Apr 22, 2015
AHEAD OF THE GAME:
HOW ESPORTS IS DRAWING FANS AND BRANDS FASTER THAN ANY OTHER SPORT
The pillars of a compelling eSports Spectator Experience
Presenting Video Games as a Sport» Competition is compelling» Participatory nature of the medium» The audience decides and the audience is exploding
Imitation is by design» Traditional sports broadcasters have paved the way» Not encumbered by traditional distribution challenges
Traditional Sports industry “got” MLG first» President CBS Sports first advisor, NBC Sports first TV deal» Videogame industry considered it “niche”» First hires from traditional leagues, IMG and Relativity Sports
representation
» Personality
» Predictability
» Passion
What makes a compelling show?How to entertain and captivate an audience in all formats
» MLG fans watch longer
» MLG fans accept and engage with advertising
» MLG fans share the experience via social media
The eSports Audience is Deeply Engaged
The eSports Broadcast Model – Native Digital ContentInfluence of streaming and creation of MLG.TV
» Live broadcasts available everywhere
» Well produced shoulder programming
» Content + Distribution is KING
» Content + Distribution + Social Amplification = MLG.TV
» Skill Curve - steeper is better like traditional sports » Enhances casual competitive play (hero moments) » Balanced, consistent mechanics
The Games: Why They Work
» Global Audiences Directly Engaging in both Watching AND Playing
» LIVE - no barrier to reaching a global audience in real time
» Building games from the ground up with competition and broadcasting in mind.
The Future: Not if, but when