Tag: Community

EA SPORTS FC FUTURES Doubles Grassroots Impact Year-on-Year, Opening Up Community Football Access to 500,000 People in Two Years

Electronic Arts Inc. has announced that EA SPORTS FC FUTURES has doubled its year-on-year impact, opening up access to grassroots football to over 340,000* people in year two. Building on the 170,000** in year one, it means the programme has increased access to the world’s game to over 500,000 people around the world in just two years since its inception.

Since launching in 2023, the initiative has continued to deliver on its commitment to grow community-level football worldwide and support real-world play, by refurbishing community pitches globally, delivering new free-to-access training practices inspired by EA SPORTS FC in-game drills, and working with partners to provide opportunities for all to play the beautiful game.

With a vision to make the sport more inclusive and accessible for players around the world, FC FUTURES empowers the next generation of football fans and coaches – providing training materials, as well as safe and inspiring spaces to play and thrive through real-world football experiences.

In its second year, FC FUTURES has:

  • Launched 11 new online practices, in partnership with UEFA, taking the FC FUTURES Academy library to a total of 17 free-to-access drills, designed to support coaches and players in daily training sessions. By using in-game drills to power these coaching tools, the Academy provides a unique and innovative way for coaches and young people to learn core football skills, encouraging participation and driving fandom in the next generation. Through our UEFA partnership, the Academy has now been integrated into 54 National Football Associations, with 500+ coaches trained on using the practices in the past 12 months.
  • Refurbished a further 8 community pitches worldwide – from the flood-impacted city of Valencia, Spain to Bañado Sur, Paraguay – in collaboration with league, confederation and charity partners, alongside FC FUTURES ambassadors – bringing the total to 19 pitches across 14 countries since launch. These pitches have been used by thousands of young people worldwide and have provided safe and accessible spaces to further their love of the game.
  • Deepened its global impact through multiple partnerships with organisations focused on driving positive youth development through sport. Year two saw continued collaboration with UNICEF, Merky FC, and Football Beyond Borders, as well as partnerships with some of the biggest names in football and entertainment to host numerous community training sessions and events, designed to inspire the next generation. From teaming up with LALIGA to open a new pitch in J Balvin’s hometown of Medellín to working with German football legend Lukas Podolski on a community refurbishment in Cologne, FC FUTURES is proving how far-reaching the power of play can be.

 “In just two years, FC FUTURES has demonstrated the powerful impact football can have beyond our EA SPORTS FC game, making a positive difference to hundreds of thousands of people,” said Andrea Hopelain, GM & SVP, Publishing, EA SPORTS. “We’re creating lifelong sports fans not only through our game, but by actively supporting and growing grassroots football around the world. By bringing together our digital game with real-world coaching expertise, we’re democratizing access to football training and reimagining coach education in a truly unique way, which is both impactful and incredibly relatable for the next generation.”

As FC FUTURES looks ahead to its third year – and an exciting year for football globally – the initiative will continue to engage and inspire future generations of footballers by launching new community pitches, expanding its free training library, collaborating with new partners, strengthening existing partnerships, and building on its ambition to grow football for all.

Beyond this, FC FUTURES will unlock new ways the game can further revolutionise coach education, through the creation of additional learning experiences, harnessing the power of interactive play and the merging of physical and digital football to inspire more young people into the sport.

Find out more on FC FUTURES and access the FC FUTURES Academy, the free digital library of training practices, here.

Leading energy solutions provider SE Systems makes €500,000 available for Irish communities

SE Systems, a leading national provider of energy solutions, has announced that €500,000* is available for Irish communities as part of its Community Fund. The €500,000 in funding is for sustainable energy upgrades, specifically to help future-proof community buildings across Ireland. The closing date for applications is Friday, 18 July.

 Launched in 2022, a total budget of over €2.6m has been awarded by SE Systems to local community projects to date. The SE Systems Community Fund is an independent fund that helps non-profits, charities and voluntary organisations benefit from projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, from solar panel systems and heat pump installation to insulation upgrades. Applications for the Community Fund must be submitted online via the application portal at www.sesystems.ie/community-fund-summer-call-application-form. For more information on eligibility, visit SE Systems website at www.sesystems.ie/communityfund.

