Amazon MGM Studios Division Cuts Deal For Esports Content

As one Amazon division cuts back on its esports ambitions, another is investing in the space.

MGM Alternative, the division of Amazon MGM Studios that produces unscripted shows like The Voice, Survivor and Shark Tank, has cut a wide-ranging content deal with the Global Esports Federation (GEF).

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The deal will see MGM “create content surrounding the Global Esports Games, esports athletes, and the gaming lifestyle,” per the company. It will include both linear and streaming content, as well as events within the GEF events.

“With the global interest in esports at an all-time high, we’re eager to share the stories and excitement surrounding the Global Esports Games, their athletes, and the gaming lifestyle,” said Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, in a statement. “This is the beginning of an epic collaboration with the Global Esports Federation to develop content that appeals to the worldwide audience of gamers and non-gamers alike.”

“We are thrilled to unite with MGM Alternative to unlock the incredible potential of esports,” adds Paul J. Foster, CEO of the Global Esports Federation. “This collaboration will amplify the voices of diverse esports athletes, showcasing their compelling stories to the world. Together, Global Esports and MGM Alternative will provide an innovative platform that will power growth and value for the world’s esports community.”

The deal with Amazon MGM Studios, however, comes after another Amazon division, Twitch, said it would be slashing more than a third of its staff, or about 500 jobs, in a bid to become profitable.

Twitch, a livestream platform, is also in the esports business, and has cut deals to stream live esports events and back popular gaming creators. While Twitch seems to be slowing down its spending in the space, MGM seems to be betting that it can develop a growth business out of it.

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