There's a misconception in the esports industry that every single person who works in the field also excels at gaming-- as if it is a prerequisite. Just because the best of the best are performing on stage under the bright lights, doesn't mean those who work behind the scenes or on the casting desk can play at a Grand Master level. In fact, it's quite the opposite. A large number of individuals who have found success in the esports space actually stink at the games they love. Does it help if the General Manager of an esports organization can play at a high-level? Sort of. Does it make him any less qualified for the job if he isn't? Nope. At the InvenGlobal Esports Conference [IGEC], you'll hear from a handful of individuals from around the world and esports space who have found their niche, ran with it and succeeded without being all that great at the games they love.
At 2018's annual BlizzCon event, members of the Diablo team posed a question that was not received well by attendees and became an online meme: "You guys all have phones, right?" While meme-y given the context of the situation itself, they weren't wrong. Everyone in attendance and watching online had a cellphone, likely a smart one too. So why hasn't gaming, specifically esports, flocked to that platform when it is the most accessible system? Mobile esports veterans and entrepreneurs descend onto IGEC to discuss trends and future opportunities in mobile gaming. From West to East, our panelist dive into mobile esports infrastructure and leagues, sharing insights and first-hand experiences from marquee events like the Jakarta-Palembang Asia Games 2018, where mobile esports was featured for the first time in history as a demo medal event. We all have a sense of the bright future and potential of mobile esports -- now it is time to act and re-assess our priorities. A crucial panel for forward-thinking investors, content creators, or competitors.
Few esports communities are as misunderstood and underappreciated at the fighting game community (FGC). For over 30 years, the fighting game scene has grown from grassroot competitions in humble arcades to international, high-stakes tournaments that capture the imagination of millions of esports consumers. We'll take a look back at how the FGC has grown and evolved with the veterans who have been there from the scene's earliest days. At the 2019 Inven Global Esports Conference [IGEC 2019], a panel of experts will break down the scene for those looking to understand what it takes for an esport to survive obscure lows and dizzying highs.
It takes a lot to stand out amongst the crowd of pro gamers and esports hopefuls -- especially with so much white noise enveloping our industry's social media landscape. This analysis will break down what it takes to build a unique, successful brand and encourage loyal audiences when so many people and organizations are aiming for the same success. Learn how to combat low engagement and PR disasters in this practical panel of gaming community experts. At the 2019 Inven Global Esports Conference [IGEC 2019], a panel of experts will shed light onto how making a name for yourself through social media is more difficult than it seems, how different esports organizations approach branding differently and how the gaming landscape has its' own unique challenges.
Esports and fashion come together in a unique way. The evolution of gamer streetwear serves the cross over of two niche audiences and many companies have found success in this arena. At the 2019 Inven Global Esports Conference [IGEC 2019], a panel of experts will break down the specific intersection of these two industries, how this area differs from traditional fashion, and what these companies see in the near future.
In theory, anyone can write about esports. Free blog websites allow a template, Twitter permits a platform for it to be shared on and there are more than enough games in existence that scribbling down notes from time to time can give one the illusion of playing "journalist." At the 2019 Inven Global Esports Conference [IGEC 2019], this panel of long-time experts in the industry will explore the current esports journalism landscape, dissect how the explosion of social media has flipped the profession on its' head, and more.
“I had a player that got a really nice sponsorship and all he had to do was fly up to Seattle to take a couple pictures. He was going to make more than his entire yearly salary in one photo shoot, which does not happen often in esports. He could not go because he did not know that you needed an ID to fly. That’s what we’re dealing with. These players have no life skills.
On Tuesday, May 1, Inven Global held the first IGEC-ESPORTS DEEP DIVE for enthusiastic esports fans and related parties at UC Irvine in California. Those who could not attend the event in-person misse
With pride, Phan mentions that Overwatch League is home to an openly gay man on the Houston Outlaws and a woman on the Shanghai Dragons. Players like these are extremely popular to OWL fans and represent how inclusive and diverse esports can be without sacrificing competitive integrity and professionalism: "This is only the beginning" Phan says, "there is so much more work to be done."
