ESPN embraces eSports with a dedicated gaming section
The network is getting serious about professional gaming.
ESPN is, slowly but surely, trying its best to embrace eSports. Since last year, the cable network has broadcasted multiple gaming tournaments, despite its president John Skipper once saying he didn't consider eSports to be sports. But now, ESPN's launching a section on ESPN.com that's going to focus on the world of professional gaming, a first for the Disney-owned property. Coverage will include news, original reporting, videos and profiles about influential members from the eSports community.
"It's not a sport, it's a competition," Skipper said at a media conference in 2014. "Chess is a competition. Checkers is a competition. Mostly I'm interested in doing real sports." Despite these comments, this shows ESPN and company aren't afraid to step outside their comfort zone and adapt to a new era. You can take a look at the dedicated page here, which ESPN says marks its commitment to a growing audience of people who love eSports.
