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Good morning! It’s Thursday and this is your early morning Esports and Gaming brief.
Evil Geniuses brought down Paper Rex to claim the VALORANT Champions title on Saturday in Los Angeles. Evil Geniuses became the first North American organization to win a VALORANT Champions title and made history in some other ways, too, with EG coach Christine “potter” Chi becoming the first woman to coach a co-ed team to an international title in a franchised esport.
Riot Games’ tactical first-person shooter was in the news for all the right reasons this week, from a memorable and smooth finale to the VALORANT Champions Tour season to news that its VALORANT Champions bundle, a cosmetic package available in the game to celebrate the tournament, raised more than $20 million that would be split evenly amongst participating teams. The ingenuity of that revenue share design, combined with a marquee event that drew nearly 1.3 million peak viewers, gives Riot a high-impact cap on its first franchised season. This offseason will also see the first expansion of the program, as the top Challenger teams from each regional league move up to VCT competition – with the exception of one team you can read more about below.
Interested in hearing more about VALORANT esports, its distinct model and building competitive gaming systems that work for stakeholders across the board? Then get your ticket to the Esports & Gaming Business Summit from Oct. 22-24 in Las Vegas. We’ll be welcoming all the major brands in the space to discuss the future of the industry, best practices, and how to get the most out of your marketing dollars. Tickets are available HERE.
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 COMPETITION AND GAMING NEWS
Starfield’s upcoming Friday release could set the tone for Xbox’s future, as the long-anticipated and presumed mega-hit hits storefronts five years after it was first announced. Starfield, a Bethesda role-playing game centered on space exploration, will bring players 1,000 planets to explore and near-countless ways to interact with the universe around them. The Xbox exclusive title could be either the highest high or lowest low of the current console generation, with Microsoft’s $7.5 billion acquisition of Bethesda front-and-center should the game flop as Xbox exclusive Redfall did earlier this year.
The International Esport Federation has lifted its ban on Russian players representing their country at IESF competitions, according to multiple reports. Competitors representing Russia were barred from participating following the country’s launch of a war with Ukraine in early 2022. The decision came during the IESF’s 2023 World Championship, which brings together competitors representing their home countries rather than established teams.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is stirring up adoration and frustration thanks to the game’s tough first test for players. The mech combat franchise is known for its somewhat unforgiving gameplay, but Armored Core VI’s tutorial boss takes that to the next level, with some players dropping the game after being unable to complete the first step toward playing the actual game. The result: Whole guides to beating the boss across many major publications, a few frustrated fans, and a tried-and-true FromSoftware release that challenges players every step of the way.
Riot Games is still looking for ways to make League of Legends esports break even, said Raul Fernandez, Senior Director of Esports Operations in the Americas, in an interview with Axios. “We’re trying to find our footing, trying to find a way to refresh our league,” Fernandez told the publication, as League viewership declines across Riot’s major regions. The secret might lie in the game itself, as Riot seeks ways to bring back former core fans and make League more approachable for casual audiences in the years to come. |
 SPONSORSHIP & ACTIVATION
Esports competition data provider Abios is partnering with betting organization BETER Esports to create a soccer esports betting product. The “esoccer” platform “fills the holes in the seasonal sports calendar,” Abios said in a statement, by providing additional wagering opportunities through competitive gaming. ““Esports contests can help operators fill gaps in the sports calendars, creating new opportunities for acquisition and retention,” BETER Esports General Manager Evgeniy Bekker said.
Misfits Gaming Group is taking some of its most popular creators on tour with the launch of Pixel Playground LIVE and Name Your Price Live. Pixel Playground, a Roblox game studio headed by Misfits Creative Director Karl Jacobs and Roblox content creator KreekCraft, will leverage Jacobs and his fellow studio co-founder during the cross-country activation, while Misfits content creator and executive producer AustinShow will put on his marquee Name Your Price gameshow live in-person for the first time. The tour begins with an Oct. 7 stop in Miami Beach, Florida, and will hit Houston, Texas, and Long Beach, California, later this year.
Red Bull has opened a gaming space in Sydney alongside GameSquare and venue host University of Technology Sydney, the partners announced Tuesday. The Red Bull Gaming Hub will operate out of the UTS tower and provide PCs, streaming setups, and a practice venue for esports competitors, according to a statement. “The Red Bull Gaming Hub provides a platform for gamers and esports enthusiasts to connect, learn, and compete,” UTS Esports president Stephen Hanna said. “As the home of the UTS Esports Program, the Red Bull Gaming Hub is set to revolutionize the student experience on campus.”
