Gaming

Zynga and Warner Bros. Pictures Bring Wonka to Words With Friends and Other Games

Published

11 months ago

December 15, 2023

Zynga Inc., a wholly-owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ: TTWO) and a global leader in interactive entertainment, announced a collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures to feature one of this holiday’s most anticipated films, Wonka, in multiple Zynga games, including its iconic franchise Words With Friends. The game integrations will give players an inside look at the magical world of Wonka through custom in-game challenges, rewards, and film content.

Starring Academy Award^® nominee Timothée Chalamet in the title role, Wonka tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. With familiar faces and brand-new characters and inventions, the film will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock-full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time. Starting on December 12, the film’s limited-time in-game integration will surprise and delight players in Words With Friends 2, as seen in today’s new game trailer:

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In Words With Friends 2, a stylized Wonka avatar based on Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of the character in the film will invite players into his magical world to play chocolate-themed Friendly Faceoff word games. Those who win two games against the bright-eyed candy maker will earn an exclusive Wonka-themed frame as a sweet treat to proudly display on their player profile. To further celebrate, “Chocolatier” will be featured as the Word of the Day, putting players in a magical mindset ahead of the film’s premiere. Zynga players will also have access to limited-time challenges and rewards in Wonka’s World of Candy and other Willy Wonka titles.

“Zynga is excited to continue our ten-year history of successful collaboration with Warner Bros. by bringing the world of Wonka to players in Words With Friends and other titles across our portfolio,” said Yaron Leyvand, Executive Vice President, Games at Zynga. “We’re always looking for new ways to bring engaging experiences to our players, and inviting our community to interact with one of the world’s most beloved characters is a perfect golden ticket holiday surprise.”

“Wonka is one of the most highly anticipated movies this holiday season. By combining it with Zynga and four of their games, including Words With Friends—an evergreen cultural sensation that has connected millions of players for over a decade—we are creating unique opportunities for engagement that unite gaming and film fans across the big screen and mobile devices,” said Cameron Curtis, EVP, Worldwide Digital Marketing, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Launched in 2009, Words With Friends has grown from a popular mobile game to a global pop culture sensation. The franchise has expanded to new platforms such as Facebook Messenger, launched a hit sequel with Words With Friends 2, and brought innovative new ways for people around the world to play. The franchise’s success through this more than decade-long journey has been powered by player connections made through quick and clever wordplay that has become a touchstone in fans’ lives.

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Gaming

SPGA Announces Social Sweeps Game Sector Video Briefing

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

The Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA) has released a video briefing designed to provide insight and information on the social sweeps gaming model. This briefing is designed to address the growing attention and interest in how the social casino with sweepstakes prizing functions and why millions of players across America enjoy this safe and legal form of entertainment.

This inaugural SPGA briefing features insights from Matt Kaufman, Managing Director, Digital & Interactive Gaming at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, and Jon Kaplowitz, CEO and Co-Founder of Clubs Poker. The discussion is moderated by prominent sports betting industry founder and investor Chris Grove.

eSports

CS2 Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024 SuperComputer: NaVi to bounce back after Blast Fall Final loss

Published

2 months ago

October 7, 2024

Adrienn Sarkany

Final: Natus Vincere (36.5%) to beat Team Vitality (28.1%)

Semifinal 1: Natus Vincere (52.6%) to beat MOUZ (16.3%)

Semifinal 2: Team Vitality (47.7%) to beat G2 Esports (18.7%)

Quarterfinal 1: G2 Esports (39.8%) to beat FaZe Clan (32.8%)

Quarterfinal 2: MOUZ (35.9%) to beat Eternal Fire (24.7%)

Group stage:

Natus Vincere – 48.7% to finish 1st; 17.0% to finish 2nd; 84.1% to make playoffs
Team Vitality – 40.8% to finish 1st; 17.4% to finish 2nd; 77.7% to make playoffs
G2 Esports – 19.3% to finish 1st; 20.4% to finish 2nd; 56.7% to make playoffs
MOUZ – 14.5% to finish 1st; 21.8% to finish 2nd; 53.0% to make playoffs
FaZe Clan – 13.9% to finish 1st; 21.0% to finish 2nd; 50.2% to make playoffs
Eternal Flame – 40.7% to finish 1st; 16.2% to finish 2nd; 40.7% to make playoffs
Liquid – 16.3% to finish 7-8th; 35.7% to make playoffs
Virtus.pro – 15.4% to finish 7-8th; 29.9% to make playoffs
Astralis – 28.9% to finish 9-12th; 31.5% to make playoffs
The MongolZ – 32.7% to finish 9-12th; 25.4% to make playoffs
Complexity – 34.3% to finish 9-12th; 21.2% to make playoffs
Heroic – 26.8% to finish 9-12th; 23.5% to make playoffs
paiN – 36.5% to finish 13-16th; 21.0% to make playoffs
FURIA – 36.4% to finish 13-16th; 20.9% to make playoffs
9z – 44.7% to finish 13-16th; 14.6% to make playoffs
Imperial – 49.1% to finish 13-16th; 13.9% to make playoffs

It has been quite the run for NaVi despite their loss with back to back grand finals in recent weeks but CSDB.gg’s predictive model suggests there will be no let up for the Ukrainian esports organisation.

