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Japan's Goes All-In On Monster Osaka eSports Development Centre
By Shane Addinall Mar 11, 2020 OpinionJapan’s largest eSports arena, Redee World, opened its doors in Osaka with the aim of developing the next generation of online gaming superstars. Join us as we look at similar developments in Berlin and Singapore, as well as plans for Sweden & Spain!As a testament to the perceived value and mainstream adoption of eSports recent news has covered an astounding number of development and training centres aimed at cultivating a new generation of digital sport stars.
Surprisingly these efforts are not focused solely on the US eSports scene where one would assume it would, rather these development centres are springing to life across the globe.
Redee World Japan Opens Its Doors
March 2020 saw the gargantuan Osaka based Redee World eSports venue open its doors to the public for the first time. The venue measures an impressive 4800 m² (nearly 5200 ft²) and is the largest eSports venue in Japan.
Redee World director, Fuminori Sato, explained:
"We hope to contribute to the spread of esports by giving children an opportunity to experience them"
The venue guarantees attendees quite the spectacle with professional contests being screened on massive screens measuring 40m x 8m (131ft x 26ft). The venue also offers children the chance to assume the role of eSports commentator or practice being a YouTuber in their digitally enhanced streaming & commentating simulators.
The venue expects to draw in excess of 200,000 visitors annually as eSports – and its supporting channels like commentating, training and streaming - gains more mainstream attention and becomes seen as a viable media and entertainment career path.
The Global Stage Has Been Set
In addition to Japan’s new facility several other similar projects have been launched across Asia and Europe, while not on Osaka’s scale these programs and venues are as important in increasing eSports reach:
Singapore – Asia’s first 24x7 eSports training center was opened in Jalan Besar, Singapore, earlier this month. The aptly named The Gym is a three-floor venue outfitted to host more than 150 players and offers facilities for tournaments to be hosted, brand meetings and live streaming set ups.
NEO TM mamager, Neo Yong Aik, wrote:
“With esports making its debut at last year’s SEA Games, there is little doubt that esports has become mainstream in this part of the world. There has never been a more powerful platform to engage the youth of Asia and the world.”
In keeping with it moniker The Gym will also require participants to partner their gaming aspirations with a healthy lifestyle by providing a focus on daily nutrition, physical fitness, and mental acuity.
Berlin – March 26th will see Veritas Entertainment launch their new LVL eSports and gaming community center at Berlin’s hot tourist destination, Checkpoint Charlie.
Dorian Gorr, VERITAS Entertainment, said:
“Think of it like Hard Rock Cafe meets Soho House, but for esports and gaming. We are all building our childhood dream here.”
The venue weighs in at just over 2,500m² (26,000ft²) and is planned to host more than 130 annual live events drawing crowds in excess of 250,000 visitors annually.
Based on the successful funding and international interest their inaugural LVL project Veritas Entertainment is already looking at expanding into the Scandinavian, Spanish and South American markets.
The Lingering Question
With the yet unanswered questions surrounding the current Coronavirus outbreak there are some concerns about the ability of these venues to draw the crowds they need to gain momentum and generate revenues in the short term.
As online casinos and other digital businesses begin to see an increase in revenues landlocked entities such as movie theatres, brick and mortar casinos and large office bound corporations are having to either close up shop or allow their staff to work from home. Will these fledgling venues be able to weather the current global storm?
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