&nbsp;Blizzard has officially shared a new ecosystem for the Overwatch esports right ahead of the 2024 season. The new ecosystem will introduce various exciting updates to Blizzard's hero-shooter while promoting the esports culture to every player. According to the official Blizzard blog, the next chapter in Overwatch esports focuses on offering and cultivating a more open esports ecosystem.​It also stated that the new ecosystem will be regionally focused and provide valuable experiences to participants and fans. As Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play title for everyone, the change will ensure anyone with skill can showcase their prowess to the world.&nbsp;​Also read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/florida-mayhem-crowned-champions-of-overwatch-league">Florida Mayhem Crowned Champions Of Overwatch League 2023</a>​​<h2>The New Overwatch Esports Ecosystem Explained</h2>&nbsp;​<img src="https://d2dgkt5728m0bd.cloudfront.net/Overwatch_tournaments_c440e78dbc.avif" alt="OWCS 2024 calendar for all regions">&nbsp;The new Overwatch Esports ecosystem will introduce the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) this year, which will be multifaceted and the first program of the ecosystem. The OWCS is a new premiere system in Blizzard's shooter, which will be a part of the international competitive circuit open to players of North America (NA), Europe, the Middle East, North Africa (EMEA), and Asia.​In the 2024 season for Overwatch esports, the OWCS will feature multiple competitive stages for each region, and they can participate in the set of Open Qualifiers. This will give players the ability to form their own team and battle it out for their place in the main event, says Blizzard.​The system is similar to Valorant's recently introduced Premiere mode, where one can make their way to Ascensions league with a team.​The stages will further progress to two live, in-person international events that will bring all the regions together for a grand finale of Overwatch play on one of the largest stages for the title's esports.​<h2>NA and EMEA Format in OWCS with FACEIT Infrastructure</h2>&nbsp;​<img src="https://d2dgkt5728m0bd.cloudfront.net/NA_and_EMEA_d8d72f2ac9.avif" alt="NA and EMEA formats in OWCS">​NA and EMEA teams must participate in four competitive stages throughout the year alongside two international OWCS events. Every stage in the format will host an online Open Qualifier and Main Event for gamers who can earn circuit points. These points will determine their international qualification. One can earn circuit points through top finishes in each stage. Enough points will grant one a higher standing in the leaderboards and seeds for each event.​According to the official announcement from Blizzard, OWCS stages in NA and EMEA will feature three tournament phases - Swiss, Groups, and the Main Event. The Swiss phase, alongside Groups, will be in the Open Qualifier where teams can compete for the Main Event.​The Swiss phase will incorporate a maximum of 512 teams to qualify 16 teams into Groups. 16 Teams will compete in groups of 4 and the top 2 teams from each group will progress to the Main Event. Once there, teams will face an 8-team double-elimination regional tournament. OWCS in NA and EMEA is partnering with FACEIT, with Blizzard expecting it to boost the ability to foster great experiences for the esports community.​<h2>Asia's Format in OWCS with WARA.GG's Involvement</h2>&nbsp;​<img src="https://d2dgkt5728m0bd.cloudfront.net/Asia_OWCS_349d753ccc.avif" alt="Asia format in OWCS 2024 season">​Asia will have a different routine compared to the NA and EMEA outlook, as Blizzard has stated that it has cultivated a program that suits best the region's needs. Asia will host three regional subdivisions: South Korea, Japan, and the Pacific. Each subdivision will host various tournaments with customized formats to serve the locals.​Under Asia, each team will participate in two competitive stages throughout the year, as each stage ends with an international OWCS event. The competitive stage will be operated by WDG, as each subdivision features its own respective Open Qualifiers leading into Regional Tournaments.​The Regional Tournaments will determine the best teams from each of the subdivisions and pick who can advance to the two OWCS Asia Championship tournaments for the year. WARA.GG will be the exclusive registration platform for each subregion's Open Qualifiers and the primary source for match-related information. The platform will also deliver match updates, schedules, and any other inquiries from fans.​<h2>​DreamHack Live Events and More</h2>​Overwatch is also partnering with DreamHack as their festivals have been renowned in the esports world, including for more FPS titles like CS:GO and Rainbow Six Siege. More Overwatch Esports moments will be coming to the DreamHack stage as OWCS will host two live international tournaments at DreamHack this year. The two festivals are set in Summer and fall for Season Finals.​

Blizzard has revealed a new ecosystem for Overwatch esports, set to launch ahead of the 2024 season. 