John O’Leary, Co-Founder and CEO of SE Systems said: “One of the values that drives us as a business is to build greener, more resilient places to live and work. Our Community Fund is an enabler of this value, allowing us to build long term, viable solutions for vital local amenities and organisations that are fundamental to the social fabric of our towns and villages across Ireland.

“The SE Systems Community Fund is made possible through a unique funding mechanism developed in partnership with our commercial clients as part of their participation in our SEAI Community Energy Grant scheme applications. This collaborative approach allows us to redirect private sector investment into community-based energy projects, supporting grassroots organisations across Ireland in achieving their sustainable energy ambitions.”

Youenn Lowry, Co Founder and Managing Director of SE Systems added: “Applications are now open across the country, and we encourage community organisations who want to build a greener future to consider how financial support from SE Systems can help them secure a brighter and sustainable future for their local area.”

Among the projects that have received funding in the last three years include Cork Cancer Support, Irish Guide Dogs, Sixmilebridge GAA Club, Barretstown Kids Camp and Dalkey Sustainable Energy Community.

Tim O’Mahony, CEO of Irish Guide Dogs and a recent recipient of funding, said: “We were delighted to be a recipient of the SE System Community Fund. The funding provided has not just given us energy and environmental benefits, but has enhanced our facilities for staff, clients, and animals housed on-site. The cost savings we have made through working with SE Systems premises allows us to allocate funding to our core objectives – training more dogs and helping more people who are vision impaired and the families of children with autism.” 

Headquartered in Cork, with regional offices in Dublin, SE Systems serves clients across the country, delivering complete solutions aimed at retrofitting and refurbishing Ireland’s homes and building stock to higher standards of energy efficiency. SE Systems has completed over €500 million worth of energy projects, retrofitting over 13,000 homes and over 2,000 commercial and community Buildings. Over 650 million kWh of Energy has been saved, and 145,000 Tonnes of CO2 have been saved through SE Systems projects. 

*Terms and Conditions will apply.  

Irish Start-Up, Luxury Exchange, Bags Profit with Community Building & Circular Fashion

Luxury Exchange, an Irish start-up owned by Caitriona McGettigan and Cillian Moloney, recorded €1M in turnover last year and is on track to achieve €4M in turnover in 2025. Luxury Exchange is a curated collection of pre-loved designer handbags, clothing, and accessories; all at incredible value. The business started when Caitriona, an avid fashion lover, saw a gap in the market for the resale of luxury items in a more affordable way.

The community focused strategy that has been employed by the young couple and business partners has seen the business build a hugely loyal online customer base. To date Luxury Exchange has maximised the Instagram broadcast channel to sell to customers with a fresh, community focused approach.

The owners of Luxury Exchange saw an opportunity to disrupt the luxury resale market in Ireland. The online, socially driven model has allowed the business to sell preloved items for between 10-20% less than the market average, attracting a slew of loyal customers.

For the first time ever, and as a natural step in growth and business progression, Luxury Exchange will be holding its first in-person pop-up. The Cork based business will pop-up in the capital from May 22nd to May 25th 2025. A curated collection will be on offer for new and loyal customers alike at Studio 10 on Dublin’s Wicklow Street for four days, as demand is expected to be high.

Luxury Exchange resells luxury designer goods from well-known brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and more. All the preloved items are authenticated with leading software, Entrupy. In the past year alone, Luxury Exchange has substantially grown. For example in March 2024, they brand secured approximately 30,000 impressions on Instagram vs 3M in 2025. Customer satisfaction and quality of offering is evident by the business’s repeat customer rate of 88%.

Caitriona McGettigan, Founder of Luxury Exchange, says “I started Luxury Exchange having noticed a growing appetite from customers to resell luxury goods. I’ve always had a love for luxury fashion, especially when it came at a great deal. The concept of resale always appealed to me. I noticed a pattern during my time as a visual merchandiser for Zadig & Voltaire. So many customers would tell me they felt guilty buying something new when they already had beautiful pieces at home they hadn’t worn or had only worn once, but felt they were too valuable to simply give away. I remember thinking that I’d love to buy those pieces from them. In many ways, I was my own first customer.

Our approach has given us the opportunity to create friendly luxury, in every sense. Our items are more affordable and we sell to our community of customers directly, often through live broadcasts on social platforms. Everything about Luxury Exchange is personal. We are building lasting relationships with customers and that is a testament to the growth we have experienced.”

