft, the globally popular game developed by US studio and publisher Blizzard Entertainment, has asked mainland China-based players to download gaming data onto their own devices, as it struggles to find a new distributor in the country after announcing the end of a 14-year partnership with NetEase. “The World of Warcraft team is working hard to develop a function that will allow you to save your game characters, props, and progress in the world of Azeroth on your personal devices... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3203166/blizzard-asks-world-warcraft-players-china-download-game-data-its-partnership-netease-ends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3203166/blizzard-asks-world-warcraft-players-china-download-game-data-its-partnership-netease-ends?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Dec 2022 15:00:10 +0000 Activision Blizzard has launched a sequel to its critically acclaimed Overwatch video game, providing the US game publisher a boost in an otherwise slow year for new releases. The changes in Overwatch 2 are more about ways to monetise the free-to-play game rather than the gameplay itself. The original Overwatch, which was released six years ago, remains one of the most celebrated games of all time – an obsession-worthy hero shooter for all skill levels set in a utopian, multicultural vision for... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3194878/overwatch-2-finally-here-free-play-and-already-under-attack?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3194878/overwatch-2-finally-here-free-play-and-already-under-attack?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:15:10 +0000 A South Korean professional video gamer has described the “unspeakable” racism he has suffered while based in Texas in a clip that has gone viral on social media, sparking condemnation of the abuse. The United States has seen a surge in anti-Asian violence in the past year, which activists have blamed on former president Donald Trump’s rhetoric, especially his repeated description of Covid-19 as the “China virus”. Lee Eui-seok, who plays the game Overwatch for the team Dallas Fuel under the name... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3128838/korean-gamer-lee-eui-seok-describes-racism-us-being-asian-here?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3128838/korean-gamer-lee-eui-seok-describes-racism-us-being-asian-here?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:50:45 +0000 I am writing in response to your report, “Esports transformed this Hong Kong teen with learning disabilities. Can education sector adopt online gaming?” (November 22). The challenges faced by students with special education needs (SEN) – such as those with specific learning difficulties, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, speech and language impairment or intellectual disability – have again come under the spotlight recently as schooling remains disrupted by the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3111489/why-hong-kong-should-try-online-gaming-help-special-needs-students?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3111489/why-hong-kong-should-try-online-gaming-help-special-needs-students?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Nov 2020 22:10:07 +0000 Video games have been seeing exceptional growth during the coronavirus pandemic that has shut down real-world activity and kept billions indoors – and it’s not just the usual young crowd who has been playing. Evidence of the gaming surge was seen in strong results last week from Activision Blizzard, which said an average of 102 million people played its games such as Call of Duty online every month during the first quarter of this year. The company reported growth in titles such as Overwatch,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3083539/gaming-leads-entertainment-industry-call-duty-candy-crush?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3083539/gaming-leads-entertainment-industry-call-duty-candy-crush?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2020 14:00:05 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS China loves Blizzard. But some fans think the developer behind beloved games like World of Warcraft and Overwatch may soon find its true calling: Becoming an animation studio. Blizzard fans in China are excited about news that Blizzard is adapting Overwatch and Diablo into animated series, with Diablo reportedly being turned into an anime series for Netflix. The excitement comes shortly after fans were widely disappointed with the game Warcraft III:... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3051037/chinese-fans-say-blizzard-found-true-calling-diablo-anime-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3051037/chinese-fans-say-blizzard-found-true-calling-diablo-anime-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:40:39 +0000 China loves Blizzard. But some fans think the developer behind beloved games like World of Warcraft and Overwatch may soon find its true calling: Becoming an animation studio. Blizzard fans in China are excited about news that Blizzard is adapting Overwatch and Diablo into animated series, with Diablo reportedly being turned into an anime series for Netflix. The excitement comes shortly after fans were widely disappointed with the game Warcraft III: Reforged, prompting jokes about the developer... https://www.scmp.com/games/chinese-fans-say-blizzard-found-true-calling-diablo-anime-and-overwatch-cartoon/article/3050968?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/games/chinese-fans-say-blizzard-found-true-calling-diablo-anime-and-overwatch-cartoon/article/3050968?