Major League Gaming, the popular esports broadcasting and promotions company, has been purchased by Activision Blizzard. Over the weekend reports surfaced that MLG’s board of directors approved an agreement granting Activision Blizzard the majority of MLG’s assets in exchange for $46 million, but official confirmation wasn’t given until later. According to Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, the company will continue to operate the MLG.tv, MLG Pro Circuit, and GameBattles platforms with an eye towards creating “the ESPN of esports.”
Mike Sepso, the Senior Vice President of Activision Blizzard Media Networks, was a co-founder of Major League Gaming and came to Activision when the company hired Steve Bornstein, the former CEO of ESPN and the NFL Network in October of last year. Both executives were given the goal of growing the esports business for the publisher.
Did you play any of Activision’s recent games based on Marvel Comics? If you didn’t, you’re probably not missing much. The licensed games didn’t get stellar reviews. Unfortunately, if you were curious and wanted to pick them up on a discount, you may be out of luck. Deadpool, Spider-Man: Friend or Foe, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, Spider-Man: Edge of Time, X-Men: The Official Game, X-Men Destiny, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, have been removed from all digital storefronts. According to Activision’s community manager, Dan Amrich, the games were delisted due to licensing contract end dates.
“For those asking about it: Marvel Activision titles are no longer available for digital download. Contracts have dates. Whatchagonnado”
Capcom has also removed their Marvel-licensed titles from digital storefronts. Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 have been taken off Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. Marvel videogame fans can still purchase the games via retail channels, but it’s likely supplies will dry up quickly. Excelsior!
