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Too Much Free Time

by Dennis Yang

Thu, Jan 17th 2008 3:55pm




Filed Under:
competition, video games

Companies:
espn, mlg


ESPN To Cover Competitive Video Gaming

from the next-up-on-the-ocho dept

ESPN has entered into a multiyear agreement with Major League Gaming to provide exclusive online coverage of MLG's upcoming video game competitions. The online coverage is a natural fit for gaming, however, this relationship could segue into more regular coverage on ESPN's television channels. ESPN already regularly covers non-traditional "sports" on its television channels now, from poker to the national spelling bee, so seeing coverage of video game tournaments is not a huge stretch. Video gaming is one of the most popular activities for the young male set, and ESPN is responding to the changing interests of its key demographic. Last year, the USA network aired the MLG finals, and more recently, MLG gamers are starting to appear regularly on ESPN's "Cold Pizza" morning show. The allure of professional gaming has been around since the dawn of video games (remember The Wizard?). Korea (the site of the first world cyber games) leads the charge, with its professional video gamers making good money as early as 2003. That said, professional video gaming is still dwarfed by professional sports (and even professional poker), so it still remains uncertain whether or not it will ever grow to have wide appeal, or if it will remain a relative niche spectator interest.

22 Comments | Leave a Comment..


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  1.  

    That sucks

    identicon
    Hellsvilla, Jan 17th, 2008 @ 4:48pm

    Now everyones gonna expect us to wear protective clothing...

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  2.  
    identicon
    John, Jan 17th, 2008 @ 5:18pm

    I still don't see why anyone would watch people play video games. I don't like watching my friends play in person, so why would I watch it on TV. THis seems like one of those "connecting to today's youth" ideas. But if it means I don't have to listen to Skip Bayless, then I don't care.

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  3.  

    What's good to watch?

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    Anonymous Coward, Jan 17th, 2008 @ 5:48pm

    It does bring up one question. What makes a popular
    spectator sport-- as opposed to the sports that only has a
    "relative niche spectator interest".

    [ reply to this | link to this | view in thread ]

  4.  

    Moving up in the world...

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    Danny, Jan 17th, 2008 @ 6:04pm

    Does this mean that in 10 years the MLG will begin to claim ownership of stats, charge ungodly amounts of money for tickets to their events, randomly drug test players for caffeine, and our cable/satellite bills will go even higher to support ESPN? I can't wait!!!

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  5.  

    Dont Forget

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    Lawyerz, Jan 17th, 2008 @ 6:28pm

    "This broadcast is the sole property of MLG. Any re-transmission of this broadcast for commerical or personal use without the expressed written consent of the MLG is strictly prohibited."

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  6.  

    Re: That sucks

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    Chronno S. Trigger, Jan 17th, 2008 @ 7:08pm

    And a helmet if you're playing the Wii.

    Sorry had to say it.

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  7.  

    Role Models?

    identicon
    Ortzinator, Jan 17th, 2008 @ 7:40pm

    Maybe we'll end up with some decent gamer role models and the kiddies will stop being bitches online.

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