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| (Image Source: Entrust) |
Entrust, a global leader in identity-centric security solutions, recently announced a partnership with PlaySafe ID, the platform that keeps cheaters, bots, and predators out of games. The partnership will power Playsafe ID’s secure onboarding and verification process using Entrust Identity Verification to enable seamless and secure onboarding experience for gamers worldwide. Built with a privacy-first mindset, Playsafe ID issues a verified, game-agnostic digital ID that confirms the human identity behind the account promoting accountability and improved protection for users, while still allowing them to remain anonymized. The platform aims to address wider issues that erode trust and enjoyment in online gaming communities such as cheating, hacking, bot activity, and inappropriate behaviour while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations such as the UK’s Online Safety Act.
Users create a Playsafe ID account and complete a quick and secure identity verification process powered by Entrust. Users simply take a photo of their government-issued ID and a short video selfie. Entrust identity verification first checks that the ID is genuine and not fraudulent and then matches it to the user’s face in the selfie video. This ensures the person presenting the identity is its legitimate owner and is physically present, mitigating identity fraud attempts such as stolen ID or deepfakes. Once verified, users receive a unique, random, and anonymized PlaySafe ID, granting access to PlaySafe-protected gaming and matchmaking with other verified gamers. The verification data is kept separate from the Playsafe ID, ensuring gamers remain anonymised during gameplay while knowing they are engaging with other legitimate verified players. “Gaming should be fun, fair, and safe for everyone. Our partnership with Entrust ensures that our user verification process is both secure and scalable, and also aligns with the values of frictionless user experience and privacy. Their technology will be instrumental in helping us build a future where fair play is the standard, and cheating, fraud and harmful behaviour are no longer tolerated,” said PlaySafe ID CEO Andrew Wailes.
This partnership will enable game providers and developers to prepare for the inbound Protection of Children Codes, now into force as part of the Online Safety Act which mandates that services accessed by children must manage risks and protect children from encountering harmful content. “We’re proud to join PlaySafe ID in their mission to make online gaming a safer place. Fraudulent activity online continues to grow both in scope and sophistication, and gaming environments are no exception. Our identity verification technology provides robust, high-assurance Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, offering gamers a seamless and secure onboarding experience. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a safer digital future and promoting trust, fairness, and safety within digital spaces,” said Entrust Head of Compliance for Identity Verification Samuel Steg. PlaySafe ID is currently in integration discussions with several major gaming platforms with the first partnerships expected to launch later this year.
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Square Enix Deepens Its Cloud Legacy On Blacknut
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| (Image Source: Cloud Dosage/Blacknut) |
Blacknut, the leading B2B & B2B2C cloud gaming service, announces the continuation of its partnership with globally acclaimed publisher Square Enix, bringing a new wave of blockbuster Square Enix titles to the Blacknut catalog, further strengthening the platform’s premium game offering for players worldwide. The collaboration reflects a shared vision between the two companies: to make high-quality gaming content more accessible across borders and platforms, including high-growth markets such as Latin America, the Middle East, and India.
As one of the most active investors in the cloud gaming ecosystem, Square Enix is known for its bold embrace of emerging technologies and business models. Making additional titles from its repertoire available on Blacknut is a natural step for the publisher, whose games are beloved for their immersive storytelling and high production values. This move further solidifies Blacknut’s position as a trusted partner for global publishers looking to reach new audiences via the cloud. “We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Square Enix, a studio synonymous with some of the most memorable experiences in modern gaming. This partnership demonstrates the value of cloud gaming as a channel for publishers to expand their reach, especially in regions where traditional console access is more limited. With Square Enix’s legendary catalog now more accessible than ever, we’re proud to offer our players the chance to enjoy these iconic adventures on any device,” said Blacknut Vice President for Business Development and Licensing Nabil Laredj.
