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New Partnerships to Launch Digital Entertainment Hub in China; $40 Million Investment for Entry into Global MOBA Digital Game Arena: NIP Group (Stock Symbol: NIPG)

New Partnerships to Launch Digital Entertainment Hub in China; $40 Million Investment for Entry into Global MOBA Digital Game Arena: NIP Group (Stock Symbol: NIPG)

Globe and Mail11-02-2025

$NIPG forms a strategic partnership with Optics Valley Traffic Company
• Formed by a Merger of eSports Organization Ninjas in Pyjamas and Digital Sports Group ESV5, Which Includes eStar Gaming, a World Leader in Mobile eSports.
• Current Operations in China Sweden, Abu Dhabi and Brazil.
• Chairman Mario Ho, 29, Has Become the Youngest Founder of a Nasdaq-Listed Company in Asia. Largest Global eSports Provider with US$680M Market Cap.
• Strategic Partnership with Optics Valley Traffic Company to Launch Digital Entertainment Hub.
• New High-Tech Esports Center to Include Live Streaming, Diverse Influencer-themed Districts, Esports Training Centers, IP-based Tournaments and More.
• Strategic Partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Office for up to $40 Million
• Entered MOBA Game Arena with Re: Aetatis, Accelerating Growth in Digital Entertainment.
• Strategic Partnership with China Crown Technology Ltd, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of The9 Limited.
NIP Group (Nasdaq: NIPG) is a digital entertainment company created for a growing global audience of gaming and esports fans. The business was formed in 2023 through a merger between legendary esports organization Ninjas in Pyjamas and digital sports group ESV5, which includes eStar Gaming, a world leader in mobile esports. MIT Graduate Chairman Mario Ho, 29, has become the youngest founder of a Nasdaq-listed company in Asia.
Building on the success of its competitive teams with an innovative mix of business ventures, including talent management, event production, hospitality and game publishing, NIPG is developing transformational experiences that entertain, inspire and connect fans worldwide to expand its global footprint and engage digital-first gamers where they are. NIPG currently has operations in Sweden, China, Abu Dhabi and Brazil, and its esports rosters participate across multiple game titles at the biggest events around the world.
Strategic Partnership with Optics Valley Traffic Company to Launch Digital Entertainment Hub in Wuhan, China
On February 11th NIPG announced a strategic partnership with Optics Valley Traffic Company ('OVTC') to co-develop a cutting-edge digital entertainment industry base beneath the East Plaza at Wuhan East Railway Station. The agreementmarks a significant step toward creating a dynamic regional hub for digital innovation and immersive entertainment experiences in Wuhan.
NIPG and OVTC will implement a "4+N" business model, focusing on four foundational pillars: comprehensive live streaming facilities, diverse influencer-themed districts, esports training centers and IP-based tournaments. The model also incorporates a range of ancillary services that enhance and support these core elements. This partnership aims to forge a dynamic digital entertainment ecosystem, further cementing Wuhan's position as a nexus for esports and cultural innovation.
This latest collaboration aligns with the NIPG strategic vision of cultivating a fully integrated digital entertainment ecosystem that spans events production, esports development, talent management, and game publishing. NIPG continues to explore innovative paths to strengthen its market position, diversify revenue streams, and deliver top-tier digital entertainment experiences to audiences worldwide.
Strategic Partnership with Abu Dhabi Investment Officefor up to $40 Million
On January 17th NIPG announced in a 6K SEC filing a multi-year partnership with ADIO Holdings Restricted Limited ('ADIO'), an Abu Dhabi incorporated company established by Abu Dhabi Investment Office. This collaboration will drive gaming, media and entertainment growth in Abu Dhabi.
Under this agreement, ADIO will provide NIPG with support totaling potentially up to approximately US$40 million in installments over a four-year period, contingent upon NIPG meeting conditions precedent and specified performance milestones, including quantitative and qualitative KPIs and revenue targets. NIPG will establish an Abu Dhabi company, designate Abu Dhabi as its global headquarters, and expand its presence in the Middle East and worldwide.
