Activision Wants to Make an ESPN for Video Games

Activision’s purchase of MLG was discovered by accident, a minor leak sent out to shareholders to inform them of this unvoted, rather sketchy purchase. There was nothing sent out to the press to inform them of the purchase, and no PR rep waiting to answer questions from confused fans… but that’s finally changed. Activision has finally reached out to the New York Times, and has spoken at length about the purchase and what Activision intends to do with this new, bold direction.

That direction? I think we all at least kind of figured it out. Robert A. Kotick, chief executive of Activision Blizzard, said this:
 

“I have a simple vision for this: I want to build the ESPN of video games.”

It was revealed that the main reason for the purchase was to acquire MLG.tv, which is an online streaming platform designed to deliver eSports action to smartphones, tablets, computers, and, of course, consoles. But it doesn’t stop there--in addition to wanting to make MLG a premium streaming site for both Activision and other developers to use eSports not as a way to unite the community and showcase high-level play (as is the case with Riot Games and League of Legends) but rather as a money-making venue all of its own.

Additionally, he expresses a desire to bring eSports to proper television--and not just as a one-time special event… but as a dedicated channel all of its own, just like the aforementioned ESPN. Now, that wouldn’t be too strange… if this were, say, Korea. But this is the United States, and there are some who would certainly laugh off the idea.

Still, it’s happening.

Now, there’s not that much more I can say, given that I’m technically not even supposed to report that much until the press embargo is lifted, but go ahead and check out the article yourself if you like. In the meantime, I’ll be sitting here wondering just how many changes 2016 is really going to bring to the gaming world.

It’s going to be a big year. I feel it in my bones.