Engine Media Holdings’ (GAME.V) subsidiary UMG Gaming renewed its agreement with The Coalition to continue on as their e-sports partner for Gears Esports for another season, according to a press release.
Gears Esports primary deal is the competition inherent in the Gears of War franchise, and its fans. They moved to The Coalition in 2016, and the competitions have since blown up from what they’re calling ‘modest ballroom affairs’ to major international events. The Gear Esports program offers opportunities to players of all skill levels to compete for fun, fortune, etc, in a season with more than $600K worth of prizes.
“Lasting esports partnerships remains critically important to Engine Media’s long-term plans. Our renewed partnership continues to put us in a prime position to work with The Coalition on future esports and gaming projects,” said Lou Schwartz, Engine Media’s CEO.
Engine Media develops consumer experience and tech and content solutions for partners in the esports, news and gaming industries. Their subsidiaries run the Esports gamut, serving every aspect of the business from video distribution analytics, to development, to their own platform for tournaments, matches and awards. And even further with their own media outlet to handle outreach, distribution and narrative.
Hot on the heels of their successful second season, the partnership will continue with UMG running the entire Gears Esports program, including tournaments, league operations, events and broadcast duties. Some of the major changes implemented by UMG, including the switch from five on five play to four on four, and new modes into competitive play, contributed to the successful season and will be kept.
The Gears Spring Major, hosted May 14-16, generated more than 1.1 million live views and more than 350K streaming hours across all channels, making it the most highly viewed Gears Major since the game launched, as reported by Stream Hatchet. And the time’s only continued to grow, with the average minutes per viewer increasing to over 75 minutes.
“Since bringing the UMG team onboard as our principal tournament operator for Gears Esports they have proved their expertise time and time again, and are trusted by our players and fans,” said Roddy Adams, director of business development at The Coalition.
Engine Media is down $0.61 today and closed for the week at $8.30.
—Joseph Morton
