The Impact of Microsoft Buying Smash.GG

 

Now that Microsoft has officially purchased esports tournament and events organizing company Smash.gg, Daniel Litwin, Host, Voice of B2B wanted to gain some insight on this industry shift. Litwin had the opportunity to chat about these recent changes with Chris Mann, SVP Gaming and Esports Division, REV/XP. So what exactly were the main motivators for Microsoft to get in on the live eSports and eSports action?

Mann feels that it makes a lot of sense for Microsoft to get involved in the space for a variety of reasons. “There are a ton of gamers out there, we know globally over 2.5 billion gamers,” Mann explained. He also noted that these numbers are likely to increase due to the pandemic requiring more people to find at home entertainment sources. “I think this is a great move by them. I think that there’s a ton of opportunity, both in operating events, but additionally the surrounding opportunity around the content that they’ll be able to generate and then broadcast out over their platforms,” Mann said.

This acquisition comes off news from earlier this year, where Microsoft ended their proprietary video game streaming platform Mixer, which started off with major moves like securing top eSports athlete Ninja for an exclusive streaming deal. All of that has now fallen through, so why would Microsoft invest in live gaming events over digital game streaming, especially after the short-lived Mixer? “I  think there were a lot of key learnings they had for Mixer. I think that goes back to having to pay talent,” Mann noted while explaining that the rumored amounts some Mixer creators were paid were extremely high, which may have increased Microsoft’s overhead too much. By acquiring Smash.gg, Microsoft won’t have to pay to program all of the content, instead they’re more of organizing the content through already establishing credible sources, which may be a more cost effective solution.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @MarketScale
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Latest

verizon leaders
Verizon Leaders: Unlocking Connectivity with the Verizon Partner Network
December 1, 2023

For a special episode of The Verizon Partner Network the focus was on the considerable role of partnerships in the Verizon Partner Program and the leaders shared their perspectives on the initiative. Their conversation brought about a lot of thought-providing context on the evolving telecommunications landscape. In today’s era, collaboration and integration are key to […]

Read More
2024
Mark Tina Envisions Differences to the Verizon Partner Network in 2024
December 1, 2023

In the dynamic telecommunications landscape, Verizon’s Partner Network continues to evolve, adapting to new trends and opportunities. For another segment featuring Mark Tina, VP of Indirect Channel Distribution and Channel Chief at Verizon Business Group, he explores exactly what types of significant changes and advancements the Verizon Partner Network will see in 2024. In this […]

Read More
verizon business group
Mark Tina Explores the Importance of Partners in Verizon Business Group Success
December 1, 2023

A special episode of The Verizon Partner Network focuses on an examination of an industry marked by fierce competition and rapid innovation. But most importantly, how the role of partnerships in a company’s success is increasingly vital. Mark Tina, the VP of Indirect Channel Distribution and Channel Chief at Verizon, details why partners are essential […]

Read More