eSports
GameSquare Esports Inc. and Engine Gaming & Media Inc. Enter Definitive Arrangement Agreement
GameSquare Esports Inc., a vertically integrated, international digital media and entertainment company focused on gaming and esports, and Engine Gaming and Media Inc., a data-driven, gaming, media, and influencer marketing platform company, announced that they have entered into a definitive arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement”) dated December 7, 2022 to combine their businesses via an all share deal, whereby each common share of GameSquare (a “Gamesquare Share”) will be exchanged for 0.08262 Engine Gaming common shares (the “Engine Gaming Shares”).
Following the all-share transaction, former GameSquare Esports shareholders are expected to own approximately 60% of the combined entity, and current Engine Gaming shareholders are expected to own approximately 40% of the combined entity on a fully diluted basis, and it is intended that the Engine Gaming Shares will continue to trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market (the “Nasdaq”) and TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) under the symbol “GAME”. The combined entity will retain the “GameSquare” brand globally.
Justin Kenna is expected to lead the combined company as CEO and Lou Schwartz is expected to oversee the combined company’s technology platforms, as President. In addition, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and John Goff, Chairman and Founder of Goff Capital Inc., will continue to be the largest investors of the combined entity. Representatives of the Jones Family and Goff Capital will continue to hold significant board representation of the new company.
The combined company integrates GameSquare’s award-winning content, advertiser, and influencer businesses with Engine’s market-leading data, analytics, advertising, and marketing technology platforms. The transaction creates a market-leading, end-to-end platform with reach across esports, sports, influencer, publisher, and advertising networks for brands to connect with the increasingly difficult to reach youth culture audiences. The combined company will provide global brands and advertisers with solutions that develop innovative strategies to connect to youth audiences.
“Today’s announcement is a transformative opportunity for our customers, team members, and shareholders, as we build what we believe will be one of the world’s largest and most influential gaming, esports, and media companies focused on youth culture. The merger immediately expands our scale, which we expect will help us on an accelerated path to profitability in 2023, while creating an organization with a leading platform of end-to-end media, content, and technology assets. GameSquare and Engine Gaming have highly complementary core strengths, including broad product portfolios, and passionate team members committed to the gaming and esports markets. As a combined organization, we will have an enhanced platform and expanded resources, including essential data and analytic solutions, to serve a broader base of global customers and accelerate growth. I am excited by the significant opportunities we will have as a combined company to create substantial value for our shareholders,” Justin Kenna, CEO of GameSquare, said.
“We are thrilled to announce the merger with GameSquare. Engine Gaming’s unique technology assets, including live streaming data, analytics, influencer marketing platform, and programmatic advertising solutions enhance and expand GameSquare’s capabilities in connecting brands with fans. As a full service, integrated company, we will be able to meet the needs of any brand sponsor through our SaaS revenue-based technology platforms. We believe the combined company will drive powerful growth and scale, while enabling an accelerated path to profitability,” Lou Schwartz, CEO of Engine Gaming, said.
“This merger is the successful culmination of our previously announced strategic alternatives process. We believe the merger between GameSquare and Engine provides strong potential return for shareholders, and allows Engine’s stockholders to participate in the value creation of the combined company. The transaction satisfies all the announced goals of the strategic process – greater scale, catalyzing growth, and significant cost and revenue synergies,” Tom Rogers, Executive Chairman of Engine Gaming, added.
Ukrainian esports team L&G won the Dragon EC Cup tournament, held on the 20th of April by Dragon Esports Club. Four teams competed in the tournament’s final: Lazer Cats, L&G, which received a direct invitation to the final stage, EsportsBattle, and ThunderFlash, which had open qualifiers. During the Grand Final, the L&G team competed with Lazer Cats on Mirage, Anubis, and Vertigo maps.
“This victory is a testament to the exceptional talent and commitment of our players, as well as the collective effort of our coaching staff and support personnel,” said Alona Shevtsova, founder of L&G Esports. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the unwavering support of our fans.”
L&G is among the top 5 Ukrainian teams in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. It was founded in 2021. The previous name was Leogaming, and it was created on the initiative of the famous Alona Shevtsova from the fintech sector.