Cillian Moloney, Co-Founder & Director of Luxury Exchange, says “My background is in business development and sales leadership, which has been beneficial to the growth of Luxury Exchange. The business started as a hobby for Caitriona during the pandemic, but it was clear to see early on that demand was high. Our consummate customer service is a huge part of the success to date as we have built up a community of shoppers that appreciate the offering and our approach to convenient, trusted commerce. The Luxury Exchange edit is carefully curated to meet the needs of our customers.

Taking something that started as a lockdown hobby and growing it to a business with global appeal has been incredible. To date we have sold to customers in over 30 countries. We’re excited to meet our customers  in person for the first time at the pop-up and maintain the growth trajectory of Luxury Exchange by continuing to maximise digital tools and offering unparalleled value and service.”

The Future of Gaming Monetisation and Whether Free-to-Play Has Peaked

The free-to-play (F2P) model has dominated the gaming industry for over a decade, revolutionising how developers monetise their titles. From mobile blockbusters to PC and console hits, F2P has proven to be a lucrative and accessible approach. However, in 2025, questions are emerging about its sustainability. With increased competition, evolving player expectations, and alternative monetisation strategies gaining traction, has free-to-play peaked? And if so, what’s next for gaming revenue models?

The Evolution of Free-to-Play

Free-to-play wasn’t always the juggernaut it is today. The model first gained traction in the early 2010s with the rise of mobile gaming and online multiplayer titles. Games like League of Legends, Fortnite, and Genshin Impact demonstrated that well-designed F2P titles could generate billions in revenue through microtransactions, battle passes, and in-game cosmetics.

Yet, the very elements that made F2P successful are now under scrutiny. Players are increasingly frustrated by aggressive monetisation tactics, excessive grinding, and pay-to-win mechanics that diminish the gaming experience. Developers, too, are finding it harder to balance engagement with revenue generation without alienating their audience.

The free-to-play model has also had a significant impact on the online casino industry. Many gambling platforms including casinos not on GamStop 2025 have adopted F2P mechanics to attract users, offering virtual currency and free trial versions of slot machines, poker, and other casino-style games. This approach allows players to engage with casino games without financial risk, creating an opportunity to convert them into paying customers later.

Signs That Free-to-Play Might Have Peaked

The Subscription Model is Gaining Popularity

Subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Netflix Games are shifting the industry toward an all-you-can-play model. Instead of relying on individual F2P purchases, many players now prefer paying a fixed monthly fee for access to a vast library of games. This model provides predictable revenue for developers while offering players a more consumer-friendly experience.

Rising Development and Maintenance Costs

Keeping a F2P game profitable requires continuous updates, live events, and server maintenance. For many developers, this long-term commitment is becoming unsustainable. Games like Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone have faced challenges in keeping up with content demands, and smaller studios often struggle to maintain engagement in an increasingly crowded market.

Player Backlash Against Microtransactions

Gamers have become more vocal in their opposition to intrusive monetisation strategies. Loot boxes, in particular, have faced regulatory scrutiny in various countries, with some governments classifying them as gambling. The negative reception of microtransactions in games like Diablo Immortal and Overwatch 2 has shown that players are losing patience with exploitative mechanics.

The Market is Oversaturated

At its peak, free-to-play gaming saw a flood of new titles vying for player attention. However, the sheer volume of competition has made it difficult for new F2P games to stand out. Unless a game brings something truly innovative to the table, it risks getting lost in the noise. This has led to higher player acquisition costs and lower retention rates for many developers.

What Comes Next? Emerging Monetisation Models

As the viability of traditional F2P models is questioned, developers are exploring new revenue strategies. Here are four key trends shaping the future of game monetisation:

1. Premium Battle Passes with No Free Option

While battle passes remain popular, some developers are experimenting with premium-only versions, eliminating the free tier altogether. This ensures steady revenue while still allowing players to engage with seasonal content.

2. Hybrid Models: Free Trial with a One-Time Purchase

Instead of full F2P, some games are offering extended free trials before requiring a one-time payment to unlock the full experience. This approach maintains accessibility while avoiding excessive monetisation pressure.

3. Crowdfunding and Community Support

Some indie developers are turning to Patreon, Kickstarter, and direct community funding to support ongoing development. By building a loyal player base willing to contribute financially, developers can bypass traditional monetisation models altogether.

