Activate at City Centre Mirdif offers nine unique game rooms that incorporate advanced technology to create an environment where players must jump, dodge, climb, and solve puzzles in more than 50 interactive games. A highlight of the experience, the Mega Grid, has already gone viral on TikTok, attracting attention with its dazzling array of over 500 lights that respond to players’ movements.

Activate’s Dubai location includes 10 levels of game difficulty, spanning from beginner to advanced, making it accessible to all skill levels. Adam Schmidt, CEO and founder of Activate, emphasizes that this experience goes beyond typical fitness or gaming: “With our innovative games engineered for repeat play, we offer a dynamic space for friends, families, and teams to connect, have fun, and stay active. This is a fresh take on entertainment that has made Activate the fastest-growing entertainment concept in the world”.

A central feature of Activate’s success lies in its use of RFID technology, which enables seamless tracking of player progress and achievements. Players earn rewards and badges based on game performance, adding a layer of gamification that keeps them coming back. “Our use of RFID technology allows for seamless tracking and progress, and our reward and badge system adds extra motivation, with players earning badges and rewards based on their achievements,” Schmidt explains.

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As interest in gaming continues to surge in the Middle East, Activate’s timing is ideal to meet the region’s increasing demand for tech-driven entertainment. Positioned as the first experience of its kind in the MENA region, Activate at City Centre Mirdif is set to attract a broad range of visitors, from families to gaming enthusiasts, all seeking a novel and active form of entertainment, he says.

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Developed by Raven Software and Treyarch, the game will also include a multiplayer mode with 16 maps as well as a new “Zombies” experience.

Set after Black Ops Cold War, the main story includes flashbacks to Black Ops 2, along with highly immersive spy missions and government conspiracies. Game locations include Southern Europe, Russian Tundra, Middle Eastern desert and the USA. In addition, Raven Software has added plenty of 90s tech and equipment, along with iconic characters like Frank Woods and Russell Adler.

The Black Ops 6 multiplayer mode, created by Treyarch, offers 16 new maps, including 12 core 6-vs-6 environments and four strike maps that can be played in 2-vs-2 or 6-vs-6 modes. For Zombie aficionados, the round-based mode returns to Black Ops 6, delivering waves of undead opponents for players to battle through. Two new maps will be available at launch, along with a mixture of weapons and upgrades.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

In addition to new maps, the multiplayer version of Black Ops 6 also has an “omni-movement” feature designed to allow greater control. Players can now sprint, dive, and slide in any direction and even rotate while lying on the ground.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is released on October 25th for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, and PS5. Subscribers to Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass will get access to the new title on day one.

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The latest addition to the UAE’s burgeoning eSports landscape is Abu Dhabi’s ambitious eSports Island project. Positioned between the Al Bandar and Al Dana developments along the picturesque Al Raha beach, the island is poised to become a focal point for esports enthusiasts worldwide.

True Gamers — a key player in the gaming industry — has pledged a substantial investment of $280 million to develop Abu Dhabi’s eSports Island. Upon completion, the project is anticipated to cost a staggering $1 billion.

The island will boast state-of-the-art amenities geared towards training aspiring eSports professionals and hosting international tournaments. The GG Bootcamp, equipped with cutting-edge gaming infrastructure, will provide a comprehensive training facility, dedicated rest areas and even nutrition programs.

At the heart of the eSports Island lies the True Gamers (TG) Arena, envisioned as a premier venue for hosting high-profile competitions with thousands of spectators. Adaptable spaces are designed to cater to various gaming formats and genres, and the arena will also serve as a hub for digital exhibitions and conferences. Additionally, the Digital Tower will offer a collaborative workspace for developers, and the island will host tourists and event goers in 200 rooms with in-built gaming computers.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

Establishing an eSports hub in Abu Dhabi will reinforce the UAE’s position as a global market leader, capitalizing on the region’s growing appetite for gaming. As international tournament organizers increasingly focus on the Middle East, the unveiling of Abu Dhabi’s eSports Island heralds a new era of innovation and growth for the industry.

The post Abu Dhabi To Develop $1 Billion eSports Island Facility appeared first on Tech Magazine.

True Gamers, a distinguished esports network headquartered in the UAE, has been at the forefront of this regional transformation. With an initial investment of $45 million, True Gamers has established six clubs in Dubai and plans to develop over 150 more across Saudi Arabia. Looking ahead, the organization is set to expand its footprint further, with upcoming branches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah within the coming months. However, True Gamers’ vision extends beyond merely providing cutting-edge gaming facilities; it also aims to cultivate an ecosystem that empowers gaming content creators and industry micro influencers.

