|
|
| Thursday September 8, 2022 |
|
Good morning! It’s Thursday and this is your early morning Esports brief.
Fandom is releasing its State of Gaming study this month, which spotlights macro-level patterns and trends in gaming based on a global survey of its millions of Fandom users, covering: Subscriptions & bundling; Metaverse/Web3; NFTs in gaming; and Competitive gaming. The proprietary report shows that fans turn to competitive gaming and esports to improve their own gameplay and connect with others who play the same games with 40% of the people surveyed watching competitive gaming content in some capacity. The leading ways fans interact are: Live streams (72%) & Tournaments (57%). In addition, 61% of consumers are interested in competitive gaming content beyond just tournaments and livestreams include: Post Match Breakdowns (45%); Tournament/team/player breakdown (45%); Pro-player interviews (35%); and Influencer Co-streams (34%).
To read more, get the report here.
|
|
COMPETITION
 August saw a bevy of key championships and tournaments, with the most popular event turning out to be MPL Indonesia Season 10, according to Esports Charts, hitting peak viewership of 1.76 million viewers and topping perennial favorite LCK Summer 2022, which topped at 1.3 million. Rounding out the top three was VALORANT Champions 2022, which hit 860,200 viewers. Among English viewers, the VCT 2022: North America Last Change Qualifier ranked at the top, nabbing 595,800 peak viewership. Full chart is above.
Overwatch League’s Summer Showdown will see the return of Chris Puckett as host. The top four teams in the East play an online double-elimination bracket from Sept. 9-11, while the Toronto Defiant is hosting the top eight teams in the West from starting today for the league’s first-ever live event in Canada. Viewers who link their YouTube and Battle.net accounts and watch live or encore broadcasts on the OWL YouTube channel throughout the tournament weekend will be able to earn rewards.
With the NFL season back, the EA SPORTS Madden NFL 23 Championship Series Ultimate Kickoff – the first major Madden NFL 23 tournament of the year – is underway with play concluding Friday at 7p on the official EA Madden NFL Twitch or YouTube channel. With a season total of $1.7 million up for grabs, competitors will have an opportunity to claim their share of the record-setting prize pool and establish their rank on MCS Power Rankings. Viewers will additionally be eligible to earn exclusive rewards through Twitch Drops during the Ultimate Kickoff broadcast.
The 2022-23 Le Mans Virtual Series – the global endurance esports series – revealed its lineup of teams. Worldwide brands will include the likes of Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche return for more esports action. The Le Mans Virtual Series will take place over five rounds, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual as its grand finale, beginning with round 1 and 8 Hours of Bahrain on Sept. 17, concluding with 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual from January 14/15, 2023.
ESL Gaming and Qualcomm Technologies crowned Snapdragon Pro Series champions in each of the live, regional Snapdragon Mobile Challenge finals for Brawl Stars and Clash of Clans. The league reports that more than 600,000 players participated. The company confirmed that Snapdragon Mobile Open Season 2 is confirmed to continue the momentum and that competitions in more regions will soon be underway.
The Global Esports Federation and Panam Sports are hosting the first Pan American Esports Championships in Santiago, Chile, in Oct. 2023. The event will feature multi-genre titles and will be staged in parallel with the 19th edition of the Pan American Games, featuring athletes competing from 41 nations across the Americas. The GEF and Panam Sports will jointly establish the governance structures to oversee the coordination of the Pan American Esports Championships.
The PUBG Global Championships will return Nov. 1-20 as the top 32 teams from across four regions hit Dubai for a chance to compete for and win part of the $2,000,000 prize pool. Fans and players can expect the prize pool to increase further as 30% of the profits earned from upcoming to-be-announced PGC 2022 items will be added directly to the overall prize pool.
Cxmmunity Media unveiled the third season of its HBCU Esports League with play beginning Sept. 13 and featuring student teams from 16 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Verizon will be returning this year as a title sponsor of the upcoming season along with Nestlé Hot Pockets. Season three of the HBCU Esports League will air on Twitch.tv/cxmmunity at 6p and run for 22 weeks.
