eSPORTS UPDATE – 10 THINGS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED!
Activision start the year with a bold move and an equally bold statement of their intention to be the ESPN of video games. It’s not been such a positive start to the year for Vulcan who announce that they are closing down their paid fantasy games choosing to stop whilst they are ahead.
The 2015 round up posts continue and we bring you a video of the ‘Sickest eSports Moments of 2015’ and the SBC report, for those with an interest in the betting highlights, from last year.
Finally, for gamers looking to pick up a new game in 2016 you have to check out Kill The Plumber which launched on Steam on January 1, read more about it and our other top stories below.
ACTIVISION CEO ON MLG PURCHASE: “I WANT TO BUILD THE ESPN OF VIDEO GAMES”
“After news broke on the acquisition last week, Activision Blizzard has released an official press briefing detailing their purchase of Major League Gaming. As many assumed, the publisher mentions being interested in MLG for their existing infrastructure, which will be used to support their future plans for competitive gaming.
What some missed, however, is just how far Activision is looking to push “eSports” outside its current niche. “I have a simple vision for this,” Activision CEO Bobby Kotick told The New York Times. “I want to build the ESPN of video games.””
Read the full story here
VULCAN IS SHUTTING DOWN PAID FANTASY GAMES
“Debate over the legitimacy of esports daily fantasy betting is still going strong, but today, Vulcun is leaving the battleground. 2016 will see the fantasy giant putting an end to all “paid fantasy games.”
The decision comes for multiple reasons. One is obvious—increased legal scrutiny, primarily in the United States, has seen several states, including New York and Nevada, outright banning daily fantasy. Prospects of further legislation are a clear reason for Vulcun to stop while it is still ahead.”
Read the full story here
SMITE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016: ALL-ACCESS TOUR 2016
SIX ESPORTS TRENDS FOR 2016
“We can all agree on how crazy 2015 has been for eSports. More games, more money, more audience, more recognition, spectacular announcements and acquisitions…
It’s been one hell of a ride. Well, guess what: 2016 is already poised to be even crazier.”
Read the six new trends here
THE 5 SICKEST ESPORTS MOMENTS OF 2015
ESPORTS 2015 SBC REPORT – PART 1
“2015 looked set to be a big year for eSports, but on many accounts it ended up being somewhat larger than many anticipated. Viewer numbers increased, both live and online, with 36 million tuning into the League of Legends World Championship final whilst tournament prize pools also grew.
The prize pool for the International Dota 2 tournament this year was $18m (£12.1m), whilst in 2014 the same pool totalled $10.9m (£7.3m) a record breaking amount at the time.”
Read the full story here
If you want to read the follow up you can read Part 2
VIRTUIX TO HOLD ESPORTS ‘OMNI ARENA’ TOURNAMENT AT CES
“Virtuix are back at CES once again, and this time they’re getting all competitive as they prepare to hold they’re first multiplayer VR eSports tournament using the Omni VR treadmill, in their new made-for-Omni title, Omni Arena.
Virtuix have spent 2015 ramping up production and shipping of their ‘Pathfinder’ edition Kickstarter backer and pre-order financed Omnidirectional treadmills.”
Read the full story here
INTRODUCING: OPTIC GAMING CS:GO
WHY 2016 SHOULD BE A YEAR OF TREMENDOUS GROWTH FOR ESPORTS
“Is this the tipping point for the massive, mainstream growth of eSports? The industry that covers competitive video gaming as a spectator sport and online streamers of content has a potential global audience of over 1.4 billion, and participants, manufacturers as well as brands have a unique opportunity to exploit the space while there is still undervalued territory to seize.
In 2015, 36 million individuals streamed the League of Legends World Finals online (a 33% increase from 2014) with 360 million hours of live coverage viewed. The ESL One tournament sold out the Theater at Madison Square in New York.”
Read the full story here
KILL THE PLUMBER IS A MULTI-AWARD WINNING FILIPINO GAME THAT HIT STEAM ON JANUARY 1
“Ever wondered what it would be like to turn the tables on a certain super-popular plumber? On January 1, 2016, Kill The Plumber — a multi-awarded indie game from Philippine development outfit Keybol — will drop on Steam. You should totally get it.
The game is a parody of the platformer genre where players take control of the enemy in order to kill a jumping, fireball-chucking, vaguely Italian plumber hell-bent on stomping through your fellow goons to save the princess.”
Read the full story here
