The creator economy is evolving fast, and ad revenue alone isn’t cutting it anymore. YouTubers are launching product lines, acquiring startups, and building actual business empires. In fact, MrBeast’s company bought fintech startup Step, and his chocolate business is outearning his media arm. This isn’t just one creator’s strategy. For many, it’s the new playbook.
On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Rebecca Bellan unpack how creators are diversifying beyond ads, whether their model can scale beyond the top 1%, everything happing at India’s AI Impact Summit, and more of the week’s headlines.
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#creator #economys #revenue #problem #Indias #ambitions #TechCrunch
The company has announced a multi-year partnership focused on supporting India’s “Orange Economy,” with an initial commitment of over ₹100 million toward talent development, mentorship programs, industry training, and ecosystem-building initiatives for the AVGC sector—Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics.
Tencent Wants to Build Long-Term Gaming Talent
Interestingly, this isn’t just a single initiative. Tencent has signed two separate three-year MoUs in India—one with the Services Export Promotion Council and another with the Game Developers Association of India. Together, the partnerships aim to strengthen India’s gaming talent pipeline and help local developers connect with global opportunities.
Still, one of the bigger announcements here is Tencent’s partnership with GDAI, which focuses heavily on grassroots game development and skilling programs. As part of the collaboration, Tencent and GDAI plan to organize a National Game Jam targeting over 10,000 students annually, along with Train-the-Trainer initiatives for educators and deeper participation in events like the Indian Game Developers Conference (IGDC)
The timing here honestly makes sense. According to Niko Partners, India is currently the fastest-growing gaming market in Asia and MENA, with player spending expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2028 and total gamers projected to hit 724 million by 2029. That scale is exactly why more companies are now looking beyond simply launching games in India. The bigger opportunity lies in building creators, esports ecosystems, and development talent locally.
Esports and Creator Ecosystems Are Part of the Plan Too
Beyond development talent, Tencent is also looking at the broader gaming ecosystem, including esports and creators. The announcement event featured discussions with organizations such as the Esports Federation of India, NODWIN Gaming, and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies on topics including workforce development, public-private collaboration, and how India can become a global hub for interactive entertainment.
Tencent also mentioned that games like Honor of Kings are part of its broader push into India, not just as entertainment products but also as ways to grow local esports and creator communities.
The company has announced a multi-year partnership focused on supporting India’s “Orange Economy,” with an initial commitment of over ₹100 million toward talent development, mentorship programs, industry training, and ecosystem-building initiatives for the AVGC sector—Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics.
Tencent Wants to Build Long-Term Gaming Talent
Interestingly, this isn’t just a single initiative. Tencent has signed two separate three-year MoUs in India—one with the Services Export Promotion Council and another with the Game Developers Association of India. Together, the partnerships aim to strengthen India’s gaming talent pipeline and help local developers connect with global opportunities.
Still, one of the bigger announcements here is Tencent’s partnership with GDAI, which focuses heavily on grassroots game development and skilling programs. As part of the collaboration, Tencent and GDAI plan to organize a National Game Jam targeting over 10,000 students annually, along with Train-the-Trainer initiatives for educators and deeper participation in events like the Indian Game Developers Conference (IGDC)
The timing here honestly makes sense. According to Niko Partners, India is currently the fastest-growing gaming market in Asia and MENA, with player spending expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2028 and total gamers projected to hit 724 million by 2029. That scale is exactly why more companies are now looking beyond simply launching games in India. The bigger opportunity lies in building creators, esports ecosystems, and development talent locally.
Esports and Creator Ecosystems Are Part of the Plan Too
Beyond development talent, Tencent is also looking at the broader gaming ecosystem, including esports and creators. The announcement event featured discussions with organizations such as the Esports Federation of India, NODWIN Gaming, and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies on topics including workforce development, public-private collaboration, and how India can become a global hub for interactive entertainment.
Tencent also mentioned that games like Honor of Kings are part of its broader push into India, not just as entertainment products but also as ways to grow local esports and creator communities.