The American Red Cross and Allied Esports teamed up to produce the second annual Rescue Royale charity stream-a-thon and esports tournament to “engage the gaming community in giving back to help people impacted by disasters of all sizes.” Donations made between September 1 and October 15 through the stream-a-thon, tournament and finale will support disaster relief, which helps people affected by disasters who need it, anytime and anywhere.
XP League partnered with Next Level Esports to develop an exclusive training and certification program for XP League coaches. XP League designed a custom coaching program that interweaves skill-building and tools to coach younger esports players.
|
 EBS 2022
Spacestation Gaming co-owner and longtime gaming personality Mari Takahashi will take the EBS spotlight when she takes part in a sit-down conversation with host/actress Michele Morrow at EBS! The co-founder of Smosh Games will dissect the multiple roles she has held across her stellar career, and share her thoughts about the state of esports & gaming, and the challenges ahead. Don’t miss it on opening night. EBS runs Nov. 1-3 in Las Vegas. Click here for tickets.
Take a deep dive in one of the most passionate communities in esports with EBS session, Mastering the Fighting Game Community. As new leagues and new investors take stakes in the long-running space, what do brands, media and tournament organizers need to know about thriving in the FGC? Speakers include Panda Global CEO Dr. Alan Bunney, EVO GM Rick Thiher and CEO Gaming Founder/CEO Alex Jebailey.
Who’s down for a Pitcher’s Duel? EBS is putting select companies on the grand stage spotlight for their chance to pitch for a partnership. World renown brands such as Procter & Gamble, Anheuser-Busch and Comcast, among others, will be on hand to give esports organizations their insights on each pitch, with a possibility that someone walks away with a sponsorship and all participants will walk away a little wiser. If you are interested in participating, click here!
Are you, or someone you know, looking to elevate your portfolio within the Esports industry? Find your place on the Esports Watch List. The Watch List shines the spotlight on 12 up and coming professionals who are changing the dollars and fostering innovation across the esports industry. Recognized at the Tempest Awards, you’ll be front and center with the industries top companies, executives, and brands. Nominate those most deserving today! Entries close September 16th. |
|
STREAMHATCHET
Despite a slight drop in viewership for its top content creator xQc, Luminosity once again led all esports organizations in hours watched last month. Top creator xQc generated 17.8 million hours watched in August, accounting for 77% of the total hours watched for his org but down from his totals of 18 million and 82% for July. Further helping Luminosity solidify its place at the top was the strong performance of the Seattle Surge in the Call of Duty League Championship.
Read more on Stream Hatchet’s blog.
|
 SPONSORSHIP & ACTIVATION
Gen.G and Crocs are teaming up for the launch of Crocs x ZEPETO, a new collaboration with the pioneering metaverse app, where users can create hyper-personalized 3D avatars. The initiative will feature virtual shoes and fashion collections as well as virtual photo and video booth installation, inspired from Crocs’ Classic Clog. For the first time, Crocs digital shoes and apparel will be available for purchase, marking the brand’s expansion into virtual economies, with 10 items comprising both shoes and apparel, with the Classic Spray Dye Clog, Crush Clog and Crush Sandal from Crocs’ latest summer collection. The Crocs x ZEPETO campaign will be supported by various influencers such as GDS, Usona, Lenge, Seori, Yeji, and Damhyang. Talent will also show off their styling skills in the UGC photobooth by creating their own ZEPETO avatars.
HyperX revealed plans to spend the next three months celebrating the 20th birthday of the brand, featuring on and offline events. Events will include social media takeovers, global birthday parties, as well as “showing global fan appreciation by offering heavy discounts across its line-up with exact dates of promotions varying by country and participating etailers and retailers.” “Turning 20 is a huge milestone in the history of HyperX,” said Daniel Kelley, global head of HyperX marketing. “As with the gaming industry, HyperX has evolved and come a long way. Originally, HyperX only offered ultrafast gaming memory, but today we design and manufacture award winning gaming headsets, keyboards, mics for content creators, mice and accessories for every type of gamer be that PC, console or mobile.”
Team Vitality unlocked a multi-year partnership with tech company Kingston FURY in a multi-year deal that will equip Vitality’s players with Kingston FURY SSD and RAM. In addition, the partnership will feature exclusive social media content that focuses on the organization’s CS:GO division that will include digital visibility of the Kingston FURY products, as well as future sweepstakes for fans. |
| Top Women in Media
Bringing together female industry leaders!
