In The News
Today’s top story can be found in the Extra Esports News section.
Google posted an update to its Stadia FAQ page with information on multiplayer, controllers, VR and more.
Hi-Rez Studios is opening Red Beard Games in the United Kingdom, “the first of three new development studios the company plans to open,” GI.biz’s Matthew Handrahan reports. “Red Beard Games will be based in Brighton, the base for Hi-Rez Studios’ European publishing operations and global marketing since early 2016.”
Nintendo shifted some of its Nintendo Switch production to Vietnam, Handrahan writes. “Nintendo also said that the move was motivated by the current tension between China and the United States, and the likelihood of higher tariffs on products shipped between the two countries.”
Cuphead’s getting a Netflix show, IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey reports. “In a joint announcement from Netflix, King Features, and Cuphead developer Studio MDHR … The series will be called The Cuphead Show!”
Eternal Darkness composer Steve Henifin has passed away, Gamasutra’s Alissa McAloon reports. “His work dates back to the early ‘90s, and also includes projects as recent as Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.”
Interviews: GameStop’s Eric Bright (GI.biz).
Extra Esports News:
The first half of 2019 saw esports grow by 185%, HitmarkerJobs.com shows. “It showed that the number of paid jobs in esports increased 210.7% from 1,912 to 4,028 in the same timeframe. Paid opportunities also saw a proportional increase of 10.21%, climbing from 76.64% to 86.85% of the overall total,” VentureBeat’s Dean Takahashi reports. “The number of esports careers in the U.S. rose from 1,147 (45.95%) in the first half of 2018 to 2,586 (55.76%) in the first half of 2019.”
Peach Maria Productions put out a casting call for “an esports reality television show the greater-Atlanta area this summer (2019) and is currently seeking amateur gamers to be cast as part of the episodic series.”
Major League Baseball announced “the launch of its first esports league, MLB China eSports League, in seven Chinese cities. The MLB China eSports League will run on MLB: The Show for three months, divided into a regular season and playoffs,” Esports Insider’s Chenglu Zhang reports.
Partnerships & Sponsorships:
ASTRO Gaming and NICKMERCS are partnering, H.B. Duran at TEO reports. “ASTRO Gaming will become Kolcheff’s exclusive peripheral provider, while the two collaborate on content, promotion, and product ‘innovation.’”
Method and TakeTV are partnering, TEO’s Max Miceli reports. “Method is partnering with TakeTV to produce the upcoming World of Warcraft raid race. As a part of the production numerous other top guilds will also participate in the streaming effort.”
Paris Saint-Germain and Supercell are partnering, Esports Insider’s Laura Byrne writes. “Footballers Kylian Mbappé, Neymar Jr, Marquinhos, Angel Di María, Julian Draxler, and Presnel Kimpembe all took part in an announcement video. The footballers are seen playing Supercell’s newest title, Brawl Stars, in the video.”
PENTA Sports and Cyberport are partnering, Esports Insider’s David Hollingsworth reports. “As part of the deal, Cyberport will supply the centre with gaming equipment, such as gaming PCs and monitors from Acer.”
Interviews: Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues’ Pete Vlastelica (ESPN).
Happy birthday Thomas “Tomster” Maguire and Khalif “Khroen” Hashim!