#Tencent #Returns #Indias #Gaming #Ecosystem #Million #InvestmentTencent">Tencent Returns to India’s Gaming Ecosystem With ₹100 Million Investment
It’s no secret that India’s gaming industry has been growing at an exponential pace for quite some time. Despite this, most conversations still revolve around players and downloads. What often gets overlooked is the ecosystem behind it all—developers, creators, educators, esports organizations, and the infrastructure needed to turn gaming into a serious industry. Well, that’s exactly where Tencent comes in.
The company has announced a multi-year partnership focused on supporting India’s “Orange Economy,” with an initial commitment of over ₹100 million toward talent development, mentorship programs, industry training, and ecosystem-building initiatives for the AVGC sector—Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics.
Tencent Wants to Build Long-Term Gaming Talent
Interestingly, this isn’t just a single initiative. Tencent has signed two separate three-year MoUs in India—one with the Services Export Promotion Council and another with the Game Developers Association of India. Together, the partnerships aim to strengthen India’s gaming talent pipeline and help local developers connect with global opportunities.
Still, one of the bigger announcements here is Tencent’s partnership with GDAI, which focuses heavily on grassroots game development and skilling programs. As part of the collaboration, Tencent and GDAI plan to organize a National Game Jam targeting over 10,000 students annually, along with Train-the-Trainer initiatives for educators and deeper participation in events like the Indian Game Developers Conference (IGDC)
The timing here honestly makes sense. According to Niko Partners, India is currently the fastest-growing gaming market in Asia and MENA, with player spending expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2028 and total gamers projected to hit 724 million by 2029. That scale is exactly why more companies are now looking beyond simply launching games in India. The bigger opportunity lies in building creators, esports ecosystems, and development talent locally.
Esports and Creator Ecosystems Are Part of the Plan Too
Beyond development talent, Tencent is also looking at the broader gaming ecosystem, including esports and creators. The announcement event featured discussions with organizations such as the Esports Federation of India, NODWIN Gaming, and the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies on topics including workforce development, public-private collaboration, and how India can become a global hub for interactive entertainment.
Tencent also mentioned that games like Honor of Kings are part of its broader push into India, not just as entertainment products but also as ways to grow local esports and creator communities.
Asus ROG’s Xreal R1, the world’s first pair of AR smart glasses capable of projecting a virtual screen before your eyes with a blistering 240Hz rate, finally has… a price and preorder dates.
Ahead of Google I/O 2026, Asus ROG has announced the Xreal R1 costs $849—$200 more than the $650 MSRP for the Xreal One Pro, which top out at a 120Hz refresh rate. The gaming-focused AR smart glasses can be ordered from Best Buy starting today, May 15. The Xreal store will accept preorders on May 17 at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT.
Spec for spec, the Xreal R1 and the Xreal One Pro are the same, except for that refresh rate and the slightly more gamer-y design. You get the same 171-inch (1,920 x 1,080) virtual display through the micro OLED panel, 57-degree field of view, Bose-tuned sound, 3DoF (three degrees of freedom) tracking technology used for anchoring virtual windows, and more. Asus ROG is hoping the 240Hz refresh rate will be worth the additional cost.
The only other difference is that the Xreal R1 comes with an “ROG Control Dock.” This docking station lets you switch between three connected devices (two via HDMI 2.0 and one through DisplayPort 1.4). So for example, with the push of a button, you could flip between a PS5, Switch 2, and a PC. Asus ROG touts the Xreal R1 as requiring no additional software to get up and running. Just plug the AR smart glasses into the Control Dock, select an input, and get gaming on your 171-inch virtual screen. You can also connect the Xreal R1 to any phone, tablet, laptop, or handheld that supports display out. For the Switch 2, you will need to use the Control Dock, as the Xreal Neo adapter/video was canceled before it could launch.
Will a 240Hz refresh rate in video smart glasses make any meaningful difference when you’re gaming? Who knows, but we’re hoping to find out soon when we get a pair to try out.
Asus ROG’s Xreal R1, the world’s first pair of AR smart glasses capable of projecting a virtual screen before your eyes with a blistering 240Hz rate, finally has… a price and preorder dates.
Ahead of Google I/O 2026, Asus ROG has announced the Xreal R1 costs $849—$200 more than the $650 MSRP for the Xreal One Pro, which top out at a 120Hz refresh rate. The gaming-focused AR smart glasses can be ordered from Best Buy starting today, May 15. The Xreal store will accept preorders on May 17 at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT.