4. NFTs and Blockchain Gaming (With Caution)

Despite mixed reception, blockchain-based gaming continues to evolve. Play-to-earn models, where players can trade in-game assets for real-world value, are gaining traction, though scepticism around NFTs remains high. Developers are treading carefully to avoid backlash similar to what Ubisoft faced with its Quartz initiative.

Is There Still a Place for Free-to-Play in 2025?

Despite the challenges, free-to-play is unlikely to disappear entirely. Games like Fortnite and Genshin Impact continue to thrive, proving that F2P can work when executed properly. However, developers will need to strike a balance between monetisation and player satisfaction.

The future of gaming may not be dominated by a single model, but rather a mix of subscription services, hybrid monetisation strategies, and community-driven funding. As player expectations evolve, the industry must adapt to ensure sustainable growth while delivering enjoyable gaming experiences.

So, has free-to-play peaked? Perhaps. But in its place, a new era of monetisation strategies is taking shape—one that prioritises fairness, value, and long-term engagement over short-term profits.

 

Microsoft launches Community Fund for South Dublin organisations

Microsoft is unveiling a new fund to support individuals, community groups, schools and non-profits that want to deliver impactful community projects in South Dublin.

The Microsoft Community Fund for South Dublin, managed by non-profit ChangeX, is dedicated to helping support thriving and sustainable communities near the company’s data centre campus in Clondalkin – funding projects related to environmental sustainability and digital skills.

As part of this year’s €100,000 fund, communities will be able to choose from a portfolio of exciting, proven ideas that have already had a positive impact in other communities around the world including a citizen science monitoring scheme to protect water sources, a programme to support the development of school gardens and local biodiversity, and a project aiming to tackle plastic pollution through turning waste into valuable materials.

Applications for funding are open to individuals, groups, schools and non-profits across the South Dublin County Council area. Funding of up to €4,500 per project is available, with a simple step-by-step application process in place to support groups to secure funding. Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with all applicants required to complete a 30-day challenge to unlock funding, which includes establishing a clear project action plan.

The launch of the Microsoft Community Fund for South Dublin builds on the support Microsoft has already provided to local communities. Sixty community projects, focusing on the development of digital skills and empowering local sustainability, have benefitted more than 16,000 community members since 2021 alone. Moreover, since 2008, Microsoft has invested more than €4 million in initiatives that support thriving, sustainable communities in the vicinity of its data centre operations in Clondalkin.

Commenting on the launch of the fund, Lavinia Morris, General Manager of Microsoft data centre operations for EMEA, said: “Last year, Microsoft unveiled our Data Centre Community Pledge, highlighting our commitment to local economies and communities where we operate. As we build and operate a global network of advanced data centres, we recognise the crucial role communities play in this ecosystem. The latest Microsoft Community Fund for South Dublin, announced today, will help deliver on the key pillars of this pledge, advancing community prosperity and well-being, while contributing to a sustainable future, and operating responsibly as a good neighbour.

“Over the past 17 years, Microsoft has invested more than €4m in empowering communities close to our data centre operations in Dublin, helping to enhance people’s digital skills, fostering sustainability and advancing community prosperity and well-being. As part of this investment, Microsoft has directly benefited more than 16,000 local people in communities in South and West Dublin and supported the local organisations that help them thrive. We look forward to witnessing the continued positive impact we can make in creating vibrant and sustainable communities through the roll out of the latest South Dublin community fund.”

Commenting on the initiative, Sandy Hazel, who received support by way of the Fund in 2021 and started an Open Orchard project, said: “We wanted to grow more food but buying fruit trees is expensive. When we heard about the funding provided by Microsoft, we realised it was perfect because it allowed us to get the idea off the ground. The idea behind adding fruit trees and berries to our community garden was to give local children the chance to pick their own fruit and have that experience, which is hard to access when growing up in an urban environment. Spending the funding in local nurseries also helped to support small businesses in the area and give back to the local community.”

Niamh McKenna, co-founder and head of impact at ChangeX, said: “Our partnership with Microsoft has already empowered tens of thousands of local changemakers around the world, and we’re excited to continue that work in Dublin this year.”

