Three of the biggest telcos in the region have partnered up for a joint venture to tap into esports, content and a social network for gamers.

Singapore’s largest telco Singtel, South Korea’s SK Telecom and Thailand’s Advanced Info Service (AIS) have raised funds for a regional gaming joint venture to develop new gaming-related revenue streams, according to a Singtel press release.

This new initiative is set to benefit from Singtel’s deep regional knowledge and telco assets, SK Telecom’s experience in the Korean entertainment and gaming scene, and AIS’ expertise in esports content.

Singtel first entered the esports scene in 2019 by establishing the PVP Esports Championship, hosting international Dota 2, Hearthstone and Arena of Valor competitions, and organizing campus and corporate esports leagues.

AIS hosts tournaments in its native country, such as Arena of Valor (known as RoV), as well as the recent Thailand Game Expo. SK Telecom, of course, is known for its popular esports organization, T1 Esports, which it is a partner with Comcast Spectacor.

“By combining our strengths with SK Telecom and AIS, both pioneers in entertainment, esports and gaming, we can contribute significantly to the gaming scene,” said Arthur Lang, CEO of Singtel’s International Group.

Each company will have equal shares in the joint venture, with services starting later this year, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

Singtel, SK Telecom and AIS invest in a new gaming joint venture