In today’s edition of Pixel P&L, we cover the fallout from Skyesports’ cancelled event, India’s first card-collection strategy game crossing a major milestone, TI 2025’s host city announcement, and more.

/ Esports Analyst Slams Skyesports Over Souvenir 2025 Debacle

Skyesports' recent cancellation of the highly anticipated Souvenir 2025 tournament has ignited fierce backlash from the esports community, particularly from prominent commentator Chad “SPUNJ” Burchill. On January 22, 2025, during an episode of HLTV Confirmed, SPUNJ did not mince words, labelling the tournament organizers as "f*****g dogs" for their handling of the event.

Skyesports attributed the cancellation to a lack of communication from Valve regarding wildcard invitations, which left them no choice but to pull the plug on the $250,000 event. SPUNJ slammed this decision as indicative of poor planning, emphasizing that such last-minute cancellations waste crucial calendar space for teams. He warned that repeated failures could tarnish Skyesports' reputation and hinder their ability to attract top-tier teams in the future.

The incident raises concerns about the future of Counter-Strike events in the region, particularly with Skyesports Masters 2025 looming on the horizon.

India’s First Card-Collection Strategy Game Surpasses 1 Million Players

Studio Sirah announced that “Kurukshetra: Ascension,” an Indian card-collection strategy game drawing inspiration from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, has surpassed one million players since its February 2022 launch. The game, which clinched the 2023 Google Play Best Indie Game award, has registered over 14.6 million matches across Story, Duels, Challenges, and Draft modes.

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Valve Announces Hamburg as Host City for TI 2025

Valve announced that The International 2025 will take place in Europe for the second year in a row at the Barclays Arena in Hamburg, Germany, from September 11 to 14. It marks a return to Germany, where the first tournament occurred in 2011 at Gamescom in Cologne. Sixteen teams will compete, determined through direct invites and regional qualifiers. Ticket sales and qualification details will be released in the coming months.

BITKRAFT Ventures Launches Search for India-Based VC Associate

The early-stage investor specializing in gaming, Web3, and immersive technology, announced that it is recruiting an Investment Associate in India. The firm, which manages over $1 billion in assets, aims to strengthen its presence in the region. The successful applicant will help source deals, conduct due diligence, and support existing portfolio companies.

41% of Developers Impacted by 2024 Layoffs, GDC Survey Reveals

This was up from 35% in 2023. Of over 3,000 respondents who participated in the survey, 11% faced direct layoffs, with game narrative roles hit hardest at 19%. Restructuring, declining revenues, and market shifts were cited as key factors. Concerns about job security remain high, with 58% fearing future layoffs, while 20% considered unionization. 

💡 Did You Know?

Nintendo once planned a game called Super Mario Spikers, a wild volleyball-wrestling hybrid featuring Mario and friends. Developed by Next Level Games, the studio behind Mario Strikers Charged, the project aimed to push boundaries with its over-the-top wrestling mechanics. However, Nintendo ultimately scrapped the idea, deeming it too violent for the family-friendly Mario franchise.

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