Cineplex has decided to use E-Sports as a way to fill their theaters across Canada and perhaps the US later down the line.
"Esports are quickly becoming a global phenomenon and, as a company, we've invested in it because it allows us to engage a new customer base," said Cineplex spokeswoman Sarah Van Lange.
Cineplex is offering $50,000 in prizes in one-on-one matchups of "Call of Duty: Black Ops III".
The tournaments will start on the 16th of January, with qualifying matches being played online, and the following matches being played at 24 select theaters next month. The final event will be on March 6.
Sony, trying to wiggle in early on, is sponsoring Cineplex and it's new adventure in E-Sports. In return, the tournament will be played on Sony's PlayStation 4. Registration for the tournament will also be free.
But people worry whether or not this brave deal will bring in enough revenue to be viable for Cineplex.
SuperData states that sponsorships and advertising accounts for more than three quarters of the revenues for eSports in 2015.
Shaun Bryne, founder of eSport Gaming Events, says his company has built a self sustaining business by selling tickets to around 3 or 4 events each month, though claims it is still a struggle getting money from sponsors and advertisers.
"While the Canadian eSports business is growing," Shaun said, "the number of attendees is rarely large enough to warrant attention from deep-pocketed advertisers".
Let's hope this works out for Cineplex, and then Canadians can have a fairly nice event to go to.
Source
Last edited by Attacker3,
