The Lagos State Government has officially begun enforcing a 5% withholding tax on winnings from licensed gaming and betting platforms, marking a major development in Nigeria’s digital gaming sector. The tax is applied to net payouts, meaning players now receive winnings after the deduction.
The move comes as Lagos experiences rapid growth in online sports betting and gaming activities. Millions of bettors participate daily, prompting the government to formalize taxation and ensure the sector contributes fairly to public revenue. The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has positioned this measure as part of a broader strategy to enhance compliance, transparency, and oversight of digital financial activities.
Under the new rule, licensed operators automatically deduct 5% from all net winnings before payouts. For instance, a bettor who wins ₦100,000 will now receive ₦95,000. Some platforms may also require a National Identification Number (NIN) for identity verification in line with KYC regulations.
The impact is felt across the sector. Licensed operators must update systems to comply with the deduction, while players see reduced payouts but can use the withheld tax as a credit toward personal tax obligations. The government stresses that only licensed operators are affected, leaving unregulated platforms outside the formal tax system.
Industry reactions are mixed. Advocates say the tax formalizes and strengthens the gaming industry, while critics worry it could push bettors toward unlicensed operators. Nevertheless, the Lagos Government maintains that the measure will provide a sustainable revenue stream and improve regulatory oversight.
As Nigeria’s gaming sector continues to grow, the 5% tax highlights Lagos State’s commitment to regulating the industry, ensuring transparency, and capturing revenue from a digital economy that shows no signs of slowing.
Norwegian electronics retailer Komplett has unveiled one of the most unusual promotional campaigns in gaming history, linking Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) to an extraordinary local offer.
The promotion gives free copies of GTA 6 to parents whose child is born exactly on the game’s confirmed release date: November 19, 2026. Komplett cleverly tied the campaign to the “nine-month” countdown between the promotion launch and the game’s release, playing on the parallel between pregnancy duration and the wait for GTA 6.
As part of the campaign, Komplett rolled out pregnancy-themed billboards and social media posts, featuring lines such as:
“GTA 6 drops in 9 months — same as a baby, so if yours arrives that day, the game is on us.”
Dexerto reported that Komplett confirmed the campaign’s legitimacy on Instagram, stating:
“This is actually not a joke.”
This promotion has quickly gone viral across social media platforms like Reddit, Instagram, and X, sparking memes and humorous discussions about timing births or planning parental leave around the game’s release.
While the campaign is a retailer-driven initiative and not affiliated with Rockstar Games or Take-Two Interactive, it coincides perfectly with the official GTA 6 release date, confirmed by Take-Two Interactive, ensuring the promotion aligns with the global launch.
This inventive marketing stunt demonstrates how retailers are pushing creative boundaries to generate hype for major releases, capturing attention in local markets while engaging audiences in unexpected ways.
14 years ago, one of the worst occurrences in gaming history took place—we lost the PlayStation Network and sadly for 23 days. 14 years later, it will seem history is about to repeat itself.
The last time PSN was down, Sony said they were hacked, but this time around there’s been no indication on what could be the issue.
This can’t be labelled a “9/11” event for gamers; popular networks go down from time to time. This is the same for Sony’s PlayStation Network. It’s been over 15 hours since it was first reported that PSN was down, and players are getting worried.
Via X
The issues for the last few hours include the inability to access online functionality, sign in, check stores, or even boot up games that require an internet connection.
PlayStation via the @AskPlayStation Twitter/X account official response was: “We are aware some users might be currently experiencing issues with PSN. For more details: https://status.playstation.com.”
The creative director, Brian Horton, for one of the most anticipated games, Marvel’s Wolverine, will now work with the team making Perfect Dark for Xbox. In a report by Game File, Brian left Insomniac to work on the Perfect Dark reboot game, currently in development by Microsoft’s The Initiative and Crystal Dynamics.
Brian, who previously worked on Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales and 2015’s Rise of the Tomb Raider, hasn’t worked on Marvel’s Wolverine for some time. Meanwhile, Wolverine’s game director, Cameron Christian, will be working at Insomniac.
An Xbox spokesperson told Game File that Brian is “bringing his wealth of experience to the upcoming reboot of the classic Secret Agent series.”
A new creative director for Wolverine, Marcus Smith and game Director, Mike Daly are reportedly the new hires. Both Mike and Marcus are known for their work on the 2021 game Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart.
Though Marvel’s Wolverine was first announced in 2021, neither game has an official release window. The Wolverine is to be released for PS5 and reportedly in the same universe as the Spider-Man game.