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Feb 2020 13:40:38 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS While China’s general public is gaming a lot more recently as the novel coronavirus keeps people at home, esports professionals who have to play in public arenas are seeing league games and tournaments being postponed and canceled. Tencent said that esports leagues for PUBG, League of Legends, CrossFire and CrossFire Mobile have decided that games scheduled in February are postponed, citing public health threats. Overwatch League also announced that... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/news-bites/article/3048454/coronavirus-fears-lead-pubg-and-overwatch-leagues-reschedule?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/news-bites/article/3048454/coronavirus-fears-lead-pubg-and-overwatch-leagues-reschedule?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Jan 2020 10:48:46 +0000 While China’s general public is gaming a lot more recently as the novel coronavirus keeps people at home, esports professionals who have to play in public arenas are seeing league games and tournaments being postponed and canceled. Tencent said that esports leagues for PUBG, League of Legends, CrossFire and CrossFire Mobile have decided that games scheduled in February are postponed, citing public health threats. Overwatch League also announced that matches in China are canceled through at least... https://www.scmp.com/china-tech-city/coronavirus-fears-lead-pubg-and-overwatch-leagues-reschedule-china-games/article/3048427?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/china-tech-city/coronavirus-fears-lead-pubg-and-overwatch-leagues-reschedule-china-games/article/3048427?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 Jan 2020 10:48:44 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS It’s a familiar story: A company finds a game that's popular worldwide and meticulously clones it. The game’s look, feel and design are all quickly copied in an effort to capitalize on the original’s craze, usually by offering the clone on a platform the original isn’t on. The tactic is often seen in China. The country’s developers has produced mobile games that seem to take an awful lot of inspiration from popular games like Overwatch, The Legend of... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3044873/chinas-culture-cloning-popular-games-finally-ending?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3044873/chinas-culture-cloning-popular-games-finally-ending?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jan 2020 10:26:24 +0000 It’s a familiar story: A company finds a game that's popular worldwide and meticulously clones it. The game’s look, feel and design are all quickly copied in an effort to capitalize on the original’s craze, usually by offering the clone on a platform the original isn’t on. The tactic is often seen in China. The country’s developers has produced mobile games that seem to take an awful lot of inspiration from popular games like Overwatch, The Legend of Zelda, and a myriad of PUBG-like... https://www.scmp.com/games/chinas-culture-cloning-popular-games-finally-ending/article/3044074?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/games/chinas-culture-cloning-popular-games-finally-ending/article/3044074?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Jan 2020 10:26:21 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS In a landmark case this week, a Chinese court awarded Blizzard and NetEase more than US$565,000 in a copyright infringement case. Two games from China’s 4399 Network and its subsidiary were accused of copying Overwatch, a globally popular shooter game.  Images posted on the court’s Weibo account show visual similarities between the clones and Overwatch. The ruling finds that the Chinese games copied core elements and designs from Overwatch, including... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/news-bites/article/3037901/overwatch-wins-china-lawsuit-over-game-clones?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/news-bites/article/3037901/overwatch-wins-china-lawsuit-over-game-clones?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Nov 2019 07:04:13 +0000 In a landmark case this week, a Chinese court awarded Blizzard and NetEase more than US$565,000 in a copyright infringement case. Two games from China’s 4399 Network and its subsidiary were accused of copying Overwatch, a globally popular shooter game.  Images posted on the court’s Weibo account show visual similarities between the clones and Overwatch. The ruling finds that the Chinese games copied core elements and designs from Overwatch, including character appearance, skills, map routes, and... https://www.scmp.com/china-tech-city/overwatch-wins-china-lawsuit-over-game-clones/article/3037850?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/china-tech-city/overwatch-wins-china-lawsuit-over-game-clones/article/3037850?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 Nov 2019 07:04:12 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS With protests outside and many more watching closely online, Blizzard’s biggest annual event saw the company walk a careful tightrope. On the one hand, there are American fans who accuse the company of pandering to China by punishing an esports player for shouting a Hong Kong protest slogan. And on the other there’s China, the world’s biggest gaming market, which cheered Blizzard’s punishment and subsequent statement to “firmly safeguard national... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3036304/chinese-gamers-think-blizzard-supports-them-after-vague-apology?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3036304/chinese-gamers-think-blizzard-supports-them-after-vague-apology?