Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive has hired a team of esports veterans ahead of the launch of the NBA 2K League in May 2018. The league will comprise 17 teams representing NBA franchises, and will see each side compete in regular season games and playoffs. It will be streamed live on Twitch and other platforms, while the National Basketball Association is providing promotional support. Esports has increased in popularity in recent years and is expected to generate $1.5bn in revenue in 2020.
Take-Two Interactive Announces Expansion into Esports
Introduction
Take-Two Interactive, a leading video game publisher, has announced that it is expanding into the esports market. The company has hired a team of esports veterans to help it enter the world of competitive gaming.
Background
Take-Two Interactive is the publisher of popular game franchises like Grand Theft Auto, NBA 2K, and Borderlands. The company has been looking for ways to expand its business beyond traditional video game sales.
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity in recent years. According to a report by Newzoo, the esports industry is expected to generate $1.5 billion in revenue in 2020.
The Plan
Take-Two Interactive’s plan is to create a new esports league focused on its NBA 2K franchise. The league, called the NBA 2K League, will feature 17 teams representing NBA franchises.
The NBA 2K League is set to launch in May 2018, with each team playing regular season games and competing in playoffs for a shot at the championship. The league will be streamed live on Twitch and other platforms.
Take-Two Interactive has also formed a partnership with the National Basketball Association to help promote the NBA 2K League. The NBA will provide marketing and promotional support to help grow the league’s audience.
The Team
Take-Two Interactive has hired a team of esports veterans to help it enter the competitive gaming market. The team includes:
- Brendan Donohue, Managing Director of the NBA 2K League
- Chris “Chopper” Hopper, Vice President of Esports
- Jacob “Bryant” Unger, Director of Esports
- Jeff “SuiJeneris” Chau, Sr. Manager, League Operations
- Grant Paranjape, Manager, Esports Business and Team Operations
- Anna Pick, Manager, Esports League Operations
- Andrew Wong, Manager, Business Development & Analytics
- Yao Williams, Manager, Marketing & Partnerships
Conclusion
Take-Two Interactive’s expansion into esports is a significant move for the company. The NBA 2K League is the first step in the company’s journey into competitive gaming, and it will be interesting to see how successful the league is in its inaugural season.