Few people have been in esports since close to the beginning. James Bardolph, a professional 'Counter-Strike: Global Offensive' and 'Apex Legends' commentator, is one of them. He joins Visionaries to discuss the financial woes of the competitive game industry and not when, but if, it will recover in a post-COVID world.
"We're in a transitional period, that much is clear. We still have serious problems out there. It's hurt, but maybe next year we can measure the damage COVID's done. That's not just true for esports, but for everything."
Show Notes:
@jamesbardolph
1:24: How James got his start in esports.
10:14: When it became clear esports would take off commercially.
14:38: How investments from Rick Fox, Sacramento Kings owners and others made esports mature.
20:42: ELEAGUE and Turner's impact on 'Counter-Strike' tournaments and broadcasts
26:37: Did esports get ahead of itself with salaries and spending?
34:34: Is esports in a downturn?
40:23: The pandemic excitement around esports.
46:28: Esports' need to change how it tells stories.
53:00: Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's acquisition of FACEIT and ESL.
57:50: Where can esports fashion improve?
Note: This interview was edited down from its original runtime for brevity purposes.
Go to https://betterhelp.com/visionaries for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help. #sponsored
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
