The Global Esports Federation (GEF) communicated Japanese big game publishers Konami and Sega, as well as Capcom, have joined the group. These companies will also be supporting the recently announced Publishers and Developers Advisory Council (PDAC). The deal marks the first huge publishers to join the federation since it was launched at the end of 2019. Up to now, several sporting federations had been integrating GEF.
About this news, Chris Chan, President of the Global Esports Federation, declared: “Nine months ago, the Global Esports Federation was established with a collective ambition to convene the world’s Esports community. Our mission is to bring together the diverse stakeholders on one, global, inclusive platform. As we have grown, we have continued to listen and adapt. We acknowledge the fundamental importance of the world’s publishers and developers, and welcome Capcom, Konami and Sega as members of the GEF and the PDAC. We look forward to continuing the GEF’s initiatives for the development of Esports and setting the path for an even brighter future, together.”
For his part, Hideki Okamura, Chairman, Sega Group Corporation, expressed: “Esports is exciting, infinitely promising and rapidly growing. The potential for growth is immense. Sega shares the same collective vision with the Global Esports Federation, to harness the benefits of technology for good, and to explore new opportunities, particularly where sport meets Esports; elevating the future of Esports, bringing the global community together through the #worldconnected initiative.”
While Hideki Hayakawa, President, Representative Director, Konami Digital Entertainment, also added: “The world is taking note and collectively we are witnessing the tremendous growth of Esports on a global scale. Konami is honored to join the Global Esports Federation, and together, we work towards accelerating the understanding and acceptance of the benefits, possibilities, and enjoyment that Esports brings to billions of people around the world.”
The publishers entered the GEF to help convene and grow the global Esports community and to celebrate Esports around the globe. The PDAC works collectively with the GEF Board, facilitating community-wide interactions that will enable information sharing, learning opportunities and various strategic initiatives.
A couple of weeks ago, GEF closed a strategic partnership with North American data and measurement company Nielsen. As a consequence of this alliance, Nielsen Sports will provide research, data, and insights in a bid to amplify the value of the GEF and its efforts. With all these agreements, the federation grows in momentum and importance at an international level.