By leveraging a strengthened partnership framework, NIPG plans to increase its capacity across multiple verticals, including but not limited to esports, game publishing, events production, talent management, and creative studios. The Company will also advise ADIO on strategies to develop a thriving ecosystem for gaming and esports in the UAE, ranging from community-focused initiatives to professional-level engagement.
NIP Group Enters the MOBA Game Arena with Re: Aetatis, Accelerating Growth in Digital Entertainment
On December 20th NIPG announced the introduction of its first MOBA game: Re: Aetatis. This highly anticipated cutting-edge sci-fi MOBA mobile game began open beta testing on December 24, 2024, inviting players to experience the next evolution in competitive gaming.
Re: Aetatis marks NIP Group's bold entry into the dynamic game publishing market and a major milestone for the Company's evolution from a top esports organization to a global digital entertainment leader. Following the launch of reservations, Re: Aetatis has garnered significant attention and recognition from players and is poised to become a flagship title in NIP Group's emerging game portfolio.
NIPG is pioneering a new approach to game publishing through 'esportsification.' This process involves developing and transforming traditional video games toward competitive gaming, emphasizing the game's competitive nature, strategic depth, and entertainment value, as well as the professionalism and standardization of tournaments. Rather than just publishing a game, NIPG is able to publish, market, and create a whole ecosystem around the new game. This includes leveraging synergies across its business units, such as esports teams, event production, and talent management, to create a unified and engaging gaming experience.
Strategic Partnership with The9 Limited
On November 26th NIPG and The9 Limited announced that NIP Group has entered into a strategic partnership with China Crown Technology Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of The9, to develop 'MIR M' into a competitive esports title. Together, both parties aim to create a game that embodies the characteristics of MIR M and is suitable for esports adoption.
China Crown secured the exclusive publishing license of 'MIR M' from Wemade Co., Ltd. in China in May 2024. The game is the latest version of the classic game "MIR", including both mobile and PC versions. China Crown's parent company, The9, listed on Nasdaq in 2004 and is one of China's earliest online game developers and operators, known for successfully introducing multiple globally renowned titles to China, such as World of Warcraft and MU Online.
NIPG and The 9 will collaborate deeply across three key areas: in-game esports integration, esports tournament system development, and promotion and marketing. NIP Group will leverage its extensive esports experience, event production capabilities, and social media resources both domestically and internationally, in combination with the vast player base of the game soon to be released by The9, to expand the market jointly. In addition, they will build a highly commercialized tournament ecosystem centered around the game and provide extensive support for its global promotion. This includes creating a synchronized, comprehensive, and highly efficient esports marketing network that resonates with esports fans.
