Cineplex brings eSports to a larger scale

By Caleb Workman

“eSports becoming a global phenomenon”

Video gamers don’t often claim to follow well-known major league sports but Cineplex Odeon Corporation has made a move they might like.

Cineplex recently invested US $15 million to acquire the assets of WorldGaming which will allow them to host tournaments, both national and local, and leagues. The news has been spreading quickly and many gamers are on edge to see what will follow through with posts, questions and comments online.

No substantial announcements have been made yet but Sarah Van Lange, director of communications for Cineplex, is encouraging people to keep an attentive eye to see what will come up.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing an entirely new experience to the gaming community,” said Van Lange. “The acquisition will see the creation of a new company that will transform eSports (competitive gaming) in Canada by creating a community that connects live online gaming with unique in-theatre tournament experiences to be held in Cineplex theatres across the country.”

Van Lange said the three main focuses Cineplex will have are the two tournament styles and the leagues at locations throughout Canada.

National tournaments will be held quarterly after scheduled online qualifiers at over 24 locations. The final event will be broadcasted over satellite and the winners will receive cash prizes.

Local tournaments will involve regional competitions giving casual gamers the opportunity to play competitively in the theatre setting.

Like other sports the league play will create a one-game program in each city where gamers can sign up and compete against each other for 12 weeks plus finals.

“We see eSports are quickly becoming a global phenomenon and the acquisition of WorldGaming gives us the unique opportunity to engage a new customer base,” said Van Lange. “We’re thrilled to be bringing an entirely new experience to the gaming community.”

Local gaming enthusiast, personality and sponsor for local gaming, Dylan Brown, has been a gamer since he was six and said he is very excited to hear about this move by Cineplex.

“I think it’s both wonderful and a brilliant stroke of foresight,” said Brown. “Baseball is a game, hockey is a game and poker is a game and all of these things have been shown on the big screen in the past. Nobody in the entertainment business can ignore events like this that sell out in hours and have larger prize pools than the Masters Golf Tournament and draw tens of millions of viewers every year.”

Brown said this is just legitimizing what gamers have been saying for years. “Pro video game players are relevant and legitimate sportsmen and women and it can be very entertaining to watch.”

For more information and upcoming announcements about Cineplex’s eSport involvement visit Cineplex.com/GameOn.