IGN Entertainment has announced an intriguing live video partnership with WWE which will see 90 minute IGN-produced livestreams where gaming and gaming and WWE fans alike can watch the “WWE x IGN eSports Showdown”.
This evening at 7.pm ET, an IGN-produced livestream will see WWE fans gather in person and online to watch WWE Superstars A.J. Styles™, Sasha Banks®, Cesaro™, The New Day®‘s Kofi Kingston®, and a yet-to-be revealed surprise player battle one another in Capcom’s FGC title Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite.
IGN reaches over 156 million monthly users in 24 languages and across 18 platforms. They will collaborate with WWE to produce additional future exclusive livestream events across the globe, giving fans an insight in both the world of esports and WWE.
The man in charge of casting will be IGN’s Max Scoville, joined by Greg Miller and Alex Mendez. The general manager of the “WWE x IGN eSports Showdown” will be Xavier Woods who hosts UpUpDownDown and WWE’s YouTube gaming channel. UpUpDownDown follows a similar concept, with over a million subscribers on YouTube. It creates daily episodes featuring WWE Superstars and their love of video games. Episodes see the stars square off against one another, as well as professionals, NFL players and more in the world’s most popular gaming titles.
“As the world of esports continues to explode, a video partnership with WWE is the perfect place for IGN Entertainment to showcase exciting new formats for live events,” said Wade Beckett, Chief Programming Officer, SVP of Video. “The crossover between IGN’s global fanbase and WWE’s is undeniable and will make for an exhilarating live experience both for fans at the event in New York and for the millions of fans watching the livestream around the world.”
“The live video partnership with IGN Entertainment gives WWE another global platform to reach our passionate fan base, many of whom are avid gamers,” said John Brody, WWE Executive Vice President, Global Sales & Head of International. “The ‘WWE x IGN eSports Showdown’ will be an exciting event for fans to consume our family-friendly content through the growing world of esports.”
Esports Insider says: Interesting initiative here, and one we’re sure will be extremely popular with those are both fans of WWE and FGC titles. Now when will we see Triple H play some Dota 2?