UnLtd, the media and advertising industry’s social purpose organisation, has launched a virtual gaming tournament, Big Game, sponsored by Twitch and supported by LetsPlay.Live and eGen.
There will be 22 teams in the Rocket League competing over five weeks.
The first round of qualifying games kicked off this week and the next round, starting Tuesday, May 12, will be broadcast live on Twitch.
The winning team gets a "money can’t buy" prize donated by Twitch. There is also a prize for best supporting team coming up with the best virtual chant.
Jenni Hayward, head of events at UnLtd, says there's a big appetite for a gaming event in the industry.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest and support for Big Game," she says.
"Turns out there are many keen gamers in our industry and the lock-down has given us the perfect excuse to trial a virtual event in a field that is rapidly growing. We can’t wait to tune into all the action from the comfort of our own sofas.”
The funds from the event will go towards UnLtd’s work supporting charities helping children and young people at risk.
Ricky Chanana, Head of Sales AUNZ for Twitch says gaming has the power to connect people.
"What better way to support at-risk youth than through friendly competition and building community?" he says. "We are pleased to provide a forum to not only chat, but also interact when we can’t meet in person.”
The teams: ACM, ARN, Carat, Mediacom, Foxtel Media, GroupM, IPG Mediabrands, Sizmek, Nova, Network 10, Nine, OMD, oOh! Media, Publicis, PHD, Quantcast, REA Group, Seven West Media, The Guardian, Val Morgan, The Trade Desk, Verizon Media and Twitch.
Willie Pang, CEO of Mediacom, says the industry is full of talented and passionate gamers.
"I’m looking forward to seeing who will be crowned the champions of this inaugural event. It’s such a fantastic way to bring the industry together virtually doing something so many of us love and all whilst helping children at risk.”
Duane Mutu, Managing Diretor of LetsPLay.Live: “Having worked with the best players, teams, organisations and sports groups in the region, this is a great opportunity to now work with the best media companies in an esports landscape”
Big Game will be live streamed on Twitch every Tuesday at 4pm for four weeks starting May 12 through this link.
UnLtd is encouraging industry to tune in to support their teams and take part in the audience competition for coming up with the best chant for their team.
Brad Timmins, Managing Director eGEN: “It’s no surprise that playtime and viewing of esports and gaming is on the rise, and player to player communication is playing such a critical role in helping youth cope with stress and anxiety brought on from the COVID-19 climate. The World Health Organisation and the gaming industry have created the #playaparttogether movement and eGEN are delighted to have played a part in helping the media industry #playaparttogether.”
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