Top Women in Media is proud to recognize and celebrate just what makes women shine their brightest, through recognition of their accomplishments with awards covering the categories of entertainment, tech, and sports media. Honorees are innovators and risk-takers, and we know this is an evening celebration you won’t want to miss!
REGISTER TODAY |
|
IT’S ALIVE: YouGov Living Data Insights
|
 TEAMS
Immortals is taking its gaming experience Immortals Invasion to Chicago during the Summer Finals in partnership with Bitstamp. Immortals anticipate 2,000 fans to attend with programming stating Sept. 9 and will include a Nexus Bash Finals watch party and after party on Sunday afternoon at The Emporium Fulton Market.
Ninjas in Pyjamas locked in a team for the female CS:GO division with the signings Tilde “?7licious?” Byström and Jennica “?jenkon?” Sjögren, and former GODSENT trio Thea “?pullox?” Evensen, Marita “?Minnie?” Siljan Sørensen, and Mayline-Joy “?ASTRA?” Champliaud. The squad will debut at ESL Impact’s European division, which begins today.
Astralis also announced its own new Counter-Strike team that will enter ESL Impact of five players: Aurora, kezziwow, RacheLL, spike, Joanana, and coach FeldmaN. “We have long worked with the idea of a women’s team in Counter-Strike, and we have been in dialogue with ESL from the very beginning to support the creation of the best possible international women’s league,” said Anders Hørsholt, CEO of Astralis.
Gen.G revealed the recipients for its 2022 Gen.G Foundation scholarship. Ten college students from around the country were chosen to receive the scholarship which focuses on supporting women, people of color, and low income students enrolled in a U.S. university or college who are interested in gaming, esports, entrepreneurship, journalism or content creation. Each will receive $10,000 to subsidize their tuition. |
 INDUSTRY
Netflix series Arcane took hope the Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program at the 74th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony. The series, based of Riot Games League of Legends universe, became the first streaming show to win the honor at The Emmys.
Just before announcing the future of some of its signature franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft announced that Tencent upped its shareholding stake in the company through the acquisition of a passive minority stake in Guillemot Brothers Limited for $297 million. Tencent made its first investment in Ubisoft in March 2018 as part of a deal ending a hostile takeover attempt by Vivendi. As part of the deal with Guillemot Brothers Limited, Tencent acquired a 49.9% stake in the company with 5% voting rights. |
![]() ROSTER MOVES
The Sentinels hired former TSM FTX president Leena Xu, according to Dot Esports. Xu’s will serve as Chief Revenue Officer for the organization. She departed TSM in November 2021. |
| 2022 Model D + It List Awards
Calling all creators, innovators, and inspirers!
The Model D + It List Awards brings together the best and brightest of the advertising and media industry, with innovative executives and industry leaders at the forefront of shaking up the status quo and changing the future of the digital content industry. Do you or someone you know deserve to be recognized and celebrated?
