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| Thursday October 19, 2023 |
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Good morning! It’s Thursday and this is your early morning Esports and Gaming brief.
The Esports & Gaming Business Summit begins Sunday at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and you only have a couple more days to get your ticket to some of the most important conversations in the industry.
This year, EBS will feature three days of programming and networking, with executives from esports teams, game developers, brands and other stakeholders taking part. With participants including decision-makers at PepsiCo, Cash App, Enthusiast Gaming, Twitch, Old Spice, and dozens more, EBS brings together hundreds of the most important people in esports and gaming alongside its marquee awards show, the Tempest Awards, on Monday night.
It’s more important than ever to be in the know on industry trends and understand how your business can be impacted – and how it can thrive despite uncertainty. Join us to get in on some must-have conversations about the present, and future, of esports and gaming. Get your tickets HERE.
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 COMPETITION AND GAMING NEWS
The League of Legends World Championship main event began today, with the final 16 teams competing in a Swiss stage to qualify for the final eight. The play-in stage wrapped up Sunday with Europe/Middle East/Africa roster Team BDS and Vietnamese squad GAM Esports locked in spots in the 16-team field. Competition will continue through Monday before a short break in the action, leading into another Thursday start for competitors from North America, EMEA, South Korea and China alongside the two play-in qualifiers.
FaZe Clan won the Halo World Championship on Sunday after a dominant lower bracket run and comeback victory against fellow finalist OpTic Gaming at the Seattle Convention Center. FaZe was bounced to the losers bracket following group play thanks to a 3-2 loss to OpTic but swept all three of their opponents in the lower bracket. In a rematch against OpTic, FaZe overcame a rough start to win two straight series against OpTic. FaZe earned $400,000 of the event’s $1 million prize pool along with the title.
Minecraft has hit more than 300 million copies sold, an unmatched landmark in the games industry. Minecraft, which held the record for most units sold prior to hitting the 300 million milestone, is now around 115 million copies ahead of the next-most-sold title, Grand Theft Auto V. Minecraft developer Mojang Studios’ lead, Helen Chiang, called the achievement “a milestone no one could have dreamed of when we were all placing our first blocks.”
Analogue is developing a new version of the Nintendo 64 that supports 4K screens and is compatible with N64 cartridges, the hardware creator announced. The console, known as Analogue 3D, will release in 2024 and hopefully match the quality Analogue brought to the table with its SNES and Sega Genesis emulators as well as its most recent portable product, the Analogue Pocket. |
 SPONSORSHIP & ACTIVATION
Rapper Post Malone is coming to Apex Legends as part of a two-week in-game collaboration. The event teaser, which showed the in-game activation will begin Nov. 7, also featured Apex character Octane, providing some insight into which legend will be the focal point of the event. Malone, who’s known as a big gaming fan, will bring “two weeks of beautiful mayhem” to the battle royale title.
The Brawlhalla World Championship is partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Skillshot Media to promote the charity in-game during a marquee moment for the Ubisoft fighting game title. Players who donate to Make-A-Wish during the Brawlhalla World Championship, which is taking place from Nov. 3-5 in Atlanta, will earn in-game items and be in the running for a unique in-game collectible each day.
Rocket League and The Nightmare Before Christmas is the collab we didn’t know we needed during Halloween season, and Psyonix and Disney brought just that to fans earlier this week. The Haunted Hollows event includes in-game challenges and new cosmetics themed after The Nightmare Before Christmas characters Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie, and Sandy Claws. The event and an affiliated limited-time game mode will be available until Nov. 1.
Riot Games has created a new virtual boy band known as HEARTSTEEL as part of its ongoing venture into the music market. HEARTSTEEL features League of Legends characters voiced by performers Baekhyun, Cal Scruby, ØZI and Tobi Lou. HEARTSTEEL will release its first single, PARANOIA, on Oct. 23. Fans hope it will be a memorable follow-up to Riot’s past efforts with all-girl virtual pop group K/DA, which similarly featured artists performing as League of Legends personas. K/DA’s trio of (G)I-DLE, Jaira Burns and Madison Beer earned a No. 1 spot on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales Chart for POP/STARS in 2018. |
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STREAMHATCHET
Japanese Roleplay Server Boosts Ark: Survival Evolved Live Streaming Viewership
Ark: Survival Evolved hit the top live streaming charts at the beginning of the month when its official servers reset in preparation for the release of the remake later this month, Ark: Survival Ascended.
Ark was the 3rd most-watched game (4th if you include Just Chatting) from October 2nd to October 13th, jumping 104 spots from the weeks prior. It generated 34.4 million hours watched in that time period. On October 4th, Ark: Survival Evolved overtook GTA V as the most-watched game with almost 3.9 million hours watched (GTA V had 3.8M).
The game’s live-streaming success was driven primarily by the Japanese streaming community, who participated in a private role-playing server for the first few weeks of the month. Vaultroom, a gaming room and event site partnered up with the esports/content creator team Crazy Raccoon. Popular Japanese creators, including fps_Shaka and Vtubers on both Twitch and YouTube generated millions of hours watched through their participation on this co-branded server.