For more information on $NIPG visit: https://nip.gl https://compasslivemedia.com/nipg/
Disclosure listed on the CorporateAds website
Media Contact
Company Name: NIP Group
Contact Person: Mario Ho, Chairman and Co-CEO
Email: Send Email
Phone: +46 8133700
Country: China
Website: https://nip.gl

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The Wild would likely prefer a proven 2C in return, but if they're able to find one in free agency, perhaps they would be interested in a first-round pick or a prospect instead? PuckPedia lists the Wild with having just north of US$15 million in cap space available to them, with 11 forwards, seven defencemen and two goalies under contract. Rossi is a pending restricted free agent, as is former Jets blue-liner Declan Chisholm. If the Wild aren't interested in offering Rossi a long-term deal, the prospects of moving him could be enhanced. Since the Wild were believed to be one of the serious contenders for centre Brock Nelson before he signed a three-year extension with an AAV of US$7.5 million on Wednesday, it will be interesting to see if that changes how GM Bill Guerin adjusts his off-season priorities. 9. What % would you give to the Jets trading their first-round pick? Is this a deep draft or not? MCINTYRE: The possibility should absolutely be on the table if it means making the Jets better right now. With the current window of contention wide open, thinking several years into the future should take a back seat to doing everything possible in the present. Winnipeg currently owns the 28th pick in the first round. Although they would likely get a nice prospect in that spot, this isn't considered a particularly deep draft so whatever player they land is probably years away from having any kind of impact. In other words, that could have a lot more value to a rebuilding team that is trying to stockpile as many good young players as possible. Should they consider trading it if the return is valuable? 100 per cent. Will they? I'll put that more around the 50 per cent range. 10. Last year, you mentioned Connor McMichael as a possible 2C target for the Jets, and he blew up with a career year. Who's on the list this summer? WIEBE: McMichael is someone whose name was circulating around the 2024 NHL draft when word got out that the Jets could be looking to move forward prospect Rutger McGroarty, who was eventually dealt nearly two months later to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Brayden Yager, who will be turning pro this fall after another great WHL season. Susan Walsh / The Associated Press Files Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael had a breakout year this season. Susan Walsh / The Associated Press Files Washington Capitals forward Connor McMichael had a breakout year this season. It's easy to see why McMichael was someone that was on the Jets' radar, given the season he just completed. Though he was used mostly on the wing and often with former Jets pivot Pierre-Luc Dubois, McMichael, who turned 24 in January, finished with career-bests in goals (26) and points (57) while appearing in 82 games, adding four goals and six points in 10 playoff games this spring. We'll explore the list more extensively in the days leading up to the NHL draft and free agency, but someone that has my attention is Columbus Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger. The son of longtime NHLer Mike Sillinger was chosen 12th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2021 NHL draft and finds himself behind former Jets' centre Sean Monahan and Adam Fantilli on the depth chart. Sillinger had 11 goals and 33 points in 66 games last season while averaging just under 17 minutes per game and is someone who might benefit from a change of scenery. Although the 22-year-old was born in Columbus, Ohio, he's got Regina roots and could excel while playing on the Prairies. Sillinger had 16 goals and 31 points as an NHL rookie and has already been in double digits for goals three times. Could he hit 20 goals with an expanded role? Only time will tell, but Sillinger is six-foot-one and 205 pounds and has recorded 396 hits during the past four seasons, so he would bring some edge to go along with his complementary production. 11. Do you see the Jets re-signing Mason Appleton or Brandon Tanev? Which current Moose player will make the opening lineup? MARK MCINTYRE: No. And no. I really don't see room for either player, with the Jets likely filling their positions with younger and cheaper players. Nikita Chibrikov and Parker Ford are two potential wingers with the Moose who immediately come to mind, with both showing well this year in brief looks with the Jets before they suffered season-ending injuries on the farm. Obviously Brad Lambert will get a long look in camp, even if he took a big offensive step back in his sophomore AHL season, and Salomonsson should, at the very least, get some NHL games. 12. With second line centre being the perpetual gap in the lineup and limited options for acquiring a new one, why is there not more consideration for moving Gabe Vilardi to 2C? Despite success when required, Blake Wheeler always seemed to resist the idea too. I wonder why obviously skilled players with the aptitude for the centre position avoid (second line) centre? @ WIEBE: There's little doubt the Jets will be investigating the second-line centre position once again this summer, but it's one of several things to monitor within the top-six forward group. