Interactive entertainment company Activision Blizzard has acquired the business of Major League Gaming, a leader in the creation and streaming of premium live eSports events, organising professional competitions and running competitive gaming leagues.
The takeover, worth a reported $46m (€42.4m), expands Activision Blizzard’s reach across the rapidly-growing eSports market by adding live streaming capabilities and technologies to the Activision Blizzard Media Networks division, led by Steve Bornstein, a former chief executive of US sports broadcaster ESPN, and MLG co-founder Mike Sepso.
Bobby Kotick, chief executive of Activision Blizzard, said: “Our acquisition of Major League Gaming’s business furthers our plans to create the ESPN of eSports. MLG’s ability to create premium content, its proven broadcast technology platform – including its live streaming capabilities – strengthens our strategic position in competitive gaming.
“MLG has an incredibly strong and seasoned team and a thriving community. Together, we will create new ways to celebrate players and their unique skills, dedication and commitment to gaming.”
Santa Monica-headquartered Activision Blizzard develops and publishes games based on some of the biggest entertainment franchises, including Call of Duty, Destiny, Skylanders, Guitar Hero and World of Warcraft.
MLG will continue to operate MLG.tv, MLG Pro Circuit and GameBattles platforms, and will work with its partners and other publishers across the industry. MLG.tv is a premium online broadcast network for professional-level eSports and the MLG Pro Circuit is the longest-running eSports league in North America. GameBattles is the largest online gaming tournament system across consoles, PC and mobile platforms.
Sundance DiGiovanni, chief executive and co-founder of MLG, said: “Our mission for over 12 years has been to promote and expand the growth of competitive gaming worldwide, and today the industry is at a key inflection point as its popularity soars and rivals that of many traditional professional sports. This acquisition and Activision Blizzard’s commitment to competitive gaming will expand the opportunities for gamers to be recognised and celebrated for their competitive excellence.”