Blizzard Shares New Ecosystem for Overwatch Esports Ahead of 2024 Season

VCT Americas Kickoff is ready to commence on February 16, 2024, with 10 partnered teams alongside one Ascended team from North America (NA) and South America (SA). The tournament will run until March 3, 2024, with the top togs of Valorant going against each other at a grand stage of Riot Games Arena, Los Angeles. The offline tournament will be the first time where fans will see their favourite VCT teams in action after going through a plethora of changes last year. &nbsp;The winners of the tournament will get to qualify for the VCT 2024: Masters Madrid.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/valorant-champions-tour-2024-unveiled-vct-masters-madrid-kicks-off-global-showdown">Valorant Champions Tour 2024 Unveiled: VCT Masters Madrid Kicks Off Global Showdown</a>&nbsp;<h2>All Teams Participating in VCT Americas Kickoff 2024 and Their Groups</h2><img src="https://d2dgkt5728m0bd.cloudfront.net/VCT_24_KICKOFF_GROUPS_16x9_0dd8683b0a.png" alt="VCT Americas Kickoff 2024 Groups and Teams">&nbsp;&nbsp;The teams partaking in the upcoming VCT Americas Kickoff event are divided into three groups, each consisting of three to four teams. They are as follows:Group A<ul><li>NRG Esports</li><li>FURIA</li><li>Cloud9</li><li>MiBR</li></ul>Group B&nbsp;<ul><li>LOUD</li><li>Sentinels</li><li>Leviatán</li><li>100 Thieves</li></ul>Group C<ul><li>KRU Esports</li><li>G2 Esports</li><li>Evil Geniuses</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>VCT Americas 2024 Americas Kickoff Format</h2>&nbsp;For this year's VCT Americas Kickoff, viewers will get to see a three-stage format, including Groups, Play-ins, and Playoff. Here's how each stage will commence:&nbsp;<h3>Group Stage</h3>A double elimination format Group stage consisting of groups A and B. The winners of each group will make it directly to the Playoff stage, with the runner-up advancing to the Play-ins.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Play-in Stage</h3>&nbsp;All the runner-ups from the Group stage will go against each other in a round-robin structure in the Play-ins. The roster with the best results will progress towards the final stage, Playoffs.&nbsp;<h3>Playoff Stage</h3>&nbsp;After the double elimination and round-robin stage, comes the final Playoffs where four remaining teams will fight in a single elimination bracket. The top two finishers will make it to the Masters Madrid. The winners of the VCT Americas Kickoff will also secure three Championship Points.&nbsp;<h2>VCT Americas Kickoff 2024 Schedule&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;<img src="https://d2dgkt5728m0bd.cloudfront.net/VCT_24_KICKOFF_GROUPS_16x9_v2_d3c475a296.png" alt="VCT Americas Kickoff 2024 Groups and Format">&nbsp;<h3>Group Stage Schedule&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Group A1 NRG Esports vs FURIA - February 16 - 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group A2 - Cloud9 vs MIBR - February 16 - 5 pm PDT / 2 am CET (next day) / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group B1 - LOUD vs Sentinels - February 17- 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group B2 - Leviatan vs 100 Thieves - February 17 - 5 pm PDT / 2 am CET (the following day) / 3:30 pm IST (the following day) / 7:00 am JST (the following day)</li><li>Group C1 - KRU Esports vs G2 Esports - February 18 - 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group A3 - A1 Loser vs Loser of A2 - February 19 - 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group B3 - B1 Loser vs B2 Loser - February 19 - 5 pm PDT / 2 am CET (next day) / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group A4 - A1 Winner vs A2 Winner - February 23 - 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group B4 - B1 Winner vs B2 Winner - February 23 - 5 pm PDT / 2 am CET (next day) / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group C2 - Evil Geniuses vs C1 Winner - February 24 - 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group A5 - A4 Loser vs A3 Winner - February 25 - 12 pm PDT / 9 pm CET / 1:30 pm IST (following day) / 5:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group B5 - B4 Winner vs B3 Winner - February 25 - 3 pm PDT / 12 am CET (following day) / 4:30 pm IST (following day) / 8:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group C3 - C2 Loser vs C1 Loser - February 25 - 6 pm PDT / 3 am CET (following day) / 7:30 pm IST (following day) / 11:00 am JST (following day)</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Play-in Stage</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>A5 Winner vs B5 Winner - February 26 - 12 pm PDT / 9 pm CET / 1:30 pm IST (following day) / 5:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>A5 Winner vs C3 Winner - February 26 - 3 pm PDT / 12 am CET (following day) / 4:30 pm IST (following day) / 8:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>B5 Winner vs C3 Winner- February 26&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<h3>Playoff Stage</h3>&nbsp;<ul><li>Group Winner vs Play-in Team - March 2 - 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Group Winner vs Group Winner - March 2 - 5 pm PDT / 2 am CET (following day) / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li><li>Grand Final - March 3 - 2 pm PDT / 11 pm CET / 3:30 pm IST (following day) / 7:00 am JST (following day)</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>When and Where to Watch?</h2>&nbsp;Gamers can tune into the VCT America Kickoff 2024 through VCT's official social media handles on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twitch.tv/valorant_americas">Twitch&nbsp;</a>and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@valorant_americas">YouTube</a>. Riot is also providing broadcasts in different languages, including Portuguese and Spanish.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The VCT Americas Kickoff 2024 is set to be a grand event with ten partnered teams and one Ascended team from North and South America participating in the tournament. Read on to know more about the schedule, format, and teams participating in the event.


The VCT Americas Kickoff 2024 is set to be a grand event with ten partnered teams and one Ascended team from North and South America participating in the tournament.

VCT Americas Kickoff 2024

VCT Americas Kickoff 2024: Schedule, Format, and Teams

The VCT Americas Kickoff has begun featuring two vigorous opening games between NRG Esports vs Furia and Cloud9 vs MIBR. Going ahead in the tournament, the second games will feature NRG Esports taking on Cloud9, as the two teams secured their opening games against their respective opponents. That said, despite losing, both MIBR and FURIA have presented exceptional performances against their adversaries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both opening games showcased fabulous feats from all the playing teams, which led to some heart-pounding moments in recent VCT. Here's a recap of the first game of VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage.&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/event-detail/vct-americas-kickoff-2024">VCT Americas Kickoff 2024: Schedule, Format, and Teams</a>&nbsp;<h2>Valorant Americas Kickoff Group Stage First Game Features NRG Esports Winning Against Furia</h2><div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The first match of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VCTAmericas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VCTAmericas</a> Kickoff is finally LIVE! ⚔️ <a href="https://twitter.com/NRGgg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NRGgg</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/FURIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FURIA</a> 🗺️ Breeze/Ascent/Split 📺 <a href="https://t.co/LkYuIAuW39">https://t.co/LkYuIAuW39</a> <a href="https://t.co/qmi2a5xbsl">pic.twitter.com/qmi2a5xbsl</a>— VALORANT Esports NA (@valesports_na) <a href="https://twitter.com/valesports_na/status/1758613795897770002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The major highlight of the game features Ethan securing a total of 37 kills throughout all two games. Between NRG Esports and Furia, both teams only got to play two maps as NRG secured both with strong performance.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first map Breeze happened to be a pretty close game with many back-and-forth rounds. However, NRG came on top with each member of the team offering valuable performances. Victor on Cypher delivered the highest ACS in the game with 18 kills, going toe to toe against FURIA Duelists.&nbsp;&nbsp;While Furia initially had a good start in the first half during Ascent, the team fell short of catching up to NRG's strong comeback which ultimately led to their victory. Most members of Furia failed to secure a positive KDA in the game, with Khalil being the only player having a 1 KD with Killjoy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Valorant Americas Kickoff Group Stage Second Game on Day 1 Features Cloud9 Winning Against MIBR</h2><div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">WHAT IS THIS PLAY FROM <a href="https://twitter.com/Lft_Oxy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lft_Oxy</a>?!?<a href="https://twitter.com/C9VAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@C9VAL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VCTAmericas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VCTAmericas</a> <a href="https://t.co/G5rmMsbjYN">pic.twitter.com/G5rmMsbjYN</a>— VALORANT Esports NA (@valesports_na) <a href="https://twitter.com/valesports_na/status/1758700282584998203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>The second match in VCT Americas Kickoff also proved to be interesting as both teams played through all three maps in the best-of-three series, something fans did not get to see with NRG vs Furia. The highlight undoubtedly stands with Cloud9 as the American team offered an exceptional foot.&nbsp;While all games were pretty close, game one on Bind had a lot of back-and-forth moments, with C9 ultimately securing the ending rounds. The double Controller meta proved to be useful for both teams, as Wippie and Jakee both secured plenty of kills and support for C9.&nbsp;Split was not the best map for Cloud9 as MIBR's performance was pretty strong. The latter team secured most rounds in the beginning followed by exceptional retakes and clutches.&nbsp;&nbsp;The final map of the day, Lotus, is where C9 redeemed themselves in the game. That said, MIBR also showcased exceptional resistance; however, they fell short in the ending rounds as C9 secured three back-to-back.&nbsp;

The VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage Day 1 saw some intense games being played between NRG Esports, Furia, Cloud9, and MIBR. Here's a comprehensive recap of the opening matches of the tournament, highlighting the standout performers of each game and the key moments that led to their victories. Stay tuned to remain up-to-date on the VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage.


VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage Day 1 Recap

The VCT Americas Kickoff has progressed to its fourth day, featuring two strong elimination games between four teams from Groups A and B. The remaining two teams have moved up to the decider spots, waiting to fight against the Opening winners of their respective Groups. While MIBR and Sentinels have defeated Furia and 100 Thieves in their respective brackets, it is yet to be seen if the winning teams qualify for the grand finals.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/vct-americas-kickoff-group-stage-day-1-recap">VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage Day 1 Recap</a>&nbsp;<h2>VCT Americas Kickoff Features MIBR Taking the Crown Over Furia</h2><div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bragging rights secured! The battle of Brazil belongs to <a href="https://twitter.com/MIBR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MIBR</a>, they continue at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VCTAmericas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VCTAmericas</a> Kickoff! Map 1 - Split: MIBR 13-9 Map 2 - Breeze: MIBR 13-11 <a href="https://t.co/4e5jLQGGBj">pic.twitter.com/4e5jLQGGBj</a>— VALORANT Esports NA (@valesports_na) <a href="https://twitter.com/valesports_na/status/1759734797759357113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>MIBR had a pretty strong game against Furia. The first map of Split was a phenomenal performance from MIBR with the team taking seven rounds in a row toward the end. frz from MIBR had an exceptional performance with Viper, securing 22 kills and 277 ACS on the map.&nbsp;&nbsp;While fans spotted a bit of a comeback from Furia on Breeze, the team ultimately fell short of countering MIBR's strategies. Furia secured 11 rounds in the game; however, it wasn't enough to win. Artzin showcased a phenomenal performance on Jett, securing 22 kills as the top-fragger in the team.&nbsp;&nbsp;MIBR has rightfully secured its spot for the decider match, which will be held on February 26, 2024. It is yet to be seen if the Brazilian team will face Cloud9 or NRG Esports.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Group B of the VCT Americas Kickoff Features Sentinels Taking the Win Against 100 Thieves</h2><div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bringing the dub to SEN City!<a href="https://twitter.com/Sentinels?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sentinels</a> repeat the story and snatch the win out of the Thieves, moving forward in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VCTAmericas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VCTAmericas</a> Kickoff! Map 1 - Lotus: SEN 13-5 Map 2 - Bind: 100T 13-6 Map 3 - Split: SEN 13-8 <a href="https://t.co/UbRROmudam">pic.twitter.com/UbRROmudam</a>— VALORANT Esports NA (@valesports_na) <a href="https://twitter.com/valesports_na/status/1759782609549250842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Both NA teams had a back-and-forth performance in Group B. Ultimately, Sentinels took the upper hand. The first game on Lotus saw a dominant Sentinels performance as they took 13 rounds against 100 Thieves where the latter only secured 5. Aside from Cryocells on Chamber, the rest of the 100 Thieves had a pretty shaky performance. Sentinels, on the other hand, took most rounds with confidence.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second map, Bind, saw a completely different performance from Sentinels. 100 Thieves took back their advantage on the map, securing 13 rounds against Sentinels, giving their opponents just 6 in return. The final map of Split saw Sentinels coming back from their losses as they took the map with confidence. Sacy and Johnqt redeemed their performances on Skye and Cypher respectively, helping carry their team to a 13-8 win.

Read the full recap of Day 4 of the VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage featuring two strong elimination games between four teams from Groups A and B. Find out which teams made it to the decider spots and which ones had to say goodbye to the tournament. Get all the details on MIBR's dominating performance against Furia and Sentinels' win against 100 Thieves, along with player highlights and match insights in this comprehensive recap.


VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage Day 4 Recap

Sentinels has secured a massive victory recently against LOUD at the grand finals of VCT Americas Kickoff 2024. The NA team successfully defeated LOUD in a best-of-five series, taking the trophy home and securing a spot in the upcoming Masters Madrid. However, the victory came at a cost, as Jordan "Zellsis" Montemurro from Sentinels shared his experience staying in Brazil.​The American player mentioned that he received death threats in his direct messages from Instagram, and he does not feel "safe" anymore, staying in the country. Sentinels has had a similar incident in the past, where the NA org called out Brazil.​Also read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/vct-americas-kickoff-group-stage-day-4-recap">VCT Americas Kickoff Group Stage Day 4 Recap</a>​​<h2>Sentinels Zellsis Feels Unsafe in Brazil Following Death Threats from LOUD Fans</h2>​<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Eu sei que eu disse que recebi muito hate dos fãs brasileiros, mas também recebi 100x mais amor tambpem. Não tenho ódio de ninguém, e tudo o que faço é para competir e criar boas lembranças para mim, minha equipe, minha organização e os fãs. ❤️🇧🇷 BUY THE SENTINELS BUNDLE.— Jordan Montemurro (@Zellsis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zellsis/status/1765125392644591943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>​Upon going to Zellsis' official Twitch handle, one can find the clip in which he has expressed his feelings regarding the situation. He made the comment in an official live stream, saying that he opened his Instagram right after the match was over, and saw a plethora of Brazilian fans in his inbox.​<blockquote>"I'm not safe in Brazil anymore, let's just say that. I am no longer safe"</blockquote>​Zellsis also mentioned that the amount of messages was overwhelming, and it was not just about him. According to the clip, fans were also threatening his family, following the victory against LOUD.​​However, in another tweet shared by Zellsis, the player expressed his complete emotions regarding the situation, saying that he has also received more love from the Brazilian community. He claimed that he has no hatred for anyone, and is only focusing on making good memories.​Zellsis also shared a tweet on his official X handle in Portuguese, which translates to:​<blockquote>"I know I said I received a lot of hate from Brazilian fans, but I also received 100x more love too. I have no hatred for anyone, and everything I do is to compete and create good memories for myself, my team, my organization, and the fans."</blockquote>​Zellsis has definitely been one of the top contenders in the NA region, following his performance in the Cloud9 roster before he joined Sentinels. He is one of the most beloved Controller players from Valorant's professional scene and has shown exceptional prowess through his gameplay and IGL capabilities.​​Fast forward to the most recent VCT Americas tournament, Sentinels fans are extremely happy to see a comeback from the team after last year, of which Zellsis is a huge part of.

