gaming
Sweet, Sweet Victory! Candy Crush® All Stars Tournament Winner Announced
- Jay, 51, from New York, beat millions of Candy Crush Saga® players worldwide to attend the live final where he was crowned Candy Crush All Star 2023, winning $100,000 USD
- A fiercely competitive Candy Crush® All Stars Tournament final in London saw the top three players each win an exclusive championship Ring, designed by celebrity jeweler Icebox
NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — In an epic battle of the thumbs, Candy Crush Saga has crowned its ultimate All Stars champion following a live final in London for the biggest prize in casual mobile gaming.
Jay, 51, was named Candy Crush All Star 2023, taking home $100,000 and a specially crafted bling-tastic championship ring from celebrity jeweler, Icebox, after collecting the most purple All Star Candies in an intense, head-to-head battle to win.
Hailing from New York, Jay beat Cole, from Eugene, Oregon, and Fran, from Madrid, Spain, who finished second and third out of the group of ten finalists spanning three continents – winning $50,000 and $30,000 respectively, alongside runner-up championship rings.
Specially designed for the tournament by renowned Atlanta-based jeweler, Icebox – who have made championship rings for some of the biggest names in sports – the three rings, worth over $75,000 in total, are bedazzled with rare gems inspired by the game’s iconic Candies. Dripping in Amethysts, Yellow and Orange Sapphires, Rubies, Blue Topaz and Brown Tourmaline, they are set into a bespoke 14K Gold Candy Drip setting for a color-popping sensation.
Jay, a fibre optics specialist and father of four who’s completed more than 9,000 Candy Crush Saga levels, said: “When I heard I won, it was mind-blowing, that’s all I can say, it was incredible. It’s like I just won the Super Bowl and I got the ring! I thought Cole had me, I really did, he is one cold guy. Meeting the other finalists was amazing, we all have the same thing in common: Candy Crush – it’s a universal language.”
The free-to-enter Candy Crush All Stars tournament, held to mark the 20th anniversary of the game’s developer, King, stretched across two months with quarter and semi-finals held to whittle down the competition to the top 10. To receive an invite to the final, competitors needed to move through the tournament stages by collecting as many purple All Stars Candies as possible.
To celebrate, the finalists, along with a guest of their choice, enjoyed an all expenses paid trip to London and a victory dinner. The once-in-a-lifetime experience also included a week’s stay in a candified room at a luxury London hotel, as well as a ‘behind the candy curtain’ tour of King’s London HQ.
At the live final event, the finalists donned Candy Crush varsity jackets and were welcomed onto a purple carpet where they were cheered on before competing with their fellow Candy Crush All Stars finalists. To win, Jay had to survive elimination in three tense rounds – coming from behind in the semi-final to nab the last qualifying spot – before the final head-to-head.
Todd Green, General Manager of the Candy Crush Franchise at King said: “The sheer quality of play across the tournament stages and especially the live final was just incredible, and we were delighted to crown Jay as our deserving winner and ultimate Candy Crush All Stars champion.
“For many players, Candy Crush Saga represents a colorful and enjoyable way to pass the time, but we have a huge amount of loyal fans who love to invest the time and dedication into becoming a true All Star.”
Candy Crush Saga is available to download and play for free on iOS and Android. To learn more about the mobile game, visit: www.candycrushsaga.com
About King
With a mission of Making the World Playful, King is a leading interactive entertainment company and the creator of the world-famous Candy Crush franchise, as well as other mobile game hits including Farm Heroes Saga. Candy Crush is the top-grossing franchise in U.S. app stores, a position it has held for the last five years, and King’s games are being played by 243 million monthly active users as of Q1 2023. King, a part of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), has game studios in Stockholm, Malmö, London, Barcelona and Berlin and offices in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles and Malta. More information can be found at King.com or by following us on LinkedIn, @lifeatking on Instagram, or @king_games on Twitter.
© 2023 King.com Ltd. King, the King crown logo, Candy Crush, the Tiffi character, Candy Crush Saga and related marks are trademarks of King.com Ltd and/or related entities.
