Overwatch League

Overwatch League is a professional esports league operated by Blizzard Activision, for the 2016 video game Overwatch. During the 2016 Blizzcon, Blizzard announced their plans for their Overwatch League, using an organization of permanent teams in league placements similar to more traditional physical sports,[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] rather than the use of relegation and promotion used in a series like League of Legends Championship Series.[9]

History

At Blizzcon[1] in early November 2016, Kotick and Activision Blizzard announced the creation of an Overwatch League, where franchised teams hire Overwatch gamers to compete in live arenas and via video streaming.[10][1] A meeting for prospective team owners was held at Blizzcon after the announcement, with New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft, and Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke among the attendees.[10] Asserting that "nothing like this has ever really been done before" in relation to eSports,[1] Kotick described Overwatch League as a professional sports league[1] providing salaries and benefits for competitors.[10] He also described teams based out of various cities worldwide and owners required to "cultivate team and player development."[1] The inaugural season of the Overwatch League is set to start in the second half of 2017[1] with a "combine," where players are invited to try out for teams for guaranteed contracts.[11][1]

Overview

During the 2016 Blizzcon, Blizzard announced their plans for their Overwatch League, using an organization of permanent teams in league placements similar to more traditional physical sports,[1] rather than the use of relegation and promotion used in a series like League of Legends Championship Series.[9]

Blizzard will help to organize potential team owners and aim to include more geographically-local teams to participate, which they hope will help spark more interest in eSports from spectators and potential sponsors through new activities around supporting a local team. Blizzard anticipates the Overwatch League will have a seven-figure payoff for the winning team at the end of a season, but plans on paying a salary to all players within the league. The first, shortened season of the League is expected to start in Q3 2017, but will begin in full seasons starting in 2018, with the League having half-year long seasonal breaks starting in Q4 of that year.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Molina, Brett (November 5, 2016). "Blizzard to launch pro sports league for 'Overwatch'". USA Today. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  2. ↑ http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2016-11-07-blizzards-new-overwatch-esports-league-to-emphasise-financial-stability
  3. ↑ https://www.gamerpros.co/overwatch-league-frenzy/
  4. ↑ http://www.theverge.com/2016/11/4/13524364/blizzard-overwatch-league-esports
  5. ↑ https://www.engadget.com/2016/11/04/overwatch-league-is-blizzards-esports-incubator/
  6. ↑ http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Blizzard-plans-Overwatch-league-with-video-10609977.php
  7. ↑ http://www.pcgamer.com/blizzard-to-launch-overwatch-league-in-2017/
  8. ↑ http://venturebeat.com/2016/11/04/blizzards-overwatch-league-looks-a-lot-like-an-actual-sport/
  9. 1 2 3 Kollar, Philip (November 4, 2016). "Overwatch League is Blizzard's ambitious new esports org, includes city-based teams". Polygon. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 Bond, Paul (November 4, 2016). "Activision Blizzard to Create eSports League for 'Overwatch' Video Game". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 29, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Blizzard Entertainment Establishes Professional Sports League for Overwatch". Press release - Activision Blizzard. November 4, 2016. Retrieved March 14, 2016.

External links

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