ESL America announced last night that they would be launching the very first 24/7 Counter-Strike Twitch channel. The newly-created channel will stream Counter-Strike around the clock using a new cloud-based content management system. The channel will be run by an ESL TV specialist to insure the best quality stream for the all round Counter-Strike experience.
In a statement posted by President of ESL America, Han Park, had the following to say:
“Traditional TV consumption, as we’ve come to understand it, is in flux, but certainly not dead. This new 24/7 venture of ours is set to explore and learn from the evolution underway in TV viewership and audience flows. Our soft launch enjoyed a peak concurrent viewership of over 15,000, which tells us that there is definitely demand for this type of content and we look forward to expanding on it in future.”
Adding to comments made on the new project, ESL editor in chief Joe Miller commented:
“We have thousands and thousands of hours of ESL Counter-Strike content stored away that I’m eager to share. Games and competitions from ESL’s first years as a company right up to the present day ESL ESEA Pro League – so there is a lot to choose from! We’ve got a plan in place to mix old content with new, so hopefully there’ll be something for everyone as we continue to expand the channel.”
One step closer to television
Many wonder why eSports has not yet become a regular feature on live TV, with numbers surpassing that of major television events world-wide. Most sporting channels cycle content between live broadcasts with advertisements, sometimes offering close to only 8 hours of live content. With the availability of tournaments throughout the globe, eSports can guarantee quality entertainment surpassing the allocated 24 hours. While some streamers still prefer the casual nature of streaming their live gameplay, a dedicated channel running continuous content with tournaments included could be readily available tomorrow. The only issue is broadcasting companies charging ridiculous fees for the addition of an eSports channel.
Twitch TV is a free service and with the dipping costs of internet prices, there may be no reason for eSports to feature on live television. The point I’m trying to make is I don’t actively wish for eSports and gaming to be shown on TV, but rather initiatives such as this adopting similar broadcasting principles of television. It will only be a matter of time before more games are added to the 24/7 streaming initiative. League of Legends comes to mind, but then ESL would have to deal with Riot who are extremely particular when it comes to their broadcasts.
What are we watching?
The new channel will feature under ESLs existing media directory, TV.ESLGaming.com, and will showcase the weekly matches in their ESL ESEA Pro League. The League is featured in both Europe and the United States so continuous transmission is guaranteed with reruns filling the contrasting regions. Further discussing the upcoming changes, Kelly Kline, content manager for ESL, added the following:
“The system works in such a way that we can plan scheduling weeks in advance. However, despite scheduling, we remain very flexible: we’re looking to implement a system in which the content we show is selected by the viewing audience. It’s a very exciting project to be working on, as the customization opportunities are endless: we’re working closely with the programmers to constantly improve performance and output.”
ESL have also confirmed that the software being used will eventually be carried over to various ESL channels, including other titles as well as languages. The channel is currently live showing rebroadcasts of ESL matches and can be viewed on ESLs CSGO Twitch Channel.
Source: ESL Gaming
Like esports?
Check out esports central
Last Updated: July 29, 2015
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:09
Bringing it one step close to MEH 😛
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:09
So, closer to you then?
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:10
Don’t make me retaliate boy, I’ve been nice to you!
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:12
I know. You really have. It makes me nervous…
You going to the Disney thing later today? I got my invite, but I have more work than I have minutes in my day. So I’m not sure if I’ll be able to attend.
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:13
You mean the Ant-Man movie? I think the Disney media conference was this am, also missed it.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:15
Haha. Yes, the conference. 😀
Either way, I probably will (or have already) miss it.
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:16
What about the movie? It’s at 5pm, can’t you make that?
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:20
If I’m out of the office by 5pm today I will probably become highly religious (in the force) as a result of it. I will feel like the chosen one.
Hammersteyn
July 29, 2015 at 13:30
http://cdn.meme.am/instances2/500x/1074722.jpg
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:37
lol
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 29, 2015 at 13:17
Don’t be a wuss. What’s the worst he can do? Tell you that you can’t play some console exclusive game?
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:18
I don’t need to tell him that, he knows, he’s a PC gamer 😛
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 29, 2015 at 13:19
Which is why he should be showing a bit more backbone. He’s not some flimsy couch potato. He’s one of the proud & strong.
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:30
lol
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:31
This is very true
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:21
We know everything! That’s why.
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:21
I honestly can’t think of anything else. 🙂
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:09
This is pretty cool
Not sure if I’ll ever use it myself though
Hammersteyn
July 29, 2015 at 13:10
No @disqus_VB0THghkAC:disqus! Not the trophy!
Guild
July 30, 2015 at 08:04
Huh? What did I miss?
Hammersteyn
July 30, 2015 at 08:15
The header. That trophy looks like it’s slipping
Guild
July 30, 2015 at 08:58
Lol and Nah he doesn’t look drunk enough. 😛
Hammersteyn
July 30, 2015 at 09:08
Yeah, obvious lightweight
Ranting Raptor
July 29, 2015 at 13:11
24 hours of CS??? Eish… 24 hours of “Round Draw” “The Bomb has been planted” “Enemy spotted” BANG BANG BANG BANG “Your mom!”
No thanks
RinceThis
July 29, 2015 at 13:13
Agreed. Can’t think of much worse than this. Well maybe Darryn talking about his cat…
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:13
Darryn talking about his can as the voice over while watching CS 24 hours!!! Over level 9000!
Ranting Raptor
July 29, 2015 at 13:37
about his can? Can of what? Whoop-ass? Wait this is Darryn… Can of cosplay makeup?
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:47
HAHA. I completely missed that one.
This is what happens when Admiral isn’t here. Things are just out of control!! ;P
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:13
That “Round Draw” just brought back so many memories 😀
Captain JJ Fantasticus
July 29, 2015 at 13:25
Oh. And hello CongoKyle.
And good luck with this crazy bunch in the comments section (of which I am the normal one, of course).