IBC2023: Esports Showcase to Deliver Next Level Gaming

IBC2023 will host a three-strand esports showcase over four days with a dedicated zone on the show floor. The most advanced racing simulators will be used to capture gameplay and generate content that will be produced and played out for streams of the week-long competition.

The esports zone will host a series of presentations and panels on top gaming trends, new ways of merging the technology behind gaming and film, and advertising in-game. Three configurations - stadiums, smaller venues, and home-based production set-ups will all be covered by gaming experts. Focused tech tours, curated by industry specialists, will also be on offer. The tours will show esports organisations major production and delivery elements from across the supply chain such as distribution, streaming software, and studio graphics, that are featured at the event.

This new esports venture follows previous interactive gaming exhibits from 2019 when the show featured an esports tournament for the media and entertainment industry.

“We are thrilled to have esports back at IBC with a live showcase that will bring together the gaming industry with the broader M&E community,” said IBC Director Steve Connolly.

“We are taking the gaming elements of the show to the next level, offering esports industry organisations the opportunity to engage more fully with potential media tech partners while learning more about how they can reach wider audiences through broadcasting and streaming initiatives. At the same time, media companies will gain new, hand-on knowledge about the ins and outs of competitive gaming and how that works for companies developing content for new and emerging audiences.”

Roughly 500 sqm has been allocated to the dedicated esports zone in Hall 8, as part of a partnership with Belgium-based gaming and esports agency Unlocked, who can be found in networking and partner areas where experts will be available for conversation.

“The esports zone offers a fantastic opportunity for the media and entertainment community to fully experience gaming as a live spectator sport,” said Steven Leuvens, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Unlocked.

“It’s great to see IBC recognising the growing importance of esports and finding a way to enable people from all parts of the media industry to connect with the gaming organisations while becoming immersed in an onsite esports event. We are excited to be part of IBC2023.”

A day-long gaming content programme will feature at the Showcase Theatre on Monday, 18 September. Speakers from Omdia, HaZAnimation, Ubisoft, Media Monks, and more will explore developments at the intersection of gaming and media and debate what the future might hold.

Highlights include:

• Top gaming trends – Liam Deane, Principal Analyst for Gaming Tech, Omdia;
• From gaming to on-screen: The hiccups and highlights – Fireside chat with Helene Juguet, Managing Director, Ubisoft Film & Television Paris;
• How Unreal Engine technology is enabling filmmakers and game developers to blur the lines between gaming and film tec – HaZ Dulull, Producer at HaZAnimation;
• Opportunities for in-game advertising and how the industry’s key players are leveraging them to reach new markets – Panel moderated by Deane and featuring Funs Jacobs, Senior Director of Innovation, Media Monks.

Premium Pass holders will also have access to a roundtable discussion on gaming in the entertainment industry, and an exclusive report on the convergence of gaming and media, produced by OMDIA, Official Premium Research Partner.