An enriching pass
Jaime Pollack, actual Vice President of Business Development at Blizzard Entertainment and former SVP of Global Content / General Manager of Latin America at Ultimate Fighting Championship, talked with SportsLatam about his new role after more than ten years at UFC, and his vision of the Sports business industry from a new perspective.
While at UFC, Jaime Pollack highlights he was fortunate enough to play a critical role in developing the international business across all lines.
Enhancing the media business, strategy, distribution, sponsorship platforms, and live event at UFC, translates into the same plans at Blizzard to build and execute on the growth strategy for MLG's content distribution platform and the distribution of Activision Blizzard esports properties, including Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Hearthstone, World of Warcraft, Starcraft, and Call of Duty.
"The moment is auspicious to be involved in the work of esports and to be a part of building a new truly global mainstream sport. My role as VP, Business Development for Activision Blizzard and its wholly owned subsidiary MLG.tv will help to take Blizzard's esports ecosystem to the next level" Mr. Pollack stated.
The role involves maximizing the revenue opportunites around the distribution of MLG and Activision Blizzard's esports content.
Fad or trend?
"Ultimate reports indicate that 60 million people participate in esports worldwide. Esports has a built-in digital audience that will only continue to expand and remain engaged. Esports is not a fad or trend. It is here to stay and will take over much of the viewership market share of traditional sports and entertainment. The potential is truly endless. Like the early days of UFC, esports has a passionate and die-hard community. The plans to grow esports viewership and participation will involve continuing to stastify the serve and the existing communities while adding new opportunities to enhance the experience for wider audiences and commercialization. The challenge is to find a way to develop the right distribution and engagement strategies to create new revenue models that are sustainable."
A new e-cosystem
"Blizzard is taking the esports ecosystem to the next level. For instance, Blizzard Entertainment will be launching Overwatch League before the end of 2017. Overwatch League will be the first worldwide league with franchised city-based teams. Traditional sports has never tried having an intercontinental city-based league. Future seasons of Overwatch League will feature home and away games in the United States, China, South Korea and parts of Europe", says Mr. Jaime Pollack.
Latam plays strong
"Blizzard has a very strong player base in Latin America. There has been a long track record of player community in the region. As like the UFC, the potential for Blizzard's esports in Latin America is very big. The players in the regions will have new opportunities to also be celebrated on a world state and to inspire new competitive gamers. The company will continue to invest in the region", Mr. Pollack concludes.