Amazon launches eSports tournament for casual mobile games
Champions of Fire Invitational set for December 2nd
Retail giant Amazon is developing a live eSports tournament for casual mobile games.
The firm's Champions of Fire Invitational is an Amazon Appstore eSports tournament. It will see 16 game streamers and competitive gamers compete over five different games with $100,000 up for grabs
Amazon is the latest company to try and widen eSports' remit into games that might have a broader appeal than League of Legends or Call of Duty. EA's recent FIFA activity is also designed to attract a broader market, with publishers viewing this as the key to unlocking eSports' potential amongst non-endemic sponsors.
Amazon's one-day event will take place on December 2nd in Last Vegas, and it is free to attend or view online via Twitch, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon.com. A two-hour highlights programme will also air on CBS Sport Network on December 12th at 7pm.
The games that players will be competing over are Disney Crossy Road, Pac-Man 256, Bloons TD Battles, 8 Ball Pool and a new game, Fruit Ninja Tournament Edition. Amazon hopes the fast-paced nature of these games will make for exciting viewing.
"Competitive video gaming has seen huge growth, and we see tremendous customer value in expanding the tournament experience to include the casual mobile games played by millions of people today," said Amazon Appstore director Aaron Rubenson, Director.
"The Champions of Fire Invitational will see some of the top gaming pros square off in the same fun games our customers can download and enjoy today from the Amazon Appstore."