iWorld
Likee backs PM’s call for social distancing
MUMBAI: Short video platform Likee has taken yet another step towards fulfilling its corporate social responsibility by urging all to comply with Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Indian government’s call for staying at homes during the lockdown triggered by COVID-19 aka Coronavirus pandemic. The message was also conveyed by the global platform on some of the most reputed TV news channels during PM Modi’s address to the nation formally announcing the lockdown extension.
The platform, home to tens of millions of users from India as well as other countries, has constantly been striving to ensure that its users adhere to social distancing and bolster the worldwide war against the dreaded novel virus. One #LockdownkiHalat hashtag, which is among the top trends on the app, asked all users to share how they are spending time at their homes during the (previously 21 days’) lockdown to save themselves and the society on the whole. The hashtag clocked more than 211 million views. The app also has a dedicated COVID-19 dashboard, furnishing data from different states in India as well as other countries, sourced from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare along with the World Health Organization (WHO).
Taking the stride further, the global app by Singapore-based BIGO Technology Pte Ltd has now asked all to #StayHomeWithLikee. As part of the initiative, Likers have been asked to indulge in creative video making and spend their lockdown time with a positive spirit. Likee influencers including Anushka Sen, who is a popular television actress, too will create and post videos around the theme.
Recently, Likee partnered with Jjust Music and Cape of Good Films to promote #MuskurayegaIndia, which is an attempt by the Bollywood fraternity to spread positivity in these trying times and reassuring that India will smile again. PM Modi himself had taken to microblogging site Twitter to post the music video of the song that starred superstar Akshay Kumar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Kriti Sanon and Ananya Pandey, among others. Actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and Bollywood singer Palak Muchhal went live on Likee to spread the message among users that everyone needed to stay home and stay safe.
Likee spokesperson Mike Ong said, “Likee is always committed to undertake social responsibility and make a contribution to the local society. With a variety of initiatives to support the efforts of the Indian government, Likee has emerged as a responsible global platform in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
