Top 5 Filipino Esports Teams to Watch in 2026
From MPL Philippines champions to world-class contenders, these Filipino esports teams are dominating competitive gaming in 2026.
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How AI is Making Online Casinos Safer and More Personal this 2026
Discover how the integration of Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the Philippine iGaming industry and delivering...
MPL Philippines Season 17 Kicks Off Major Changes
The Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) Season 17 introduces a new arena, updated branding, and...
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Microsoft to Deploy Intel Arc A380 GPUs in Xbox Cloud Gaming on Windows 11 Starting March 16, 2023
Microsoft announced plans to integrate Intel's Arc A380 desktop GPUs into its Xbox cloud gaming servers, extending the capabilities of the Xbox cloud gaming service available through the Xbox app on Windows 11. This deployment is scheduled to start on March 16, 2023, and represents the first time Microsoft is leveraging Intel's dedicated GPU technology in its cloud gaming infrastructure. The addition of Intel Arc A380 GPUs aims to enhance the graphical performance and overall experience of cloud gaming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. With this upgrade, users streaming games via the Xbox cloud from Windows 11 devices can expect improved visual fidelity and smoother gameplay, reflecting Microsoft's ongoing commitment to expanding and optimizing its cloud gaming platform. The move also highlights Microsoft's partnership with Intel in advancing cloud gaming hardware solutions.
China Introduces Stricter Regulations to Enhance Oversight of Online Gaming
Chinese regulatory authorities have announced a comprehensive set of new rules designed to enhance the supervision of online gaming activities within the country. These regulations focus on limiting minors' playing time, strengthening the approval process for new game content, and promoting healthy and positive gaming environments. The authorities outlined measures to more effectively restrict access to certain games and ensure that published content aligns with core socialist values. These rules represent a continuation of China’s broader efforts to regulate the digital entertainment sector and protect young players from excessive gaming. Authorities emphasized that the reforms aim to cultivate a more orderly market and foster social responsibility among game developers and players alike.
GLI Becomes First PAGCOR-Accredited iGaming Testing Lab in the Philippines
Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has been officially accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as the country's first independent testing laboratory for online gaming. This accreditation permits GLI to conduct compliance testing services for iGaming operators licensed by PAGCOR. The move aims to bolster the regulatory framework overseeing the Philippine iGaming industry by ensuring operators conform to mandated technical standards. PAGCOR’s recognition of GLI underscores its commitment to upholding integrity and enhancing consumer protection within the local online gambling market. The accreditation represents a significant step forward in PAGCOR’s efforts to maintain a secure and reliable environment for iGaming activities in the Philippines.
Square Enix Announces 7% Salary Increase for Japanese Employees Starting April 2023
Square Enix, a major Japanese game developer and publisher, has announced plans to raise employee salaries by an average of 7% starting April 2023. The increase targets approximately 1,800 regular employees working in Japan and excludes part-time and temporary staff. This decision responds to the rising inflation rates and the resulting increase in living costs that have affected Japanese workers recently. The salary adjustment aims to support employees' financial stability and enhance motivation amidst a highly competitive labor market. This development follows the company's report of a sales decline in its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2022. Square Enix's salary increase illustrates the company's efforts to retain talent and manage workforce challenges in a difficult economic environment.
Nina to Perform Post-Valentine Concert at City of Dreams Manila on February 18
Filipino singer Nina is set to return to City of Dreams Manila for a post-Valentine concert at the gaming and entertainment complex's CenterPlay venue on February 18. The event offers concertgoers an opportunity to enjoy live performances shortly after Valentine's Day. City of Dreams Manila, known for its gaming, hospitality, and entertainment offerings, continues to engage audiences through live events. This concert demonstrates the complex's role as an entertainment hub in Manila beyond its casino operations.
Tecno Camon 50 Pro Review Highlights 108MP Camera and AMOLED Display
The Tecno Camon 50 Pro has been reviewed comprehensively, focusing on its photography strengths and display quality targeted at mid-range consumers. The smartphone is equipped with a 108-megapixel main camera, delivering high-resolution images and optimized for photography enthusiasts who require detailed shots. Complementing the camera is a 6.67-inch AMOLED screen that offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling with a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device runs on the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, providing balanced performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The Camon 50 Pro features a 4500mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging, enabling longer usage with shorter recharge times. Running on Android 13 paired with the Tecno-customized HiOS version 13, the phone integrates AI capabilities and software enhancements to improve user experience and device efficiency. Overall, the Tecno Camon 50 Pro aims to offer a compelling package for users seeking advanced camera features and a quality display in a mid-range smartphone.
Sony to Launch PlayStation VR2 for PS5 in Japan on February 22, 2023
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has announced that it will release the new PlayStation VR2 (PS VR2) headset in Japan on February 22, 2023. This upcoming virtual reality device is designed for the PlayStation 5 and aims to provide an enhanced immersive experience for gamers. The PS VR2 features dual OLED displays with 4K HDR resolution and inside-out tracking enabled by cameras built into the headset, eliminating the need for an external camera. Additionally, the system uses new VR controllers that offer improved haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, further enriching gameplay interaction. To complement the hardware, Sony plans to launch the PS VR2 alongside a diverse lineup of VR games, including exclusive titles developed specifically for the platform as well as select third-party games. This launch marks a significant advancement over the original PlayStation VR, with Sony focusing on both technological innovation and expanding its VR game ecosystem to attract a broader audience in the virtual reality market.
Japan Abolishes Temporary Visitor Tax from January 2023 to Boost Tourism
Japan officially abolished the Temporary Visitor Tax as of January 1, 2023. This tax, previously charged to foreign visitors during their visit to the country, was introduced as a means to generate revenue from international tourism. The government decided to remove this tax as part of initiatives to stimulate the tourism sector and make travel to Japan more accessible and attractive to international tourists. With global travel demand recovering and evolving, Japan is examining new ways to promote tourism and adapt to the changing international travel environment. The removal of the Temporary Visitor Tax is expected to ease the financial burden on visitors and encourage more inbound travelers in the coming years.
Bilibili Gaming and G2 Esports Secure Wins in Stand Valorant Tournament Opening Matches
Bilibili Gaming and G2 Esports began the Stand tournament with strong performances, each securing victories in their respective opening matches. The tournament, focused on competitive Valorant play, serves as a platform for top esports teams to demonstrate their skills early in the event. Both organizations are well-known within the esports community, with Bilibili Gaming representing the Asia-Pacific region and G2 Esports based in Europe. Their initial wins underscore their competitive potential as the tournament progresses, contributing to the ongoing prominence of Valorant in the global esports scene.
Japan Advances Toward Launch of Integrated Resort Casinos by 2025
Japan has established a regulatory framework to develop integrated resort (IR) casinos following the enactment of the Integrated Resort Implementation Act in 2018. This legislation authorizes local governments to apply for licenses to host casino resorts, with the central government playing a key role in the selection and approval process. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) oversees the licensing procedure. By law, up to three integrated resort licenses can be granted, and several local governments are actively competing to secure these licenses. The industry anticipates that the first IR casinos will commence operations around 2025. International casino operators have shown strong interest in entering the Japanese market and are forming partnerships with local firms to position themselves competitively. The successful launch of integrated resorts is expected to significantly impact Japan’s gaming and tourism sectors, aligning with broader economic development objectives.