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Former ESPN CEO will lead Activision's new eSports division

Activision Blizzard is aiming to become one of the eSports industry's biggest players by opening a new competitive gaming division helmed by former ESPN and NFL Network CEO, Steve Bornstein.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

October 22, 2015

1 Min Read
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Activision Blizzard is aiming to become one of the eSports industry's biggest players by opening a new competitive gaming division helmed by former ESPN and NFL Network CEO, Steve Bornstein. 

Bornstein will serve as chairman, and will be joined by Major League Gaming co-founder Mike Sepso, who's been named senior vice president. 

"I believe eSports will rival the biggest traditional sports leagues in terms of future opportunities," said Bornstein. "Between advertising, ticket sales, licensing, sponsorships and merchandising, there are tremendous growth areas for this nascent industry."

Further demonstrating its eSports ambitions, the publisher recently lifted the lid on the Call of Duty World League, a multi-tiered tournament that gives professional and amateur gamers the chance to win a cut of a $3 million prize pool.

 

 

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About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

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