To find out more and apply, visit this link: https://bit.ly/3VMcLkr

The Current Meta: What’s Hot for CS2 Players Today

What’s good, shooters? It’s techbuzzireland.com here, your go-to for everything Counter-Strike 2. The scene has been absolutely buzzing since CS2 dropped, and if you’re not logging in to grind, you’re seriously missing out. Whether you’re sweating it out in Premier mode or just hopping into a casual for fun, the game’s in a wild spot right now. Let’s break it down for all the CS2 players today and see what’s popping in this fresh, revamped Counter-Strike era.

CS2 Players Today: The Meta Has Evolved

CS2 isn’t just a new coat of paint on CS:GO; it’s a full-blown upgrade. With the new responsive smokes, revamped maps, and insane attention to detail, the meta has shifted big time. If you’re not adapting, you’re already falling behind. Smokes now interact with bullets and grenades, which opens up a whole new layer of strategy.

Gone are the days of spamming utility on autopilot. Now, a well-placed nade can clear a smoke, giving your AWPer a free sightline. This has made aggressive AWPing more viable than ever, and trust me, nothing feels better than popping a quick peek mid and doming someone who thought they were safe.

Weapons and Economy: What’s the Play?

The weapon meta is still heavily debated, but a few trends have emerged. The M4A4 versus M4A1-S debate rages on, but with tighter smoke mechanics, the silenced rifle is edging out slightly. It’s all about keeping it quiet and punishing over-aggressive T’s. For the big spenders, the AWP remains king, but you already knew that.

Budget options are also spicier than ever. The Five-SeveN and CZ-75 are still great for eco rounds, but let’s not sleep on the Deagle. That one-tap headshot? Still iconic. And if you’re not forcing on pistol rounds with dualies, are you even playing the game? Pro tip: stack up with your squad and rush a site. Even if you fail, you’ll look cool doing it.

Premier Mode: High-Stakes Grinding

Let’s talk about Premier mode—the new proving grounds for CS2. This isn’t your dad’s Matchmaking. With the revamped ranking system and leaderboard grind, every match feels like it matters. If you’re queuing solo, good luck; it’s a coin toss whether you’ll get a team that’s cracked or clowns who can’t hold an angle.

Communication is key here. If you’re not calling out enemy positions, you’re basically throwing. And for the love of GabeN, learn your nades. There’s nothing worse than a teammate who whiffs a smoke and costs the team a round. Pro tip: warm up in Deathmatch before you queue. Nobody wants to hear “sorry, first game on” after you miss an easy clutch.

Pro Scene: The Best of the Best

The pro scene is absolutely stacked right now. Teams like Vitality, G2, and FaZe are setting the bar ridiculously high. CS2 has brought a breath of fresh air to competitive play, and the way pros are adapting to the new mechanics is unreal. Watching them manipulate smokes and pull off pixel-perfect plays is basically a masterclass in how to dominate.

The Major scene is about to pop off too. With CS2 as the official platform, expect insane plays, unexpected upsets, and maybe even some Cinderella stories from underdog teams. And let’s not forget the aim gods like s1mple and ZywOo, who are still out here redefining what’s humanly possible with a mouse and keyboard.

The Community: Toxic But Lovable

We can’t talk about CS2 without addressing the community. Let’s be real: Counter-Strike players have always been a unique breed. You’ve got your hyper-competitive grinders, your meme lords spamming voice chat, and, of course, the occasional troll throwing with a Zeus in hand. It’s chaotic, it’s messy, but it’s home.

For new players, the learning curve can be steep. But don’t let the occasional toxic teammate or salty opponent get to you. Focus on improving, find a squad you vibe with, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun. After all, it’s just a game… until it’s not.

Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Stay Toxic (In a Good Way)

CS2 has completely redefined what it means to play Counter-Strike. From the new mechanics to the fresh meta, it’s a game that rewards creativity, precision, and a little bit of chaos. Whether you’re grinding Premier mode, watching the pros, or just messing around with friends, there’s something for everyone in this new era.

So gear up, load in, and get ready to make some big plays. And remember: when the pressure’s on, don’t just play the game—own it.

Why is Mobile Legends so popular among gamers?

In the hierarchy of gaming universes, Mobile Legends has its stake right at the top. Across continents, the game has reigned and ruled over hearts by being emotionally electrifying, colorful graphically and tough competitively. But what is the reason behind this game’s immense popularity?

Our expert, Evelyn Balyton, shares its origins, gameplay, community, and how it became a cultural phenomenon among gamers worldwide.

Who Made Mobile Legends?

