Stability in the IPL

Stability in the IPL

By Mark O’Beirne

eSports is back in favour and with a new flavour: Starcraft 2. Unfortunately, that brings a wave of players, teams, tournaments and cowboys that try to hijack a good thing. In the past, eSports fans and audiences have seen organisations that set their sights too high and fell short on their promises. Their eyes were bigger than their bellies, as the expression goes. Is the IGN Pro League (IPL) just another flash in the pan? Will we see a rumoured five year plan turn into just two seasons?

           

The cynical could say that IGN has money to burn. After all, it is an organisation that comes under Rupert Murdoch’s umbrella. However, that is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the backing is there to challenge any area that IGN desires. However, Mr Murdoch is a businessman. At the end of the day, if a venture isn’t going to be profitable or doesn’t fit, it will be cut.

           

In spite of this, the first season of the IGN Pro League focused on getting the basics right. The FAQ was upfront with interested visitors. The promise for 2011 was that $110,000 had been allocated to the league. However, just $5,000 was awarded in Season One. Immediately it was acknowledged that to go above this barrier would require more discussion with Blizzard, and that negotiations were underway for future seasons.

           

The ‘Best of the West’ tournament was focused. Sixteen of the best North American Starcraft 2 players were contacted and invited to take part. IGN acknowledged that eSports in America had not yet taken off and tried to rectify this. Money would be one approach but as stated, IGN looked beyond this. The announcement itself contained one very important word: “sustainable”. Instantly, it was recognised that, while IGN could make a short term splash, it is more beneficial to make an impact in the long term.

           

The IGN Pro League promised a polished viewing experience. Spectators have come to expect more and more over the years. Free streams run by volunteers and passionate fans are expected to be lag-free with perfect commentary and professional quality. Within the Starcraft scene, there are other elephants in the room, so to speak. GOMtv set the bar with coverage of the Korean scene. The Major League Gaming (MLG) circuit picked up Starcraft 2 and has become proficient at coverage. The North American Star League (NASL) started recently too, and would be regarded as the IPL’s closest rival. Naturally, IGN had a lot to live up to.

           

IGN’s presentation style almost acts as a tribute to GOMtv and the Korean tournaments. The wonderful hand-drawn player portraits are reminiscent of the usage of player pictures used as part of the opening sequences for Korean broadcasts. IGN is meticulous to include details about players including recent performances and what spectators may have to watch for in terms of playing style. The prelude to games is very spectator friendly with the player details, the map portrait and other subtle elements, such as the player’s name matching the colour that they will be represented by in-game.

           

Many tournaments and broadcasters focus on the event itself and then lose track of what is important. The first season of the IPL has come to a close and with the second season looming, it is vital to continue the hard work. Some tournaments omit the latter rounds in brackets or are found lacking in video uploads. However, for those that could not watch the tournament as it occurred, the IPL site itself is viewer friendly. Player profiles, including performance details, full brackets and a comprehensive video on demand section serve to inform and entertain.

           

IGN is gearing up for the launch of Season Two. The prize fund has increased to a whopping $50,000. This may raise a few eyebrows as eSports fans have seen previous organisations expand too fast and promise the sun, moon and stars. However, IGN appears to have stability in mind.

It must also be recognised that IGN has a team of dedicated and knowledgeable commentators on board. One in particular must be highlighted, not only for his talent but for his dedication to eSports. DJ Wheat has been on the scene longer than he would care to remember. He has been stung in the past, and has seen organisations close their doors despite the promise of longevity. One series recently made the promise of a five year plan that was cut short. If IGN are doing something wrong, the right team of advisors is in place to guide things back on track.

IGN has recognised that Korea is catered for, while Europeans are allowed to compete so long as they fulfil the American criteria. There are plenty of tournaments for Europeans. IGN has spotted a gap in the market and has identified where other organisations have fallen down. With a focus on the spectator as well as the spectacle, the future is promising for the IPL.