The team began competing in top tournaments and almost immediately made it to the Advanced division of the ESEA League Europe competition. The team also participated in and took prizes in European tournaments such as the SCL League, WhiteBit Crypto Open, Phoenix League, and local competitions. The team players are marat2k, r0ublE, kr1vda, kL1o, OneUn1que, rji (coach).
The winners received a 50,000 UAH prize. Dragon Esports Club also prepared a 15-skin giveaway for the broadcast’s viewers.
It is worth mentioning that the L&G team created its merch items, which are available for order worldwide. To get more information about the team, visit the L&G Instagram page, Twitch, or Telegram Channel.
iCode, a premier coding and STEM learning program for kids, announced its latest addition to its program offerings: iSports, a one-of-a-kind esports program geared towards young gamers aged 8-13.
Starting the week of June 3, 2024, this innovative 12-week esports course will be offered across the entire iCode franchise and is dedicated to introducing students to the thrilling world of competitive gaming in a safe and secure environment. This season will revolve around the popular game Fortnite, which will feature a special iCode-only map within the platform.
“iSports will serve as a great summer activity for kids to get out of the house, but the overall goal is to foster personal development through the many dynamic skills competitive gaming requires. The iSports program places a strong emphasis on developing important life skills like sportsmanship, teamwork and strategic thinking. It will keep participants engaged and learning while school is out, and parents can rest assured knowing that their children are playing in a controlled environment,” Abid Abedi, founder and CEO of iCode, said.
Throughout the 12-week iSports season, participants will dedicate one hour per week to gameplay and skill development. All sessions are led and supervised by knowledgeable iCode coaches. Their administration along with the exclusive iCode-only map is specifically designed to provide a secure gaming experience with a safe, monitored environment. The program culminates in the opportunity to compete in a tournament-style championship to crown the best gamer across iCode national network.
iCode is partnering with MSI to supply an array of state-of-the-art gaming equipment including high-quality headsets and top-tier gaming computers equipped with speedy processors. Gamers will also have access to advanced gaming chairs for maximum efficiency and comfort. This setup will ensure that every participant enjoys a premium gaming experience, mirroring the standards of professional esports environments. In addition, MSI will provide prizes to the top iSports gamers, including one of their brand new Claw handheld gaming devices.
“MSI has been dedicated to cultivating gaming and esports for years with significant achievements. We’re thrilled and honored to partner with iCode to develop this community to another level,” David Chou, VP of Sales at MSI, said.
eSports
HAWKS TALON GC SET FOR THE STEAL ON APRIL 19TH FOR CHANCE TO ENTER NBA 2K LEAGUE 3V3 PLAYOFF
Hawks Talon GC, the official NBA 2K League affiliate of the Atlanta Hawks, will begin play in the STEAL on Friday night against No. 14 Blazer5 Gaming at 7:30 p.m.
Talon collected 90 points over the SLAM and SWITCH, earning 60 points in the SLAM and 30 points in the SWITCH to earn the No. 3 seed heading into the STEAL.
Should Talon advance, they would play the winner of No. 6 Cavs Legion GC and No. 11 Hornets Venom GT on Saturday at 3:45 p.m., followed by the semifinals at 5:15 p.m., and the finals at 5:45 p.m. All games can be followed on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels.
“The STEAL is probably the toughest tournament in the 2K League, but the guys are locked in and ready to fight for their season,” said Hawks Talon head coach Ismael ‘MAELO’ Diaz Tolentino. “We are looking forward to going out there and proving that we belong amongst the best teams in the league. We were only a game away from clinching a playoff berth and we honestly think we are one of the teams to beat in this tournament.”
Talon owns a 4-4 record in bracket play thus far during the 2024 season over the SLAM and SWITCH opens, going 3-2 over the SLAM and 1-2 over the SWITCH.
The single elimination 3v3 tournament includes all 15 NBA 2K League teams that have not clinched a spot in the 3v3 playoffs, plus one community team from an open qualifier. The final two teams in the STEAL will earn a spot in the 3v3 playoffs beginning next week, with the winner receiving a winner-take-all cash prize.
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