In this article, we report on the recent incident where Jordan "Zellsis" Montemurro from Sentinels received death threats from Brazilian fans following their victory against LOUD at VCT Americas Kickoff 2024. We provide details on Zellsis' experience and reactions to the threats, as well as background information on his performance as a professional player.


Sentinels Zellsis Receives Death Threats from Brazilian Fans Following Victory Against LOUD

VALORANT Masters Madrid 2024 has kicked off with two powerful games, where fans were awed to see striking performances between the four teams. The first game featured a match-up between Karmine Coprs and FunPlus Phoenix (FPX), whereas the second one saw Gen.G take on LOUD on the big stage. While the results of the first day were a bit unexpected for most VCT viewers, the series was undoubtedly entertaining as all teams displayed exceptional performances.&nbsp;&nbsp;The teams are now preparing for their second game, as the upcoming days are likely to be much harsh on them.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/valorant-champions-tour-2024-unveiled-vct-masters-madrid-kicks-off-global-showdown">Valorant Champions Tour 2024 Unveiled: VCT Masters Madrid Kicks Off Global Showdown</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>VALORANT Masters Madrid 2024 First Game Featured Karmine Corps and Gen.G Taking the Win Against FPX and LOUD</h2><div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here are the match results from Opening Day of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VALORANTMasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VALORANTMasters</a> Madrid 👇 <a href="https://t.co/cEjsrAf4yn">pic.twitter.com/cEjsrAf4yn</a>— VALORANT Champions Tour (@ValorantEsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/ValorantEsports/status/1768376679813325129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;The first game of VALORANT Masters Madrid 2024 featured Karmine Corps taking the win against FPX. While both teams displayed phenomenal performances, FPX fell short of securing the ending rounds on both maps. The first map of Icebox had Karmine Corps securing seven rounds back-to-back, as it took time for FPX to take control of the situation. Karmine Corps were strong on both halves, with N4RRATE and Marteen each securing 20 frags on the map. For FPX, taking back those frags from Karmine was a bit difficult.&nbsp;The second map, Lotus, was even more close for FPX, as they only lost to three rounds against their opponents. N4RRATE once again displayed his mechanical prowess with Fade, as he went ahead to secure 27 kills, the highest so far in the tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>LOUD's Surprising Performance Against Gen.G</h3>&nbsp;LOUD had a surprisingly close game against Gen.G on the first map; however, it wasn't enough for them to close it at a win on Icebox. T3xture on Jett had the Brazilian team on their toes throughout the game, despite Less securing 27 frags on Killjoy. With strong rounds back to back, Gen.G took the first win.On Breeze, however, LOUD had a surprising comeback in the series, where they beat Gen.G 13-8 in the game. Both Tuyz and Less were exceptional on Viper and Cypher in the game. LOUD won five rounds back to back in the second half, securing the game with a few more defuses towards the end.The third and last map of the series, Ascent, was a shocking game for LOUD fans as the Brazilian roster could only secure five rounds against their opponents. Moreover, Gen.G was unstoppable, as the team won seven rounds in a row. &nbsp;With the first day over, viewers are expecting more such games in the coming days at VALORANT Masters Madrid 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The article covers the results and recap of Day 1 of VALORANT Masters Madrid 2024, featuring Karmine Corps, FunPlus Phoenix, Gen.G, and LOUD. Read on for a detailed account of the matches and performances by the teams.


VALORANT Masters Madrid 2024: Day 1 Result and Recap

Indus is an upcoming Made-in-India Battle Royale game coming to multiple platforms and developed by SuperGaming.

&nbsp;One of India's leading game development studios, SuperGaming, officially announced a Closed Beta session for their upcoming Battle Royale title, Indus. The developers mentioned that the release window for the beta will be the festive season of 2023. Fans also got a sneak peek at the title with its new cinematic trailer featuring many known faces in the Indian gaming community. Moreover, the title has also crossed five million pre-registrations across all its available platforms. You can find all the necessary details here if you are looking forward to getting your hands on the upcoming Battle Royale.<h2>Made in India Battle Royale Indus' Closed Beta Trailer Showcases a Promising Battle Royale Experience</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r8atJsfl__8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>​The Closed Beta trailer for Indus showcased a phenomenal look at the Indo-Futuristic Battle Royale game. Fans can enjoy the beta through the Closed Beta Key, which is limited in supply. The trailer also delivered exceptional performances by Olympic pistol shooter Heena Sidhu, popular Indian gaming YouTuber Ujjwal Chaurasia, aka Techno Gamerz, and other content creators like GamerFleet and Magsplay as they voiced multiple characters in the game.​The developer's main motive is to showcase the Indian gaming industry by incorporating real-life icons across sports, content creation, and other cultures from the country. Moreover, the pre-registrations have proved that Indian gamers support the project ahead of its full launch.​<h2>What Does the Battle Royale Gameplay Look Like?</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y9-j-Nygm90" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>​In the Closed Beta trailer for Indus, you can spot common Battle Royale elements such as looting and squad play. Like games like Apex Legends and PUBG, the game also aims to capitalize on BR games' basic formula and add more original elements to the title. The trailer takes place on the map of Virlok, a fictional island where the players find themselves looting and discovering items while engaging in vehicular combat. Moreover, the Battle Royale will also feature unique weapons with various optics, as shown in the trailer.​If you aim to be one of the first users to get a Closed Beta key, you can head to the Google Play page for the title and pre-register the game. If you are selected for the session, you will receive the Closed Beta key allowing you to partake in the upcoming session.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SuperGaming's Made-in-India Battle Royale, Indus, Closed Beta Announced

Ubisoft has revealed the upcoming season for Rainbow Six Siege with a new Operator and plethora of changes coming to the game. 