Spec for spec, the Xreal R1 and the Xreal One Pro are the same, except for that refresh rate and the slightly more gamer-y design. You get the same 171-inch (1,920 x 1,080) virtual display through the micro OLED panel, 57-degree field of view, Bose-tuned sound, 3DoF (three degrees of freedom) tracking technology used for anchoring virtual windows, and more. Asus ROG is hoping the 240Hz refresh rate will be worth the additional cost.
The only other difference is that the Xreal R1 comes with an “ROG Control Dock.” This docking station lets you switch between three connected devices (two via HDMI 2.0 and one through DisplayPort 1.4). So for example, with the push of a button, you could flip between a PS5, Switch 2, and a PC. Asus ROG touts the Xreal R1 as requiring no additional software to get up and running. Just plug the AR smart glasses into the Control Dock, select an input, and get gaming on your 171-inch virtual screen. You can also connect the Xreal R1 to any phone, tablet, laptop, or handheld that supports display out. For the Switch 2, you will need to use the Control Dock, as the Xreal Neo adapter/video was canceled before it could launch.
Will a 240Hz refresh rate in video smart glasses make any meaningful difference when you’re gaming? Who knows, but we’re hoping to find out soon when we get a pair to try out.
#Worlds #240Hz #Video #Smart #Glasses #Gaming #Arent #CheapAsus,Asus ROG,Gaming,smart glasses,XReal">The World’s First 240Hz Video Smart Glasses for Gaming Aren’t Cheap
Asus ROG’s Xreal R1, the world’s first pair of AR smart glasses capable of projecting a virtual screen before your eyes with a blistering 240Hz rate, finally has… a price and preorder dates.
Ahead of Google I/O 2026, Asus ROG has announced the Xreal R1 costs $849—$200 more than the $650 MSRP for the Xreal One Pro, which top out at a 120Hz refresh rate. The gaming-focused AR smart glasses can be ordered from Best Buy starting today, May 15. The Xreal store will accept preorders on May 17 at 3 a.m. ET / 12 a.m. PT.
Spec for spec, the Xreal R1 and the Xreal One Pro are the same, except for that refresh rate and the slightly more gamer-y design. You get the same 171-inch (1,920 x 1,080) virtual display through the micro OLED panel, 57-degree field of view, Bose-tuned sound, 3DoF (three degrees of freedom) tracking technology used for anchoring virtual windows, and more. Asus ROG is hoping the 240Hz refresh rate will be worth the additional cost.
The only other difference is that the Xreal R1 comes with an “ROG Control Dock.” This docking station lets you switch between three connected devices (two via HDMI 2.0 and one through DisplayPort 1.4). So for example, with the push of a button, you could flip between a PS5, Switch 2, and a PC. Asus ROG touts the Xreal R1 as requiring no additional software to get up and running. Just plug the AR smart glasses into the Control Dock, select an input, and get gaming on your 171-inch virtual screen. You can also connect the Xreal R1 to any phone, tablet, laptop, or handheld that supports display out. For the Switch 2, you will need to use the Control Dock, as the Xreal Neo adapter/video was canceled before it could launch.
Will a 240Hz refresh rate in video smart glasses make any meaningful difference when you’re gaming? Who knows, but we’re hoping to find out soon when we get a pair to try out.
For some reason, Memorial Day marks the unofficial sale season for most mattress companies. And Purple is no different. During the Purple Memorial Day Sale, you can get up to $900 off a mattress and base bundle. When you shop the Purple Memorial Day Sale, you’ll essentially be getting a king size mattress for the usual queen price. This means, you’ll get up to $500 off select Essential Mattresses, up to $500 off the Purple and PurplePlus mattresses, up to $700 off the Restore Hybrid mattress line, and up to $1500 off the luxe Rejuvenate mattress.
Purple Promo Codes: Save on the Mattress That Fits You Best
Purple has a mattress for every type of sleeper, and we have a Purple promo code to help you save on those important sleep purchases. There are different types of mattresses to choose from depending on your need. The original Purple is the OG, with two inches of Purple’s signature GelFlex Grid for instant back pain relief, along with two layers of foam. The PurplePlus mattress has cradling support that isolates motion for a more peaceful sleep. And the luxe model, the RestorePlus hybrid mattress, allows for a cooler sleep and has lower back support with GelFlex Grid’s deep relief and zoned coils for extra comfort.
