ESPN is a big name in the esports world, bridging the gap between old and new media (TV and online) by broadcasting esports events and covering the industry as a whole on its website. Unfortunately, for those expecting to see some intense action this weekend, the broadcaster announced its Apex Legends programming would be delayed "out of respect for all the victims and all those impacted by the recent shootings" in the U.S.
ESPN and ABC has made the decision not to air the TV broadcast of the XGames Apex Legends EXP Invitational that was scheduled for this weekend, in response to the recent mass shootings, according to an ABC Affiliate TV station source pic.twitter.com/6BMwdbk93tESPN and ABC has made the decision not to air the TV broadcast of the XGames Apex Legends EXP Invitational that was scheduled for this weekend, in response to the recent mass shootings, according to an ABC Affiliate TV station source pic.twitter.com/6BMwdbk93t— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) August 8, 2019August 8, 2019
While some could put forward the notion that broadcasting a tournament that sees players compete against one another may not be tasteful viewing in light of recent events, one has to argue that video games simply aren't the cause of violence, which is why this move by ESPN has been met by criticism from the gaming community.
note the EXP Apex Legends X Games tournament itself already happened this past weekend and can be found on the ESPN esports YouTube, this is just for the ESPN TV broadcastnote the EXP Apex Legends X Games tournament itself already happened this past weekend and can be found on the ESPN esports YouTube, this is just for the ESPN TV broadcast— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) August 8, 2019August 8, 2019
Interestingly, coverage can still be found elsewhere on the ESPN network. This affects TV alone. The majority of large esports tournaments are based around shooter games, be it Fortnite, Apex Legends, CS:GO, or even Call of Duty.
Kellogg's to sponsor amateur and semi-pro tournaments
The same Kellogg's that produces your favorite cereal is now an esports sponsor, teaming up with N3rd Street Gamers for an Overwatch Esports tournament. As reported by Yahoo!, the Cheez-It Grooves snacks will be advertised through the esports tournament.
The NSG network manages amateur and semi-professional events and this series, in particular, will sport a grand prize of $15,000. The partnership will also cover National Championship Series Academy Tier events in markets including Dallas, Kansas City, Nashville, Spokane, and Colorado Springs in the U.S. with the aim to bridge the chasm between amateur and pro circuits.
Upcoming live events
- The International 2019 - August 20 - 25, watch on Twitch.
- Age of Empires II ECL - August 30 - September 1, watch on Twitch.
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