Read more on Stream Hatchet’s blog.
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| Seamless transactions for your gaming world with IPS
International Payout Systems Inc. welcomes you to the Esports & Gaming Business Summit this October 22-24 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas! Swing by Booth 11 on the Exhibit Floor to explore their global payment solutions and take advantage of this key networking opportunity!
REGISTER TODAY TO MEET IPS |
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YOUGOV LIVING DATA INSIGHTS
Is esports betting catching up to sports betting in the US?
Data for online gambling activity suggests that esports betting is rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among younger demographics, challenging traditional sports betting. Overall, 9% of US gamblers engaged in esports betting over the past month, while 22% engaged in sports betting. While older age groups, particularly those aged 65 and above, lean heavily towards traditional sports betting, with only 1% betting on esports, the 18-29 age group displays a much stronger affinity for esports betting, with 15% participation. Sports betting retains primacy among this young group too (23%), but the gap is far less significant.
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 TEAMS
The Call of Duty League’s Seattle Surge have revealed their roster, with a mix of veteran talent and a promising rookie. Longtime Call of Duty pros such as Alec “Arcitys” Sanderson, Cuyler “Huke” Garland and Indervir “iLLeY” Dhaliwal form a strong core where rookie Jordan “Abuzah” François can develop and shine. The entirely rebuilt Surge squad will hope to turn things around for Seattle, which exited the season finale, CDL Champs, in the first round this year.
Moist Esports’ Apex Legends team is changing regions in 2024, with the creator-funded Apex Legends Global Series roster shifting from competing in the Asia-Pacific South Pro League to the North America Pro League. The move lands Moist amid some tough competition, but other squads have made the switch and remained successful: DarkZero, one of the main contenders at this year’s ALGS World Championship, went from APAC South to North America in 2022 and won a title that same year.
League of Legends veteran Huang “Maple” Yi-Tang is retiring after more than a decade as an esports pro. Maple, best known for his time in the League of Legends Masters Series on Flash Wolves, announced his retirement following PSG Talon’s elimination from the League of Legends World Championship Play-In Stage. The mid laner will go down as one of the best players to ever compete in the region, now known as the Pacific Championship Series, following near-perennial international appearances with Flash Wolves and brief stints in China (Suning Gaming and Anyone’s Legend) and North America (TSM). |
 INDUSTRY
Bethesda head of publishing Pete Hines is retiring, he announced Monday, ending a 24-year career that featured some of gaming’s best-known role-playing games. Hines helped architect series such as Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Doom and, most recently, the highly anticipated and globally successful Starfield. “This was not a decision I came to easily or quickly,” Hines said in a statement. “But after an amazing career, culminating in the incredible launch of Starfield, it feels like the time is right.”
Bandcamp has laid off 50% of its staff following Epic Games’ sale of the music platform. Epic Games acquired Bandcamp in March 2022, but amid cost-cutting that included layoffs of 16% of its workforce, or 830 people, Epic spun off Bandcamp, which was then acquired by Songtradr. Songtradr has refused to recognize the online indie music store’s union, Bandcamp United, amid the acquisition and ensuing layoffs.
Microsoft’s $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision-Blizzard is complete. After two years of debate amongst regulatory bodies and attempts to assure global watchdogs that the deal would not create a monopoly in the games industry, Microsoft now has Activision-Blizzard and mobile giant King under its umbrella, and what happens next will likely reshape everything from hardware, software, and cloud gaming in the years to come.
Nearly 60% of gamers list stress relief and relaxation as a top reason they play, according to a report from the Entertainment Software Association. Stress relief trailed only passing the time (63%) and having fun (69%) as motivations for playing, and 71% of participants reported that playing games makes them feel less stressed. Other benefits included a decrease in anxiety and feelings of isolation or loneliness. |
| Connect with the Pinnacle team at EBS!
Join Pinnacle at the Esports & Gaming Business Summit! Interact with Geoff Hendricks, Pinnacle’s Senior Director of Strategy & Growth and Jen Hinkle, Sr. Account Director at this year’s conference. Be sure to message them on the app to set up a time to exchange ideas!
Not yet registered?
REGISTER TODAY TO MEET PINNACLE |
TRIVIA
The recently released Spider-Man 2 has been heralded as the latest masterpiece for which game developer? (Email [email protected] with your answer, and be sure to include your name, company and city).
Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
What day is the 2023 edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III slated to release? Answer: November 10. Kudos: Tom Moore | Kalt Productions, Los Angeles; David Westberg | SAG•AFTRA Federal Credit Union, Burbank, California |
DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
HALLMARK MEDIA
NYC
Execute communications objectives and develop strategies to elevate Hallmark Media, its workforce, and business entities. Evaluate existing communications program in the context of its ability to support strategic planning and operating objectives. Minimum of 10+ years progressive PR/Communications Industry Experience. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
FUTURE TODAY
CHICAGO
Represent Future Today, selling an expansive portfolio of O&O CTV apps, inclusive of HappyKids, Fawesome, The LEGO Channel, FilmRise, Blippi. 5+years selling linear/streaming/OLV exp req.Biz dev position inclusive of direct, pmp/pg.Solid relationships; agency & client. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(Remote/Hybrid):
Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: BA Degree, Min 2 yrs DR Experience req. Wide Orbit Exp a +. Fully info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
TV ONE
NYC, Hybrid, Remote
Communicate the value & brand strength of Urban One Networks to advertisers & agencies. Create compelling presentations that convey the benefits & features of our programming and the viewing audiences. Proactively keep clients informed of pertinent account and network information. Min. 4+ yrs national advertising sales or equivalent sales exp. Full info HERE
VP/HEAD OF ADVERTISING SALES
FREEBEE
FL/NYC Remote
Lead, manage, develop, and grow Ad Sales teams. Attract and retain the best talent. Work with leadership team to set, achieve, and grow revenue targets across OOH, Digital and Experiential. Instrumental in driving the team to exceed all expectations and goals. 15+ years’ experience in advertising, media, and relevant sales management roles. Full info HERE
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FREEBEE
MIAMI
Achieve revenue and growth targets across linear and digital. Identify and execute strategies which result in exceeding revenue targets. Develop and execute effective sales strategies that showcase as well as maximize overall revenues for the overarching National Sales division. 7-10 yrs exp. in advertising, media & relevant sales management roles. Full info HERE
SENIOR AUDIO/VIDEO PROMOTION PRODUCER >>
WHYY/PHILADELPHIA: Produce best-in-class promotional spots, accurately reflecting WHYY’s brand mission, from strategy through management approvals. Write killer scripts for audio and video to engage audiences. Organize promotional spot production schedule for video and audio spots needed for TV, FM, digital and social platforms. 10-15+ years’ experience. Full info HERE
DIGITAL DIRECTOR, NEWS >>
WHYY/PHILADELPHIA: Develop a cogent strategy for developing and publishing WHYY news content across social media and emerging digital platforms. Convey and create SEO, social media and digital best practices in concert with the digital staff with the focus of informing and developing the newsroom’s digital muscles. Five or more years of journalism experience. Full info HERE
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
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT TV
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
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 |
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| OTHER JOBS OF INTEREST
Ship a variety of products, from small internal tools to large-scale web applications.
Steam Software Engineer
Valve Corporation
Remote
https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/
Manage and report on resolution of exam findings, including provision of evidence for closure.
Lead Cyber Compliance Analyst
FanDuel
Remote
https://www.fanduel.careers/
Design, build, extend, document, and maintain graphics features and associated tools and workflows in Unreal Engine, with minimal oversight.
Incubation Senior Graphics Engineer
Bungie
Remote OR
https://careers.bungie.com/jobs
Collaboratively design, implement and balance top-notch gameplay systems, such as new exotic armors, mods, and build crafting systems.
Destiny Gameplay Designer, Armor
Bungie
Bellevue WA
https://careers.bungie.com/jobs
Improve your work based on the feedback and data you’ve collected to help create measurable success.
Game Development Software Engineer
Valve Corporation
Bellevue WA
https://www.valvesoftware.com/en/
You will monitor content effectiveness and prioritize the work for our content authors to improve effectiveness.
Senior Content Manager – Minecraft
Mojang
Redmond WA
https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/mojang-careers
Collaborates with appropriate stakeholders to determine user requirements for a scenario.
Principal Software Engineer – Full Stack Backend
Xbox Game Studios
Redmond WA
https://jobs.careers.microsoft.com/us/en/job/1523006/Software-Engineer-Lead%7C-Xbox-Games-Studio%7C-Rare
Your role will be to help define, architect, build, and support iOS for Outlook Mobile – the mobile face of our company.
Senior Software Engineer – iOS
Xbox Game Studios
Redmond WA
https://jobs.careers.microsoft.com/us/en/job/1523006/Software-Engineer-Lead%7C-Xbox-Games-Studio%7C-Rare
Ensure compliance of our shipped code with both internal standards and external regulations.
Principal Program Manager, Minecraft Creator Platform
Mojang Studios
Sunnyvale CA
https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/mojang-careers
Develop and manage tools to improve efficacy in network operations.
Senior Software Engineer – Network Tools
Roblox
San Mateo CA
https://careers.roblox.com/jobs
Guide the implementation of incident management protocols, ensuring fast and effective responses to minimize impact.
Senior/Principal Site Reliability Operations Engineer
Roblox
San Mateo CA
https://careers.roblox.com/jobs
Mentor an ambitious live operations team on one of Jam City’s biggest games.
Senior Product Manager
Jam City
Burbank CA
https://www.jamcity.com/job-openings/job-openings/
Define the artistic vision for games within the portfolio and collaborate with the production team on the overall creative vision of our games.
Studio Art Director
Jam City
Burbank CA
https://www.jamcity.com/job-openings/job-openings/
Apply state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to provide a deeper understanding of users and our product.
Senior Data Scientist, Machine Learning
Discord
San Francisco CA
https://discord.com/careers
Develop core libraries and infrastructure supporting high-quality, low-latency communications between hundreds of millions of users.
Senior Software Engineer, Core Audio/Video
Discord
San Francisco CA
https://discord.com/careers |
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