LEARN MORE NOW |
 TRIVIA
In what city is the movie Blade Runner, and its subsequent games, based in? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Sports Trivia Question
In what city did The Walking Dead originate? Answer: Atlanta. Kudos: Danny Araque/NY; Joey Olson-Lowe’s/Arlington; Jason Morrow-Toyota/Houston; Joy Olson/Chicago; Andy Pittman-TAMU/College Stations; Daniel Hanson/Vail; Greg Dudsic-REI/Palmdale; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo; Linda Eckert-Kohl’s/Las Vegas; David Westberg-SAG•AFTRA Federal Credit Union/Burbank |
SENIOR MANAGER, CONSUMER INSIGHTS (AD SALES)
NEXSTAR
NYC/REMOTE
A data storyteller that balances consumer behavior and media trends to inform campaign strategy; brings insights expertise to internal sales strategy sessions for RFPs/sales presentations. Aligns client needs & challenges to propose marketing solutions. 6+ yrs exp. in advertising research; 2+ yrs leading/supervising Analysts. Full info HERE (9/21)
MANAGER, PRICING, PLANNING AND INVENTORY
FETV
NYC
Build, revise & maintain all sales proposals for agency list assignment. Receive registered budgets from agency buyers. Compile advertiser history & pricing direction for Account Executive as req. Communicate deal planning status to national sales team on a weekly basis for financial reporting purposes. Min 3+ yrs in television National Ad Sales. Full info HERE (9/21)
VP DIGITAL, MULTIPLATFORM, AND STRATEGY RESEARCH >>
E. W. SCRIPPS/ATLANTA, Remote: Lead and manage the digital research team. Working with the Digital team to measure the performance of all of Scripps Networks’ streaming properties across all venues. Compile aggregate viewing metrics across platforms using first- and third-party data sources. 15 yrs research & analytics exp., some of this at an entertainment and/or news provider. Full info HERE (9/21)
SENIOR TELEVISION WEATHER BROADCASTER >>
AccuWeather/STATE COLLEGE, PA:
Works with AccuWeather meteorologists, weather graphics designers and producers to prepare accurate on-camera weather forecasts. Assist in clearly tell a weather story using provided graphics tools. Tailor content and delivery based on pertinent weather stories and breaking weather situations. 7-10 yrs of weather-related broadcasting exp. Full info HERE (9/17)
SENIOR PRODUCER, LIVE BROADCAST >>
AccuWeather/STATE COLLEGE, PA: Deliver a unique style and cohesive cross-platform editorial voice. Provide key input with editorial leadership to provide guidance and quality consistency for AccuWeather digital, social video, and between dayparts. Produce recognizable programming that is distinctive and best-of-class. 5 yrs of exp. in a dynamic, live news production environment. Full info HERE (9/17)
WEATHER GRAPHICS PRODUCER >>
AccuWeather/STATE COLLEGE, PA: Working knowledge of daily weather graphic production workflow. Functional understanding of the Baron Lynx weather graphic system. Ability to perform general Baron Lynx and PC troubleshooting. Generate daily content under deadline pressure. Previous experience with weather graphics systems (I.e. Baron Lynx, WSI, Weather Central). Full info HERE (9/17)
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE >>
REELZ/NYC: Meet & exceed monthly, quarterly & annual budgets. Prepare & complete sales presentations w/decision makers. Make presentations to include a customer needs analysis, research & supporting documentation & creative business solutions. Follow up & close all pending business in a timely manner. 7+ yrs of sales, advertising, digital sales, or media exp. Full info HERE (9/15)
DIRECTOR OF SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP/HOUSTON: Provide clear, positive leadership for the sales team and sales managers. You will lead a team of 3 sales managers and 12-14 salespeople. Develop and execute sales strategies which result in exceeding revenue targets. Manage inventory, pricing, budgeting, and revenue forecasting. Minimum 5-7 years of experience in media sales management. Full info HERE (9/15)
VP OF AD SALES MARKETING >>
GSTV/NYC: Ideating, and executing upon customized pitches for major clients across all key categories. Developing and deploying a “product marketing” approach that delivers tools and ideas to the Sales team to support and enhance the Sales strategy. 10+ yrs of ad sales marketing experience in highly progressive and innovative media and/or content companies. Full info HERE (9/14)
SALES PLANNER
UP ENTERTAINMENT
NYC
Work with advertising agency contacts and other advertising sales personnel to ensure that administration aspects of accounts are in order. Prepare and deliver competitive network planning analysis. Assist with ongoing “business intelligence” system enhancement efforts. 1+ yrs related cable exp. or equivalent combination of education & experience. Full info HERE (9/14)