Gen.G is adding some more potatoes to its diet in an intriguing partnership with Idahoan Foods that will activate at PAX West and DreamHack Atlanta this year, as well as PAX East and Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo in 2024. Gen.G and Idahoan Foods will operate the Potato Shreds booth at these events, a gaming experience that will provide meet-and-greets with content creators, competition against talent in game title Overcooked, Shreds product giveaways and free samples, and more. |
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STREAMHATCHET
Ever since the dawn of the esports era, Rocket League has secured its position as one of the most watched and loved games.
The car-football game witnessed an astronomical rise in viewership, with a record-breaking 212 million hours watched (HW) in 2021. A lot of this unprecedented surge can be attributed to the global pandemic, which had people staying home and exploring new forms of entertainment.
Viewership declined a bit after the pandemic, however, it remains in line with the drop in overall live-streaming viewership across the board. 2023 is on track to see similar viewership numbers from Rocket League, which already has 93M hours watched.
The recent 2023 Rocket League World Championship set new viewership benchmarks. At its peak, the tournament reached close to 438K viewers, compared to almost 386K from the World Championship in 2022. It also generated a similar amount of hours watched this year compared to last, at just over 9 million, indicating a steady continued interest in the sport.
Read more on Stream Hatchet’s blog.
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| 2023 Tempest Esports & Gaming Awards
Are you ready for it?
Finalists for the 2023 Tempest Esports & Gaming Awards are coming soon… Mark your calendar for early September and stay tuned for the announcement!
REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE |
 TEAMS
Esports organization The Guard has lost its VALORANT Champions Tour Americas spot after failing to agree to the league’s team participation agreement. The Guard, which shut down the majority of its esports operations earlier this year, earned a spot in VCT Americas via the Ascension tournament, which awarded the top-finishing VCT Challengers team in each region with a spot in the premier league. The Guard will reportedly cover player buyouts as they seek new rosters for the 2024 season, but the org’s future in esports appears to be all but buried.
Former Excel Esports CEO Wouter Sleijffers is leaving the company, he announced over the weekend, ending an executive tenure with Excel that began in 2019. Sleijffers had moved to the organization’s advisory board in January following the appointment of former Schalke 04 Esports CEO and SK Gaming co-founder Tim Reichert to CEO of Excel. “Excel Esports is in top form, and sometimes we deserved so much more,” Sleijffers said in his LinkedIn announcement. “I’ll be looking forward to everything that’s still to come, and will remain a supporter from the sidelines.”
Former XSET VALORANT players and their coach are taking legal action against the gaming lifestyle org for alleged unpaid revenue from their VALORANT Champions appearance in 2022. The lawsuit centers on merchandise payouts and the revenue from Riot Games’ VALORANT Champions bundle, which is split with organizations that compete in the tournament; those organizations are required to then provide some share of that revenue to players. XSET had allegedly agreed to a 50-50 split of what the organization received from Riot but then reneged on that agreement, according to the lawsuit. The proceedings are set to take place in the Los Angeles County Superior Court of California system.
Former League of Legends Championship Series interviewer and host Gabby Durden will not be part of the LCS in 2024, she announced Tuesday. After years on the broadcast, Durden plans to pursue other interests: The caster, who is still working in the esports space, has also begun creating music, and her debut single and video launched in mid-April of this year. |
 INDUSTRY
The mobile games industry is expected to draw $108 billion in revenue in 2023, according to the latest report from data.ai and the International Data Corporation. Data.ai, a mobile analytics provider, worked alongside the IDC to predict mobile will maintain a 2.7x lead in the marketplace in terms of revenue over PC gaming, which is projected to hit $43 billion this year. The growth, in part because of the rise of high-quality mobile devices in global markets, is “leveling the playing field for gaming,” Lexi Sydow, Head of Insights, data.ai, said in a statement. “Now more than ever, publishers can target consumers in niche areas, and many markets are primed for growth. The ‘new gamer’ is one of the most diverse and inclusive cohorts yet.”
Esports gambling platform Rivalry revealed its Q2 results Tuesday, with a reported 192% increase in its betting handle year-over-year and $3.8 million in gross profit, an 86% increase year-over-year. Rivalry’s net losses of $6.3 million held nearly steady compared to 2022, and with its user base and handle continuing to grow – alongside innovations like its introduction of same-game parlays to the esports ecosystem – the company anticipates it will reach profitability in H1 2024.
