SAN FRANCISCO, March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS, a leading global game developer, at GDC 2025 today is revealing the "Original IP Initiative," a new strategic focus centered on developing original game titles. As part of this strategic shift, Vice President of LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS and General Manager of LightSpeed LA, Steve C. Martin will unveil strategies from Lightspeed L.A., the studio developing the highly anticipated AAA open-world action game, Last Sentinel, while in parallel legendary game developer and head of LightSpeed Japan Studio, Hideaki Itsuno, will reveal that he has begun leading the early development of a new, unnamed original AAA action game title. Both are projects that mark LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS' commitment to creating original game titles.
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS Commits to Development of Original Game IP
Recognizing that innovation drives player engagement, LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is sharpening its approach and announcing its commitment to empowering a network of self-sustained, independently run regional studios that will be focused entirely on developing original, cross platform game titles.
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS, best known for its work with established game title PUBG MOBILE (co-developed with KRAFTON, Inc.), is strategically expanding and building state-of-the-art development facilities around the world to support original game development.
This strategy enables its development studios, which notably includes LightSpeed L.A., the newly established LightSpeed Japan Studio, along with teams across the world, a direct pipeline to LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS' centralized technical resources. This consists of LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS' latest R&D breakthroughs, which push the boundaries of graphics and performance to enhance in-game realism, as showcased in workshops during GDC 2025.
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS Sets the Stage for a New Era for Japan Studio
Building on this approach, legendary game director and head of LightSpeed Japan Studio, Hideaki Itsuno, is revealing at GDC 2025 that he's entering the arena and embarked on the early stages of bringing his own visionary AAA game title to life. Drawing on his extensive experience directing games and building incredible teams at Capcom that drove the remarkable successes of Devil May Cry, the Dragon's Dogma series, Capcom VS. SNK, and many more iconic game titles, Hideaki is ready to apply the same principles of creative freedom, efficiency, and humility to assemble an outstanding team and create something truly groundbreaking.
"We're building a creative environment that combines diverse cultural perspectives with cutting-edge technology," said Hideaki Itsuno, General Manager of LightSpeed Japan Studio. "Our focus is on developing gameplay elements that offer players entirely new experiences – the kind of innovations that make players say I've never seen that in a game before."
Leveraging Global Talent and Nurturing Creative Freedom
Additionally, to foster fresh perspectives in original game development, LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is adopting a model that enables each studio to shape its own culture, advocating for original thinking within teams. Bringing to the table Eastern and Western game philosophies, LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is positioned to encourage regional teams to exchange ideas, blend cultural influences, and unite under a shared vision – creating truly global gaming experiences.
A standout example of this approach is being led by the VP of LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS, Steve C. Martin, known for his commitment to culture-building, and development-based scheduling. Focused on bringing his original AAA open world action title, Last Sentinel, to life, Steve has assembled a world-class, global team. Combing a dream team of talent from prestigious studios like Rockstar Games, Naughty Dog, Obsidian Entertainment, Sony Santa Monica, Meta, and EA Games, LightSpeed L.A. has fostered not only a culture of creative freedom but ensures product efficiency, thanks to Steve's emphasis on humility and a willingness to embrace constructive feedback.
"Every developer's true ambition lies in developing original games. The creative freedom of creating your own lore from scratch, building a compelling narratives and characters, and all the ideation and inspiration that explodes from this, this is the dream of ant creative, and that's why LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is the place to be," said Steve C. Martin, who brings his extensive experience from Rockstar Games where he contributed to acclaimed titles including Red Dead Redemption I and II and Grand Theft Auto V."
About LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is a leading global game developer with teams across China, United States, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and United Arab Emirates. LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS has created over 50 games across multiple platforms and genres for over 4 billion registered users. It is the co-developer of worldwide hit PUBG MOBILE (co-developed with KRAFTON, Inc.) and the developer of the upcoming AAA open-world game, Last Sentinel.
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.
More information about LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS please visit www.lightspeed-studios.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS Forges Ahead with Key Game Developments and Expands Creative Vision
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Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
Global fans to experience the Games of the Future like never before as MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition kickoffs in Abu Dhabi
DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Phygital International, the global promoter of phygital sports, today announces the official launch of the GOTF OTT Platform, the dedicated streaming destination for the Games of the Future 2025 Abu Dhabi powered by ADNOC (GOTF 2025). The platform goes live as this year's competition begins, with its first broadcast featuring the opening rounds of the MOBA PC.Dota 2 discipline on 14 December from Pixoul Gaming in Abu Dhabi.
