In The News
NBCUniversal is shutting down its “game publishing business, a little more than 2.5 years after expanded it,” VentureBeat’s Dean Takahashi writes. “It will stay in games by licensing its entertainment properties to external developers and publishers.”
United Kingdom inflation decreased in part due to “the dropping price of video games and downloads,” Eurogamer’s Imogen Beckhelling reports. “Inflation slowed up in August to 1.7 per cent due to prices in ‘recreation and culture’ falling – one of the most notable factors in that area being the dropping price of ‘computer games.’”
New York City’s first “fully serviced” gaming lounge is open, OS NYC announced in a press release. “Located at 50 Bowery Street in the heart of New York City, the lounge offers a wide array of modern and professional gaming equipment suitable for the gaming enthusiast and professional player alike.”
Konami teased out more information on the Creative Center Ginza, ESI’s Eva Martinello writes. “The facility will consist of three parts: a store of esports-related products, a school specialised in esports, and a venue for events. It was first announced in March.”
IN: Yves Maitre is HTC’s new CEO.
Reggie Fils-Aime joined the board for New York Videogame Critics Circle.
Gina Vetere joined ESA as SVP.
Interviews: House House’s Jacob Strasser and Michael McMaster (GI.biz).
Extra Esports News:
Collegiate StarLeague is rebranding. The new logo and color scheme can be found here.
Investment:
PlayVS raised “$50 million for its platform for high school esports. The round comes just 10 months after the company raised a previous round of $30.5 million,” Takahashi reports.
XY Gaming raised “$2.5 million for its global esports tournament platform. With XY Gaming, players compete for cash prizes,” Takahashi reports.
Tiidal Gaming Group has acquired Space Esports, ESI’s David Hollingsworth writes. “Effective immediately, Space Esports will join Tiidal Group’s other esports property, Lazarus Esports.”
IN: John Patterson is Team Liquid’s CFO.
Happy birthday Per Anders Olsson “Pajkatt” Lille!