#Japan #Osaka #GeeSports #Digital Hearts #EXPO2025

GeeSports Tournament: A Pioneering Event for Seniors

On October 1, 2023, which marks the International Day of Older Persons, the eagerly anticipated GeeSports Tournament will take place at the ongoing 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. This thrilling event aims to empower seniors, bringing the excitement of eSports to an often-overlooked demographic while addressing challenges related to an aging society.

Organized by GeeSports LLP, a consortium in which Digital Hearts Holdings (TSE: 3676) has made a capital investment, this tournament exemplifies a dedicated effort to create enjoyable gaming experiences for seniors. The initiative underscores the notion that age should not limit one's participation in gaming.

GeeSports has been designed to mitigate various barriers seniors face in the realm of video gaming. It focuses on creating games that not only entertain but also promote mental well-being and social interaction, allowing grandparents to engage in stimulating activities that build confidence and a sense of purpose. Furthermore, the GeeSports concept aims to inspire intergenerational connections, thereby fostering a community atmosphere where seniors enliven their surroundings by embodying excitement and vitality.

In this inaugural tournament, six teams consisting of three players aged 65 and older will compete in the specially designed game titled Gerogue. Each match promises to be a showcase of strategy and teamwork as players vie for honor and pride in front of an audience at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Details of the GeeSports Tournament:

• - Date: October 1, 2023
• - Time: 1:30 PM - 3:45 PM (Doors open at 1:00 PM)
• - Venue: Festival Station at 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo
• - Participating Teams: Six teams of three seniors representing various organizations, including:

- Niigata Prefecture Senior Citizens' Club Federation
- Gakken Cocofan Co., Ltd.
- Genki Group SanGa Japan West Japan
- Kameoka Welfare Association
- Kamimukawa Social Welfare Council
- Medical Care Service Co., Ltd.

The tournament will also feature an exhibition match between professional esports teams, DetonatioN FocusMe and FENNEL, alongside live performances by singer Masamitsu Miyamoto, presenting a unique blend of sports and entertainment.

Introducing Gerogue:

Gerogue is an engaging game that encourages simple interactions and is designed so that all players, regardless of age, can enjoy. Set in a futuristic world where technology controls humanity, players embody characters resisting this control by embracing their human experiences. Teams face off in exciting 3v3 battles, offering a unique blend of action-shooter and robot combat elements, all with intuitive controls requiring only three buttons. This design aims to ensure accessibility and enjoyment for players ranging from children to seniors.

Looking Toward the Future:

Digital Hearts Group is committed to supporting transformative initiatives like the GeeSports Tournament. By engaging seniors in gaming, we are contributing to a healthier lifestyle, encouraging social participation, and nurturing creativity. This approach aims to combat loneliness and promote cognitive health through engaging gameplay, shouldering the responsibility of fostering a vibrant community for the elderly.

In doing so, we also envision creating new employment opportunities within the senior gaming market, further stimulating the overall gaming industry and deepening the impact of gaming and entertainment in our society.

Join us at the Expo! Everyone visiting the Expo is welcome to attend the tournament, although seating is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. So arrive early to secure your spot for this groundbreaking event.