To achieve these aims, True Gamers has enlisted the help of Takefluence — a platform that automates onboarding, reporting, and payouts for brands looking to launch ambassador or creator campaigns. The new collaboration will see the two companies launch a program tailored explicitly for the gaming community. The initiative seeks to unlock the potential of gaming enthusiasts and content creators, providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity, engage with a broader audience, and ultimately, monetize their passion for gaming.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Freelance Platforms In The Middle East

“This partnership reflects a shared vision for the future of gaming, eSport, and content creation in the region, highlighting the synergies between technological innovation and community engagement. As the digital landscape evolves, collaborations like this are crucial in driving the growth of the eGaming and content creator economies,” explained Archie Rudyuk, CEO and Co-Founder of Takefluence.

Vlad Belyanin, True Gamers Co-Founder and CPO, was also excited about the launch: “By combining our resources and expertise, we are not just offering a platform for gamers and creators but also setting the stage for the next generation of gaming content […] ensuring that the Middle East becomes a main hub of innovation and creativity in the global gaming scene”.

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The infusion of capital strategically positions GameCentric to expand its platform and features beyond the GCC & MENA region, promising to redefine the gaming landscape for players worldwide.

Saad Khan, CEO of GameCentric, emphasized, “Crafting a robust vision for our platform, supported by a sound business model and a seasoned management team, resonated with the angel investor, like Bilal Merchant, who recognized the immense potential within GameCentric, which drove his decision to invest. Our aspiration is not just to be a gaming platform but a cultural phenomenon transcending borders. Collaboration with industry leaders, community-driven programs and an unwavering commitment to having the best user experience drives our future initiatives”.

GameCentric plans to integrate cutting-edge technologies to stay competitive and offer compelling propositions for brands and game publishers. By 2025, the company aims to become a web3 native platform, introducing digital assets such as cryptocurrencies.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

Supporting its ambitious expansion plans, GameCentric has gathered support from industry heavyweights, including LIV, the UAE’s first digital bank powered by Emirates NBD, and Saudi eSports organization POWReSports.

The platform is now poised for aggressive growth and market expansion over the next two years. The company aims to triple its user base across the MENA region and double its array of game titles, catering to both web2 and web3 genres. This initiative not only enhances the gaming experience but also offers innovative customer engagement opportunities for brands.

The post Dubai-Based Angel Investor Fuels Growth For GameCentric appeared first on Tech Magazine.

However, despite headline-grabbing news such as Microsoft’s recent $75 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a closer examination reveals several underlying challenges. Despite initial surges during the pandemic, gaming usage and revenues have declined due to factors like inflation. Business Insider recently reported a 2.3% decrease in US gaming revenue in 2023 compared to the previous year, signaling a shift in consumer behavior that includes reduced gaming hours per week.

Analyst Matthew Ball’s assessment of the industry’s state highlights a concerning trend of layoffs, with a significant increase observed in 2024. Substantial cuts within Microsoft Gaming have impacted approximately 8% of its workforce. Meanwhile, key departures from Blizzard add to the industry’s instability.

While these layoffs have global implications, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region presents a unique opportunity amidst the industry’s challenges. With a rapidly growing gaming market and substantial government investments, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are aiming to establish themselves as global hubs.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, backed by a $38 billion investment from PIF, seeks to bolster the Kingdom’s gaming industry and emerge as a global leader. Similarly, the UAE’s ambitious Dubai Program for 2033 aims to position Dubai among the top 10 cities in the gaming industry by boosting its digital economy and GDP.

These initiatives could offer insulation against the industry’s turbulence while creating growth opportunities for regional gaming companies. By diversifying their economies and investing in long-term development, Middle Eastern countries are demonstrating a strategic approach distinct from the short-term profit-driven motives seen elsewhere in the industry.

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In the heart of Qiddiya City — 40 km from the capital Riyadh — the new gaming district will be centered around four eSports venues designed to host prominent events and attract up to 10 million visitors yearly, the state news agency SPA announced.

The Gaming & eSports District launch comes after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support for the sector demonstrated through a “National Strategy” and initiatives, including talent development programs and targeted investments. The district, with its widespread appeal to over two-thirds of the Saudi population, aims to “engage and inspire”.

Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood, the Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, explained: “The gaming and eSports sector is experiencing rapid growth, and we observe the ambitious plans to propel it forward. Our responsibility will be to host major events and tournaments by enhancing the infrastructure, enabling Qiddiya City to invite the world to live, learn, and compete in gaming and eSports. The gaming and eSports district in Qiddiya City caters to eSports professionals and gaming enthusiasts of all levels and ages. This district transforms the gaming world into a tangible reality, serving as a welcoming space for the gaming community”.

