Blizzard Creates e-Sports League

Following the success of its team-based shooter game “Overwatch,” Blizzard Entertainment has launched a professional e-sports league for the game’s competitions, titled “Overwatch” League.

April 6, 2018

e-Sports league will kick off in 2017 with a number of teams, player benefits and more.

Combining Blizzard’s e-sports pedigree with major professional sports practices, the “Overwatch” League will focus on long-term stability for teams as well as opportunities for players to establish professional careers similar to those of traditional sports.

The inaugural season of the “Overwatch” League will begin in 2017. At the start of the season, Blizzard will host a combine, where eligible players who have previously distinguished themselves in competition will be invited to try out for teams. Anyone picked during the signing period will be guaranteed a contract that includes a baseline minimum salary and a benefits package.

Additionally, to support the growth of local fan bases, a number of “Overwatch” League teams will represent major cities from different regions.

“The ‘Overwatch’ League represents

not only the pinnacle of ‘Overwatch’ competition, but also a genuine career opportunity for the most skilled ‘Overwatch’ players,” says Mike Morhaime, chief executive officer and co-founder, Blizzard. “We’re building a league that’s accessible to players and fans, sustainable and exciting for everyone involved.”

“Overwatch” is a team-based shooter game that features 23 different heroes–each with their own arsenal of weapons and abilities. As battles to capture and control objectives play out in various locations, players can switch between these heroes on the fly, adapting their team’s composition to the changing state of the battlefield.