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:51:37 +0000 With protests outside and many more watching closely online, Blizzard’s biggest annual event saw the company walk a careful tightrope. On the one hand, there are American fans who accuse the company of pandering to China by punishing an esports player for shouting a Hong Kong protest slogan. And on the other there’s China, the world’s biggest gaming market, which cheered Blizzard’s punishment and subsequent statement to “firmly safeguard national dignity.” Blizzard president J. Allen Brack... https://www.scmp.com/games/chinese-gamers-think-blizzard-supports-them-after-vague-apology/article/3036258?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/games/chinese-gamers-think-blizzard-supports-them-after-vague-apology/article/3036258?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:51:35 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Tarsa Yuen has a vested interest in this year’s BlizzCon, and it’s not just about the games. “I want [Hong Kong’s] protest anthems to be chanted during the event,” she said. Yuen is a Hong Kong-American high school student who will be tuning in for this year’s BlizzCon, the annual conference in Anaheim, California held by the US game developer Blizzard. She’s just one of many who will be live-streaming online. Many others will be showing up in person to... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3035987/will-blizzcon-become-latest-battleground-hong-kong-protests?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3035987/will-blizzcon-become-latest-battleground-hong-kong-protests?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Nov 2019 08:59:54 +0000 Tarsa Yuen has a vested interest in this year’s BlizzCon, and it’s not just about the games. “I want [Hong Kong’s] protest anthems to be chanted during the event,” he said. Yuen is a Hong Kong-American high school student who will be tuning in for this year’s BlizzCon, the annual conference in Anaheim, California held by the US game developer Blizzard. He’s just one of many who will be live-streaming online. Many others will be showing up in person to protest at the Anaheim Convention Center... https://www.scmp.com/games/will-blizzcon-become-latest-battleground-hong-kong-protests/article/3035892?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/games/will-blizzcon-become-latest-battleground-hong-kong-protests/article/3035892?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2019 13:26:31 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Tencent’s newest first-person shooter game Ace Force is basically Overwatch lite for mobile. But on closer inspection, it’s also reminiscent of both Apex Legends and Borderlands. And it might be as good as a hero shooter gets on a smartphone. Before the game was even released this week, Ace Force racked up more than 13 million pre-registrations in China. Once released, it jumped to the top of the iOS download chart, and it’s already one of the country’s... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3029545/ace-force-basically-overwatch-mobile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3029545/ace-force-basically-overwatch-mobile?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Aug 2019 14:13:10 +0000 Tencent’s newest first-person shooter game Ace Force is basically Overwatch lite for mobile. But on closer inspection, it’s also reminiscent of both Apex Legends and Borderlands. And it might be as good as a hero shooter gets on a smartphone. Before the game was even released this week, Ace Force racked up more than 13 million pre-registrations in China. Once released, it jumped to the top of the iOS download chart, and it’s already one of the country’s top 25 highest-grossing games on Apple... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/ace-force-basically-overwatch-mobile/article/3022964?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/ace-force-basically-overwatch-mobile/article/3022964?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Aug 2019 14:13:10 +0000 In New York City, e-sports is about much more than just online competition. New York has a social community of gamers who are ready to show up, celebrate and support each other in a variety of games.   The vibrant spirit of New York City’s gaming scene led to the creation of AndBox, a new e-sports organisation dedicated to the city’s gaming culture. Founded by Sterling.VC — the same group that operates the New York Mets and Sportsnet New York — AndBox will operate two multi-million dollar... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/3014510/how-andbox-raising-bar-new-york-e-sport-gamers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/tech-design/article/3014510/how-andbox-raising-bar-new-york-e-sport-gamers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Jun 2019 06:00:11 +0000 “I can heal you as well as kill people. I have gotten about 1,000 points in this game. Do I sound cute, boss?” In a voice reminiscent of an anime schoolgirl, Luohai advertised herself to me in an online chat room, offering to be my gaming companion in Overwatch for the next hour.  I blushed at the sound of her voice, which sounded off-the-charts sweet, and I felt my heart racing. And that was just from her one-line audition. A few more people were lining up to audition for me in the chat room... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/game-companions-i-hired-three-women-play-online-games-me/article/3004161?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/game-companions-i-hired-three-women-play-online-games-me/article/3004161?