“Our continued partnership with Blacknut aligns with our long-term strategy to embrace innovation and grow our audience globally. Blacknut’s leadership in cloud gaming, especially in markets like LATAM, MENA, and India, makes them a key partner for reaching players who are eager for high-quality, on-demand gaming experiences. We’re excited to bring some of our most iconic titles to new audiences in a seamless and accessible way,” said Square Enix Holdings General Manager of Investments and Business Development Hideaki Uehara. With this renewed collaboration, players across 65+ countries will enjoy Square Enix’s storytelling and open-world excellence via Blacknut’s all-you-can-play subscription model — without the need for downloads, installations, or expensive hardware. And this is just the beginning as additional Square Enix titles are expected to join the Blacknut platform as both companies continue to explore new ways to deliver premium content to gamers everywhere.
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PLAION REPLAI, Atari, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. Announce Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition
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| (Image Source: Fullsync/PLAION REPLAI) |
PLAION REPLAI, a leading global publisher and developer of retro video game software and hardware, and Atari, one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, are proud to announce that the Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition – a newly developed version of the classic console – will be launching worldwide on October 31, 2025. This exciting new product also celebrates the long-standing collaboration between Atari and Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., with Namco being the original developer of PAC-MAN.
In tribute to the original video game romance that brought PAC-MAN to home consoles for the first time on the Atari 2600, the new hardware is infused with PAC-MAN’s signature style. To compliment the release, a range of colourful joysticks will also be separately available. The collaboration features a variety of different offerings for Atari and PAC-MAN fans, including:
• Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition: This brand-new version of the iconic console comes in signature PAC-MAN yellow, featuring illuminated character icons across the front. The retail pack also includes the PAC-MAN Double Feature software cartridge and the PAC-MAN CX-40 Wireless Joystick (Yellow).
• PAC-MAN Double Feature cartridge: This dual game cartridge includes PAC-MAN 7800, a brand new, arcade-style version of the classic, along with PAC-MAN 2600, the very first home console release of the game.
• PAC-MAN CX40+ Wireless Joysticks: The PAC-MAN joysticks are available separately in five different colours - Yellow (PAC-MAN), Blue (Inky ghost), Red (Blinky ghost), Pink (Pinky ghost) and Orange (Clyde ghost).
“The Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition is more than just a console - it’s a tribute to the moment home gaming truly began. By reimagining the iconic hardware in PAC-MAN’s unmistakable style, we’re celebrating the legacy of two cultural giants who helped define a generation of play. We’re proud to bring this collaboration to life for collectors, fans, and a whole new wave of retro gaming enthusiasts,” said PLAION REPLAI’s Commercial Director Ben Jones. The Atari 2600+ PAC-MAN Edition and PAC-MAN CX40+ Wireless Joysticks are now available for pre-order at Amazon and on Atari.com. The PAC-MAN Double Feature cartridge will be released separately later in 2025.
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ODK Media And Pearl Abyss Partner To Stream Immersive Gaming And Asian Multimedia Content Across North America
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| (Image Source: TriplePoint PR/ODK Media) |
ODK Media, a global leader in premium Asian content streaming, and Pearl Abyss, the global top-tier online game developer behind the hit MMORPG Black Desert Online, recently announced a strategic marketing partnership designed to bridge the worlds of immersive gaming content and Asian entertainment. Though operating in different content mediums — ODK Media in video streaming and Pearl Abyss in gaming — both companies share a common goal: to serve youthful audiences that are increasingly culturally curious and globally connected. These fans actively seek out K-pop, Asian dramas, and digital fantasy worlds as part of their everyday media consumption. The partnership taps into this shared behavioral trend and offers a unified entertainment experience across screens.
As part of the campaign, ODK Media will feature Black Desert Online-themed video content including trailers, gameplay features, lore highlights, and developer insights, through a branded FAST channel (Channel Name: Black Desert Channel) and VOD available on Amasian TV, OnDemandKorea, and OnDemandChina. In turn, Pearl Abyss will introduce its North American player base to Amasian TV — ODK Media’s next-generation, ad-supported streaming platform showcasing curated Asian content. “This collaboration reflects a shared belief in the power of cultural storytelling and immersive entertainment to resonate with a new generation of fans. ODK Media and Pearl Abyss are both building experiences for the culturally curious — those who see entertainment as a way to explore identity, global trends, and narrative depth,” said ODK Media Senior Vice President of Monetization & Marketing Olam Lee. The partnership is the first step in a broader strategy to connect complementary platforms and audiences. By blending interactive game universes with cinematic streaming content, ODK and Pearl Abyss are creating immersive entry points into Asian media and culture — for both longtime fans and newcomers.