Ubisoft has officially revealed a new Rainbow Six Siege Operation called Heavy Mettle. Year 8 Season 3 for Siege will bring a brand new Korean Operator, Ram. Alongside a new attacker coming to the roster, the title is set to receive many changes that will overhaul multiple aspects of the game.With a shifting meta and many changes coming to the play, fans are in for a treat with Operation Heavy Mettle. This article will briefly list all the changes coming to Rainbow Six Siege with Year 8 Season 3.<h2>&nbsp;</h2>Also Read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/gamers8-2023-to-feature-45-million-prize-pool-all-tournaments-events-and-schedules-listed">Gamers8 2023 To Feature $45 Million Prize Pool: All Tournaments, Events, and Schedules&nbsp;Listed</a>&nbsp;<h2>New Attacker Ram is Coming to Rainbow Six Siege</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v4jEZHBNQjk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;Ram is the upcoming addition to the Siege roster, introducing a brand-new gadget to the game. Her Bu-Gi drone is a mobile destruction device capable of destroying soft surfaces in the game. You can also use her device to remove defender utilities like deployable shields and bulletproof cameras.​Ubisoft went for a highly grounded concept when designing Ram's character model. According to the developers, she is part of an all-female elite special force with a highly complicated recruiting history. Moreover, her details are also redacted as of now. However, to know more about Ram's life, you can look at her bio upon Operations Heavy Mettle's full launch. While picking Ram, you can switch between two primary weapons: R4C and LMG-E. On the flip side, she can choose between two secondary weapons: MK19mm and ITA12s Shotgun. You will also be able to pick between her secondary gadgets, which are a Hard Breach charge and two Stun Grenades. Ram is expected to be a meta-shifting Operator as her device is one of the unique ones introduced in Year 8. You can try her out on the official Test Servers until the end of August.​<h2>What other changes are coming to Operation Heavy Mettle?</h2>Alongside a new attacker, Ubisoft has also announced changes for multiple Operators in Heavy Mettle. Fuze and Grim are in for minor changes, buffing their gadgets, whereas Frost receives a significant rework to her Welcome Mats. Moreover, Siege is set to overhaul the casual playlist with Quick Match 2.0, offering an experience more suitable for the casual audience. The Unranked playlist is also changed to Standard, offering the player base a sweet spot between competitive and casual gameplay.&nbsp;Lastly, a new Player Commendation system is also coming to Siege, where you can finally commend your teammates and receive them back based on your performance in a game. This will help encourage team morale and team play in the competitive environment of Rainbow Six. &nbsp;&nbsp;​

RAINBOW SIX

Rainbow Six Siege Operation Heavy Mettle: Here's All You Need to Know 

PlayStation Plus users can now explore the August 2023 Games Catalog and add games like Midnight Fight Express and Lost Judgement to their library. 

The PlayStation Plus Catalogue for August 2023 is now available for subscribers to claim. The catalog includes various games, including Destiny 2, Lost Judgement, and Midnight Fight Express. Unlike PlayStation Plus Essential games, the Catalog titles on PS4 and PS5 are only Extra and Premium members. While this may only make a few fans happy, it is still the current structure of the Game Catalog's system.&nbsp;&nbsp;This article will briefly list all the games you can pick as a PS Plus Premium subscriber, including the Classics Catalogue from the original PlayStation, PS2, PS3, and PSP.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/gaming/news/play-station-plus-july-2023-free-games-alan-wake-remastered-and-black-ops-cold-war">PlayStation Plus July 2023 Free Games: Alan Wake Remastered, Black Ops: Cold War, And More</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>August 2023 Games Catalog for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SoKBF50vxn4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;The August 2023 Games Catalog for PS Plus Extra and Premium members is as follows:<ul><li>Sea of Stars ( Available on PS4, PS5, late August)</li><li>Moving Out 2 (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Destiny 2: The Witch Queen (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Lost Judgment (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Destroy All Humans 2 Reprobed (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Two Point Hospital: Jumbo Edition (Available on PS4)</li><li>Source of Madness (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Cursed to Golf (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Dreams (Available on PS4)</li><li>PJ Masks: Heroes of the Night (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Hotel Transylvania: Scary-Tale Adventures (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Lawn Mowing Simulator: Landmark Edition (Available on PS4, PS5)</li><li>Spellforce III Reforced (Available on PS4)</li><li>Midnight Fight Express (Available on PS4)</li></ul><h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>Classic Games Catalog for PlayStation Premium Subscribers</h3>&nbsp;Mentioned below are all the classics available to pick on August 2023 through PS Premium:<ul><li>MediEvil: Resurrection (Available on PSP)</li><li>Ape Escape: On the Loose (Available on PSP)</li><li>Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice (Available on PSP)</li></ul>&nbsp;The new PlayStation Plus subscription tiers have been reasonably successful with the PlayStation community with a steady flow of quality offerings from Sony in terms of both Monthly Games and the Games Catalog. While the service doesn't have the bells-and-whistles a la Game Pass in terms of Day One launches, PS Plus has been steadily putting games on launch day.&nbsp;

PlayStation Plus August Game Catalog Lineup Available Now: Lost Judgement, Midnight Fight Express, Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, and More

Reports suggest that Bungie is set to reveal the final expansion for Destiny 2, titled "The Final Shape". 

The concluding expansion for Destiny 2 is just around the corner. After six years, Bungie has decided to craft the perfect farewell expansion for the game called The Final Shape. There has been no solid information regarding the expansion as fans are patiently waiting for the Bungie livestream set to conduct next week. Moreover, the presentation may also include more information regarding the future of Destiny. The livestream will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 4 pm BST/ 8 am PT on YouTube, Twitch, and Tok, where fans will be greeted with an hour of pre-show.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/gaming/news/microsoft-considered-acquiring-bungie-and-sega-to-strengthen-xbox-game-pass">Microsoft Considered Acquiring Bungie and Sega to Strengthen Xbox Game Pass, Emails Reveal</a>&nbsp;<h2>The Final Shape will be the Concluding Expansion for Destiny 2</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gGa8K-yQr8k" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;The Final Shape expansion will follow the beloved The Witch Queen expansion released in 2022 alongside Lightfall. While the Destiny 2 community does not particularly praise the latter, it shares essential plot elements to aid the upcoming expansion. With the upcoming expansion, Bungie is expected to conclude its Light and Darkness Saga alongside its long-running lore. Next week's main show will unveil all the details regarding The Final Shape. Bungie also mentioned that the presentation would address Destiny 2's Season 22 details, such as the next reprised raid, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, you can also expect a post-show after the main one, which will feature the developers discussing and focusing on the upcoming updates for next year. This means a lot to the Destiny fans, as the title is set to receive tons of updates following the concluding expansion. The Season of the Deep (Season 21) has been a long-running expansion for ten weeks. With Season 22 being a breath of fresh air, much is set to change in the game. Fans are highly excited regarding Destiny 2's future, as The Final Shape has a lot of potential to craft a new game or branch out towards a new plotline within the universe. The Final Shape is expected to drop sometime around February 2024, as the specific release date is yet to be revealed by Bungie.&nbsp;​

Bungie Draws the Curtains on Destiny 2 with Final Expansion, Titled  "The Final Shape"

ASUS Republic of Gamers will launch new products alongside hosting a variety of events for fans at Gamescom 2023.