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:24:34 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS “I can heal you as well as kill people. I have gotten about 1,000 points in this game. Do I sound cute, boss?” In a voice reminiscent of an anime schoolgirl, Luohai advertised herself to me in an online chat room, offering to be my gaming companion in Overwatch for the next hour.  I blushed at the sound of her voice, which sounded off-the-charts sweet, and I felt my heart racing. And that was just from her one-line audition. A few more people were... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3029255/game-companions-i-hired-three-women-play-online-games-me?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3029255/game-companions-i-hired-three-women-play-online-games-me?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:24:34 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS The Esports Awards is the scene’s big black tie event, where pro gamers and streamers sit alongside the heads of game publishers, cheering on as the stars of the industry receive awards for their achievements. And two games stood out this year: Blizzard Entertainment’s first-person shooter Overwatch, and Epic Games’ battle royale sensation Fortnite. How Fortnite and PUBG made battle royale the hottest trend in gaming Overwatch League celebrated an... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028969/overwatch-fortnite-and-ninja-win-big-esports-awards-2018?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028969/overwatch-fortnite-and-ninja-win-big-esports-awards-2018?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Nov 2018 12:28:16 +0000 The Esports Awards is the scene’s big black tie event, where pro gamers and streamers sit alongside the heads of game publishers, cheering on as the stars of the industry receive awards for their achievements. And two games stood out this year: Blizzard Entertainment’s first-person shooter Overwatch, and Epic Games’ battle royale sensation Fortnite.   Overwatch League celebrated an incredibly successful inaugural season in 2018, with the OWL Finals drawing in 10.8 million viewers globally across... https://www.scmp.com/esports/overwatch-fortnite-and-ninja-win-big-esports-awards-2018/article/2172876?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/esports/overwatch-fortnite-and-ninja-win-big-esports-awards-2018/article/2172876?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Nov 2018 12:28:16 +0000 Guangzhou Charge, Chengdu Hunters and possibly Hangzhou Spark. These are the three new Chinese Overwatch teams that will join the hapless Shanghai Dragons in representing China in the second season of the Overwatch League (OWL), slated to commence next February. The Guangzhou Charge, owned by the Nengking group, was the first Chinese expansion team to reveal its branding, following in the footsteps of three Western expansion teams: Toronto Defiant, Atlanta Reign, and Paris Eternal. The team... https://www.scmp.com/esports/guangzhou-charge-and-chengdu-hunters-are-new-chinese-overwatch-league-teams/article/2172765?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/esports/guangzhou-charge-and-chengdu-hunters-are-new-chinese-overwatch-league-teams/article/2172765?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:19:01 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Guangzhou Charge, Chengdu Hunters and possibly Hangzhou Spark. These are the three new Chinese Overwatch teams that will join the hapless Shanghai Dragons in representing China in the second season of the Overwatch League (OWL), slated to commence next February. The Guangzhou Charge, owned by the Nengking group, was the first Chinese expansion team to reveal its branding, following in the footsteps of three Western expansion teams: Toronto Defiant,... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3028965/guangzhou-charge-and-chengdu-hunters-are-new-chinese-overwatch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/culture/article/3028965/guangzhou-charge-and-chengdu-hunters-are-new-chinese-overwatch?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Nov 2018 11:19:01 +0000 The Overwatch Paris team doesn’t have a name yet, but it does have a roster. The team revealed its lineup on Twitter, beating other expansion teams to the punch. STAND WITH US Here come our players for the #OWL2019 : @SoOn99 ⚔️ @SDBurnOW @NiCOgdh @danye_ow @HyP_ow @KruiseOW @BenBest_Ow @FinnsiOW @LhCloudy @baemoN @Its_MDW EU is getting stronger #HelloParis pic.twitter.com/zJ6M2zCoGw — Paris OWL (@OverwatchParis) October 23, 2018 Among them are French players SoOn and NiCO, who are competing in... https://www.scmp.com/esports/paris-becomes-first-overwatch-league-expansion-team-reveal-roster/article/2169903?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/esports/paris-becomes-first-overwatch-league-expansion-team-reveal-roster/article/2169903?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Oct 2018 10:15:15 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS The Overwatch Paris team doesn’t have a name yet, but it does have a roster. The team revealed its lineup on Twitter, beating other expansion teams to the punch. STAND WITH US Here come our players for the #OWL2019 : @SoOn99 ⚔️ @SDBurnOW @NiCOgdh @danye_ow @HyP_ow @KruiseOW @BenBest_Ow @FinnsiOW @LhCloudy @baemoN @Its_MDW EU is getting stronger #HelloParis pic.twitter.com/zJ6M2zCoGw — Paris OWL (@OverwatchParis) October 23, 2018 Among... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028918/paris-becomes-first-overwatch-league-expansion-team-reveal-roster?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028918/paris-becomes-first-overwatch-league-expansion-team-reveal-roster?