CREATIVE DIRECTOR, BOUNCE
E. W. SCRIPPS
ATLANTA GA
Work with internal creative studio teams to deliver inspired, clear, creative direction that levels-up to strategy and exceeds creative expectations. Provide creative direction for marketing assets created by groups within Scripps Networks. Min 8 yrs of progressively responsible multimedia creative/management in medium to large market. Full info HERE (9/13)
SR. DIR, CREATIVE STUDIO OPERATIONS
E. W. SCRIPPS
ATLANTA GA
Develop & maintain the annual budgets for the Creative Studio operations, reviewing weekly & staying on budget. Oversee the live action production team w/responsibilities including shoot production for all networks & supervising the production stages. Min 8 yrs of progressively responsible multimedia creative/management in medium to large market. Full info HERE (9/13)
SR. MGR, BRAND STRATEGY, BOUNCE
THE SCRIPPS NETWORKS
ATLANTA GA
Leads cross-functional efforts to evolve the brands – evolving the brand
based on key insights and competitive research. Acts as a brand steward driving marketing efforts – all with the goal of building brand equity, driving consumer engagement and monetization. 7+ years of experience in news, media, and/or TV marketing. Full info HERE (9/13)
DIR, BRAND STRATEGY, NEWS
THE SCRIPPS NETWORKS
ATLANTA GA
Develop and implement network strategy to increase visibility and exposure. Create marketing briefs for key marketing campaigns taking a strategic, data-driven, and holistic view of the brand(s) involved. Manage and coordinate all media, communications, marketing, advertising and promotional activities. 10+ yrs of exp. in marketing and strategy. Full info HERE (9/13)
JR. ON-AIR DESIGNER
E.W. SCRIPPS
CLEARWATER FL
Work with Graphic Designers to design, develop, and construct visually compelling graphics with careful focus on the station’s brand. Support the marketing team to create marketing campaigns across multiple platforms. Assist in developing and executing design concepts. 1 – 2 years of professional experience working in digital or print design. Full info HERE (9/13)
CAMPAIGN MANAGER, PROGRAMMATIC >>
GSTV/NYC, DETROIT: Manage Post Sale activity, setup of direct contracts from the OMS (Salesforce) to the ad-serving platform (Vistar). Ensure accurate scheduling details are included & communicate any issues related to creative & campaigns. Obtain creative asset materials & launch advertising campaigns both programmatic & direct. 3-5 yrs media/digital industry exp. Full info HERE (9/12)
AFFILIATE RELATIONS MANAGER, SYNDICATION >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC: Serve as the primary contact with our broadcast television station partners, represent clients and outside vendors; including coordination of contracts and agreements, as well as provision all needed information and communication for the Syndication department. Great opportunity for programming, promotion, marketing or PR background. Full info HERE (9/12)
DIRECTOR, AD SALES MIDWEST
REELZ
CHICAGO
Excellent relationships and contacts in both national and performance marketing advertising, digital agencies, and in-house brands. Strong knowledge of current National and DTC/Performance Driven marketplace, linear and digital advertising. Responsible for selling advertising to clients and developing new business relationships by prospecting, developing and selling new business accounts. Full info HERE (9/12)
SPECIALIST, AFFILIATE OPERATIONS
MLB NETWORK
SECAUCUS NJ
Spearhead affiliate technical/operational efforts (including but not limited to: launch authorizations, blackout implementation, VOD and TV Everywhere) for MLB Network and NHL Network with traditional and virtual MVPDs worldwide. Full info HERE (9/11)
DIRECTOR OF POST PRODUCTION >>
PART2 PICTURES/NY: Responsible for the organization and optimization of all post-production projects. Ensure consistent workflows and best practices are being used across the entire production process. This position will oversee all projects from development to final delivery. Full info HERE (9/11)
AD SALES RESEARCH MANAGER
TENNIS CHANNEL/SINCLAIR SPORTS GROUP
NYC
Support linear and digital national ad sales efforts with PowerPoint presentations using Nielsen, comScore, YouGov, MRI & Ipsos. Oversee submission of linear line ups for Tennis Channel. Create and update tracking reports on sports landscape. 3+ years’ experience with Nielsen national applications. Full info HERE (9/10)
DIRECTOR, AD SALES >>
REELZ, NY: Mentor and manage the day-to-day direction of account executives in New York. Manage & develop relationships in marketplace. Collaborate with VP, Ad Sales regarding strategy and development of new business. Negotiate and close upfront & scatter deals. 10+ yrs of advertising sales exp. in a broadcast or cable network environment. Full info HERE (9/10)
