Competitive gaming is big business, with major teams drawing large fanbases, and Dallas-Fort Worth quickly is becoming an esports hub. Several major esports teams are relocating to the region, and have drawn major investments from some of DFW’s most notable people.
OpTic Gaming & Team EnVyUs
In 2017, two of the biggest competitive esports teams in the nation — OpTic Gaming and Team EnVyUs — relocated their operations to DFW. TeamEnvy garnered a major investment from Ken Hersh and Hersh Interactive Group and announced its move to DFW. OpTic founder and CEO, Hector “Hecz” Rodriguez, was a pioneer in the early days of gameplay content, leading to the established global brand that OpTic is today.
Complexity Gaming
Jerry Jones and John Goff teamed up to acquire esports giant Complexity Gaming and relocated the team to The Star in Frisco, where construction will begin on an HQ and training facility.
MVPIndex
Dallas-based MVPindex launched the first Social Media Index for esports and will track, measure, and value the social media impact of roughly 2,500 esports leagues, teams, players, games, and more.
DFW universities get into the game
In April, the UT Arlington Esports Club team bested a 64-team field in the three-week “Heroes of the Dorm” competition. Team members earned free tuition for the rest of their collegiate years for their win. And, the University of North Texas has built “The Nest,” a new facility open to any student or faculty member who wants to hone their gaming skills.
This story first appeared in Dallas Innovates 2018, an annual magazine that showcases Dallas-Fort Worth as a hub of innovation. Read more about the region’s game changers, disruptors, creatives, and our new frontiers in the digital edition.
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[PHOTO: MICHAEL SAMPLES]
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