Video games

Web-based platform uses statistical analysis and professional coaching to tailor-make training regimens for eSports hopefuls

The program will equip Israeli game devs with the tools they need to elevate Israel's reputation for creating great games, beyond the mobile genre.

GSC Game World is a historic game developer in eastern European gaming, having been among the first to localize games into Russian, and is behind the acclaimed S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise.

The Israeli developers behind indie hit GRIME explain how the country’s thriving casual game scene is set for greatness but Israel's politics are getting in the way.

The name of the simulator, SAGGER, comes from the weapon that was used en masse by the Egyptian and Syrian armies to fight Israel.

"Niantic's games are no longer available for download in Russia and Belarus, and gameplay will also be suspended there shortly," the company said.

The conviction is reflective of a wider pattern in Russia that sees teenagers targeted by security forces to quash dissent.

Dubbed Minecraft Virtual Israel, the initiative was launched by Lost Tribe Esports, a group that uses esports and gaming as a means of engaging with younger members of the Jewish community.

Known to be the first professional esports group in Israel, Team Finest runs five teams in four popular games: Fortnite, FIFA, Counter-Strike and Valorant.

The software giant had launched two models of its Xbox Series X in November 2020, seven years after the debut of the previous version, to capture a pandemic-driven boom in consumer spending on games.