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC PROGRAMMING >>
THE PALEY CENTER FOR MEDIA/NYC: Collaborate w/the Programming & Curatorial teams to develop & book unique & influential talent, programs, educational workshops, membership events, exhibits & experiences. Align programming with institutional priorities in TV & produce immersive & interactive tentpole exhibits to ensure that there are engaging offerings year-round. 8+ yrs exp. req. Full info HERE (9/9)
TELEVISION & CROSS PLATFORM RESEARCH DIRECTOR
TENNIS CHANNEL
SANTA MONICA
This highly visible role provides quantitative and qualitative research to all departments; includes research oversight of Tennis Channel, Tennis Channel International, Tennis.com, TennisChannel.com, Tennis Channel Plus OTT, TC app and Tennis Magazine. Expert level proficiency with Nielsen data systems, including NPower is required. Full info HERE (9/8)
COUNSEL, BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
MLB NETWORK
SECAUCUS NJ
Draft and/or negotiate a wide variety of agreements, assist with counseling various departments on transactional and legal matters. Oversee administration and compliance with of standards and practices for day-to-day production. A minimum of two years of legal experience in a media and/or entertainment transactional environment, required. Full info HERE (9/8)
DIRECTOR OR VICE PRESIDENT OF CHILDREN’S TELEVISION
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
HOLLYWOOD
Work closely w/the President of Television to strategize building new Jim Henson Company IP. Generate new business by performing outreach, networking, and scheduling meetings w/key players in the industry. Track network mandates, industry trends, and talent/IP to inform development strategy & planning. Min of 5 yrs of exp. working in Children’s TV. Full info HERE (9/8) |
|
| OTHER JOBS OF INTEREST
Collaborate with colleagues across different disciplines and locations to achieve results.
Lead Product Manager, Mobile Games
NetherRealm Studios
Remote
https://www.netherrealm.com/careers/
You’ll embrace accountability and ensure every small detail is covered, while also holding a high quality bar for all the work you develop.
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Digital Extremes
Remote
https://www.digitalextremes.com/careers
Ensure work is delivered timely and according to the specifications.
Environment Artist
WB Games
NYC
https://careers.wbgames.com/careers/
Design and create UI components (ex. menus, stats and inventory screens, in-game HUD elements, etc.) from Visual Comps to completed Features.
Designer, UI
WB Games
Chicago IL
https://careers.wbgames.com/careers/
Creating strong design proposals and combat system specifications.
Designer, Content
Daybreak Game Company
Austin TX
https://www.daybreakgames.com/careers
Work with our custom tools to implement and tune the game’s combat and related traversal experiences.
Senior Combat Designer
Sony
Bend OR
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/corporate/playstation-careers/
Create game layouts from scratch, and work with art to iterate on existing spaces.
Senior Level Designer
Sony
Bend OR
https://www.playstation.com/en-us/corporate/playstation-careers/
Performs literate programming, using adequate commenting and documentation tools to deliver readable and maintainable code.
Software Development Engineer MTGO Client
Daybreak Game Company
Renton WA
https://www.daybreakgames.com/careers
Concept and develop creature designs for game design prompts.
Senior Creature Artist
NCSoft
Bellevue WA
https://us.ncsoft.com/en-us/careers
Develop, maintain, architect, and design embedded networking software.
Senior Software Engineer, Networking
Nintendo
Redmond WA
https://careers.nintendo.com/job-openings/
Develops Business Intelligence (BI), Data Warehousing and Reporting solutions to address growing business reporting, analytics, and data requirements.
Senior BI Technical Analyst
Nintendo
Redmond WA
https://careers.nintendo.com/job-openings/
Analyzing and improving performance bottlenecks.
Senior Gameplay Engineer
Trion Worlds
Redwood City CA
https://www.trionworlds.com/en/careers/
Coordinate game-ready assets for use in user interfaces, such as textures, icons, and fonts.
Senior UI/UX Designer
Trion Worlds
Redwood City CA
https://www.trionworlds.com/en/careers/
Monitor key communications channels in support of a live game service and report to internal teams as needed.
Manager, Content Marketing
NC Soft
Newport Beach CA
https://us.ncsoft.com/en-us/careers
Communicate technical topics with both engineers and non-technical people alike.
Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay
NetherRealm Studios
Los Angeles CA
https://www.netherrealm.com/careers/ |
|
