In The News
Today’s top story can be found in the Extra Esports News section.
Alec Holowka has passed away. Last week, Holowka was accused of sexual assault and the Night in the Woods team — of which he co-designed the game — cut ties with him.
Chucklefish is fighting accusations it “exploited around a dozen volunteer contributors on the 2016 outer-space exploration game Starbound,” PC Gamer’s Andy Chalk writes. “‘We’re aware and saddened by the current allegations against Chucklefish regarding Starbound’s early development,’ Chucklefish said in a statement.”
Playful raised “$23 million in a Series A preferred offering,” GI.biz’s Matthew Handrahan reports. “In addition to the $25 million the company raised in 2015, this Series A offering takes Plyful’s lifetime funding to $48 million.”
Starbreeze is asking for another extension, Gamasutra’s Chris Kerr writes. It “asked the Stockholm District Court to extend its reconstruction period for a third time as it looks to chart a path forward.”
Annapurna Interactive has “resolved more than $200 million in debt,” Variety’s Matt Donnelly writes. “Participants in the studio’s revolving credit facility will receive roughly $0.82 on the dollar to cure more than $200 million in debt, sources added.”
EA’s David Rutter has been promoted to “general manager of EA’s European studios, after a hugely successful 12 year run on the publisher’s FIFA franchise,” Handrahan reports. “Rutter has moved to Sweden to take on the new role of group general manager of EA Studios Europe.”
Pokemon Masters moved passed 10 million downloads in 4 days, Kerr writes.
Windows 10 passed “50% in market share. This means every other desktop computer is now running” the operating system, VentureBeat’s Emil Protalinski reports. “In January, Windows 10 passed Windows 7 in market share.”
Interviews: Ubisoft’s Yves Guillemot (GI.biz), YoYo Games’ Ross Manthorp (GI.biz), BECTU’s Philippa Childs (GI.biz), Konami’s Masami Saso (GI.biz).
Extra Esports News:
Bad Moon Talent is esports’ newest talent agency. Founded by Andrew Drake, formerly of Activision Blizzard, and Brice Faccento, a former Call of Duty professional player, the agency seeks to focus “their efforts on representation of the players and broadcast talent in various esports leagues including Call of Duty, Overwatch, Fortnite and beyond.”
Acquisitions:
Huya acquired a “$30 million stake in ESL, the esports subsidiary of the Swedish entertainment firm Modern Times Group,” Handrahan reports. “MTG has issued new primary and secondary shares worth $22 million to make the deal possible. The agreement values ESL at $425 million.”
Houston Outlaws Lee Zieben is “reportedly acquiring eUnited eSports Ltd., and is also set to acquire the Houston spot for the upcoming Call of Duty franchise league starting in 2020,” Dexerto’s Calum Patterson reports.
Team Flash raised “$1.5 million in a seed round led by local family office Octava. Before this funding round, Team Flash received investments from private investors, including regional sports marketing agency Reddentes Sports,” Tech In Asia’s Miguel Cordon reports.
The Interactive Software Federation of Europe is launching an esports branch, GI.biz’s Haydn Taylor reports. “ISFE Esports said its members are ‘committed to growing the sector in a responsible way.’”
Fortress Esports intends to build “a ‘flagship’ gaming and esports entertainment area in the heart of the Melbourne CBD,” Dexerto’s Isaac McIntyre reports. “The venue is set to be located at the Emporium Melbourne shopping complex, with the space planned to take up more than 2,700 square meters across two floors.”
Partnerships:
ORDER and Puma are partnering, ESI’s Cody Luongo reports. “The arrangement between the two will see ORDER players and supporters equipped with Puma’s clothing.”
LCR Honda and Pro2Be Esports are partnering, ESI’s Jonno Nicholson writes. “The announcement will see Pro2Be Esports develop the project alongside LCR Honda.”
CANCELLED: Metarama Gaming + Music Festival.
Happy weekend birthdays Roman “Resout1on” Fominok and Aaron “erho” Kappes and Monday birthdays Shin “RagnaroK” Hee Bum and Orie “YoDa” Guo!