Skillshot Media opens May 9th, producing 75 hours of esports content each week
Skillshot Media, a new 35-person esports tournament operator and production company based in Alpharetta, Georgia, recently launched as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hi-Rez Studios, developer of the online multiplayer games Smite and Paladins. Skillshot Media operates esports leagues and production for Smite and Paladins, as well as games from other publishers.
Todd Harris, one of the co-founders of Hi-Rez Studios, has been named President of Skillshot Media and Nabil Ismail serves as Vice President of Operations. The company officially opens its brand new 16,000 square feet production studio on May 9th.
“Smite and Paladins have accumulated well over one billion video views while growing a registered player community of over 45 million. We started live-streaming games from a bedroom, then a tiny office, and now a dedicated production studio. But our goal has always been to foster community through esports and video content. By organising ourselves as a separate entity focused only on esports and content product, we’re excited to bring even more dedicated esports attention to Smite and Paladins and also explore partnerships with new games and additional game publishers and developers.”
said Todd Harris, one of the co-founders of Hi-Rez Studios
“Hi-Rez Studios has had significant impact in Georgia, and is one of the reasons that we have become a leader in digital entertainment. Congratulations to Todd and his team on their new venture. I am confident Skillshot Media will help take esports to the next level.”
said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner, Pat Wilson.
In the month of May alone
Skillshot will host 200 professional esports players. They will travel to the Georgia studio for weekly LAN esports competitions from across:
- North America
- Europe, South America
- SE Asia and
- Australia
“We are pleased to increase our commitment to and focus on esports with this organisational change. We believe Smite and Paladins competitive communities will benefit from the dedicated focus, sustainable leagues and world-class production facilities.”
said Stew Chisam, President of Hi-Rez Studios
Smite, winner of the 2016 BAFTA Esports Award. It is currently the number eight esports title in the world in terms of prising earned by professional players. Paladins, a team-based shooter; is the second esports title with a league played under the guidance of the World Esports Association (WESA).
