The acquisition comes after Microsoft shut down its own game streaming service, called Mixer, in early 2020. Microsoft states that the platform will continue as a “self-service eSports platform to tournament organizers.”
Microsoft Gets Back Into eSports With Smash.gg
Smash.gg is a popular eSports event management tool many gamers and organizations use to curate online events. Since the platform was established in 2015, Smash.gg has built up a strong following, supporting over 6,000 active event organizers across numerous games.
It is a free tool that anyone can use. Event organizers and sponsors can connect on the platform, creating a connection with the communities surrounding their games.
How Microsoft intends to use and integrate the platform isn’t clear as yet.
Microsoft shut down its game streaming platform, Mixer, earlier in 2020. The platform was pitched as a competitor to Twitch and YouTube, and famously paid Fortnite streamer Ninja an alleged $20 million to exclusively stream on the platform.
Current speculation points towards Smash.gg pushing out more eSports content for MSN eSports, the eSports-focused wing of Microsoft’s news service. The MSN eSports Twitter account was quick to offer congratulations to Smash.gg regarding the deal.
What Does This Mean for Smash.gg?
The Smash.gg homepage currently carries a short statement regarding the acquisition:
For the time being, Smash.gg will remain the same. There is no indication that Microsoft is attempting to start a new streaming platform, either. The focus will remain on organization and management.
In October 2020, Smash.gg commented on this in a post on Reddit in response to a rumor that the service was about to shut down permanently. The comment possibly provides further context to the sale.
2020 has been a difficult year for many businesses, Smash.gg among them. The significant reduction in income from the switch from real-world events to online-only events hit the company hard.
The sale to Microsoft comes at the end of discussions Smash.gg openly acknowledge included “talks about acquisition or combination with services,” for the good of the existing users and potential future growth.
