Gaming
Nazara Technologies acquires 60 per cent stake in Funky Monkeys Play Centre
MUMBAI: Nazara Technologies Ltd has acquired a controlling 60 per cent stake in Funky Monkeys Play Centre Pvt Ltd through a two-part transaction valued at approximately Rs 43.7 crore the company announced last week (on 24 February).
The gaming and sports media platform completed the acquisition through a combination of fresh equity subscription and purchase of shares from existing shareholders. Nazara first subscribed to 361,773 newly issued equity shares at Rs 10 each for Rs 15 crore, securing a 21.43 per cent stake in Funky Monkeys.
In the second leg of the transaction, also completed today, Nazara purchased an additional 651,204 shares from existing shareholders for Rs 28.7 crore, bringing its total ownership to 60 per cent of the play centre operator’s equity share capital.
As a result of the transaction, Funky Monkeys Play Centre has become a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, which had previously disclosed its acquisition plans in a regulatory filing on 2 December 2024.
The regulatory filing confirms that the transaction complies with Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, with Nazara having now informed stock exchanges of the completed acquisition.
Funky Monkeys operates indoor play centres for children across India, adding to Nazara’s growing portfolio of gaming and entertainment businesses.
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.
