Whilst the first week of the new year arguably hasn’t been the busiest in terms of business news – there have still been significant moves. Visa’s partnership with SK Gaming is probably the biggest of note. Other important stories came in as the players embroiled in the Professional Esports Association (PEA) saga voted to play in the ESL Pro League (EPL) over the PEA and Echo Fox picked up a plethora of fighting game players.
https://twitter.com/VisaEurope/status/817116239608840193
SK Gaming partner with Visa
We anticipate this year to be a busy one with regards to non-endemic companies entering the wonderful realm of esports – and the year has started off with a bang. Visa have announced that they are to become SK Gaming’s official payment partner – taking to Twitter to show some of SK’s players modelling jerseys adorned with the company’s logo.
Visa’s Executive Director of Marketing, Gary Twelvetree, commented: “Pro gaming has changed the way we see sport in recent years, opening access to people the world over and creating a surge in its popularity.
“We see huge potential for the industry and this deal sees Visa ideally placed to harness and drive that. We’re looking forward to a successful season supporting the next-gen athletes at SK Gaming to do what they do best – win.”
Read the full article here.
Players vote to play in EPL over PEA
As the PEA saga looks like it comes to a close, players represented by Scott “SirScoots” Smith have unanimously voted to play in the ESL Pro League over the PEA league that was proposed by the controversial association.
In a lengthy post, Smith places particular emphasis on the fact that the players are keen to play against the very best competition and although the PEA would reap better financial rewards in the short term – the players are focusing on the longevity of their careers rather than short term financial gain.
“BEING IN A MORE CONTAINED ENVIRONMENT WITH EASIER COMPETITION MIGHT BE APPEALING IF THE PLAYERS ONLY CARED ABOUT MAKING AS MUCH MONEY PER MATCH AS POSSIBLE IN THE SHORT TERM.”
The full blog post can be read here.
Read the full article here.
Echo Fox enter FGC in style
With news earlier in the week that Evil Geniuses would be releasing some of the most renowned fighting game players in the world, Echo Fox and founder Rick Fox have wasted no time in picking them up and signing them to the organisation.
Speaking to Yahoo Esports, Rick Fox said: “From day one, our goal has always been to build the premier esports organization in the world, setting the new standard for professionalism, team achievement and player development and wellness. Today’s announcement demonstrates our willingness to think big, think global and execute a strategic battle plan.”
They have signed players across Street Fighter V, Mortal Kombat X and Super Smash Brothers.
Read the full article here.
