It has been almost six full months since I last posted on the video gaming industry. If you are a long-time reader; however, you would know that I am a firm believer that agents have potential to thrive in this niche environment and that endorsements will continue to grow for video gamers. There have even been efforts to make video gaming an Olympic sport. The USA Network has aired gaming competitions and DirecTV developed its own gaming series.
I have been following the progression of the video gaming industry for the past two years, which is why I was not nearly as surprised as some to find out that ESPN will be airing video gaming competitions in 2008. In fact, ESPN decided to broker a deal with Major League Gaming (MLG), the same group that signed the aforementioned deal with USA Network and later expanded into Canada under license with Toronto-based Insight Sports.
ESPN will serve as a primary outlet for news about MLG, providing extensive digital coverage of MLG's 2008 Pro Circuit Competitions, including exclusive streamed matches, pro player interviews, and scores and stats. Additionally, MLG will host ESPN co-branded online video game tournaments.
ESPN.com will launch a competitive video gaming section replete with all of the latest news, information and video as it relates to competitive gaming. ESPN.com will announce details of MLG's 2008 Pro Circuit season in the coming weeks.
Newsflash: Video gaming has officially been a sport before ESPN signed this deal with MLG. The writing was on the wall for a while. Endorsements were growing, coaches were being hired by gamers, agents started to infiltrate the business, and fans were increasing by the day. I think that ESPN is taking advantage of a great opportunity to expand its content structure and fan base. Now more than ever, I believe that agents may want to think about getting involved in the rising sport of video gaming.
I have been following the progression of the video gaming industry for the past two years, which is why I was not nearly as surprised as some to find out that ESPN will be airing video gaming competitions in 2008. In fact, ESPN decided to broker a deal with Major League Gaming (MLG), the same group that signed the aforementioned deal with USA Network and later expanded into Canada under license with Toronto-based Insight Sports.
ESPN will serve as a primary outlet for news about MLG, providing extensive digital coverage of MLG's 2008 Pro Circuit Competitions, including exclusive streamed matches, pro player interviews, and scores and stats. Additionally, MLG will host ESPN co-branded online video game tournaments.
ESPN.com will launch a competitive video gaming section replete with all of the latest news, information and video as it relates to competitive gaming. ESPN.com will announce details of MLG's 2008 Pro Circuit season in the coming weeks.
Newsflash: Video gaming has officially been a sport before ESPN signed this deal with MLG. The writing was on the wall for a while. Endorsements were growing, coaches were being hired by gamers, agents started to infiltrate the business, and fans were increasing by the day. I think that ESPN is taking advantage of a great opportunity to expand its content structure and fan base. Now more than ever, I believe that agents may want to think about getting involved in the rising sport of video gaming.
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