Save up to 30% With Purple’s Limited-Time Sales (No Promo Code Needed)
Right now, Purple has huge savings on tons of their up to 30% off sleep accessories like pillows, cushions, and sheet sets. I’ve found that all kinds of sleepers are drawn to Purple’s Freeform Adjustable Pillow and Purple Harmony Pillow in particular, especially since you can adjust it to best match your sleeping position. Plus, you can find some nice accessory bundles on sale, too.
Other Ways to Save on Purple Mattresses and Pillows
Looking for other ways to save on Purple’s sleep gear? Don’t miss Purple’s bundles that offer up to 25% off. Shoppers using FSA and HSA funds can also save an average of 30% on a mattress, since it does support your health. Check out the eligible products from Purple here to shop with those funds.
If you’re looking for a single pillow, you can score a pillow for free by signing up for Purple’s email updates. Purple also offers as low as zero percent APR if you use Affirm to shop.
Score a Friend a Free Purple Pillow
You can get a free pillow for a friend, too. When checking out for a $200 purchase as a new customer, you can choose to gift a friend a free Purple Cloud Pillow. Plus, if that friend later shops at Purple, you could get up to $75 in Amazon gift cards for your friend’s purchase.
Qualified Customers Can Get 10% Off Their Purchase
The PurpleFlex Mattress is one of the brand’s most popular, and most innovative beds yet. It is compatible with an adjustable base, has a supportive foam base and a two-inch GelFlex grid on top for instant adaptability to any type of body. Now, the PurpleFlex is $300 off—a seriously low price for a bed of this caliber. It has firm support, with a cooling grid that allows air flow and never traps heat. Plus, it ships free within 2 days, has a 100-night trial, 10 year warranty, and low price guarantee (with price matching).
For some reason, Memorial Day marks the unofficial sale season for most mattress companies. And Purple is no different. During the Purple Memorial Day Sale, you can get up to $900 off a mattress and base bundle. When you shop the Purple Memorial Day Sale, you’ll essentially be getting a king size mattress for the usual queen price. This means, you’ll get up to $500 off select Essential Mattresses, up to $500 off the Purple and PurplePlus mattresses, up to $700 off the Restore Hybrid mattress line, and up to $1500 off the luxe Rejuvenate mattress.
Purple Promo Codes: Save on the Mattress That Fits You Best
Purple has a mattress for every type of sleeper, and we have a Purple promo code to help you save on those important sleep purchases. There are different types of mattresses to choose from depending on your need. The original Purple is the OG, with two inches of Purple’s signature GelFlex Grid for instant back pain relief, along with two layers of foam. The PurplePlus mattress has cradling support that isolates motion for a more peaceful sleep. And the luxe model, the RestorePlus hybrid mattress, allows for a cooler sleep and has lower back support with GelFlex Grid’s deep relief and zoned coils for extra comfort.
Save up to 30% With Purple’s Limited-Time Sales (No Promo Code Needed)
Right now, Purple has huge savings on tons of their up to 30% off sleep accessories like pillows, cushions, and sheet sets. I’ve found that all kinds of sleepers are drawn to Purple’s Freeform Adjustable Pillow and Purple Harmony Pillow in particular, especially since you can adjust it to best match your sleeping position. Plus, you can find some nice accessory bundles on sale, too.
Other Ways to Save on Purple Mattresses and Pillows
Looking for other ways to save on Purple’s sleep gear? Don’t miss Purple’s bundles that offer up to 25% off. Shoppers using FSA and HSA funds can also save an average of 30% on a mattress, since it does support your health. Check out the eligible products from Purple here to shop with those funds.
If you’re looking for a single pillow, you can score a pillow for free by signing up for Purple’s email updates. Purple also offers as low as zero percent APR if you use Affirm to shop.
Score a Friend a Free Purple Pillow
You can get a free pillow for a friend, too. When checking out for a $200 purchase as a new customer, you can choose to gift a friend a free Purple Cloud Pillow. Plus, if that friend later shops at Purple, you could get up to $75 in Amazon gift cards for your friend’s purchase.
