The upcoming video game "Halo 5: Guardians" is expected to be released on Oct. 27. Microsoft Studios, "Halo" publisher, wants to broaden the reach of the game and announced that it will enter the competitive world of eSports.
According to CNet, Microsoft is planning to launch its first ever Halo World Championship. It is an e-sports competition and the company plans to throw $1 million in prizes. The announced prize pool will be awarded only to participants who opts to play "Halo 5: Guardians." Additionally, the prize pool will be the highest ever paid to a single "Halo" tournament.
After Microsoft's announcement, many industry analysts said that the company's decision to enter competitive gaming is a solid proof about eSports' increasing popularity. The world of eSports covers a broad list of video games that players can participate it. Tournament games range from real-time-strategy to first-person-shooter as well as individual and team competition.
The interest in eSport is steadily rising as the multi-million dollar market is expected to grow by more than $250 million by the end of 2015. A data presented by market research firm Newzoo claim that the industry has more than 113 million passionate fans around the globe. Most of these fans consider professional eSports players as celebrities.
343 Industries studio head Bonnie Ross told the New York Times, "The pros who play e-sports are famous. They're icons who people look up to. These are people that fans aspire to be." 343 Industries is the lead developer of "Halo 5: Guardians."
Aside from announcing the Halo World Championship, Microsoft also revealed that it will release a 1TB Xbox One Limited Edition Bundle which is inspired by the upcoming "Halo 5: Guardians" video game.