Electronic Arts wants to become the ESPN of esports, and its recent investment is going to help it achieve that goal.
In an interview with VentureBeat, Senior Vice President Todd Sitrin showed off the company’s new competitive gaming studio that will show that EA is “committed to being a broadcast media content creation company.” Based on EA’s Redwood City headquarters, the studio has over 60 screens and monitors, 200 light fixtures, multiple spectator cameras, and a four-person desk for casters.
The whole thing has a very ESPN-like feel to it, and Sitrin has plans that are in line with the sports media giant’s. While it will obviously broadcast the games themselves, Sitrin also wants to see “other show content, like analyst shows, lifestyle profiles — the things you see around traditional sports.” Said EA’s Head of Broadcast Joe Lynch, “I’ve done this for 20 years and this is the coolest studio I’ve ever been in.”
The studio will get its first test this weekend as it plays host to the Madden 19 Challenge. You can see it for yourself on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, or Mixer.