Mobile Legends was developed by a Chinese video game developer, Moonton. The game officially saw the light of day on July 11, 2016, hence being among the early pioneers bringing the MOBA genre to mobile devices.

Since then, it has grown hugely, having a big player base. Today, its availability on both Android and iOS platforms makes it accessible to millions of users all around the globe.

Why Are Mobile Legends Popular?

1. Easy Gameplay

One of the main reasons for the game’s popularity is its accessibility. Players don’t need high-end devices to enjoy the game, as its size is relatively small and optimized for a wide range of smartphones.

Moreover, since the mechanics are simple and there are tutorials plus a user-friendly interface, learning how to play Mobile Legends is easy for newcomers. It is, after all, perfect for casual gamers because players can enjoy quick matches, usually 10-15 minutes long.

2. Engagement

While it is easy and fun to play, Mobile Legends is a game that will keep challenging you to coordinate and strategize well with the team— to execute a timely attack. And within this game, each hero has well-defined skills, strengths, and roles. Some include tank, mage, assassin, marksman. So mastering hero selection and team composition is key to securing victory. All these add complexity and variety to the gameplay.

3. Thriving Community

Mobile Legends has fostered a strong sense of community among its players. It allows teaming up with friends or competing against others. These cooperative and competitive elements of the game create lasting bonds. 

A pro player says: “Teamwork and strategy are the heart of Mobile Legends; success relies on coordination and well-timed execution.”

Also, its thriving esports scene, with tournaments like the Mobile Legends Professional League, has elevated the game to new heights. These events offer entertainment and inspire players to refine their skills and aim for professional status.

4. Regular Updates and Events

Moonton frequently rolls out updates, introducing new heroes, skins, and gameplay adjustments to keep the game exciting. The game also hosts seasonal events and challenges, offering players rewards and exclusive content. These updates ensure that the gameplay never feels stagnant and keeps players coming back for more.

5. Appealing Graphics

The game boasts vibrant and colorful graphics that improves the overall gaming experience. From the beautifully designed maps to the stunning hero animations and effects, the visual appeal is just undeniable. 

According to a gaming expert: “The stunning visuals of Mobile Legends keep players captivated, making every match a visual spectacle.” 

All of these makes the game more fun to play and watch during live streams.

6. Free-to-Play Model

One of the biggest advantages of Mobile Legends is that it is free to play. Anyone can download and play the game without spending anything. Although the game offers in-app  purchases for some items you can still use most of the elements for free. So this ensures that anyone from any background can participate. 

How to Play Mobile Legends

The game pits two teams of five players against each other. Each team aims to destroy the opponent’s base while defending their own. Players select heroes with unique abilities and work together to achieve objectives, such as taking down turrets and defeating neutral monsters like the Turtle and Lord. 

Each team needs to communicate and work together as a team to be successful. This makes it an engaging experience for the players.

The Appeal of Betting in Mobile Legends

As Mobile Legends continues to dominate the gaming scene, it has also found its place in the world of esports betting. Fans can place bets on professional matches, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience. If you are interested, understanding Mobile Legends betting options available is key to making informed decisions.

The impressive Mobile Legends stats also speak loud of popularity. More than 1 billion downloads of the game have been recorded, with millions of daily active players. Also, it consistently ranks among the top mobile games in terms of grossing across the globe.

Esports tournaments of the game draw a lot of viewership, with prize pools sometimes reaching up to million-dollar marks. Such numbers clearly define how the game is appealing to gamers and other stakeholders in the gaming industry.

When Did Mobile Legends Come Out?

Mobile Legends was released on July 11, 2016, by Moonton. This innovative game developer’s vision has transformed the mobile gaming landscape, making MOBA gameplay accessible to a global audience. Over the years, Moonton has continued to refine and expand the game, ensuring it continues to succeed.

One aspect that sets Mobile Legends apart is its diverse roster of heroes. Players can choose from over 100 heroes. And each of these heroes has its unique skills and designs. So this variety makes every match feel fresh and exciting. 

Also, you can personalize your experience with the customization option. This has a way of enhancing the connection you feel with your favorite characters. Also, the developers consistently add new heroes to keep the game dynamic.

The game includes chat and friend systems that enable players to communicate and team up. The ranked matches and leaderboards also encourage players to stay competitive, while the option to form squads strengthens teamwork. 

These features make Mobile Legends a platform for building relationships and sharing memorable experiences, boosting its popularity.

