Gaming
Riot Games to Launch Middle East Servers and Arabic Support for Valorant on 14th Oct

Riot Games has today announced the launch of its new dedicated servers in the Middle East located in Bahrain for the game VALORANT. The services will go live on the 14th of October, enabling players to benefit from a lower ping and smoother in-game experiences.
Arabic language support for VALORANT which will be available for all gamers across the world, will also be released on the same day welcoming the MENA region into the VALORANT global community. This initiative is part of Riot Games’ regional launch for VALORANT which has attracted thousands of gamers across the region since its worldwide launch in June 2020.

This news is one of many things Riot Games MENA is planning for this region’s players. On the 14th of October, players will be able to see one of the agents’ gameplay in Arabic. In addition, Riot Games will be giving all players around the world a special in-game item to commemorate this milestone. To coincide with the launch, Episode 1 of ACT 3 will also go live where gamers can look forward to a number of new features following the conclusion of ACT 2.
This includes a new map – ‘Icebox’ and the launch of ‘Skye’, who will be the latest and 13th agent on the roster. The ‘Icebox’ map will be launched unranked on 13 October and then ranked on 27 October while ‘Skye’ can be selected by gamers when it goes live on 27 October. It will also feature the ‘Singularity’ skin line along with the ACT 3 Battle Pass.
This is not all, Riot Games MENA is also looking to include the region in the global esports roadmap. Towards the end of October, Riot Games is planning to announce the first official regional esports tournament ‘First Strike’, set to be held in November. More information will be announced by Riot Games in the coming days.
The introduction of the servers and features comes after the launch of the VALORANT Arabic website on 1st October as Riot Games aims to grow their fanbase and the esports landscape in the region. With many players putting their skills to the test, Riot Games is committed to achieving its goal of making VALORANT the most popular first-person shooter in the region and be part of their global community.
To help them accomplish this, Riot Games has undertaken extensive testing to improve the game-play and provide an immersive and authentic localised experience. Riot Games will also roll out a series of exciting new content and features until the end of the year to mark the regional launch and showcase what VALORANT can offer in Arabic and the positive impact gaming can have in the region.
This includes an episodic series of content that will offer useful tutorials and localised efforts, a music video featuring leading Arabic artists and humorous and insightful mini-series’ that tell the story of VALORANT Arabic gamers playing on the dedicated servers. As part of its plans to make VALORANT more engaging for gamers in the MENA region, Riot Games is also exploring ways of enhancing the player experience for the North Africa and Levant market.
The servers in Bahrain also represent a major step forward for Riot Games with gamers across the Middle East able to benefit from seamless connection when playing through an optimised network. Ali Muslumanoglu, General Manager of Riot Games MENAI, said: “In the space of just four months of VALORANT launching worldwide, we have seen an incredible number of gamers across the MENA region embrace VALORANT.”
“We know there’s a strong appetite for gaming in the region and with VALORANT being an exciting FPS game that has got people talking and playing, we are determined to take the gameplay experience to the next level. Rolling out new and innovative content and features for the gamers will help establish VALORANT as the leading game in the FPS genre which is growing rapidly across the region,” said Muslumanoglu.
“With the dedicated localised Middle East servers in Bahrain and Arabic language support for MENA gamers representing an important milestone for Riot Games, this will help attract more gamers and allow them to play the game they love in a language they understand. More importantly, this is the start of our journey and we have ambitious plans for the future to make VALORANT even more exciting and challenging,” explained Muslumanoglu.

