Ginx TV, the UK’s dedicated gaming channel, has undergone a re-branding and change of focus: becoming the world’s first dedicated eSports TV channel. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Ginx eSports will provide a programme mix that will take footage from eSports tournaments and other relevant events to provide gamers and mainstream viewership alike with the latest from the ever-growing eSports gaming scene.
CEO Michiel Bakker told gaming media outlet MCV that the aim of the channel will be to claim “world domination” for eSports programming, wanting to “put the channel in every home”, which includes North and South America – areas that Ginx TV has not been able to seize with its previous content on offer. For the success of the channel, Bakker insists it’s important that the programming mix is correct.
Ginx eSports will be launching in 37 million homes across the world and with Sky and ITV combining forces to push the channel, this number could very well increase over time. The channel’s schedule will include coverage of Turner’s ELEAGUE tournament, FACEIT’s eSports Championship Series, and Valve’s international Dota 2 championships. These events and more will be covered from a new studio in King’s Cross, England.
Given the rapid increase in eSports popularity, this seems like a smart move from Ginx, Sky and ITV to try and capitalize on an industry which is expected to reach $1 billion revenue by 2019 as prize pools get larger, and competitions become more wide-spread. In the US, ESPN and TBS have both started to expand their coverage to include the eSports sector. With the Western world’s more prominent interest in the market, it’s no real surprise a dedicated channel has reached mainstream media.
With Gran Turismo’s new eSports-based focus, it will be interesting to see if Ginx TV will cover GT Sport and it’s subsequent events when it launches this November. Ginx eSports can be found at channel 470 on Sky UK.
I had a quick look today and it seemed interesting enough although it’s a shame it’s not in high definition. Coincidentally when I turned it on they were showing a “feature” on driving games. It was nothing to do with esports. It just featured a back history of the Forza series, GT6 and mentioned the Need For Speed series too. There was no mention of more realistic sims like Project Cars, Assetto Corsa or others on PC. Hopefully it will feature some of their esports competitions in time.
Is this E Sports
will this be on virgin media?
Given it’s a SKY ITV venture maybe not immediately. Although, regular Ginx were on Virgin so maybe check out your TV guide and see what’s there. :)
Whoa baby!