NHL 17 eSports - Bring back the EASHL Invitational Tournament
Summary (more in video, these are some key points):
In NHL 09/10, EA ran the EASHL Invitational Tournament to determine who the best EASHL clubs were on both consoles. The winner of each console would then be invited to EA to square off in a best of 7 series. Since EASHL was a new game mode at the time it was a great promotion tool to the NHL community. It did not return in NHL 11 but I believe its time to consider bringing it back.
- The rise and popularity of eSports (revenues proj to reach $1Billion by 2019)
- EA's creation of Competitive Gaming Division
- Recent success of big and small sports game titles (Madden recently held a $1 million tourney, NBA 2K ran a $250K Pro-AM, their version of EASHL)
- Increase of sales in last NHL title
- Recent NHL17 announcement could be a hint/step towards competitive gaming (could also be convenient timing)
It would seem like a missed opportunity for revenue if NHL doesn't try something soon for a competitive atmosphere. I believe it would also show a lack of faith in their own product if they push it to the side and only focus on FIFA/Madden. I believe they should give all their sports games an eSports presence even if NHL would be on a smaller scale.
It's best to start something, let NHL get its foot in the door and give it time to grow and develop. Not to mention the publicity and advertising it would get to help future sales.
07-17-2016, 03:54 PM
