ESWC. The prestigious final of the seasoned event has been postponed to the last quarter of 2009 due to the economic situation. Because of the troubled times with partners investing in eSports, the tournament may well be organized by a third party.
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None of the past ESWC partners has yet renewed its support for 2009”Hoping to find new opportunities both in France and overseas in a near-time future, the grand final's suspension was a must. Matthieu Dallon says that "it is a necessary move to let more time to find financing and to prepare the event." The president of the organization also says that the company behind the ESWC brand, Games-Services, are facing serious cash flow crisis, which can result in a third party solution.
"The event might be organized by a third part such as a licensed partner or a new business owner. As mentioned, we are ACTIVELY following any lead to secure the organization of the Grand Final 2009 and we are open to work on all opportunities," shares Matthieu Dallon.
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The event might be organized by a third part such as a licensed partner or a new business owner”"Sponsorships and communication budgets are the first to be canceled in such situation. And as E-Sport stands as a niche value for most of the brands, it is even more difficult," he added.
It is understood that no additional games will be added to the list of games which includes Warcraft III, Counter-Strike 1.6, Quake 3 Arena, and Trackmania Nations Forever. This for two reasons. Firstly, the publishers of the games who wants in are unable to get a global license to use the games in the ESWC competition. Secondly, more games would increase the production cost as well as prize money.
However, ESWC safely assures that the ESWC Masters of Cheonan will continue as planned. The Masters event is financed by local sponsors.
Links
ESWC.com - Full press release