All Stars competition T&Cs can be found here: https://candycrush-saga.web.app/pages/all_stars_terms
SOURCE King
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gaming
Dragon Shield Partners with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast for Official MAGIC: THE GATHERING Accessories
Dragon Shield has partnered with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to create premium MAGIC: THE GATHERING accessories featuring iconic game art. Launching with the Legendary and Landfall Series, these sleeves blend durability with visual storytelling, marking a significant evolution for both brands.
Premium TCG accessory maker brings iconic Magic imagery to protective sleeves and gaming gear
Dragon Shield, the go-to name in trading card game protection, just leveled up. The Denmark-based company announced a major licensing deal with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to produce official MAGIC: THE GATHERING accessories, bringing decades of iconic game art to their premium product line.
For Magic players who’ve trusted Dragon Shield sleeves to protect their valuable cards, this collaboration means something special: official artwork featuring the legendary creatures and landscapes that define the game’s rich history.
Two New Series Honor Magic’s Legacy
The partnership launches with two distinct product lines that tap into what makes Magic legendary:
The Legendary Series kicks off with The Ur-Dragon, one of Magic’s most beloved legendary creatures. These Dual Matte Art sleeves celebrate the powerful characters that have captivated players since the game’s inception. It’s a fitting tribute to the timeless imagination that keeps millions shuffling up each week.
The Landfall Series takes inspiration from Magic’s foundation—literally. The debut features all five Tarkir: Dragonstorm fetch lands in their showcase forms. For players who know that lands aren’t just mana sources but works of art in their own right, this series delivers both beauty and gameplay significance.
When and Where to Get Them
Magic fans attending MagicCon: Atlanta will get first access to these new products, including an exclusive “Dracogenesis” sleeve featuring artwork from the Tarkir Dragonstorm set—chosen specifically to symbolize this new partnership.
Worldwide retail availability is set for late 2025, giving players everywhere the chance to sleeve up with official Magic artwork.
What the Partnership Means
“Working with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast marks an exciting new chapter for Dragon Shield,” said Kevin Isaacson, Dragon Shield’s CEO. “MAGIC: THE GATHERING has inspired players for decades, and this collaboration allows us to bring our passion for quality and design to a game and community we deeply admire.”
Rebecca Shepard, Vice President of Franchise for MAGIC: THE GATHERING at Wizards of the Coast, emphasized the natural fit: “Dragon Shield is a trusted name among fans, and this collaboration ensures players can protect the game they love with accessories that celebrate the stories, legends, and artistry that make MAGIC legendary.”
Why This Matters for Players
Dragon Shield has built its reputation on durability and design—sleeves that actually last through countless shuffles and gameplay sessions. Now that quality meets official Magic artwork, from the most iconic legendary creatures to the lands that fuel every strategy.
Whether you’re protecting a Commander deck built around The Ur-Dragon or keeping your fetch lands pristine, these new accessories blend practical protection with the visual storytelling that makes Magic more than just a card game.
For the millions of Magic players worldwide, this partnership represents something simple but significant: the accessories that protect your cards can now reflect the game’s legendary status.
Learn more at dragonshield.com or follow the latest updates on Instagram.
What’s your take on the new Dragon Shield × Magic collaboration? Will you be picking up The Ur-Dragon sleeves or waiting for the Landfall Series? The blend of premium protection and iconic Magic art seems like a natural evolution for both brands.
SOURCE Dragon Shield
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Tech
T-Mobile, MeetMo, and NantStudios Win Prestigious 2025 Lumiere Award for Revolutionary Las Vegas Grand Prix Formula One Fan Experience
Last Updated on February 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The world of motorsports just took a giant leap into the future! Excitement is in the air as T-Mobile, MeetMo, and NantStudios have clinched the illustrious 2025 Lumiere Award for Best Interactive Experience from the Advanced Imaging Society. This accolade is in recognition of their pioneering immersive video experience for fans at the celebrated Las Vegas Grand Prix!
