MUMBAI: Endemol Shine North America’s premium content network Endemol Beyond USA is set to launch its new eSports & gaming Smasher Network with the debut of its flagship series Legends of Gaming hosted by Toby Turner.
The network has unveiled seven new original series including Rule’m Sports, based on the hit UK series and hosted by YouTube star Jesse Wellens.
Smasher Network marks the second digital-first network from Endemol Beyond USA, following the launch 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.
Endemol Beyond USA interim president and COO Adrian Sexton said, “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. 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 7 October through February 2016.
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 US 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.
