ESPN.Com Will Now Cover eSports the Same Way It Covers Sports
Despite earlier statements to the contrary, it appears that the sports broadcasting titan has fully embraced competitive videogame tournaments after it announced that ESPN.com will now have a dedicated section covering eSports.
The ESPN Esports section launched today promises to cover the world of professional gaming with the same journalistic devotion that the media company has afforded traditional sporting events.
In a press release, Chad Millman, editor-in-chief, ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine said that fans can look forward the same level of quality content and journalism that users of ESPN.com have come to expect.
“Today’s launch – anchored by the influential voices of Darin Kwilinski, Rod Breslau and Tyler Erzberger – is our latest push to reach and connect with this growing and passionate audience,” said Millman.
ESPN.com’s coverage of eSports will reportedly include on-site reporting of competitions and events as well as industry features.
ESPN has long since hinted their entry into the growing eSports spectator sport industry. In September of 2015, the company publicized its job hunt of an eSports director. The company also televised a collegiate Heroes of the Storm tournament to mixed reactions from their fan base.
John Skipper, president of ESPN, famously said that eSports is not a sport but a competition. With the recent announcement of their eSports vertical however, it’s looking like ESPN is more than ready to get with the times and recognize eSports for the entity that it is.
ESPN’s entry into the business of competitive videogames signals a shifting era in the growth of the eSports industry. Last week, Activision Blizzard’s CEO Bobby Kotick said that they were determined to create an “ESPN for eSports” after purchasing Major League Gaming, one of North America’s most iconic eSports organizations. Activision Blizzard recruited former ESPN head Steve Bornstein to head the initiative.
In the Philippines, similar sports broadcasting networks have also entered the eSports industry. Last November 2015, TV5 announced plans to televise and cover the Mineski Progaming League on its sports channel, Sports 5.
ESPN.com will initially cover Hearthstone, League of Legends, Counterstrike: Global Offensive and Dota 2, with future plans to expand into other eSports titles.
It seems that ESPN wants to be the ESPN of eSports instead. Your move, Activision.
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