The future of esports is looking particularly bright these days.
The Overwatch League, the finale especially, was a really big hit, so my congratulations.
What was the final attendee count, both in person and on livestream?
40% off TNW Conference!
It was pretty incredible.
Ive been to a lot of events there and Ive never seen that level of energy in the building.
We were super happy about that.
And it was also broadcast on ESPN and the Disney Channel, wasnt it?
[Note: Disney XD is what I meant.]
That was a pretty exciting milestone.
So that was a major coup for you, I take it?
Jon:I wouldnt call it a coup.
There was the energy, the spotlights, the blow-by blows.
Do you think that will become common at all levels of esports, that sport-like atmosphere?
Jon:Theres obviously a lot that each of the esports properties can learn from each other.
I think, having sat through all the preparation, it was a massive endeavour on our part.
We pulled in expertise from all over our organization.
Youve got the same ingredients you have with any sport.
I grew up playing Little League baseball and wanting to be Derek Jeter.
Theres clearly so much skill and teamwork and coordination and hard work and preparation that goes into this.
These players have done an incredible job, and were really proud of what theyve accomplished.
The International Olympics Committee met to discuss the possibility of esports collaboration.
Do you think thatll ever change?
It seems to make a lot of sense.
I think it potentially fits really well with that model.
I think lumping all those esports together and saying This is one thing potentially misses some of the nuance.
Is that something you, as a pro esports organizer, aspire to the Olympics?
Or is esports in general content to stay as it is, with its own competitions?
Jon:Personally, I think it would be really cool.
Were about to start our Overwatch World Cup again this year that kicks off this coming weekend.
Our fans love the drama and excitement of rooting for their favorite country.
Hey, how is the US gonna do this year?
We had a great underdog story last year with Japan doing surprisingly well on the World Cup.
That format seems to be really engaging and fun.
The players like it.
The fans love it.
I do think theres a real opportunity for things like that.
What do you think esports champs bring?
Whats there version of a gymnastics flip or a shot put?
Jon:You mean in terms of testing specific skills?
Well, heres an example.
Im a Genji main, so look at the best Genji player in the world.
What is a demonstration of their skill?
What is their version of a killer gymnastics twist?
[Note:This is the eventJon is referring to.]
Its been the best teams that have been successful.
Im a horrible Overwatch player myself.
I can only dream of that level of coordination and teamwork.
What do you see the Overwatch League specifically, and esports generally, looking like in the future?
Well be adding new cities, which is exciting for fans around the world wholl have a home team.
Or the New York-Boston rivalry takes place in Boston or in New York instead of out here in LA.
The Overwatch Leagues city-based competition isrelatively new, with most esports competitions divided up into teams.
Story byRachel Kaser
Rachel is a writer and former game critic from Central Texas.
She enjoys gaming, writing mystery stories, streaming on Twitch, and horseback riding.
Check her Twitter for curmudgeonly criticisms.