BioWare, the company behind the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series, is laying off 50 people, the developer announced. It was an “unavoidable” move for BioWare, known for some of the most well received role-playing games in the market, the company said in a statement. “In order to meet the needs of our upcoming projects, continue to hold ourselves to the highest standard of quality, and ensure BioWare can continue to thrive in an industry that’s rapidly evolving, we must shift towards a more agile and more focused studio,” the company said.
The Nintendo Switch has officially outsold the company’s Wii console in the U.S. after six years on the market, according to a GamesIndustry.biz report sponsored by research organization Circana. Buoyed by the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the Switch is also now 1 million units away from passing Microsoft’s Xbox 360 in lifetime sales and 5 million off Sony’s PlayStation 2, two of the most popular consoles ever on the market. The Wii sold more than 100 million units globally in its 10 years on the market, Circana reported, with the Switch at 129 million globally as of June 2023. |
| 2023 Esports & Gaming Business Summit
EBS AFTER DARK
Additional nightlife opportunities are available at this year’s Esports & Gaming Business Summit on October 22-24 in Las Vegas! With the EBS AFTER DARK Package, you can gain VIP access at the Marquee, Jewel and OMNIA nightclubs. Availability is limited, so buy today!
PURCHASE A TICKET NOW |
TRIVIA
Starfield’s debut is on the horizon, but it has a different release date for folks who didn’t pre-order it. What date will it release in the U.S. for non-Early Access participants? (Email [email protected] with your answer, and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Decades after its first go-around, Atari is launching a new console! What’s the name of its latest product? Answer: Atari 2600+. Kudos: Phyllis McQuillan | MSG Networks, New York; Tom Moore | Kalt Productions, Los Angeles; David Westberg | SAG•AFTRA Federal Credit Union, Burbank, California |
SENIOR STUDIO TECHNICAL MANAGER
A+E NETWORKS
HYBRID NYC
Technical manager for live, studio, productions/eveants. Provides technical oversight, support, solutions, troubleshooting, and in-house technical resource. Functions as Studio and Tech Manager for Studio and Tech Manager for remote productions, on-site and off-site corporate events. Requires 5-7 years production technical management experience. Full info HERE
SENIOR DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT LICENSING
A+E NETWORKS
REMOTE
Negotiate, draft & review agreements for owned & operated platforms/services, third-party platform. Exp. in digital media, content licensing (domestic/international), linear & on-demand rights & distribution, Privacy & Data Security preferred. Min 5 yrs of exp. supporting digital media at media company or streaming platform. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FETV
NYC
Represent FETV & FMC to media community via ongoing communications & relationship building. Maintain & develop strong working relationships w/both agencies & internal departments in support of sales efforts. Work w/sales management, pricing & planning to achieve quarterly revenue goals. 5+ yrs media sales exp. preferably in cable TV- agency exp. +. Full info HERE
SENIOR DESIGNER, MOTION GRAPHICS & DIGITAL >>
REELZ/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Strong graphic design foundation including – typography, color, composition & concepts & stays up to date with motion design trends & visual effects. Expert level experience w/After Effects, Photoshop & Illustrator is req. Knowledge of InDesign & 3D design software is a +. Exp. in greenscreen keying, tracking & rotoscoping techniques are also a +. Full info HERE
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Proactively identify, research, and develop new opportunities for our family-friendly programming blocks on ABC, CBS, NBC, The CW, Telemundo, & other media & digital/social outlets. Support creation and present strategic, cross-media concepts to multiple stakeholder groups that meet our client’s business objectives. 8 + yrs of business dev. exp. Full info HERE
SENIOR MANAGER, AD SALES MARKETING
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC
Manage the pre-sale client facing pitch process and post-sale activation of cross-platform television, streaming, digital & social media integrated marketing programs. Write & create compelling sales presentations, one-sheets & cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. 5+ yrs exp. with ad sales marketing, integrated marketing, brand advertising. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC or LOS ANGELES
Manage messaging, vision and strategy in the marketplace and internally. Responsible for helping to build, execute and enhance ad sales brand reputation and to raise awareness of the organization both internally and externally. 10+ years’ related media experience and experience with an ad sales organization. Full info HERE
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR >>
BIG FISH ENTERTAINMENT/NYC/NJ: Coordinating onboarding for all new hires.
Administering the benefits and payroll changes for employees accurately.