Computex
ASUS ROG Unveils New Esports Gear at COMPUTEX 2025

Reporting from Taipei, Taiwan: At COMPUTEX 2025, ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) reinforced its commitment to esports with a range of new product announcements: the ROG Falcata 75% gaming keyboard, the esports-focused ROG Harpe II Ace gaming mouse, the Strix Ace XG248 gaming monitor, the ROG Courser and Destrier Core gaming chairs, and the ROG Sheath II XXL mouse pad.
ROG’s “Ace” line is developed in collaboration with esports professionals, incorporating cutting-edge features to meet the demands of gamers at all levels. VALORANT Champions winner Max “Demon1” Mazanov played a key role in shaping the Harpe II Ace, influencing its design for optimal claw and fingertip grip.
“At ROG, we believe greatness in esports starts with gear that’s built to perform under pressure,” said Kris Huang, General Manager of the ASUS Gaming & Workspace Gear business unit. “Our mission is simple: to equip the next generation of champions with the tools they need to reach the top.”
ROG also announced a new brand partnership with legendary CS2 player Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, who will contribute to the testing and development of new keyboard products. ROG continues to partner with esports teams, including long-standing relationships with NRG Sports and Team Vitality, equipping the latter’s Counter-Strike and VALORANT teams.
ROG Falcata Gaming Keyboard
The ROG Falcata is a 75% split gaming keyboard designed for precision and flexibility. Its design allows users to utilize the left keyboard module to free up desktop space for their mousing hand, providing more room for mouse movement than even a 60% keyboard.
The keyboard features hot-swappable ROG HFX V2 Magnetic Switches, offering refined keystrokes with customizable actuation points (0.1mm to 3.5mm) and 0.01mm interval adjustments. These pre-lubed magnetic switches deliver a solid feel, fast performance, and a 100-million-keypress lifespan. The switches include a polycarbonate top housing, POM plastic stem and bottom housing, and a walled stem design to enhance stability and prevent dust intrusion. A unique snap-fit mechanism minimizes key wobble.
The ROG Hall Sensor ensures accurate input detection, reduces electrical noise and interference, and increases magnetic flux tolerance. A multifunction wheel and button allow users to adjust settings like actuation point, Rapid Trigger sensitivity, volume, media playback, and keyboard lighting. A Rapid Trigger toggle enables quick switching to the fastest typing response and key repeat rates.
The Falcata offers an 8000Hz polling rate and ROG SpeedNova 8K wireless technology for up to 610 hours of battery life. Tri-mode connectivity allows connection to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth®, 2.4GHz wireless, or wired USB. Integrated four-layer dampening minimizes pinging noises and provides a cushioned typing feel. Detachable silicone wrist rests enhance comfort.
ROG Harpe II Ace Gaming Mouse
The ROG Harpe II Ace gaming mouse is designed for esports, developed in collaboration with professional gamers to deliver speed, precision, and reliability.
Engineered for pro-grade performance, the Harpe II Ace is balanced for effortless movement and precision. Its bio-based nylon construction reduces weight and enhances impact resistance, while ROG SpeedNova 8K wireless technology delivers an 8000Hz polling rate. The mouse features a 42,000-dpi ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor with track-on-glass technology, and ROG optical micro switches with a 100-million click lifespan.
Developed with input from VALORANT star Demon1 and other esports professionals, the Harpe II Ace’s shape is optimized for control and consistency, accommodating both claw and fingertip grips. The refined silhouette, gently tapering sidewalls, and button incline promote better hand balance and stability. The side buttons are positioned and angled to minimize accidental misclicks.
The Harpe II Ace weighs 48 grams, 11% lighter than the Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition. Its bio-based nylon shell, made using castor oil, reduces its carbon footprint by 70% compared to regular nylon. The internal structure is strengthened to prevent flex, and a smooth, matte surface coating manages sweat and grease. Large PTFE mouse feet with rounded edges provide smoother glide and better control.
Featuring ROG SpeedNova 8K wireless technology, the Harpe II Ace is the first gaming mouse with a next-gen MCU chip to offer true wireless 8000Hz polling rate performance. Zone mode optimizes hardware settings for competitive play, pushing the polling rate to 8000Hz, ensuring heightened responsiveness, conserving battery by disabling RGB lighting, and decluttering data signals by disconnecting ROG Gear Link.
ROG Gear Link allows configuration of the Harpe II Ace via a web browser, simplifying setups for esports players. Alongside the Harpe II Ace, the ROG Strix Ace XG248 gaming monitor was also introduced at Computex. Equipped with a Super TN panel, the Strix Ace XG248 boasts an overclocked 610Hz refresh rate and a 0.8ms input lag.
ROG Sheath II XXL Mouse Pad
The ROG Sheath II XXL mouse pad measures 900 x 400 x 3mm, providing ample space for gaming gear. Its cooling fabric enhances heat dissipation, and a nonslip rubber base ensures a firm grip. Durable anti-fray edges offer a smoother feel and minimal friction.
ROG Courser and ROG Destrier Core Gaming Chairs
The ROG Courser gaming chair features a 90–155° Dynamic Synchronized Reclining system with constant back support. 360° 4D armrests and 4D Adjustable Lumbar Support allow for customized ergonomics. The chair includes a cold-pressed lumbar pad, a 58cm wide seat, a magnetic detachable headrest, premium transparent leatherette, and concealed RGB lighting.
The ROG Destrier Core gaming chair is now available in Moonlight White, complementing the ROG Moonlight White peripherals lineup. It features breathable mesh, a Nylon frame, adjustable headrest, lumbar support, padded armrests with a special elevation mode for mobile gaming, and optimal airflow.
Gaming
DOOM: The Dark Ages Gets NVIDIA Game Ready Driver, Adds DLSS 4 Support