G2 will also be looking to build more momentum in preparation for Majors season with NiKo on a quest to finally get over the line this year to win his first major title. Hopefully Rio won’t have to see a repeat of his reaction in the semifinals at BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024 where he punched a hole in a table after losing out to Team Vitality in a key moment.

However, the hosts of Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024 may want to lockdown any nearby furniture and reinforce their desks if G2 are set for disappointment at the semifinals stage as predicted by the CSDB.gg SuperComputer.

A victory in Rio could be even more consequential for how the end of the year shapes up for the leading teams on the circuit. The Valve Global rankings have both teams close at the very top (NaVi at 1988 and G2 at 1953) meaning a win for either team could hand them a key advantage when it comes to who enters the Majors as top seed.

Back-to-back wins in T1 events for G2, should they prosper in Rio, would set the Berlin-based team on an incredible trajectory going into the winter months.

Meanwhile, Brazilian hopes for glory look slight according to the CSDB.gg SuperComputer with FURIA, the team co-owned by Neymar, having only been given a 20.9% chance of even making the playoffs.

They are the leading contenders to make an impact for the home crowd but there are other teams flying the flag for Brazil with paiN and Imperial also set to give it their best to give local fans something to cheer on.

In terms of forecasted matchups of note, G2 and FaZe Clan could offer up a fascinating encounter in the quarterfinals should both teams qualify, with each organisation rated as having a strong chance of making the semis with little to separate them should they meet.

How was the CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament SuperComputer created?

The CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament SuperComputer is a predictive model created using world ranking points, team quality ratings and performance trends. An element of randomness is also included in the model to avoid the best teams and players always winning, to reflect the fact that upsets can happen.

Every tournament is simulated 1,000 times with the results aggregated into a percentage rating of the chances teams or players have to achieve the predicted result.

Gaming

NASCAR launches persistent world on Roblox where players can become racing tycoons

Published

4 months ago

July 18, 2024

Peter Tolan

NASCAR is once again taking the virtual racing world by storm, this time with the launch of “NASCAR Tycoon” on Roblox created by Dubit.

Building on the success of its previous “NASCAR Speed Hub,” this new experience promises to deliver an even more immersive and interactive NASCAR world.

Developed in partnership with the renowned metaverse studio Dubit, “NASCAR Tycoon” allows players to dive deep into the management and racing aspects of NASCAR, offering a unique blend of strategy and high-speed thrills in a distinctly Roblox-native way.

Players will have the opportunity to jump in the driver’s seat of cars styled after NASCAR’s Next Gen Cup Series vehicles, competing against each other and managing teams in thrilling races. Earning fame and fortune as they build their virtual tycoon, players can make passive income while they play. As players progress in “NASCAR Tycoon,” they will unlock exclusive perks such as building their own NASCAR racing teams, expanding their garages, collecting new cars, accessing customizations and attracting sponsors.

The launch comes hot on the heels of recent Fortnite activations and follows the debut of NASCAR in Jailbreak and NASCAR Speed Hub last year – a virtual environment built by Dubit, for players to race around tracks linked to real-world races.

“We’re thrilled to launch ‘NASCAR Tycoon’ on Roblox, developed in partnership with Dubit, marking a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to authentically engage with the Roblox community,” said Nick Rend, VP of Interactive and Emerging Platforms at NASCAR. “This initiative is about more than reaching new audiences; it’s about deepening our connection on a platform where we see tremendous potential. By blending the excitement of NASCAR with the interactive and dynamic environment of Roblox, we’re enhancing traditional fandom in ways that are engaging, fun, and distinctly forward-looking.”

With over 300 million monthly active users, Roblox is ripe with opportunities for sporting organisations like NASCAR and offers a chance to engage with audiences in an immersive and interactive environment.

Andrew Douthwaite, Chief Commercial Officer at Dubit, shares his excitement: “We’re thrilled to bring the next phase of NASCAR to life on Roblox, building on the success of previous activations. NASCAR Tycoon allows Roblox players to experience the excitement of NASCAR racing like never before, blending the strategic elements of team management with the adrenaline-pumping action on the track. It has been a true joy working with such a forward-thinking, iconic sports brand in NASCAR, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries together”

Dubit has created Roblox activations, virtual merchandise ranges and experiences for global brands including Unilever, Samsung, Reckitt, Kraft, H&M and adidas.

“NASCAR Tycoon” is now available on Roblox.