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Oct 2018 10:15:15 +0000 There were high hopes for Shanghai Dragons. They were the first Chinese franchise team in Overwatch League and seemed to have a strong roster, with talented players, backed by gaming giant NetEase.   And then they set a new record by losing… and losing… and losing. Shanghai Dragons lost every game they played, for an overall record of 0-40. But they’re determined to change their fortunes in season two by signing on an all new roster -- of South Korean players. Announcement Please give your... https://www.scmp.com/esports/shanghai-dragons-turn-south-korean-talent-fresh-start/article/2169897?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/esports/shanghai-dragons-turn-south-korean-talent-fresh-start/article/2169897?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Oct 2018 10:15:11 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS There were high hopes for Shanghai Dragons. They were the first Chinese franchise team in Overwatch League and seemed to have a strong roster, with talented players, backed by gaming giant NetEase. Meet NetEase, China’s second-largest game publisher And then they set a new record by losing… and losing… and losing. Shanghai Dragons lost every game they played, for an overall record of 0-40. But they’re determined to change their fortunes in season... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3028917/shanghai-dragons-turn-south-korean-talent-fresh-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3028917/shanghai-dragons-turn-south-korean-talent-fresh-start?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 24 Oct 2018 10:15:11 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS The inaugural season of Overwatch League saw the rise of London Spitfire, as well as formidable players across the league. And now players and coaches must figure out if they stay with their current teams, or if they venture off for a fresh start. Want to watch Overwatch League? Start here! Throughout August, organizations were negotiating contracts with players. But anyone who didn’t sign a fresh contract are now free agents -- up for any new team... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028877/new-teams-new-faces-and-new-rosters-overwatch-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028877/new-teams-new-faces-and-new-rosters-overwatch-league?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Oct 2018 12:06:46 +0000 The inaugural season of Overwatch League saw the rise of London Spitfire, as well as formidable players across the league. And now players and coaches must figure out if they stay with their current teams, or if they venture off for a fresh start.   Throughout August, organizations were negotiating contracts with players. But anyone who didn’t sign a fresh contract are now free agents -- up for any new team to woo them into joining. There are eight new expansion teams in the league as well, and... https://www.scmp.com/esports/new-teams-new-faces-and-new-rosters-overwatch-league/article/2167740?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/esports/new-teams-new-faces-and-new-rosters-overwatch-league/article/2167740?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Oct 2018 12:06:46 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Teams in the Overwatch League are busy reshuffling their rosters for next season -- and it looks like the Shanghai Dragons are eager to leave the past behind. The team, owned by China’s NetEase, failed to win any of their 40 matches during the first season of Overwatch League. Now the team has announced that it’s releasing 8 of its 11 team members. They include three players -- Ado, Sky and Daemin -- who were only brought in at mid-season in a desperate... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3028785/lovable-losers-shanghai-dragons-purge-most-team-after-epic-overwatch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/tech/article/3028785/lovable-losers-shanghai-dragons-purge-most-team-after-epic-overwatch?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Sep 2018 10:24:59 +0000 Teams in the Overwatch League are busy reshuffling their rosters for next season -- and it looks like the Shanghai Dragons are eager to leave the past behind. The team, owned by China’s NetEase, failed to win any of their 40 matches during the first season of Overwatch League. Now the team has announced that it’s releasing 8 of its 11 team members. They include three players -- Ado, Sky and Daemin -- who were only brought in at mid-season in a desperate attempt to avoid further embarrassment.... https://www.scmp.com/esports/lovable-losers-shanghai-dragons-purge-most-team-after-epic-overwatch-league-losing-streak/article/2162518?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/esports/lovable-losers-shanghai-dragons-purge-most-team-after-epic-overwatch-league-losing-streak/article/2162518?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Sep 2018 10:24:59 +0000 The Overwatch World Cup is fast approaching. 24 nations spent the past couple months finalizing their rosters and making sure they have the best players possible. On Thursday, six teams from around the world will be kicking off the first group stage in Incheon, South Korea. Among them is Team Hong Kong, who competed in previous years but unfortunately never made it past the group stage. This year the roster is a blend of of Overwatch veterans and hopeful newcomers. But they’re in an interesting... https://www.scmp.com/team-hong-kong-reveal-struggles-ahead-overwatch-world-cup/article/2158388?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/team-hong-kong-reveal-struggles-ahead-overwatch-world-cup/article/2158388?