NVIDIA has released its latest GeForce Game Ready Driver, specifically optimized for the highly anticipated DOOM: The Dark Ages, which enters Early Access today for premium edition owners and those who purchased the GeForce RTX 50 Series bundle, with a global launch slated for May 15th. The new driver unleashes the full potential of GeForce PCs and laptops, leveraging the game’s native idTech8 ray tracing and enhancing performance with the introduction of DLSS 4, featuring Multi Frame Generation, and NVIDIA Reflex for reduced latency.
The collaboration between NVIDIA and id Software promises GeForce RTX gamers the definitive PC experience in DOOM: The Dark Ages. Notably, owners of GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs can expect an average performance multiplication of up to 4x at 4K resolution when utilizing DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation. GeForce RTX 40 Series users will also see significant performance gains through DLSS Frame Generation, while all GeForce RTX cardholders can benefit from improved image quality via DLSS Super Resolution’s advanced AI model. The game’s native idTech8 ray tracing technologies are further accelerated by GeForce RTX Ray Tracing Cores.
NVIDIA has also announced that a post-launch update for DOOM: The Dark Ages will introduce PC-exclusive Path Tracing, taking ray-traced lighting to an even higher level on GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs, thanks to DLSS Ray Reconstruction. For gamers looking to stream, DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available via NVIDIA GeForce NOW for Ultimate and Performance members.
In addition to DOOM: The Dark Ages, the new Game Ready Driver brings support for New World: Aeternum’s latest update, “Season of the Divide,” which went live on May 13th and incorporates DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation and NVIDIA Reflex. This integration allows GeForce RTX 50 Series players to achieve the highest possible frame rates, while RTX 40 Series users can boost performance with DLSS Frame Generation, and all can enhance image quality with DLSS Super Resolution. The inclusion of NVIDIA Reflex further reduces PC latency for a more responsive gaming experience.
The NVIDIA App, a key companion for NVIDIA GPU users, now features enhanced capabilities for upgrading games and apps with DLSS 4 and improved DLSS AI models. Today’s driver release also includes 15 new and updated DLSS overrides for various games and applications, offering performance boosts and image quality improvements. Furthermore, support has been added for 7 new G-SYNC Compatible gaming displays, ensuring smoother visuals through Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and 2 new Optimal Playable Settings profiles.
This week sees DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation enhancing performance in titles like DOOM: The Dark Ages and Empyreal, while Deedlee Doo! Carkour! now supports DLSS Frame Generation and DLSS Super Resolution. To celebrate the launch of DOOM: The Dark Ages, NVIDIA is offering an exclusive in-game skin, the Verdant DOOM Slayer skin, available through the NVIDIA app for a limited time, while supplies last.
Gaming
Boulies Launches EP300 Chair

UK based premium office and gaming chair specialist, Boulies, has launched its EP300 ergonomic chair that combines functionality, comfort and durability to provide optimal support and a great sitting experience for users. The perfect addition for any workspace, it can be tailored to individual needs thanks to its variety of adjustable features The Boulies EP300 is available on the Boulies UK website for an RRP of £289.99, currently discounted to £254.99, in black with a choice of mesh or padded mesh. On the Boulies US website, it is listed at an RRP of $369.99, with a current price of $299.99.
Engineered for a tailored seating experience, the Boulies EP300 features a Multi Tilt Mechanism to help users get a comfortable and ergonomic sitting posture with a 360° swivel. Built for durability and adjustments, the tilt mechanism provides long-lasting support whilst adapting to unique needs. The backrest can be easily adjusted to lean forwards or backwards (recline 90°-109°), offering the ideal balance between focus and relaxation and able to switch between work and play – covering a full day and evening. Furthermore, Boulies engineers the backrest to perfectly align with the spine’s natural curve to help reduce strain on the back during long hours of sitting.
In addition, the mechanism features a seat depth adjustment to accommodate individuals of different sizes, leading to a customised and ergonomic experience, no matter the height. By allowing users to adjust the seat’s depth, this helps to maintain proper thigh support and posture, reducing strain. The wide-sized seat cushion is suitable for individuals of various weights and is soft yet supportive, relieving pressure on the tailbone. It also has adjustable backrest height with 3-levels to ensure ultimate comfort. For even more personalisation, the fully adjustable headrest can move in height, angle, and depth, offering personalised neck or head support for every user, further reducing strain and providing support and comfort.
Featuring an adjustable seat angle and rocking function, the EP300 adapts to seating needs and preferences. Whether preferring to lean back and relax or maintain an upright posture for focused work, it is flexible and able to provide a dynamic sitting experience that supports both productivity and relaxation. In addition, the adjustable armrests can be moved up, down and at angles to fit exact requirements. The arm top pad supports the elbows in softness, providing sublime support for the elbows. The armrest is also detachable for those who prefer an unencumbered sit, offering freedom in the experience.
The EP300 has two backrest material options for customised comfort. The mesh backrest provides maximum breathability and is designed to enhance airflow, keeping users cool and comfortable. The padded mesh backrest gives a perfect blend of softness and breathability. Using Boulies’ specialised sewing technique, this design provides extra comfort while maintaining airflow, giving a support yet plush seating experience.
Equipped with a premium gas lift mechanism that provides a stable and heavy-duty support system, the component is meticulously engineered to offer seamless height adjustment and withstand the demands of long-term use. The PU casters are made to be durable yet wooden floor friendly and the heavy-duty wheel base is engineered with premium plastic to provide extreme stability and strength.
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