The eChampions League Phase and Knockout Rounds have returned to MediaCity.
Filming at the moment, the tournament takes over 4 studios, as almost 30,000sq ft is transformed into a studio and production hub for EA and Whisper.
“Esports productions demand a very different type of studio operation, not just technically, but experientially. EA wants players, fans and online audiences to feel the scale and atmosphere of a major live event the moment they walk into the space,” said Andy Waters, Head of Studios at MediaCity.
“The advantage is we can deliver that entire environment cohesively, without productions having to split teams and operations across multiple locations. That flexibility, combined with the strength of our technical teams and broadcast infrastructure, is a big reason why productions like this are returning and growing here.”
The tournament, which streams via YouTube, Twitch and other social platforms is made by Whisper, as players compete to play in the finals in Budapest – host city of this year’s UEFA Champions League Final.
READ MORE – Exclusive Behind the Scenes of eChampions League at Dock10 studios
“What we’re building with EA Sports and MediaCity is a blueprint for what premium esports production looks like in the UK,” added Emma Leone, Production Executive at Whisper.
“The scale, the infrastructure, the connectivity – Its broadcast-grade live television applied to a completely new generation of sport. The eChampions League Group Stages are a statement of where competitive gaming is heading and Whisper are excited to be the team bringing it to life.”
MediaCity’s CEO, Alice Webb, explained that the tournaments reflected a broader evolution underway at the studios, which have up until now mainly been associated with traditional broadcasters.
“The eChampions League Phase and Knockout Rounds echo everything MediaCity represents: cutting edge technology combined with digital innovation to deliver an industry leading international event,” said Webb.
The achievements of this past weekend further establish MediaCity’s position as a key player in the UK’s creative and esports sectors, a campus that nurtures global talent whilst leveraging our extensive production expertise to broaden competitive gaming’s reach.”
