Competitive gaming has become exceptionally popular in recent years. The fact that most competitions award at least 6 digit figures shows just how it has turned from a fringe hobby to a full-blown sport.
Given the popularity of Overwatch in online competitive gaming, it even led to Blizzard establishing their own professional gaming league. It wasn’t, however, entirely without its problems. For example, literally, the day before the event was due to start, Blizzard still hadn’t come to an agreement with steaming website Twitch over the rights for broadcasting. Yes, literally the day before it was due to start.
Fortunately, despite this near last-minute hitch, a deal was stuck. It did, however, create a whole new concern. Members of the Overwatch league were worried that given that the deal was struck so late, the promotion wouldn’t be good enough. A fair point considering they had less than 24 hours to do it. As such, they were worried that the lack of marketing lead time might make the event a failure.
Well, those fears have subsequently been blown out of the water as Overwatch League has recorded over 10 million viewers in its first week of streaming.
In a report via PC Games, Overwatch League managed to grab itself over 10 million viewers in its first week. To put that into context based on the streaming, the competition garnered over 400,000 viewers for each minute it was steaming. Not bad considering as above the deal to actually stream the event was cut so late.
At its peak, there were 437,000 viewers. Those tuned in specifically to watch the fight between Dallas Fuel vs Seoul Dynasty. Two of the biggest names in Overwatch online gaming.
The event continues and is still available to watch on Twitch and if the current viewing figures continue, this could be one of the most watched events in Twitch history.
What do you think? Are you a fan of e-sports? Any particular game you enjoy watching? – Let us know in the comments!
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