A Game-Changing Experience
Imagine being able to step into a race track from the comfort of your own home, enveloped in a 360-degree augmented reality tour of the circuit, all captured in breathtaking 12K footage. Thanks to this remarkable collaboration, fans can now enjoy a race experience like never before, made possible by a spectacular fusion of 5G technology, virtual production, and artificial intelligence.
“By combining T-Mobile’s 5G Advanced Network Solutions with our real-time collaboration technology, we’ve created an immersive experience that brings fans closer to the action than ever before,” expressed Michael Mansouri, CEO of Radiant Images and MeetMo. His enthusiasm is shared by many, as this innovative project is seen as a quantum leap forward in the way motorsports are experienced.
The Technical Marvel Behind the Magic
Highlighting their technological finesse, the project transformed over 1.5TB of data into a stunningly interactive experience in mere hours—a feat that previously would have taken months. The journey began at the NantStudios headquarters in Los Angeles, where more than 10 minutes of ultra-high definition, immersive sequences were blended with telemetry and driver animation data captured tirelessly by Radiant Images’ crews in Las Vegas.
The astounding speed and efficiency were primarily powered by T-Mobile’s robust 5G infrastructure, allowing for rapid data transfers back and forth, ensuring seamless integration into the interactive app that fans could access. Chris Melus, VP of Product Management for T-Mobile’s Business Group, proudly remarked, “This collaboration broke new ground for immersive fan engagement.”
The Power of 5G
The integration of T-Mobile’s advanced network solutions turned the Las Vegas Grand Prix into a case study of innovation. With real-time capture and transmission capabilities utilizing Radiant Images’ cutting-edge 360° 12K camera car, production crews were able to capture immersive video feeds and transmit them instantaneously over the 5G network. This meant remote camera control and instant footage reviews, drastically cutting production time and resources.
Moreover, the seamless AR integration—thanks to the creative minds at NantStudios and their work with Unreal Engine—allowed the blending of virtual and real-world elements. Fans were treated to augmented reality overlays displaying real-time data, such as dashboard metrics and telemetry, all transmitted through the reliable 5G network.
Future of Fan Engagement
As Jim Chabin, President of the Advanced Imaging Society, eloquently noted, the remarkable work at the Las Vegas Grand Prix has set new standards for interactive sports entertainment. The recognition given to this innovative team underscores their commitment to pushing the envelope in immersive experiences.
Gary Marshall, Vice President of Virtual Production at NantStudios, also highlighted the project’s importance: “This recognition underscores NantStudios’ legacy of pioneering real-time VFX and virtual production achievements, reaffirming our position as a leader in modern virtual production.”
The 2025 Lumiere Award is not just a trophy; it symbolizes the melding of creativity and technology in a way that elevates the fan experience to new heights. The collaboration between T-Mobile, MeetMo, and NantStudios exemplifies a thrilling future where motorsports become more accessible, engaging, and immersive. It’s a thrilling time to be a fan, and the development teams behind this innovation have truly set a new standard for content creators everywhere.
With such defining moments in sports entertainment, we can’t help but wonder what spectacular innovations lie ahead. Buckle up; it’s going to be a wild ride!
About the Companies
MeetMo
MeetMo.io is revolutionizing how creative professionals collaborate by combining video conferencing, live streaming, and AI automation into a single, intuitive platform. With persistent virtual meeting rooms that adapt to users over time, our platform evolves into a true collaborative partner, enhancing creativity and productivity. For more information please visit: https://www.meetmo.io
Radiant Images
Radiant Images is a globally acclaimed, award-winning technology provider specializing in innovative tools and solutions for the media and entertainment industries. The company focuses on advancing cinema, immersive media, and live production. https://www.radiantimages.com
T-Mobile
T-Mobile US, Inc.(NASDAQ: TMUS) is America’s supercharged Un-carrier, delivering an advanced 4G LTE and transformative nationwide 5G network that will offer reliable connectivity for all. T-Mobile’s customers benefit from its unmatched combination of value and quality, unwavering obsession with offering them the best possible service experience and indisputable drive for disruption that creates competition and innovation in wireless and beyond. Based in Bellevue, Wash., T-Mobile provides services through its subsidiaries and operates its flagship brands, T-Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com
NantStudios
NantStudios is the first real time-native, full-service production house; re-imagined from the ground up to deliver exceptional creative results through next generation technologies like Virtual Production. For more information please visit: https://nantstudios.com
SOURCE MeetMo
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Community
Blizzard Entertainment Raises Over $2 Million for CureDuchenne: A Tribute to Community and Legacy
Blizzard Entertainment and World of Warcraft players raised over $2 million for CureDuchenne, honoring Mats Steen, a devoted player lost to Duchenne muscular dystrophy, while promoting awareness and community support.