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files There's little doubt Gabe Vilardi could be an effective second-line centre for the Jets, but they would need to replace his offence – 61 points in 71 games – on their top line. Matt Slocum / The Associated Press Files There's little doubt Gabe Vilardi could be an effective second-line centre for the Jets, but they would need to replace his offence – 61 points in 71 games – on their top line. While it's true that Vilardi played some solid minutes at centre as a member of the Los Angeles Kings before he was traded to the Jets, given some of the health challenges he's endured over the past several seasons, playing on the wing is typically a bit easier on his body. That's one of the biggest factors. Another thing is that Vilardi was part of one of the most productive first lines in the entire NHL before he got hurt last season. If he's moving to centre, he's moving to the second line. Essentially that was the question the Jets had to consider with Wheeler, who was one of the best right-wingers in the NHL at the time. Were they better off with Wheeler at 2C or playing on the top line with Scheifele and Connor? This is a similar situation. There's little doubt Vilardi could be an effective 2C, but the Jets would also need to replace his offence (27 goals, 61 points in 71 games) on the top line if they made that move. Could the Lowry injury force the Jets to reconsider? It's possible, but these answers will become clearer once the NHL draft and free agency are in the rear-view mirror. The potential addition of Toews as an unrestricted free agent could also factor into the decisions down the middle. 13. How does the way the Jets playoffs ended/went improve the chances of landing legit top 6 forwards or a top 4 D in the couple years going forward. Just the way they were able to beat St Louis in a Miraculous fashion, and the emotional connection to the end of the Jets season. MICHAEL MCINTYRE: From the way this city rallied around the Jets to the first-class treatment the organization showed its players, you'd have to think potential free agents in other markets at least took notice. And while I don't expect Winnipeg will ever hang with the likes of Florida and Vegas when it comes to attracting available athletes, I do believe the way this past season played out should at least help the cause. At the very least, joining the team that won the Presidents' Trophy and has its core mostly locked up, including the best goaltender on the planet, should be enticing to anyone in a 'win now' mode. And getting treated like royalty by ownership, management and fans alike has to be appealing when weighing various intangibles. 14. Any buzz/hype in the Jets org about Kieron Walton and Jacob Julien? Their stats look good, but are they AHL lifers? @ MCINTYRE: There's certainly excitement about these two prospects, who literally cast large shadows given their size (Walton is six-foot-six, 216 pounds, while Julien is six-foot-four and 190 pounds). Let's start with Julien, who is fresh off helping his hometown London Knights win the Memorial Cup. Although his personal stats dipped quite a bit this year — 11 goals and 43 assists during the season compared to 29 tallies and 49 helpers last year — Julien had a monster playoff performance which included 23 points (8G, 15A) in 22 games. He elevated his game on an incredibly deep team while also serving as an alternate captain. He'll turn 21 in September and make the jump to pro this fall. I fully expect that to be with the Manitoba Moose, but his development will be something to watch closely as I truly believe there could be an NHL player here down the road. Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press Files Jacob Julien (right) scored the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers last Sunday. Julien will most likely be on the Manitoba Moose roster in the upcoming 2025-26 season. Christopher Katsarov / The Canadian Press Files Jacob Julien (right) scored the go-ahead goal for the London Knights in the Memorial Cup final against the Medicine Hat Tigers last Sunday. Julien will most likely be on the Manitoba Moose roster in the upcoming 2025-26 season. The same goes for Walton, who just turned 19 and is expected to head back to the Sudbury Wolves for a fourth season this fall. He took a massive lead this past year, with 92 points in 66 games after putting up 43 in 65 contests a year earlier. The fact he did this on a team that was rather thin up front is even more impressive. Walton had five points (1G, 4A) in four playoff games as his team was swept in the first round, then made his pro debut with the Moose on an amateur tryout and recorded an assist in four AHL games. Julien (fifth round in 2023) and Walton (sixth round in 2024) both have the potential to be the kind of diamonds in the rough that good organizations often hit on during the draft. Questions about their skating/mobility likely caused them both to fall, so that will be something they'll have to continue to work on. But there's no doubt these two big men have a real nose for the net. X and Bluesky: @WiebesWorld X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Ken WiebeReporter Raised in the booming metropolis of Altona, Man., Ken Wiebe grew up wanting to play in the NHL, but after realizing his hands were more adept at typing than scoring, he shifted his attention to cover his favourite sport as a writer. Read full biography Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre grew up wanting to be a professional wrestler. But when that dream fizzled, he put all his brawn into becoming a professional writer. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

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