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Launching on June 23rd, the Ginx eSports TV channel will broadcast competitive gaming 24 hours a day.
Broadcasting from Ginx’ studio in Kings Cross, London, the channel will be available on Sky and has received investment from ITV.
It will show major eSports tournaments from across the globe and also create independent programmes.
“GINX eSports TV aims to add significant mainstream TV exposure to the fast growing eSports ecosystem,” said Ginx TV chief executive Michiel Bakker.
“I am also delighted about the prospect of Sky and ITV joining our shareholder roster, it goes without saying that the combined media footprint and expertise of both presents a significant opportunity for us to make a bigger impact, faster.”
Simon Pitts, ITV’s managing director of online, pay and interactive, added: “eSports is experiencing phenomenal growth and Ginx’s vision is to bring together two incredibly popular forms of entertainment – gaming and television – to create a unique, global proposition.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Ginx and Sky as part of our strategy to target younger audiences, develop new programming genres and expand internationally.”
Ginx eSports TV will be available on channel 470 on Sky UK as of June 23rd.
In other eSports news, the industry’s first mastery platform for competitive gamers Gamer Sensei has launched.
Backed by $2.3 million in seed funding from lead investors Accomplice and Boston Seed Capital, with participation by Sigma Prime, FJ Labs, Corigin Ventures and Timothy & Todd McSweeney, Gamer Sensei provides personalised coaching and skills development for major eSports titles to help all gamers reach their next level.
The company also announced an exclusive long-term coaching and curricula partnership with NRG eSports and an exclusive partnership with StrifeCro from Cloud9.
“eSports is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide and both new and experienced players will always look for that extra edge to best their competition,” said Peter Blacklow, partner at Boston Seed Capital.
“Gamer Sensei’s unique ability to match competitive gamers with the industry’s largest collection of certified Sensei is already resulting in huge improvements, and we see great potential for the company as its legion of fans grows,” remarked Ryan Moore, partner at Accomplice.
Gamers can sign up and Sensei can apply for the early stage beta now at www.gamersensei.com.
The first ever UK eSports Industry Awards show will be held on November 21st at London hotspot The Brewery.
TV and radio presenters Jason Bradbury and Julia Hardy will be co-hosting the eSports Industry Awards 2016.
Find out more about the awards and buy a ticket at www.esportsindustryawards.com.