Microsoft recently made an announcement that has affected gamers in a good or bad way (you decide.) Games like Gotham Knights, Valheim, and Paw Patrol: Grand Prix will be leaving Xbox Game Pass.
Starting September 30th, 9 games will be leaving the Game Pass library. On September 15, Microsoft announced it would remove 6 games, bringing the total number of games leaving its Xbox Game Pass library to 15 this September.
All hopes are not lost, as Game Pass subscribers can get these games for a 20% discount before they are gone as part of their membership.
New games are also coming to Game Pass later this month, including Wargroove 2 (September 19), Frostpunk 2 (September 2), and Ara: History Untold (September 24).
Consumers of Startimes or MultiChoice’s DSTV and GOTV can watch all the Paris 2024 Olympic games on SportyTV and SuperSport (DStv ch 203 and GOtv ch 61) starting July 26, 6:30 pm. All the action will also be covered on the Olympics’ official Paris 2024 live blog, beginning July 24.
“As part of our commitment to delivering the best sporting action to Nigerians, we will broadcast across SuperSport channels with additional pop-up channels on DStv and GOtv. The Olympics is the largest gathering of athletes competing for honours. We will make the games available to customers on DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli. offering them the opportunity to watch history unfold and follow our Nigerian athletes at the Games. In the spirit of the Olympics, each of the SuperSport channels will also be renamed as ‘Olympic Channel’ for the duration of the games,” executive Head of Marketing MultiChoice West Africa, Tope Oshunkeye made this announcement.
On Friday 26th, July 2024 Team Nigeria will make its 19th appearance at the Olympics. Representing Nigeria are 82 sportsmen and women in 11 sporting events.
The 2024 Olympics in Paris will officially begin from 24 July to 11 August 2024.
Team Nigeria is expected to compete in the following sports:
Athletics
Badminton
Basketball
Boxing
Canoeing
Cycling
Football
Table Tennis
Taekwondo
Weightlifting
Wrestling
Yesterday Team Nigeria Super Falcons played with Brazil but unfortunately lost its first game but hopes to recover in the next match. Follow @streamdorm on Twitter or Threads to stay updated on Nigeria’s Olympic progress.
EA Sports has released the top 25 teams in its upcoming College Football 25 game. This announcement was made on Friday 28th, June 2024. In comprising it doesn’t match the ESPN Power Index.
The teams’ ratings on this list in the upcoming video game use the overall ratings of both the offensive and defensive teams with parameters.
University of Georgia (UGA) has an overall rating of 95, which UGA was rated the top offensive team and second best defensive team (College Football 25). Next we are Ohio State (93 overall), Oregon (93 overall), and Alabama (92 overall).
Here is a look at the Top 25 teams in College Football 25.
Two weeks ago at Summer Gamefest, we saw the announcement of a new Killer Bean game, Star Wars Outlaws, Lego Horizon Adventures, and many more. This week, we’re experiencing new games coming to Nintendo.
We can finally agree that we’re entering a new season of gaming. With game publishers, consoles, developers, and media platforms hosting gaming events, we usher in a new age of gaming.
Games coming to Switch this year include Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD, Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble, and Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition.
A new look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is confirmed for release in 2025. So far, there’s no mention of a new Nintendo Switch successor. Other interesting trailers include The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.
An exciting announcement is that Switch now allows third-party support to support the release of new indie games released on it every week.
Check out the trailers for the games announced:
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Set to release on November 7, 2024.
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
It will be available on July 18, 2024.
Fairy Tail 2
Fairy Tail 2 is coming in the winter of 2024
FANTASIAN: Neo Dimension
Coming this year, over the holidays.
MIO: Memories In Orbit
Coming in 2025.
Disney Illusion Island
The free Disney Illusion Island: Mystery in Monoth update will be available later today.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Coming soon, 2025.
Other games include
Hello Kitty Island Adventure is coming to Switch
Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports
Among Us Update
Farmagia
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Dragon Quest III HD 2D Remake (plus, I & II)
Funko Fusion gameplay trailer
THE NEW DENPA MEN
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded
Darkest Dungeon II
Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack releases
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
Check out the gameplay of the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 game. The game will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S on July 19.
The trailer explains the CampusIQ gameplay feature set, which includes the Wear & Tear system, player physical and mental abilities, home-field advantage, and more.
Introducing the MVP Bundle, including EA Sports College Football 25, Madden 25, and bonus rewards to help you make game day every day.