In a remarkable display of unity and compassion, Blizzard Entertainment® and the gaming community of World of Warcraft® have come together to raise over $2 million for CureDuchenne, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Inspired by the poignant documentary “The Remarkable Life of Ibelin,” the initiative has touched hearts and changed lives, honoring the legacy of the late Mats Steen, a devoted player known as Ibelin.
Honoring Mats Steen’s Legacy
Mats Steen, a young man from Norway, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at a young age, a condition that steals muscle strength, leading to severe physical limitations and, tragically, premature death. Mats lost his life at just 25, but his journey didn’t end there; his story is one of connection, joy, and community. Through World of Warcraft, Mats discovered a vibrant world filled with friendships and adventures that transcended his physical challenges.
His family, upon his passing, uncovered the wealth of community and connection that the game provided him—a life filled with support and laughter that they had never fully appreciated. In remembrance of Mats, players worldwide adopted a limited-edition in-game pet, a fox named Reven, with all proceeds supporting the critical work of CureDuchenne.
The Impact of the Fundraising Campaign
The response from the gaming community has been nothing short of extraordinary. The opportunity to adopt Reven provided players a chance to honor Mats’ legacy while contributing to a noble cause. The campaign not only garnered significant financial support—$2 million to date—but also raised awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a condition that affects around 300,000 individuals globally.
According to Debra Miller, Founder and CEO of CureDuchenne, this partnership has been a breakthrough. “Not only has it raised critical funds for research,” she said, “but it has also generated awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The World of Warcraft community has demonstrated that gaming can be a powerful force for good.”
A Community United
The success of this fundraising initiative emphasizes the strength of the community and the impact that gaming can have in addressing real-world issues. The World of Warcraft community rallied together, showcasing the power of connection and shared purpose. The campaign reached across borders and time zones, allowing players from diverse backgrounds to unite in support of a common cause.
Holly Longdale, Executive Producer of World of Warcraft, expressed gratitude for the community’s generosity. “Your kindness helps enable the incredible work of CureDuchenne and honors the deeply impactful life of Mats Steen. We invite everyone to continue supporting CureDuchenne and to carry on Ibelin’s legacy with compassion and joy.”
The Future of Duchenne Research
The funds raised are critical for advancing research efforts aimed at finding treatments and improving care for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. CureDuchenne is committed to accelerating research initiatives and to supporting families affected by this progressive disease. Their work includes funding early-stage scientific research, enhancing patient care, and providing educational resources to families.
CureDuchenne’s mission is clear: to bring treatments to everyone affected by this relentless disease, regardless of their financial status or geographical location. As the organization continues its vital work, the funding from the Blizzard partnership will play a crucial role in driving groundbreaking research forward.
The collaboration between Blizzard Entertainment and the World of Warcraft community serves as a shining example of how gaming can transcend entertainment to become a force for social good. The $2 million raised for CureDuchenne is more than a financial contribution; it symbolizes a tribute to personal legacy and a community united by purpose.
As we remember Mats Steen and cherish the friendships forged in virtual worlds, let us continue to advocate for those living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Together, we can harness the power of community and gaming to drive change, support vital research, and ultimately, help find a cure. If this campaign inspires you, consider supporting CureDuchenne or participating in similar initiatives within the gaming community to make a difference. For more information on how to contribute, visit CureDuchenne.
About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which Microsoft acquired (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
SOURCE CureDuchenne
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