Qualified Customers Can Get 10% Off Their Purchase
The PurpleFlex Mattress is one of the brand’s most popular, and most innovative beds yet. It is compatible with an adjustable base, has a supportive foam base and a two-inch GelFlex grid on top for instant adaptability to any type of body. Now, the PurpleFlex is $300 off—a seriously low price for a bed of this caliber. It has firm support, with a cooling grid that allows air flow and never traps heat. Plus, it ships free within 2 days, has a 100-night trial, 10 year warranty, and low price guarantee (with price matching).
#Purple #Promo #Codes #Deals #Monthcoupons,shopping">Purple Promo Codes and Deals: 30% Off This Month
Good sleep is a priceless commodity, and a big factor is what you’re sleeping on, including your mattress and pillows. Purple is one of our favorites on that front, from the brand’s super supportive-yet-soft pillows to its cooling mattresses. All to say, there’s plenty of great bedding to shop at Purple, and right now you can get it at a serious discount. You can save up to 30% off of bedding, pillows, and more from Purple, from the PerfectStay Duvet Cover Set to the Purple Harmony Anywhere Travel Set, with these Purple promo codes and deals.
Purple Memorial Day Sale: $900 Off
For some reason, Memorial Day marks the unofficial sale season for most mattress companies. And Purple is no different. During the Purple Memorial Day Sale, you can get up to $900 off a mattress and base bundle. When you shop the Purple Memorial Day Sale, you’ll essentially be getting a king size mattress for the usual queen price. This means, you’ll get up to $500 off select Essential Mattresses, up to $500 off the Purple and PurplePlus mattresses, up to $700 off the Restore Hybrid mattress line, and up to $1500 off the luxe Rejuvenate mattress.
Purple Promo Codes: Save on the Mattress That Fits You Best
Purple has a mattress for every type of sleeper, and we have a Purple promo code to help you save on those important sleep purchases. There are different types of mattresses to choose from depending on your need. The original Purple is the OG, with two inches of Purple’s signature GelFlex Grid for instant back pain relief, along with two layers of foam. The PurplePlus mattress has cradling support that isolates motion for a more peaceful sleep. And the luxe model, the RestorePlus hybrid mattress, allows for a cooler sleep and has lower back support with GelFlex Grid’s deep relief and zoned coils for extra comfort.
Save up to 30% With Purple’s Limited-Time Sales (No Promo Code Needed)
Right now, Purple has huge savings on tons of their up to 30% off sleep accessories like pillows, cushions, and sheet sets. I’ve found that all kinds of sleepers are drawn to Purple’s Freeform Adjustable Pillow and Purple Harmony Pillow in particular, especially since you can adjust it to best match your sleeping position. Plus, you can find some nice accessory bundles on sale, too.
Other Ways to Save on Purple Mattresses and Pillows
Looking for other ways to save on Purple’s sleep gear? Don’t miss Purple’s bundles that offer up to 25% off. Shoppers using FSA and HSA funds can also save an average of 30% on a mattress, since it does support your health. Check out the eligible products from Purple here to shop with those funds.
If you’re looking for a single pillow, you can score a pillow for free by signing up for Purple’s email updates. Purple also offers as low as zero percent APR if you use Affirm to shop.
Score a Friend a Free Purple Pillow
You can get a free pillow for a friend, too. When checking out for a $200 purchase as a new customer, you can choose to gift a friend a free Purple Cloud Pillow. Plus, if that friend later shops at Purple, you could get up to $75 in Amazon gift cards for your friend’s purchase.
Qualified Customers Can Get 10% Off Their Purchase
The PurpleFlex Mattress is one of the brand’s most popular, and most innovative beds yet. It is compatible with an adjustable base, has a supportive foam base and a two-inch GelFlex grid on top for instant adaptability to any type of body. Now, the PurpleFlex is $300 off—a seriously low price for a bed of this caliber. It has firm support, with a cooling grid that allows air flow and never traps heat. Plus, it ships free within 2 days, has a 100-night trial, 10 year warranty, and low price guarantee (with price matching).
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