ESI Spring Forum Series to debate the potential of Battle Royale esports

After a sellout first edition in London, the #ESIForum returns – in Manchester on March 22nd in the Spring edition. As ever, the ESI Forum will take place on one evening and welcome guests for one panel, a presentation, food and drink as well as ample networking opportunity. 

The second iteration of the quarterly Forum Series will take place at the City Football Academy Media Centre in Manchester from 6-11pm. The event is taking place after day one of the Etihad edition of ‘ESTARS Featuring Fortnite‘. 

Introducing the #ESIForum topic:

“Esports are for life, not just a fortnight — what is the true potential for Battle Royale titles in esports?” 

With ESTARS taking place, we decided it was only right to talk Battle Royale: the genre that simply has taken the world by storm. PUBG, Fortnite and now Apex Legends have all done incredibly well as video games but the port to esports hasn’t quite been as smooth.

With the genre generally commanding top viewership on Twitch outside of esports, many thought that the esports element should also prove strong. Inherently competitive game titles and high skill caps coupled with a strong community should provide all of the components for a successful esport title.

However, it’s been far from smooth sailing thus far. With 100 people dropping in and action points across the map, spectating games has proven difficult. Additionally, watching the likes of Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins drop hot and secure 20+ frags is a far cry to watching an esports match. With often far more incentive to survive than seek early frags, the game often comes down to late circles with huge numbers of players left resulting in an obscenely frantic end game but often dull early and mid game. 

Joining us to dissect the topic at hand in Manchester are:

• Mark Weller, COO, Vexed Gaming
• Maeve Finnegan, Head of Marketing and PR, ESTARS
• Poppy Ingham, Social Media Manager, Fast Web Media (Moderator) 

There will be another two speakers joining the lineup that will be confirmed in coming days. 

Mark Weller said about the BR genre: “Having been engaged with esports for nearly 15 years, I am always fascinated when a new party enters the space. When a party is as disruptive as the battle royale genre has been, the results are likely to be unpredictable but equally as interesting. I am thrilled to participate in, what I’m sure will be an exciting and opinionated discussion on the BR Genre”.

Maeve Finnegan said: “It is a privilege to be part of Esports Insider Forum Series, particularly as it so close to our own event at The Ethiad Stadium. We’re excited to be part of the panel discussion and look forward to covering some interesting topics The esports industry is growing at such a phenomenal rate and we’re delighted to contributing to that growth, offering grassroots tournaments to players across the world”. 

Poppy Ingham commented: “It’s awesome that Fast Web Media has been able to team-up with ESI to bring the Spring Forum to Manchester; as having these events in the North is well overdue! I’m chuffed to be moderating the panel for the forum, particularly as the topic of the battle royale genre and its impact on esports is such a focal point for businesses right now. There’s a lot up for debate, and I expect to come away with new knowledge and ideas from our panel of experts.” 

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