Activision has confirmed its acquisition of Major League Gaming to work towards creating the "ESPN of eSports".
According to reports, the buyout came at a price tag suggested to be in the $46 million range, although no official word from either party has confirmed the final financials, but either way this is a very big and aggressive move on Activision's part. It's also one of the first major moves the company has made as part of its new Activision Blizzard Media Networks branch, which is being headed up by former ESPN CEO Steve Bornstein, making the "ESPN of eSports" comment earlier make a whole lot of sense. Mike Sespo who was one of the co-founders of MLG is also part of the new division at Activision.
"Our acquisition of Major League Gaming's business furthers our plans to create the ESPN of eSports,” said outspoken Activision boss Bobby Kotick.
"MLG's ability to create premium content and its proven broadcast technology platform -- including its live streaming capabilities -- strengthens our strategic position in competitive gaming. MLG has an incredibly strong and seasoned team and a thriving community.”
MLG's other co-founder, Sundance DiGiovanni, will be joining the team to help grow the brand under its new overlords.
"Our mission for over 12 years has been to promote and expand the growth of competitive gaming worldwide," DiGiovanni added to Kotick's statement.
"Today the industry is at a key inflection point as its popularity soars and rivals that of many traditional professional sports. This acquisition and Activision Blizzard's commitment to competitive gaming will expand the opportunities for gamers to be recognised and celebrated for their competitive excellence."
Do you see this as a good move for eSports? Or is there an issue given how many games Activision and Blizzard have involved in the competitive platform?
Posted 04:24pm 07/1/16
Well digging MLG out of the financial hole they were in was definitely a good thing. A lot of gamers respected MLG back in the day but they went into so much debt it was a problem. I'm glad they have that part of their business sorted out now at least. ESL seems to be their biggest competitor though.
Posted 07:48pm 07/1/16