Maintaining an efficient filing system—paper and electronic, for employee and company records related to their job functions. Building a successful bridge between management and employees. 7 yrs entertainment exp. preferred. Full Info HERE
DIRECTOR, MEDIA SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS >>
PBS DISTRIBUTION/ARLINGTON VA, Hybrid: Oversee media systems operations, including daily operations as well as development and implementation of overall media supply chain. Work with external vendors and internal stakeholders on design and implementation of hardware and software solutions for media systems. 7+ yrs of work exp. in the areas of television, media, or consumer products. Full info HERE
TV/VIDEO SPONSORSHIP-PRODUCT INTEGRATION SALES REPRESENTATIVE >>
GAME ON MEDIA SOLUTIONS/Remote: Game On Media Solutions is looking for an independent business development oriented sponsorship sales representative. Focus will be on TV/Streaming project opportunities for brands that include product integration and placement. This is an Independent Contractor performance compensated opening. Attractive fees can be earned for closed deals. Full info HERE
BRAND ASSISTANT >>
THE LEDE COMPANY/NYC: Full-service communication, strategy, and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, brand, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, is seeking a Brand Assistant to join the Brand team in our New York office. The Assistant will play an integral role in supporting accounts for a wide variety of Fashion, Beauty, CPG and Lifestyle clients. Full info HERE
TALENT ASSISTANT >>
THE LEDE COMPANY/LA: Full-service strategy, communications and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, entertainment and nonprofit sectors. We are looking for a Talent Assistant to a Talent Publicist in Los Angeles. We are seeking enthusiastic candidates who can work in a fast-paced environment, are driven & have strong communication and writing skills. Full info HERE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR NATIONAL POLITICAL SHOW >>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC: Develop and oversee the production of a daily or weekly national political show that covers the most important political news and events of the day. Develop and execute strategies to increase the show’s audience and engagement. At least 5 years of experience as an executive producer for a political show or similar program. Full info HERE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT >>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC: Oversee all editorial and entertainment content, news production and presentation. Responsible for day-to-day operations of the show: producing, writing, and guiding creative. Develop content for the News @ TEN, plan, assign and create production schedules. 7 years of experience as executive producer or show producer. Network experience preferred. Full info HERE
SR. DIRECTOR, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: P&L responsibility, ownership over all aspects of a project, standalone releases or a licensed library of titles. Works w/production, publicity, creative services, distribution/sales, digital, finance, legal, acquisitions & licensors to best position the project for success. 7+ yrs of exp. in marketing, business development, or product management. Full info HERE
SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: Prepare accurate reports using data from internal & external sources for sales planning & analysis. Communicate w/our distributor on a regular basis with an understanding of their systems & deadlines. Announce release date, pricing confirmation & metadata for staff & distributor. 3+Yrs exp. in Sales Planning & Analysis/Finance Administration. Full info HERE
SENIOR CONTENT PRODUCER
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC
Oversee video/creative production team thru ideation, production planning, crew/talent hiring, & budget/project management. Shepherd campaigns from development, pre-production, & production thru editing & delivery. Help w/shoots as well as postproduction team. 5+ yrs exp. spanning editorial, design, advertising agency, film, branded entertainment. Full info HERE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC
Respond to both RFPs and direct-to-client assignments from brands and agencies. Examine client brief and lead ideation or adapt pre-existing creative. Identify innovative storytelling and emerging video formats. Minimum of 7 yrs exp. producing compelling video, television and digital media content across multiple channels and platforms. Full info HERE
AD SALES PLANNER >>
SINCLAIR BROADCASTING GROUP/NYC, Hybrid: Responsible for creating, analyzing & communicating sales proposals to the Sales team for presentation to advertising agencies and/or clients. Collaborate w/all media platforms & departments to create proposals, execute campaigns, manage stewardship & pacing of linear & digital deals. Point of contact post sale & provide excellent client services. Full info HERE
DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION LIFETIME/LMN MARKETING PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
A+E NETWORKS
Remote
Lead campaign planning & production oversight, ensuring best-in-class creative. Direct Campaign Planning rollouts & ensure production readiness of marketing initiatives. Oversee production on high-end graphics/design/editorial projects. 7+ yrs working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team, with relevant work exp. in production management. Full info HERE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NYC: Determine best news stories for the program and create daily rundown. Work with show host in program preparation and execution. Identify compelling news stories. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to producers, associate producers, and casting producers. 3+ years executive producing experience or overseeing newscast production. Full info HERE
