Skillz Weekly News Recap – Twitch to Host a Twitch Rivals “Fortnite” Tournament Ahead of Super Bowl 54
Digital/Mobile News
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Google is bringing two-factor authentication to iPhones. The feature will increase security and provide additional resources to at-risk users. (TechCrunch)
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Esports One announced a closed beta for its esports platform, E1 Fantasy. Launching later this month, the platform allows users to create fantasy leagues for popular esports tournaments. (Esports Insider)
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Tencent led a $45 million funding round for Lydia, a mobile payment app. Popular in France, the mobile app helps users manage money and issue peer-to-peer payments. (TechCrunch)
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Comcast’s NBCUniversal announced details about Peacock, its upcoming streaming service. The service launches on April 15 for Xfinity cable customers, and launches nationwide on July 15. (CNET)
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Google announced its plans to phase out support for third-party cookies in Chrome. Taking place over the next two years, the plan aims to improve web privacy. (TechCrunch)
Gaming News
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YouTube signed deals with three popular Twitch streamers – Lannan “LazarBeam” Eacott, Elliott “Muselk” Watkins, and Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter. The deals come as streaming sites battle to lock in the biggest stars for exclusive media contracts. (CNBC)
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Google plans to bring over 120 new games to its Stadia gaming service, including 10 Stadia-exclusive titles. The service currently has 26 games available, including one exclusive. (The Verge)
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Nintendo’s “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” announced a new fighter pass, including Byleth from the “Fire Emblem” franchise. The new pass will also include six new fighters. (VentureBeat)
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Ahead of the Super Bowl, Twitch is hosting a Twitch Rivals “Fortnite” tournament. Streamers will be able to play “Fortnite” live with NFL athletes in Miami. (Polygon)
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Epic Games is launching the Icon Series, a collection of virtual skins featuring several popular celebrities. The campaign is starting with a skin from Ninja, who now streams exclusively on Mixer. (The Verge)
Business News
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App Annie announced that mobile gaming is projected to surpass $100 billion this year. According to a new report, mobile is bringing in more revenue than all other game types combined. (GamesIndustry.biz)
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Super League Gaming has partnered with China-based Wanda Media. The partnership will bring live competitions to hundreds of movie theaters throughout China. (VentureBeat)
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SK Gaming announced a partnership with Nike and 11teamsports. The partnership allows the two brands to be the exclusive supplier and distributor for SK Gaming merchandise. (Esports Insider)
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UK-based CT Travel Group has launched CT Esports Travel, an esports travel division. The department aims to provide travel management services for the esports industry. (Esports Insider)
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Games Done Quick raised over $3 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The organization’s annual week-long event raises awareness and funds for charitable causes. (VentureBeat)