ASUS ROG is set to host various events alongside multiple fun activities at the upcoming Gamescom 2023. The said activities will be a part of the ROG Gamescom 2023 Giveaway, which will last from August 1 to 22, 2023. Fans will be given the chance to win EVA-02 ASUS products alongside a range of gaming peripherals that will aid their overall gaming experience.&nbsp;Moreover, the event will continue with Gamescom Watch2Win Challenge from August 22 until September 22, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/asus-rog-announces-season-8-of-csgo-back-to-basics">ASUS Announces ROG Academy Season 8 Featuring CSGO</a>&nbsp;<h2>ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) Gamescom 2023 Plans</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iGY4wo4slkc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>&nbsp;ASUS ROG recently announced that they are set to commence a press event on August 22 at 4:00 pm CEST/ 7:00 am PT / 7:30 pm IST. The press event will feature ASUS launching new and thrilling products alongside hosting the Gamescom 2023 Giveaway.&nbsp;&nbsp;During the event, fans can also indulge in exciting fan-engagement activities in Cologne, Germany, between August 22 to 24. The main focus of the press event will be ROG featuring the latest cutting-edge hardware and peripherals alongside other newer implementations. After the press event, August 23 features ROG Talk and ROG Party event. The party will start at 5:00 pm CEST / 6:00 am PT / 8:30 pm IST, after the ROG Talk. The Gamescom press event will be live-streamed directly from Cologne. The event will also introduce the following ROG X Evangelion collaboration products for fans interested in the next phase. Following this, top tech and gaming influencers will also join to discuss the said product lineup.&nbsp;The Prizes are as follows:<ul><li>New ROG Motherboard + Intel® Core™ Processor (1 winner)</li><li>ROG Swift OLED PG42UQ gaming monitor (1 winner)</li><li>ROG Swift OLED PG48UQ gaming monitor (1 winner)</li><li>ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM gaming monitor (1 winner)</li><li>ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD gaming monitor (1 winner)</li><li>ROG Rapture GT6 router (White) (1 winner)</li><li>ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds (White) (10 winners)</li><li>ROG Gladius III Wireless AimPoint EVA-02 Edition gaming mouse (3 winners)</li><li>ROG Strix Scope RX EVA-02 Edition gaming keyboard (3 winners)</li></ul>&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans can visit the official ROG Gamescom microsite to sign up and participate in the giveaway and get the chance to win exclusive ROG products like the Strix GeForce RTX 3090 24 GB GDDRX OC EVA-02 Edition GPU (two winners), ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition mouse (five winners), ROG Azoth 75% gaming keyboard (five winners) Lastly, ASUS Republic of Gamers will feature the Watch2Win Challenge at Gamescom, where remote viewers can tune into the livestream and win exclusive prizes. Fans will have to answer questions related to the press event and ROG Talk to get a chance to win ROG products.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

ASUS ROG Confirms Product Launches and Giveaways During Gamescom 2023: Giveaway from Aug 1-22

Starfield can now be preloaded on Xbox consoles; PC users can pre-load the game later this month, from August 30, 2023. 

&nbsp;Starfield is one of Bethesda's most anticipated and ambitious releases of 2023. After the lukewarm reception of Fallout 76, the developers have been working tirelessly on the positively ambitious Starfield, as presented in multiple showcases over the past years. After six years of waiting, the space-exploring RPG is finally set for release, and Xbox users can pre-load the game starting today.&nbsp;​​The game is expected to be a blend of exploration and RPG action set in space. The game mainly emphasizes exploring and mining new worlds and planets as promised by Todd Howard, Game Designer, Director, and Producer for Starfield.&nbsp;​Also read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/gaming/news/starfield-release-date-announced-new-gameplay-details-revealed-in-the-xbox-games-showcase">Starfield Release Date Announced: New Gameplay Details Revealed In The Xbox Games Showcase</a>&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Preload Dates for Starfield Announced by Bethesda on PC and Xbox Consoles</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kfYEiTdsyas" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>​&nbsp;On August 16, 2023, Bethesda officially posted the preload dates for Starfield. Players who pre-ordered the game can download the files early on their system before its official release.​The preloading dates are as follows:<ul><li>August 17, 2023 (For Xbox Series X|S)</li><li>August 30, 2023 (For Steam, Microsoft Windows)</li></ul>​The game's official release is set for September 6, 2023. Since it's an Xbox exclusive, PC players can enjoy the game through the Microsoft Xbox app. Console players can preload the game 20 days before the official launch. For PC players, they can preload the title six days before it releases. Preloading the title undoubtedly has benefits, where fans can enjoy the game as soon as it hits the servers. Bethesda has always been praised for building interesting game worlds populated by meaningful quests, characters, incentivizing endless exploration.&nbsp;<h2>​Starfield on Microsoft Xbox Game Pass</h2><h2>​</h2><img src="https://d2dgkt5728m0bd.cloudfront.net/Starfield_Physical_Standard_Vanity_Image_mobile_preorder_fbf13259fd.jpg" alt="Starfield Xbox Game Pass">​One of the best things about the game is that players can enjoy the title on the Xbox Game Pass on day one. Despite its $70 price tag, Bethesda did not shy away from listing its ambitious title on the Game Pass. The Ultimate pass that covers both Xbox and PC costs only around $6.60, allowing one to enjoy various labels across the Microsoft platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starfield

Starfield is Now Available for Pre-Load on Xbox, PC Pre-Loading Date Announced

&nbsp;Recent leaks suggest Call of Duty Modern Warfare III may recycle classic maps from the original MW2. These leaks also indicate that these maps will be remastered and filled with modern elements to fit the current generation of visuals. While it is great news for veteran COD fans, some still need to be convinced about this approach judging from the recent reception of Modern Warfare II (2022).​Modern Warfare III is set to release in a couple of months and is expected to offer a massive improvement over the current COD game. Sledgehammer Games will be taking over the development of the game, which is a shocking turn of events as Infinity Ward has been at the helm of the Modern Warfare franchise since 2007. It will be interesting to see how much the change in studios will affect the game.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/gaming/news/makarov-and-his-tattoos-takes-centre-stage-in-the-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3">Makarov And His Tattoos Takes Centre Stage In The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Trailer</a>&nbsp;<h2>Modern Warfare III May Return with Iconic COD MW2 Maps</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed">https://twitter.com/el_bobberto/status/1691259123365462016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1691259123365462016%7Ctwgr%5Eac0896e433527e75a06972e1ff0256113d0e24d4%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sportskeeda.com%2Fcall-of-duty-game%2Frumor-modern-warfare-3-maps-leaked-will-include-rust-scrapyard</div>&nbsp;A leaker and data miner named el_bobberto on X has revealed that Modern Warfare III will launch with all remastered MW2 maps. This information gives birth to a series of speculations as fans expect the iconic maps to return to their beloved franchise once more. Previously, Activision has offered fans classic weapons and characters with Warzone and Warzone 2. Moving forward with another Modern Warfare title, the return of the iconic maps could mean much more to the community.​<h3>&nbsp;</h3><h3>What Maps from COD MW2 Could Return in Modern Warfare III?</h3>&nbsp;The leaker mentioned the return of a classic MW2 map called Scrapyard while explaining a common feature of the map to another user. If the leaks were to be believed, fans could expect other classic maps like Favela, Rust, Shipment, and Terminal to come to the map pool with the upcoming game. Although there has been no official word on the maps, fans have high hopes regarding the leak due to the leaker's credibility.&nbsp;The leaker has been correct before in multiple instances. Moreover, with the recent reception for Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare II (2022), introducing remastered maps might work like a charm to win the community back.​The Call of Duty franchise has been a part of the gaming industry for twenty years. Despite the ups and downs, fans have always found ways to enjoy their favorite COD games by playing their favourite game modes and maps. With the recent leak surfacing, fans are incredibly excited to see how these iconic maps are recreated for the modern generation visuals.​

Recent leaks suggest this year's Call of Duty Modern Warfare III may be bringing back old MW2 maps from 2009, which seems to have divided the fanbase. 