“This partnership with ODK Media enables us to meet audiences where their interests already live. Our adventurers’ passion translates perfectly with the fandoms across Amasian TV’s properties, creating a great fit for our communities,” said Pearl Abyss America COO Kwonho Kim. Together, ODK Media and Pearl Abyss aim to deepen engagement with the culturally fluent and globally minded entertainment audience — setting the stage for future cross-promotions, content co-productions, and fan-centered innovations.
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BTK Enters Honor Of Kings Competitive eSports Scene
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| (Image Source: eSports Insider/Honor Of Kings) |
BTK (Blood Thirsty Kings), the leading mobile eSports team based in North America and with fans across the globe, has officially joined the Honor of Kings competitive eSports scene, ready to rally players worldwide as they embark on this new journey in the world’s most played Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game. This announcement aligns with Honor of Kings’ goal of growing and nurturing a diverse, inclusive and vibrant community.
Six of the most iconic names in North American mobile eSports — Captain Michael “MobaZane” Cosgun, Ian “FwydChickn” Hohl, Jang “Hoon” Seong-hun, Ziameth-Jei “ZIA” Caluya, Vo “Shark” Trung, and Carlos “Bestplayer1” Ortega Vega — are bringing their talent and skills to the scene and are ready to showcase their spirit, skill and teamwork on a new battlefield. Several team members have previously played and streamed Honor of Kings, expressing a deep appreciation for the game’s mechanics and gameplay. Captain MobaZane, in particular, shared his excitement about officially joining the competitive scene, stating, “Honor of Kings is a very unique game with countless talented players and a very refreshing gameplay experience. My team and I are learning fast. We will do our best and rally our communities to quickly catch up with the global regions!”
Level Infinite Senior Director of Global eSports James Yang commented, “We can’t wait for BTK to step onto the stage in their first competitive match. BTK’s move to Honor of Kings comes on the back of the recent news that some of the best mobile MOBA players have joined forces to create a ‘dream team’ to also compete in Honor of Kings. This clearly demonstrates the appeal of Honor of Kings to professional teams and we hope both teams joining the roster will inspire more players to embark on their own eSports journeys.”
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From Taiwan To The World: TGS Empowers Indie Game Developers With Indie Game Award 2026, Now Open For Submissions
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| (Image Source: Events For Gamers/Taipei Game Show) |
Co-hosted by Taipei Game Show and Asia Pacific Game Summit, the “GAME LINKER 2025” developer networking event successfully concluded and attracted over a hundred attendees who engaged enthusiastically with exhibiting developers and provided valuable feedback through hands-on gameplay sessions. According to Taipei Game Show, in the second half of 2025, nearly 30 Taiwanese indie game developers will be led to game exhibitions across Japan, Korea, Australia, Thailand, Lithuania, and China, showcasing Taiwan’s creativity on the global stage. At the same time, Asia’s premier indie game competition, the Indie Game Award 2026, is now officially open for submissions. Winners will be offered free exhibition space at Taipei Game Show 2026, encouraging developers worldwide to seize the opportunity and shine globally.
The Taipei Game Show organizing committee will begin accompanying nearly 30 Taiwanese indie developers to various international game events partnered with Taipei Game Show. These include BitSummit, BIC Festival, SXSW Sydney, gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show, GameOn, and WEPLAY EXPO. Through a combination of onsite booths and remote showcases, Taiwan’s standout titles will gain greater international exposure and open the door for more global collaboration opportunities for local creators. Indie Game Award 2026 is now accepting submissions until August 19, 2025. Each year, the competition attracts over 300 entries, serving as a premier platform for developers to gain recognition. The award categories include Best Narrative, Best Audio, Best Visual Art, Best Design, Best Innovation, Best Mobile Game, Best Student Game, and the top honor of Grand Prix. Winners will receive a dedicated showcase area and promotional support at Taipei Game Show 2026. In addition, the Grand Prix winner will receive a cash prize, encouraging developers to push their limits and compete for the crown. For more information, visit https://tgs.tca.org.tw/indie_award_e.php.
