iWorld
Qyuki Digital Media co-founder and managing director Samir Bangara passes away
MUMBAI: Qyuki Digital Media co-founder and managing director Samir Bangara passed away in a car accident on 14 June.
Amidst his colourful multi-dimensional career, he also led digital for the Disney group in India as managing director – digital with the responsibility of integrating and growing the businesses of Indiagames, Disney Interactive and UTV Interactive. He founded Qyuki Digital Media in 2013.
Several Bollywood celebrities have mourned the loss on Twitter.
Just heard that @samirbangara is no more. Horrible, heartbreaking news. Man's been a friend for a long time. Such a good guy, so straight-up. Helped so many people build careers out of nothing! His legacy will remain.
Much love & strength to the family.
2020, enough please!
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) June 14, 2020
Terrible news RIP @samirbangara – such a sharp mind, ambitious and a gentleman- we worked so well so many years – only the best of memories – so sudden – strength to the family and the children
— Ronnie Screwvala (@RonnieScrewvala) June 14, 2020
I lost my super power today @samirbangara you have been a mentor / friend / business guide and the biggest cheer leader…. you belived in me like no one else in this world.
what happens to our afternoon catch up call today.
Can’t believe this. Please come back 🙁
— Guneet Monga (@guneetm) June 14, 2020
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.