Accessible at https://tv.gofuture.games, the new streaming hub serves as the central digital home for live broadcasts, full-event replays, highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content spanning all GOTF 2025 disciplines.
Designed for global accessibility and year-round engagement, the platform enables fans everywhere to watch every match live, revisit full replays at any time, and enjoy curated short-form content optimized for social and mobile viewing.
Powered end-to-end by technology partner Asport, the GOTF OTT Platform integrates advanced cloud-based broadcasting, seamless navigation, and real-time highlight creation tools to elevate the fan experience. These capabilities support richer storytelling across all channels and establish tv.gofuture.games as the long-term digital home of phygital sport.
Moba PC.Dota 2 competition to launch platform
The launch coincides with preparations for a spectacular start to the Games, as the MOBA PC.Dota 2 competition brings together iconic players, celebrated legends, and rising regional stars for what promises to be one of the most competitive line-ups in the event's history. All matches from the discipline will stream live on https://tv.gofuture.games.
Teams set to compete include E7, Paper Tigers, Legends Rebooted, Vikings, Team Phoenix, Nigma Galaxy, Win and TraBoTeam each bringing a distinctive mix of elite pro players and influential gaming personalities. One of the leading competitors will be Xu "BurNIng" Zhilei, who will be playing in team Paper Tigers and who iswidely regarded as one of the greatest carry players in Dota 2 history.
With such a stacked international field, fans can expect clashing playstyles, unpredictable upsets, and fresh rivalries, setting the stage for one of the headline showpieces of GOTF 2025.
Following the opening Group Stage, the competition advances into a full double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in high-stakes best-of-three clashes on 18–19 December at ADNEC, where teams will fight for a place in the final and a shot at international glory.
Commenting on the launch of the platform, Nis Hatt, CEO of Phygital International, said: "The GOTF OTT Platform marks a major milestone in our mission to bring phygital sport to a global audience. This world-class digital destination showcases the energy, innovation, and inclusivity at the heart of the Games of the Future. As Dota 2 opens the competition tomorrow, we're excited to offer millions of fans a new way to experience every moment of this year's Games live."
Growing network of global broadcast partners
In addition to the GOTF OTT Platform, fans can follow the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC across a growing network of international media rights and broadcast partners, ensuring fans around the world can catch all the action.
In the United States, coverage will be available via ESR TV, the leading gaming and esports network reaching mainstream audiences through platforms such as Apple TV, Sling, and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Across Latin America, FOX Sports Mexico and Zapping will deliver both English and Spanish-language broadcasts across the region.
On mobile-first platforms, Bigo Live will act as an interactive real-time streaming hub, offering live competition windows, creator-led co-streams, and fan-generated reactions. With strong Gen-Z and global creator adoption, Bigo Live brings the Games directly into participatory viewing culture. Complementing this, Likee will amplify the emotion and energy of GOTF 2025 through short-form video storytelling, transforming standout moments into shareable narratives.
These partners build on an already confirmed broadcast footprint that includes Sportworld and BIGG TV across EMEA, Huya and SOOP in Asia, and StarTimes and TV BRICS across Africa.
"With these major additions to our broadcast network, we take great pride in ensuring the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are accessible to audiences worldwide. We are delivering a multi-regional, multi-generational platform that matches the scale and innovation of phygital sport," added Hatt.
Tickets for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC are now on sale at www.gotfabudhabi.com. Fans can also follow all the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram at @gamesofthefutureofficial and @gotfabudhabi.
About Phygital International (PI):
Phygital International is the promoter of phygital sports globally and is focused on innovating and redefining sports. It is the custodian and rights holder of the Games of the Future and oversees the bidding process for each host city.
For further information please visit: https://Phygitalinternational.com
About the Games of the Future (GOTF):
The Games of the Future is an annual international event that fuses the worlds of physical and digital and is the pinnacle of phygital sport. The tournament brings together the next generation of phygital sporting heroes from all over the world to compete in a diverse range of phygital disciplines and challenges. The Games of the Future 2025 will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE while the Games of the Future 2026, will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.
For more information please visit: https://gofuture.games/
Contact: press@phygitalinternational.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
Official streaming platform for the Games of the Future Abu Dhabi 2025 powered by ADNOC launches ahead of opening competition