STAGE MANAGER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Works with Production management to maintains cast and crew lists and manages local rehearsal and show calendar. Oversee daily technical run-throughs directly prior to shows. Willing and able to work shifts between 12noon to 11pm and occasional Weekends and some longer hours during election and special events. Full info HERE
BROADCAST ENGINEER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance of television broadcast equipment, computers, and broadcast computer networks in a 24x7x365 environment. Serve as E.I.C. during live and taped shows. Electrical Engineering, or other technical degree preferred. 5+ yrs as broadcast engineer, or equivalent knowledge. 5+ yrs in live TV production. Full info HERE
PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NEW YORK: Generate story ideas through research of news reports, social media, websites & contacts. Strong understanding of Newsmax brand & talent. Identify impactful news stories that result in provocative, compelling television. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to associate producers, assignment editors & video editors. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Full info HERE
AD SALES COORDINATOR, DIRECT RESPONSE
TV ONE
NYC, Hybrid, Remote
Work with account executives & sales planners utilizing internal computer system to fulfill sales orders through the execution of client schedules. Serve as the primary point of contact for ad agencies & TV One to resolve discrepancies, confirm schedule changes & distribute post & pre-logs. Bachelor’s degree or 2 yrs of exp. in advertising sales. Full info HERE
MANAGER OF ENTERPRISE CONTENT, WTKR
SCRIPPS NETWORKS
NORFOLK, VA
Collaborates w/other newsroom managers to leverage the Scripps content strategy as the foundation for market-specific local content strategy. Leading a team of people to regularly & reliably produce targeted enterprise & investigative stories of impact & importance to our community. 3 yrs of exp. in digital media, journalism, broadcast preferred. Full info HERE
SR. DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING MD, NYC, Hybrid Remote
Develop, cultivate, and socialize vision, mission, and strategy for Digital Business, Programming Visibility, Content Creation and Content Partnerships & Data Governance. Lead and facilitate cross-functional and cross-company project teams. 12 yrs in the media & emerging platform landscape with building digital platforms and vMVPD growth strategy. Full info HERE |
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| OTHER JOBS OF INTEREST
Plan, coordinate, and oversee the Gameplay team’s activities, leveraging both in-house and external resources.
Senior Producer, Gameplay Systems
Crystal Dynamics
Remote
https://www.crystald.com/careers/
Work hand-in-hand with designers to transform gameplay concepts into fully functioning systems and features.
Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer
Crystals Dynamics
Remote
https://www.crystald.com/careers/
Develop clear models and frameworks for the team to deliver high quality gameplay that achieves the game vision.
Gameplay Director
IO Interactive
Remote
https://apply.ioi.dk/jobs
You will collaborate with the AI and gameplay teams to define and implement network-aware features, workflows and setups.
Lead Multiplayer Programmer
IO Interactive
Remote
https://apply.ioi.dk/jobs
Contribute to and run scrum & agile ceremonies like daily standups, sprint plannings, and retrospectives.
Senior Line Producer, Platform
Gearbox Entertainment
Frisco TX
https://www.gearboxsoftware.com/careers/
Identify and resolve issues in the rendering and data build pipelines.
Principal Graphics Engineer
Visual Concepts
Austin TX
https://boards.greenhouse.io/visualconcepts
Key leader and customer advocate with responsibilities spanning all program and project management aspects.
Director, Technical Program Management
The Pokemon Company
Bellevue WA
https://boards.greenhouse.io/pokemoncareers
Rely on both data and experience to make informed decisions and assess progress and escalate appropriately.
Game Producer
The Pokemon Company
Bellevue WA
https://boards.greenhouse.io/pokemoncareers
Work with the Art Director to prioritize, plan and coordinate art production.
Art Producer
Visual Concepts
Agoura Hills CA
https://boards.greenhouse.io/visualconcepts
Develop and maintain new and existing systems for managing memory and streaming.
Engine Programmer
Obsidian Entertainment
Irvine CA
https://www.obsidian.net/careers#open-positions
Manage the internal and external activities of quality assurance analysts based on Obsidian standards.
Lead Quality Assurance Analyst
Obsidian Entertainment
Irvine CA
https://www.obsidian.net/careers#open-positions
Generate new and innovative executive presentations that include sound and video production.
Senior Designer
Disney Interactive
East Palo Alto CA
https://jobs.disneycareers.com/category/gaming-and-interactive-jobs/391-28648/8221696/1
Support format licensing activity for Direct To Consumer and third parties, including internal and external client-facing relationships.
Senior Analyst, Content Management
Disney Interactive
Los Angeles CA
https://jobs.disneycareers.com/category/gaming-and-interactive-jobs/391-28648/8221696/1
Work on new game ideas, work with other game designers on improving/finalizing their ideas.
Senior Game Designer
2K Games
Los Angeles CA
https://2k.com/en-US/jobs/
You will lead the creative vision across our marketing agency partners to ensure creative excellence and on on-time delivery.
Creative Director
2K Games
Los Angeles CA
https://2k.com/en-US/jobs/ |
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