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:00:30 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS The Overwatch World Cup is fast approaching. 24 nations spent the past couple months finalizing their rosters and making sure they have the best players possible. On Thursday, six teams from around the world will be kicking off the first group stage in Incheon, South Korea. Among them is Team Hong Kong, who competed in previous years but unfortunately never made it past the group stage. This year the roster is a blend of of Overwatch veterans and... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028738/team-hong-kong-reveal-struggles-ahead-overwatch-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028738/team-hong-kong-reveal-struggles-ahead-overwatch-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:00:30 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS I may be bloodthirsty in Arena of Valor, but in Overwatch I’m definitely more comfortable hanging out in the back, preferably healing people instead of trying to land those headshots. That being said, I’m kind of a pushover when it comes to hero selection. As much as I want to autolock Mercy every single game, I do sigh and click over to the tank hero pool when I see the dreaded “NO TANK” alert blinking on the side. In the spirit of teamwork, I started... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028729/space-hamsters-are-best-part-overwatch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028729/space-hamsters-are-best-part-overwatch?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Aug 2018 10:56:45 +0000 I may be bloodthirsty in Arena of Valor, but in Overwatch I’m definitely more comfortable hanging out in the back, preferably healing people instead of trying to land those headshots. That being said, I’m kind of a pushover when it comes to hero selection. As much as I want to autolock Mercy every single game, I do sigh and click over to the tank hero pool when I see the dreaded “NO TANK” alert blinking on the side. In the spirit of teamwork, I started off with Wrecking Ball -- also known as... https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/space-hamsters-are-best-part-overwatch/article/2159140?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/digital-life/space-hamsters-are-best-part-overwatch/article/2159140?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Aug 2018 10:56:45 +0000 Overwatch Summer Games are back! Starting August 9 (Thursday), we have new legendary skins to grind for all the way until the end of the month. The in-game cosmetics are a huge part of all special events. And Overwatch has been tweeting out short teasers ahead of this year’s Summer Games. Last year we got a fantastic dad skin for Soldier:76, and this year it looks like we’re getting a legendary beach mom skin for Ana: Cabana Ana. Here are all the new looks they’ve given a sneak peek of so... https://www.scmp.com/overwatch-summer-games-back-new-skins-and-collegiate-tournament/article/2158917?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/overwatch-summer-games-back-new-skins-and-collegiate-tournament/article/2158917?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Aug 2018 09:30:00 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS Overwatch Summer Games are back! Starting August 9 (Thursday), we have new legendary skins to grind for all the way until the end of the month. The in-game cosmetics are a huge part of all special events. And Overwatch has been tweeting out short teasers ahead of this year’s Summer Games. Last year we got a fantastic dad skin for Soldier:76, and this year it looks like we’re getting a legendary beach mom skin for Ana: Cabana Ana. Here are all the new... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028727/overwatch-summer-games-are-back-new-skins-and-collegiate-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028727/overwatch-summer-games-are-back-new-skins-and-collegiate-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Aug 2018 09:30:00 +0000 We’ve been expecting some roster changes in the Overwatch League as teams get ready for the new season. And we just got our first bombshell announcement. On Tuesday, Dallas Fuel’s flex player Brandon “Seagull” Larned announced that he’s retiring from professional play and returning to full-time streaming instead. I am no longer a professional OW player. Returning to full-time streaming starting today. — Brandon Larned (@A_Seagull) August 7, 2018 His abrupt statement shocked quite a few fans.... https://www.scmp.com/seagull-announces-hes-quitting-overwatch-league-going-back-streaming/article/2158729?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/seagull-announces-hes-quitting-overwatch-league-going-back-streaming/article/2158729?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:12:09 +0000 This article originally appeared on ABACUS We’ve been expecting some roster changes in the Overwatch League as teams get ready for the new season. And we just got our first bombshell announcement. On Tuesday, Dallas Fuel’s flex player Brandon “Seagull” Larned announced that he’s retiring from professional play and returning to full-time streaming instead. I am no longer a professional OW player. Returning to full-time streaming starting today. — Brandon Larned (@A_Seagull) August 7, 2018 His... https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028723/seagull-announces-hes-quitting-overwatch-league-going-back-streaming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3028723/seagull-announces-hes-quitting-overwatch-league-going-back-streaming?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Aug 2018 10:12:09 +0000