Endemol Beyond USA, Endemol Shine North America’s Premium Content Network, is set to launch its new eSports & gaming SMASHER Network with the debut of its flagship series “Legends of Gaming” hosted by Toby Turner, and the network has unveiled 7 new original series including “Rule’m Sports,” based on the hit UK series and hosted by YouTube star Jesse Wellens.
The announcement was made by Adrian Sexton, Interim President and COO, Endemol Beyond USA. SMASHER Network marks the second digital-first network from Endemol Beyond USA, following the successful launch this past spring of ICON, the premium global lifestyle network creatively led by digital pioneer Michelle Phan that is launching in 11 territories globally.
SMASHER Network will be available across more than 20 platforms, including YouTube, Roku, TiVo, DailyMotion, Amazon Fire TV, Verizon go90, Vessel and also at Endemol Beyond USA’s OTT platform GetBeyond.US.
In addition to “Rule’m Sports,” new series set to launch on SMASHER Network include: “Game Fame,” “We’re in the Game,” “Fantasy League,” “Pro v Pro,” and “Smashed Up.”
“eSports is trending globally and we’re excited to be at the tipping point with ‘Legends of Gaming’ hosted by the mega-talented Toby Turner,” says Endemol Beyond USA’s Sexton. “Our premium networks’ strategy, starting with ICON Network and Michelle Phan, and now heading into SMASHER with eSports and gaming, puts us right in the middle of one of the most passionate and intense fan bases in digital. Game on!”
Endemol Beyond USA is producing over 100 videos for “Legends of Gaming,” with 37 episodes of the premiere series hosted by YouTube sensation Toby Turner (aka “Tobuscus”). Pizza Hut is on board as the principal integration partner, as well as sponsors Razer and iBuyPower, who outfitted the stage with top-of-the-line equipment and custom gaming systems for the “Legends.” In addition, Endemol Beyond USA is producing another 37 segments of “Legends of Gaming: Game Play” showing the complete competition; and 37 companion pieces entitled “Legends of Gaming: Bloopers and Outtakes,” which gives fans an inside look at the antics that were a part of each episode. There will be cast profiles, win/fail videos and recaps, as well. “Legends” videos will post seven days a week on YouTube, across five months from October 7 through February 2016.
Here is the Legends of Gaming Episode 1 Doom 3 video:
“Legends of Gaming” is based on the Endemol Beyond UK format of the same name, which launched in 2014 and is currently in its second season. The U.S. version follows four teams of two gamers who are coached by some of the biggest names in the gaming industry.
“Legends” talent roster collectively represents 57 million subscribers and followers and over 7.3 billion lifetime views across YouTube and other social media platforms. Coaches include Fatal1ty, Perfect Legend, HotShotGG and Hafu. Contestants include gamers The Jovenshire, Syndicate, Terroriser, TmarTn, OMGitsfirefoxx, iiJERiiCHOii, Lui Calibre and runJDrun.
The UK version of “Legends of Gaming” has attracted more than 32 million views and is the region’s fastest-growing gaming digital channel. The U.K. version is hosted by British digital gamer Ali-A and the format is currently being developed locally in Germany, France, Brazil and Asia.
Below are further details on the upcoming, new SMASHER series:
Rule’m Sports: Based on the hit UK series with top YouTube gamer KSI, Rule’m Sports is the show that turns all-star athletic tips, tricks and training challenges into hilarious comedic content. Each episode YouTube star Jesse Wellens (17 million subs) challenges himself to learn a new sport from top athletes.
Rule’m Sports: Offsides: A companion series to Rule’m Sports, Jesse Wellens conspires with celebrity athletes to prank some of their biggest fans.
Smashed Up: Top gaming and comedic talent dub in hilarious dialogue over video game “cut scenes” – the animated sequences featured throughout well-known and upcoming games.
We’re In The Game: An original competition series that fuses video games with the world of physical sports. One part battle of the YouTube stars game show, one part Wipe Out, this fun series pits gaming personalities and their teams against each other in real-life versions of popular video games.
Game Fame: The first reality series to give fans an inside look at the lives of the world’s most successful professional gamers and gaming personalities. Hosted by a top gaming pro-entrepreneur, Game Fame exposes what it’s like to get paid big to game.
Pro v Pro: Gaming and sports collide as pro athletes battle it out in video games. From NBA stars to NHL and NFL players, some of the world’s most famous professional athletes go head to head.
Fantasy League: An innovative take on the popular fantasy sports’ league competitions, Fantasy League tests top digital talent and pro-gamers to draft their own ’fantasy’ lineups across multiple sports and video game characters.
Source: Press Release
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