Conclusion

The future of Mobile Legends is so bright given everything we’ve gone through: a robust community, constant updates, and ever-growing esports world. On top of that, developers behind the game make sure that it’s fresh and exciting to play so it remains one of the best in the mobile gaming world. And with further advancement of technology, we expect more innovative features to come and more fun experiences for players.

At large, Mobile Legends has something for everybody (newbies and experts) and, as a result, has officially become one of the most favorite and popular mobile games ever.

 

Smart Docklands Announces €50,000 seed fund investment into Four Pilot Projects to Address Community Need

Smart Docklands is delighted to announce the winners of its first Call for Pilots. The programme is delivered in partnership between Dublin City Council and the CONNECT Research Ireland Centre for Future Networks headquartered at Trinity College Dublin

Smart Docklands is one of Dublin’s flagship smart districts – a unique collaboration across academia, industry and local government to advocate for and pilot community centred technology innovations.

This Call for Pilots aims to tackle key community priorities identified through a community survey that was carried out in late 2023 and early 2024 where insights were gathered from over 300 responses. Smart Docklands ensures that smart tech is not just being deployed for ‘tech’s sake’, the programme works to engage directly with the community who live in, work in or visit the Docklands. This is done through in-person events and innovative approaches to community surveys.

After extensive community engagement, followed by a Call for Pilots four projects have now been selected out of 41 applications that were submitted to receive seed funding, with €12,500 allocated to each project. The winning pilots will tackle pressing challenges across environmental monitoring, community development, and antisocial behaviour, aiming to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and enjoyable Docklands for all.

 

Jamie Cudden, Smart City Lead on announcing the pilot winners at an event in the Dublin City Council Innovation Hub in the CHQ said:

“These pilot projects highlight how technology can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. By directly engaging with the community, we’ve chosen initiatives to address the Docklands’ community concerns around sustainability, youth engagement and environmental concerns. We are super excited to be working with such an amazing group of innovators and entrepreneurs who all want to make a difference for the Docklands community!”.

Professor Dan Kilper, Director CONNECT Centre, Trinity College Dublin said: 

“The CONNECT Centre is proud to partner with Smart Docklands on the Pilot Projects, which play an important role in demonstrating the transformative impact technology can have when guided by community needs. These initiatives create solutions that address real challenges and pave the way for a smarter, more sustainable future. The pilot winners’ projects highlight this important work—congratulations to them and to our colleagues at Smart Docklands.”

The four pilot winners are:

  • UTS Technologies – River Liffey Water Sensors: This project introduces a network of sensors along the River Liffey to deliver real-time data on water behaviour, supporting a diverse range of users including kayaking and boating. The aim of this initiative is to bring an improved understanding and actionable insights for users of the river and to support more sustainable river management.
  • UCD – Count Docklands: Deploying a network of citizen science traffic monitoring, low-cost, camera-based traffic counters across the Docklands. This will empower citizen scientists to gather crucial data, supporting Dublin’s transport goals improving community engagement in urban mobility planning and traffic monitoring.
  • UCD – Craft My Street: Highly innovative youth engagement leveraging open-source geospatial data and Minecraft for crowd mapping through interactive multiplayers gaming. This pilot aims to support young people to actively participate in shaping policies and projects that affect their communities.
  • HoloGen – Immersive Graffiti: Leveraging AR/VR technology to teach young people about street art, this project turns illegal tagging into an opportunity for learning and expressing art in a safe virtual space. The aim of which is to reduce illegal graffiti and a boost in creative urban expression.

The Smart Docklands programme established in 2017 has a track record of collaboration where academia, local government, industry, and residents come together to address urban challenges through innovation and deployment of new and emerging technologies. The Call for Pilots is a testament to the programme’s commitment to ensuring that technology serves real community needs.

Smart Docklands’ first Call for Pilots represents a milestone in creating a connected, innovative, and engaged urban environment. By addressing key challenges through collaboration, education, and smart technology, these pilot projects highlight the benefit of what smart districts can achieve.

Smart Docklands extend thanks to Accenture, An Post, IPB Insurance, and National College Ireland for their support in evaluating applications. Their expertise and collaboration have been crucial to ensuring a fair and thorough process, highlighting the power of collective effort.

For more information about Smart Docklands and its initiatives, visit https://smartdocklands.ie/