Activision Blizzard buys MLG assets

One of the largest eSports companies in North America, Major League Gaming, has recently sold its assets to Activision.  MLG hosts tournaments for various competitive multiplayer games like Counter Strike, Halo, League of Legends and Super Smash Bros.  Though the company has been struggling with debt for the past few years, the decision has none the less shocked stock holders.  The majority of MLG’s assets were exchanged on December 21 with Activision in exchange for $46 million.

Activision Blizzard’s esports leadership, incredible intellectual property and long history in competitive gaming create a perfect home for MLG’s capabilities.

The company was co-founded by Sundance DiGiovanni and Mike Sepso in 2002.  In a press release from Activision, Sepso, current Senior Vice President of Activision Blizzard Media Networks said, “Sundance and I founded MLG to highlight the incredible talent of competitive gamers all over the world.  Activision Blizzard’s esports leadership, incredible intellectual property and long history in competitive gaming create a perfect home for MLG’s capabilities.  The acquisition of MLG’s business is an important step towards Activision Blizzard Media Networks’ broader mission to bring esports into the mainstream by creating and broadcasting premium esports content, organizing global league play and expanding distribution with key gaming partners.”

As of now, MLG.tv, MLG Pro Circuit and GameBattles will continue to operate as usual.  Activision Blizzard has made it clear that MLG’s thriving community is a valued asset to the industry and wishes to expand and improve what the company has already accomplished.  Though it isn’t clear what this means for MLG’s planned arena in China, we can rest assured knowing that the acquisition doesn’t mark the end of eSports.