In the wondrous world of gamers, certain titles rise above the rest, captivating the hearts and minds of players worldwide. Let’s delve into the list of the most played games in 2024.
Apex Legends
Apex Legends continues to rule the battle royale world with its fast-paced gameplay and character abilities. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, this free-to-play title has amassed a dedicated player base since its launch.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
While Apex Legends focuses primarily on multiplayer gameplay, it features lore-rich storytelling through in-game events and character interactions. The evolving narrative adds depth to the game’s universe, keeping players engaged beyond the battlefield.
Fortnite
Fortnite remains a powerhouse in the gaming industry, attracting players of all ages with its colorful aesthetic and ever-evolving gameplay. Developed by Epic Games, this battle royale phenomenon continues to reinvent itself with regular updates and content drops.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
While Fortnite’s primary focus is on multiplayer mayhem, it incorporates narrative elements through in-game events and seasonal updates. These story-driven experiences add depth to the game’s universe, enticing players to uncover its secrets and mysteries.
League of Legends
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, developed by Nintendo, stands as a masterpiece in open-world gaming. Launched alongside the Nintendo Switch in 2017, it continues to captivate players with its vast landscapes, intricate puzzles, and immersive storytelling.
Storylines and Immersive Narrative
Although LoL is primarily focused on competitive gameplay, it features an extensive lore universe filled with rich narratives and complex characters. Through in-game events, cinematic trailers, and written lore, Riot Games continues to expand the game’s lore, captivating players with its deep storytelling.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Call of Duty: Warzone, developed by Infinity Ward and Raven Software, has become a juggernaut in the battle royale genre since its release. It combines the fast-paced action of the Call of Duty franchise with the expansive map and tactical gameplay of battle royale.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
While Warzone primarily focuses on multiplayer gameplay, it intertwines with the overarching narrative of the Call of Duty universe. In-game events and updates introduce new story elements, keeping players engaged and invested in the ongoing saga.
Minecraft
Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios, continues to captivate players with its limitless creativity and exploration. Despite being released over a decade ago, the game remains incredibly popular, thanks to its sandbox gameplay and player-driven content.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
Unlike traditional narrative-driven games, Minecraft relies on player-driven storytelling, with each player crafting their own unique adventures and experiences. From epic quests to elaborate builds, the game encourages creativity and imagination, allowing players to shape their own narratives.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, developed by Nintendo, stands as a masterpiece in open-world gaming. Launched alongside the Nintendo Switch in 2017, it continues to captivate players with its vast landscapes, intricate puzzles, and immersive storytelling.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
At its core, Breath of the Wild tells the story of Link’s quest to defeat the evil Calamity Ganon and save Princess Zelda. Through its rich narrative and memorable characters, the game immerses players in a captivating tale of courage, discovery, and redemption.
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), developed by Rockstar Games, continues to captivate players with its sprawling open-world environment, engaging storytelling, and dynamic multiplayer mode, Grand Theft Auto Online.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
At its core, GTA V tells the story of three criminals—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—as they navigate the seedy underworld of Los Santos. With its branching narrative and complex characters, the game immerses players in a world of crime, betrayal, and redemption.
Among Us
Among Us, developed by InnerSloth, took the gaming world by storm with its addictive gameplay and social interaction. Despite its simple graphics, the game’s emphasis on deception and deduction has made it a favorite among players of all ages.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
While Among Us lacks a traditional narrative, its emergent storytelling comes from the interactions between players as they accuse, defend, and deceive each other. From tense standoffs to unexpected betrayals, the game’s narrative unfolds dynamically with each round, keeping players on the edge of their seats.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, remakes of the classic Nintendo DS games, mark the return to the Sinnoh region with updated graphics and features. Developed by ILCA Inc. and published by The Pokémon Company, these titles appeal to both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.
Storylines and Immersive Narratives
At its heart, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl tell the timeless tale of a young Trainer’s quest to become the Pokémon Champion and thwart the plans of the villainous Team Galactic. With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and epic battles, the games immerse players in the rich world of Pokémon.
Apex Legends continues to rule the battle royale world with its fast-paced gameplay and character abilities. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, this free-to-play title has amassed a dedicated player base since its launch. 
Fortnite remains a powerhouse in the gaming industry, attracting players of all ages with its colorful aesthetic and ever-evolving gameplay. Developed by Epic Games, this battle royale phenomenon continues to reinvent itself with regular updates and content drops.
