Gaming
Pokémon GO wins the ‘Best Ongoing Game’ award
Mumbai: Pokémon GO, one of the leading augmented reality mobile games by Niantic has been recognised with Google Play’s ‘Best Ongoing Game’ award in India in 2023. This recognition is a testament to Pokémon GO’s continuous efforts towards engaging players for seven years since the launch and the game’s evident success in delivering captivating, augmented reality experiences, innovative blend of technology, and community interaction which resonates with millions of trainers across India and the world.
Since the launch of Pokémon GO in 2016, Niantic has demonstrated unwavering dedication towards engaging Pokémon fans around the globe and persuading them to explore their neighbourhoods. With the introduction of exciting features, events, in-game rewards, and innovative updates to the game and underlying technology at regular intervals, the company has always prioritized the enrichment of Pokémon GO adventure and successfully created an ever-evolving and immersive experience for the trainers. Niantic recently added Hindi language support to the game to allow a wider audience in India to make themselves a part of the Pokémon GO universe.
Niantic VP for emerging markets Omar Tellez, on the announcement, said, “The acknowledgment of Pokémon GO as the Best Ongoing Game on Google Play in India is a celebration of the collaborative spirit that defines Niantic and our incredible community. This recognition reflects our Trainers’ and communities’ uninterrupted love which has been only growing with each passing year since we introduced the game to this world in 2016. We are grateful to each of our Indian Trainers for contributing to our commitment towards expanding the community and delighted to see new Trainers embarking on their Pokémon adventures.”
This award is a celebration of shared passion that unites Pokémon GO’s global community making the game a timeless adventure transcending beyond boundaries and welcoming all to immerse into augmented reality experiences.
Please be aware of your surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing Pokémon GO.
Gaming
Skyesports, GodLike Esports sign MoU with Maharashtra Cyber
Partnership promotes esports growth and cyber hygiene across the state.
MUMBAI: Skyesports and Godlike Esports just teamed up with Maharashtra Cyber because when you’re levelling up gaming in India, even the police want to join the squad. Skyesports, India’s leading esports and gaming IP builder, and premier organisation Godlike Esports have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Cyber, the state’s nodal cyber security office, to foster esports development while embedding cyber hygiene and online safety practices across Maharashtra.
The agreement, formalised during a closed-door meeting in Mumbai, aligns with the state’s push to grow the orange economy and positions Maharashtra as a rising hub for digital gaming and esports. It emphasises responsible participation, cyber awareness and safe digital conduct among gamers and youth.
Under the MoU, Skyesports will organise and promote tournaments and community initiatives infused with cyber hygiene messaging. GodLike Esports will contribute through professional player mentorship, community engagement and awareness programmes encouraging positive behaviour. Maharashtra Cyber will support safety campaigns and promote responsible online practices within the ecosystem.
Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “The growth of esports requires strong collaboration between the industry and government stakeholders. This MoU with Maharashtra Cyber represents an important step toward strengthening Maharashtra’s esports ecosystem through responsible gaming initiatives and grassroots engagement.”
Maharashtra Cyber additional director general of police Yashasvi Yadav added, “As esports continues to grow rapidly among young audiences, it is equally important to promote safe and responsible digital practices within the gaming ecosystem.”
Godlike Esports, founder Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude noted, “The true growth of esports in India lies in strengthening its roots at the grassroots level. This collaboration will support the state’s vision of building a strong and sustainable esports ecosystem.”
Eyrie Entertainment will cover and amplify Maharashtra Cyber’s cyber awareness activities across events and campaigns.
The partnership reflects a forward-looking effort to nurture Maharashtra’s esports talent pipeline while ensuring rapid growth is matched by strong digital safety guardrails. Further initiatives, tournaments and outreach programmes are expected to be announced soon.
In a state where gaming is levelling up faster than broadband speeds, this MoU isn’t just paperwork, it’s a power-up that turns players into safer, smarter pros, one secure headshot at a time.
