Valve to Expand SteamOS Support to Rival Handhelds, Including Asus ROG Ally
Valve is now working to support rival handheld devices like Asus’ ROG Ally. Spotted in the latest SteamOS patch notes, the move signals Valve’s commitment to broader device compatibility. “The team is continuing to work on adding support for additional handhelds,” Valve designer Lawrence Yang told . While progress is underway, SteamOS isn’t yet ready to run on devices like the ROG Ally out-of-the-box. Yang also mentioned efforts toward dual-boot support, with Windows drivers being developed for the Steam Deck OLED, though no firm timeline is available.
ESL Celebrates 25 Years with ‘Live Legendary’ Brand Campaign at IEM Cologne
Esports tournament organizer ESL, part of the ESL FACEIT Group, has unveiled its to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Launched at IEM Cologne, the campaign features updated visuals and assets that reflect the company’s long-standing presence in the esports industry. In collaboration with design agency Design Bridge and Partners, ESL has modernized its branding while retaining its signature bright greens and yellows. The revamped fonts, inspired by stone carvings, symbolize ESL’s deep roots in the esports community. This refresh comes as ESL marks a quarter-century of shaping competitive gaming on a global scale.
Samsung Partners with Garena as Official Device Partner for Free Fire World Series Southeast Asia
Samsung Electronics has secured a partnership with Garena for the Free Fire World Series (FFWS) Southeast Asia, becoming the official device partner for the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 seasons. Players in the tournament will use Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra handsets as they compete across six weeks of knockout matches for a $300,000 prize pool. The Fall 2024 grand finals will take place in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Niko Partners and Saudi Esports Federation Unveil White Paper on Effective Game Localization in MENA
Niko Partners, in collaboration with the Saudi Esports Federation, has published a offering key insights into effective game localization strategies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The report emphasizes the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, projecting a 7.7% compound annual growth rate through 2028, with revenue reaching $3.24 billion. With 420 million Arabic speakers globally, the white paper highlights the demand for Arabic localization, noting that over half of GCC gamers prefer localized text and voice. It also stresses the importance of culturally relevant in-game events, such as Ramadan and Eid celebrations, and the integration of local payment services.
