Entertainment

JUST IN: TikTok moves to sell gaming arm

Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2024

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TikTok owner ByteDance is in talks with buyers including Chinese tech giant Tencent to sell its gaming arm, a company spokesperson said Tuesday, as it seeks to shed once-promising assets in the highly competitive sector.

The discussions would see the firm sell Nuverse, a video game publisher that is a subsidiary of Beijing-based ByteDance.

Nuverse was once viewed by the firm as a vital component in its bid to catch up with Tencent, a leader in the global gaming industry and one of China’s largest media conglomerates.

Efforts to reach a deal are still ongoing, the spokesperson told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The development comes after ByteDance made sweeping reductions to its gaming division last November, including a round of layoffs cutting hundreds of jobs.

The move marked a retreat from the competitive sector — worth $42.2 billion last year, according to official figures – after Nuverse failed to achieve the commercial success ByteDance had hoped for at the time of its launch in 2019.

China is the world’s largest gaming market, and Tencent is the global leader in the sector in terms of revenue.

But it has faced increasing challenges as authorities impose tighter restrictions on gaming, especially for young people.

Since 2021, children under 18 years old have only been allowed to play online between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the school term.

And during next month’s Spring Festival Holiday, users under the age of 18 will face similar limitations, implemented through a real-name verification system, linked to national ID cards, Tencent said.

In a Tuesday WeChat post explaining the rules, Tencent said it hoped “adults and children alike can play games with self-discipline”.

Beijing last month said it might revise newly drafted online gaming rules aimed at limiting in-game purchases and preventing obsessive gaming behaviour, after the regulations triggered a sell-off in major tech stocks.

AFP

Entertainment

Asha Bhosle: Bollywood’s legendary singer dies aged 92

Her death marks the end of an era in Bollywood music – with her career spanning more than eight decades and encompassing more than 12,000 songs

Published

3 days ago

April 13, 2026

OCHEFA

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Photo: Asha Bhosle / Credit: AFP

Asha Bhosle, a legendary Bollywood singer who became a cultural icon, has died aged 92, her son has confirmed.

The unrivalled queen of Indian playback singing died in Mumbai, having been admitted to hospital after suffering a heart attack.

Her death marks the end of an era in Bollywood music – with her career spanning more than eight decades and encompassing more than 12,000 songs.

Bhosle’s distinctive voice breathed life into countless film songs as actors lip-synced to her unforgettable tracks.

(BBC)

Entertainment

Tuface, Laolu Gbenjo, others set to electrify Vanguard Personality of the Year Award

The 14th edition of the prestigious award ceremony will take place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Published

3 days ago

April 13, 2026

OCHEFA

97 Views

Afrobeats legend, Tuface Idibia, is set to thrill guests at this year’s Vanguard Personality of the Year Award.

Known for his timeless hits that resonate across generations, the iconic performer is expected to deliver an unforgettable performance featuring his evergreen songs.

Also billed to entertain at the glamorous event is The Laolu Gbenjo Band, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated live music groups. Adding more excitement to the lineup is the Black Edge Performance Troupe.

The 14th edition of the prestigious award ceremony will take place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on April 24, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Interestingly, the event promises to be a night dedicated to celebrating outstanding Nigerians who have excelled in various sectors.

Over the years, Vanguard Personality of the Year Award has grown into one of the country’s most distinguished media recognitions.

Entertainment

The New Masquerade’s actor ‘Clarus’ is dead

Davis Offor rose to prominence through The New Masquerade, a beloved Nigerian sitcom that captivated audiences with its humour and memorable characters, including the boastful and comedic Clarus.

Published

1 week ago

April 7, 2026

OCHEFA

121 Views

Veteran actor Davis Offor, widely known for his role as “Clarus” in the iconic situation comedy – The New Masquerade, is dead, aged 85.

Davis Offor rose to prominence through The New Masquerade, a beloved Nigerian sitcom that captivated audiences with its humour and memorable characters, including the boastful and comedic Clarus.

News of his death was confirmed by fellow actor Tony Akposheri, who starred alongside him as Zacky in the popular series that defined an era of Nigerian television.

In an emotional tribute shared on Facebook, Akposheri expressed shock and deep sorrow over the loss, recalling their recent moments together.

According to him, the late Offor was full of life and hope when they last met at the turn of the New Year.

Akposheri described the late actor as more than just a colleague, highlighting his warmth, humour, and vibrant personality.

“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space,” he added.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.