Konami has joined a growing list of video game companies that are expanding into the esports arena. A report by Kyodo (via Siliconera) has revealed that the Metal Gear Solid publisher is building an esports center in Ginza, downtown Tokyo, which will be called the Konami Creative Center (KCC Ginza).
KCC Ginza will feature 12 floors, and the latest audio, video, and communication technologies. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2019.
“The people who participate in esports will, in the future, stand side by side with those participating in real-life sports like soccer, or even surpass them,” said Konami president Kimihiko Higashio during the building’s brick-laying ceremony. “Compared to esports pioneers America and Europe, Japan still has a long way to go. However, looking from another angle, it means Japan has lots of room for growth.”
KCC Ginza will also host esports classes to increase awareness and help budding players. A dedicated shop housed within the building will sell relevant equipment and products.
“I want to show the world, from here in Ginza, that the appeal of esports will not lose to that of real-life sports,” added Higashio.
Konami’s move follows Square Enix’s 2017 announcement of venturing into the esports business. The company said that esports viewership has significantly grown over the years, making it a lucrative investment.
“Once the size of gaming spectatorship grows, gaming itself will gain value as a form of media,” Square Enix wrote in its annual report for 2017. “This conversion of gaming into a form of media is proceeding rapidly. We also have a great deal of interest in this field and intend to proactively work to turn it into an actual business.”
What do our readers think of this?
[Source: Siliconera]
Now Loading... Esports
-
Now Loading...Are You a Fan of eSports?
-
Zarmena Khan
I personally don't watch or am interested in esports but its popularity can't be undermined. For Honor is the latest to take the plunge and many years ago, I wouldn't really have imagined a game of this sort taking off on the pro scene. I personally don't take an interest because I'm probably the least competitive player there is. I'll occasionally watch a match or two but that's about it. I don't actively follow but there are many who do.
-
Alex Co
I admit, I'm not a fan of eSports or any "competitive" gaming of any kind. I do watch entertaining YouTubers do weapon breakdowns, montages, but that's it. Actual matches lasting hours? Nah, not my thing.
That said, I do get why they're big, and I do know there's a ton of skill behind it and not just "oMg! nOObz play gaemz fgor $$$!11!" I don't know anyone from the eSports scene, nor do I follow anyone. Maybe it's time I did? Whenever I tried watching, I get bored for some reason. -
Paulmichael Contreras
The only competitive gaming I've ever watched was while waiting around at last year's CoD XP. If I have time to watch people play, that means I have time to just play the game myself! I doubt I'll ever start watching eSports any time soon.
-
Stephen Bitto
I'm not personally interested in eSports but I'm glad that they've grown popular enough to get mainstream recognition. It's good for gamers to have the competitive side of their hobby legitimized by ESPN and other networks.
-
Michael Briers
My younger brother is big into League of Legends so it's only through him that I have a small interest in the eSports scene. I think it's great, honestly. But for me, I'd much rather play a game myself than sit back and watch others do so.
-
Martin Patiño
I'm a big fan of esports and have worked in a variety of roles both in esports production and media. I've also competed as an amateur player in several scenes including FPS, MOBAs, and the FGC. I think the rise of esports has given individuals who have the talent, skills, and discipline to be at the top of the heap an opportunity to find a career that's both legitimately recognized and financially lucrative. Esports is still a long way from reaching the financial heights of traditional sports like basketball and football but the esports audience has grown enough to compete with that of traditional sports, especially during events like the LoL World Championships and The International (Dota 2).
-
Chandler Wood
I find esports to be fascinating. Competitive gaming can get extremely intense, with commentary and incredible players that can play games unlike anyone else. It's like a high school athlete watching a pro play, something they can only aspire to one day become. As fascinated as I am by esports, it's more of a passing fancy, and not something I devote any sort of time or energy into observing myself. I'm too busy hunting those Platinum trophies!
-
Mack Ashworth
I often tune into a competitive match, as I like to watch and learn from the pros. This is mostly for shooters, as that's what I play. You can learn some great strategies by watching the best of the best.