Also Read: The Middle East Is Rapidly Becoming An eSports Hub

The 500,000 square meter site will boast four gaming arenas with a total capacity of 73,000 seats. The largest of the venues is planned to have a capacity of 5,300, making it one of the biggest eSports stadiums in the world. The district will also be home to up to 25 eSports clubs, with 100,000 square meters allocated to retail, dining, and entertainment. When completed, Qiddiya City will allow gamers to live, work, and play, even offering gaming-themed apartments and hotels.

The post Saudi Arabia Unveils World’s First Gaming And eSport District appeared first on Tech Magazine.

BLAST has already created a huge buzz around the eSports scene, and the tournament’s arrival in Abu Dhabi should boost the profile of the entire MENA region. According to a Statista survey, Egypt leads the region with 6.32 million residents who consider themselves gamers. Meanwhile, the UAE will be home to another 1.73 million participants by 2028.

To cater to the growing Middle Eastern fanbase, BLAST.tv will “bring fans closer to the action, serving up maximum excitement for esports lovers with a number of innovative features on offer, helping them watch events live like never from the comfort of their homes”.

Andrew Haworth, Director of Production and Operations at BLAST and Commissioner for BLAST Premier, explained that “esports has the ability to engage with hard-to-reach, tech-savvy, and young audiences, which separates it from other industries”.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

Unlike other sporting events, eSports has a unique selling point in that the games are live and accessible anywhere. “Through the healthy relationship technology has with esports, it is able to bring fans to the very heart of this viewing experience in an interactive and innovative way,” said Haworth, who is optimistic that the genre could soon become as big as F1 racing.

Recent data seems to agree, as surveys show that overall, people now spend more time watching eSports than they do with Netflix. BLAST aims to make esports a global experience that encapsulates “skill level, player stardom, drama, production quality, and storylines”.

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The trailer confirms several small details and rumors that have come to light about GTA 6 over the last two years, including the game’s Vice City setting and female protagonist (a first for the series). The trailer also confirms the game’s 2025 release and hints at a Bonnie and Clyde-inspired story.

In a later press release published yesterday, Rockstar added that the game — which has now been ten years in the making — would be coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X / S.

The GTA 6 trailer, which features the usual guns, fast cars, and ill-gotten cash, is set against the backdrop of Vice City, a fictitious version of Miami, Florida. Meanwhile, we also meet one of the game’s protagonists, a woman named Lucia, who seems to be on a crime spree with her boyfriend after recently being released from prison.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

The press release does add a few more facts about the upcoming game, stating: “Grand Theft Auto VI heads to the state of Leonida, home to the neon-soaked streets of Vice City and beyond in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the Grand Theft Auto series yet”.

GTA 6’s reveal has been rife with leaks from hackers and employees. Earlier this year, a UK teenager was found responsible for a leak that distributed 90 in-game videos from the upcoming title. Additionally, this week, TikTok footage emerged of the game that is thought to have been leaked by the child of a Rockstar employee.

The post Rockstar Has Released Its First GTA 6 Trailer appeared first on Tech Magazine.

After selling over 135 million copies, GTA fans are now eagerly anticipating the sixth installment of the series. But how long will we have to wait, and what do we know about the game so far?

The Release Date

Yesterday, Rockstar Games announced that it would reveal the trailer for GTA 6 in early December. This is the first official announcement from the company since admitting that the game “exists” back in February 2022.

Meanwhile, internet sleuths have noted that Take-Two Interactive’s CEO Strauss Zelnick (GTA’s publisher) has stated that his company would see a “significant (financial) inflection point” in 2025. Could that mean the release of a massive title like GTA VI? We simply don’t know.

We do know that a 2024 release is likely off the cards, however, thanks to a Bloomberg report this summer that revealed “current and former Rockstar staff” expect GTA 6 to be at least 2 years away. With that being said, Microsoft has also confused matters, revealing that “the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to be released in 2024”.

Gameplay Leaks

Despite the lack of a firm release date, we do have plenty of information on the basics of the game, thanks to several leaks that have since been scrubbed from the internet. The biggest news is that, for the first time ever, one of GTA’s protagonists will be a woman named Lucia. In addition, the series may make a return to the Miami-vice-esq “Vice City”, and most buildings will be enterable, with an even greater focus on heists and robberies.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Video Games Set In The Middle East

Of course, all of the rumors and release dates are subject to change, and the game is definitely a long way away from being playable. However, at least we know that Rockstar is building the game, and we can likely expect another massive hit when it’s released.

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