Call of Duty Modern Warfare III Could Just be Recycling Old MWII Maps

&nbsp;A recent leak has surfaced on the internet showcasing a small clip that hints at an upcoming map for Valorant. While the short clip does not offer much in-depth information, it will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing lore. Lotus was the last map introduced to Valorant back in Episode 6 Act 1. Since then, fans have had their fair share of issues with balancing when playing competitively.&nbsp;Currently, Riot follows a seven-map pool in the game. With every new map, an old map is taken out of the pool and set to rework. With another addition possibly coming to the collection, fans are in for another map pool shift.&nbsp;Read More: <a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/valorant-launches-new-sentinel-agent-23-deadlock">Valorant Launches New Sentinel 'Deadlock': All Abilities, Release Date, And More</a>&nbsp;<h2>Valorant is Reportedly Set to Add a New Map to the Rotation</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New Map Teaser | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VALORANT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VALORANT</a> <a href="https://t.co/uQ2ixnY1zZ">pic.twitter.com/uQ2ixnY1zZ</a>— VALORANT Leaks &amp; News (@VALORANTLeaksEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/VALORANTLeaksEN/status/1691493776127143943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Prominent leaker and content creator who goes by the tag of @VALORANTLeaksEN on X shared a small clip mentioning it as the new map teaser for the game. The 47 seconds clip shows a small cinematic teaser where the Sentinel Deadlock visits Cypher with a USB flash drive in his van. Upon examining the data inside, the latter finds a clip of Kingdom soldiers transferring Radianites through a portal. Fans deeply indulged in the game's lore will recognize the rivalry between the two worlds. However, you must wait until Riot drops official information on the map.&nbsp;The teaser does not reveal any codename or location for the upcoming map; however, if the leaks were to be believed, the new map could replace an existing one, alongside Icebox also returning to the queue. There has been no official information on the map switch; however, fans are speculating Ascent or Haven to leave the pool, considering Riot Games started reworking and picking their oldest maps.&nbsp;The developers have always been cautious regarding reworking and tweaking their maps. In the past, even newer maps like Pearl and Fracture saw minor tweaks after fans repeatedly complained about the unbalanced state of specific areas. With another map coming to the roster, fans expect a much-balanced arena, as it will be a crucial part of the competitive playlist. Fans can expect the leaked Valorant map to drop by Episode 7 Act 2, after the official reveal. Until then, readers must wait patiently and enjoy the competitive playlist that includes Bind, Ascent, Split, Fracture, Lotus, Pearl, and Haven.

A new Valorant leak suggests a new map coming to the poo with the upcoming Episode, set for reveal soon.

New Valorant Leaks Suggest New Map Could be Unveiled Soon

&nbsp;The Steam Deck might just have gotten a new competitor in the form of the Lenovo Legion GO. The handheld market saw a recent uptick with te launch of the Steam Deck, which surpassed many norms in the industry. Not only was the device more than capable of beating market rulers like the Nintendo Switch in terms of hardware, but it also offered various choices to the users, including allowing them to change their Operating Systems (OS).&nbsp;ASUS soon joined the battle with their version of the Steam Deck, ROG Ally. According to various sources, fast forwarding to the third quarter of 2023, Lenovo Legion Go is reportedly also entering the market.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/gaming/news/lenovo-entering-handheld-market-with-legion-go">Lenovo Entering Handheld Market With Legion Go</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Everything We Know About the Lenovo Legion GO So Far</h2>​&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PGyzCxC_jqo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>​​Windows Report recently published the first few official Lenovo Legion Go handheld console images. By looking at the device, one can tell that Lenovo worked hard on making an exceptionally ergonomic handheld device. Three tech giants, including Valve and Asus, currently dominate the handheld industry. While the AYANEO's console is much more affordable than the other two, it shares its respective downsides.&nbsp;&nbsp;When looking at the Lenovo Legion Go, you cannot immediately set it apart from its competitors. However, you will quickly notice its ergonomic settings and vibrant display that shares a neat touch with the PC. With all that being said, it is yet to be seen how much accessibility Lenovo will offer upon its launch. When looking at the Steam Deck, users are offered many options to browse regarding both games and accessibility. On the other hand, Ally is a bit restrictive regarding its kernel-level security. Legion Go may follow the same route one can assume.&nbsp;&nbsp;Many fans are speculating the Legion Go display to be touchscreen, which will widely separate the device from the crowd, making it more user-friendly and accessible. Moreover, fans are still concerned about the significant bits regarding the console, mainly the battery life and heating issues, if it will have any. Looking at the leaked images, one quickly realizes that Lenovo Legion Go will be thicker than the ASUS ROG Ally or the AYANEO Air console. Moreover, the controller layout also resembles a mashup of Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck The Lenovo Legion is expected around late 2023 or early 2024. However, without an official word, it is safe to assume that the launch window may change.​

New images of the Lenovo Legion GO have surfaced, providing fans with a first look at the device that is being positioned against the Steam Deck and ROG Ally. 

Lenovo Legion GO Images Leaked: Lenovo's Handheld Gaming Console Poised to Go Up Against Steam Deck and ROG Ally

&nbsp;According to various online sources, Valorant may introduce a brand-new skin line to the game featuring a "Water Dragon" theme. While the seeds do not have an official name behind the cosmetic, it says the skin line may share a dark green colour scheme. These leaks also shared a picture, which may hint at something from the League of Legends game. Valorant has already introduced League of Legends crossover items in the past, with the game featuring cosmetics from the Arcane series alongside the Ruination and Sentinels of Light collections.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/gossip/news/Valorant-leak-hints-new-map">New Valorant Leaks Suggest New Map Could be Unveiled Soon</a>&nbsp;<h2>Sources Shed Light on the Upcoming Valorant Skin Collection</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yeni gelecek set büyük olasılıkla şunları içerecektir. | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VALORANT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VALORANT</a> Sheriff Vandal Judge Operator Sermet setindeki Serket'in bıçağına benzer bıçak <a href="https://t.co/uSTsQCbLaJ">https://t.co/uSTsQCbLaJ</a>— VALORANT Leaks Türkiye (@VALORANTLeakTR) <a href="https://twitter.com/VALORANTLeakTR/status/1693222620081033281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;Like most Valorant collections, the upcoming bundle will also feature five weapon skins. If the leaks are accurate, the collection will feature the following weapons:<ul><li>Sheriff</li><li>Vandal</li><li>Judge</li><li>Operator</li><li>Melee</li></ul>&nbsp;Currently, fans can only guess about the upcoming collection's Tier. Daydreams was the last collection introduced to Valorant with Patch 7.03. The bundle was a Select-tier skin line that was considerably low priced. However, fans may receive a Premium or a Deluxe-tier set with the upcoming bundle. Considering Neo Frontier was the last Exclusive-tier skin in the game, it is doubtful that Riot will introduce another skin line sharing the same Tier right after Patch 7.00.&nbsp;Some fans also argue the skin line is higher Tier due to its launch timing. In the past, Riot has introduced Exclusives and Premium-tier collections when launching the first bundle in an Act. As of now, there has been no information regarding the bundle's name or variants. If the collection falls under a higher Tier, fans can expect the skins to share more than two variants, much like other premium skins from the game. With very little information regarding the skin, fans are also speculating if the collection will feature animations or sound effects.​Valorant is known for its gorgeous visuals and animations when introducing a skin to the game. Despite fans not appreciating some of the collections, Riot has still ensured players get the most out of their bundles with skins for specific weapons. Fans have high expectations with the upcoming skin line as the possible crossover with League of Legends may mean something phenomenal.​

An internet source shared details about the upcoming Valorant skin collection: "Water Dragon." Alongside leaking the collection's theme, it also discusses the weapons it will feature. 

Leaks Suggest Valorant is Ready to Introduce a New "Water Dragon" skin

&nbsp;Former Batman for the DCEU, Ben Affleck, was spotted at the Valorant Champions 2023 Grand Finals held in Los Angeles, USA. The actor was attending the event with his son, as many quickly noticed the star purchasing Champions 2023 merch and walking around the venue with Riot Games staff. Alongside Elon Musk, Ben Affleck was the second celebrity spotted at the grand Valorant event. Following his arrival, fans and reporters across multiple media asked the actor about his favourite Valorant agent.​Also read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/esports/news/valorant-champions-2023-day-4-prx-e-dward-and-fnatic-emerge-victorious">Valorant Champions 2023 Day 4: PRX, EDward And FNATIC Emerge Victorious</a>&nbsp;<h2>Ben Affleck on his Favorite Valorant Agent and More at the Champions 2023 Grand Finals</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ben Affleck at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VALORANTChampions?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VALORANTChampions</a>. <a href="https://t.co/oaLWXtB1LY">pic.twitter.com/oaLWXtB1LY</a>— Bennifer Updates (@BenniferUpdates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenniferUpdates/status/1695608956763132046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;"I'm a KAY/O main right now," said Affleck. The Initiator is not the only pick for the Hollywood A-lister amongst the Valorant roster. &nbsp;I main Raze too; I'm a little promiscuous with who I main, you know, I move around a little bit."​Affleck also loves his time playing the Brazilian Duelist in the game. Moreover, the former Batman actor also loves exploring other options occasionally.​Ben Affleck also expressed his thoughts on the most recent patch notes released for Episode 7 Act 1. "They also nerfed Jett, that's the problem," said the actor. While it is unknown if he was answering any particular question or just having a conversation, Valorant fans still got to see the actor's gamer side at the Valorant Champions finals. Fans have yet to see Affleck in action, as the actor has never seen streaming on any of the platforms. However, he still shares a strong passion for the game.​Many celebrities have shown their interest in Valorant in the past. Barbie star Simu Liu and famous rock artist Mike Shinoda have also displayed their love for the game. This clearly reflects gaming's presence in the mainstream and how much of a journey its been on since the start of the 2000s to now where it is clearly the most popular form of media and entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hollywood A-list actor Ben Affleck was spotted at the Valorant Champions 2023 Grand Finals with his son and talked about his main Agent in the game. 

"I'm a KAY/O main" Hollywood Star Ben Affleck Shares His Valorant Main at Champions 2023 Finals

&nbsp;A recent leak revealed that the iconic Call of Duty 2 Captain Price look will return to Modern Warfare II before MWIII's launch. The skin will feature the classic Captain Price look from 2003 and will be available as an Operator Bundle in the game. While there has yet to be an official word from Activision regarding this cosmetic, fans wonder what else the set will incorporate. The recent Tracer Pack bundles, including Lara Croft Tomb Raider, Snoop Dogg, and Nicki Minaj, delivered top-tier fan service to the community; however, Activision offering a classic look for one of their oldest characters in the franchise is something new.&nbsp;​Also Read: <a href="https://gossip.gg/gaming/news/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii-free-beta-weekends-announced-play-station-users-to-get-early-access">Call Of Duty Modern Warfare III: Free Beta Weekends Announced; PlayStation Users To Get Early Access</a>&nbsp;<h2>Iconic Call of Duty 2 Captain Price Operator Bundle Leak Details</h2>&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Price <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWIII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWIII</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MWII?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MWII</a> <a href="https://t.co/jsWpMNcRcq">pic.twitter.com/jsWpMNcRcq</a>— Task Force Leakers Network (@leakers141) <a href="https://twitter.com/leakers141/status/1696943364967416009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;Prominent Call of Duty leaker, who goes by the tag of @leakers141 on Twitter/X, tweeted a leaked clip of the Captain Price COD2 Operator skin on August 30, 2023. The clip showcases the iconic Price animation from the early Call of Duty games in 2003/05. The animation features Price throwing his Cigar and rolling out towards the camera.​Captain Price has been an iconic character in the Call of Duty franchise since its inception. The character first appeared in the first Call of Duty game released in 2003, where he appeared as a rifleman. Later, he was also seen in the British campaign in Call of Duty 2 (2005). It wasn't much after that Activision thought of bringing this iconic character to the Modern Warfare games, rebooting his story.​Currently, there is no information regarding the launch date of the Operator bundle; however, fans are speculating a release before Modern Warfare III drops on November 10, 2023. With the Season 5 Reloaded update, fans have already received three new Operator packs. Fans will likely receive the Call of Duty 2 Captain Price Tracer Pack later.​

Leaks suggest the iconic Call of Duty 2 Captain Price will make a return in Modern Warfare 2 with the upcoming Operator Bundle, featuring his classic look from the 2003 campaign.

Kushal Bhattacharya

Writer

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