Esports Ferment Continues As Subnation Hires Execs From Three Organizations
July 22, 2020
Subnation, headquartered in the Los Angeles suburb of El Segundo, said it was adding Chris Mann as Chief Operating Officer, Carla Rizzo as Head of Brand Partnerships, and Alec Strasmore as Head of Influencer Relations. READ MORE
Subnation announces addition of three executives
July 22, 2020
“Subnation has become a trusted voice in the gaming and esports community,” Subnation CEO and co-founder Seven Volpone said in a release. “We work with some of the biggest brands, event producers, convention and visitor bureaus, and the gaming community at large, to deliver premium content, immersive experiences, limited edition products, and original IP that embodies the gaming lifestyle.” READ MORE
Subnation Announces Three Executive Hires
July 22, 2020
“We work with some of the biggest brands, event producers, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, and the gaming community at large, to deliver premium content, immersive experiences, limited edition products, and original IP that embodies the gaming lifestyle,” said CEO and co-founder Seven Volpone. “The addition of Chris, Carla and Alec will allow us to expand and accelerate our business while diversifying the core competencies of the organization.” READ MORE
Subnation Adds Senior Executives and Industry Leaders From Ultimate Media Ventures, E3 and FaZe Clan
July 22, 2020
“Subnation has become a trusted voice in the gaming and esports community,” said Seven Volpone, Co-Founder & CEO of Subnation. “We work with some of the biggest brands, event producers, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, and the gaming community at large, to deliver premium content, immersive experiences, limited edition products, and original IP that embodies the gaming lifestyle. The addition of Chris, Carla and Alec will allow us to expand and accelerate our business while diversifying the core competencies of the organization.” READ MORE
07/23/20: Mobalytics got major investment for its technology
July 22, 2020
Subnation made multiple hires, adding Chris Mann as Chief Operating Officer, Carla Rizzo as Head of Brand Partnerships, and Alec Strasmore as Head of Influencer Relations. READ MORE
Subnation Adds Senior Executives and Industry Leaders From Ultimate Media Ventures, E3 and FaZe Clan
July 22, 2020
“Subnation has become a trusted voice in the gaming and esports community,” said Seven Volpone, Co-Founder & CEO of Subnation. “We work with some of the biggest brands, event producers, Convention and Visitor Bureaus, and the gaming community at large, to deliver premium content, immersive experiences, limited edition products, and original IP that embodies the gaming lifestyle. The addition of Chris, Carla and Alec will allow us to expand and accelerate our business while diversifying the core competencies of the organization.” READ MORE
E-sports league event scheduled for Germany held in Raleigh instead
July 3, 2020
ESL, the e-sports league based out of Germany, just held a month-long tournament and some of their participants called Raleigh home for the month. READ MORE
Raleigh to Offer Medical Services to Esports Players
June 29, 2020
The Greater Raleigh Esports Local Organizing Committee announced the program in partnership with esports advisory firm Subnation and Carolina Family Practice & Sports Medicine. During June, 16 top professional esports players from across the United States are being hosted at an undisclosed venue in the greater Raleigh region to compete online with other international players in the PUBG Mobile Pro League. That online competition is being produced by ESL for Tencent. READ MORE
Esports Embraces Moment Without Traditional Sports on TV
June 10, 2020
“When the NBA, MLB, and other professional sports were canceled earlier this year, it presented a big opportunity for esports to show it can attract mainstream audiences,” said Seven Volpone, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Subnation. “And with crossover integrations like the NBA 2K Players Tournament and the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational bringing in solid viewership for networks, esports also proved it can provide desirable programming for both endemic and non-endemic brands to advertise against. READ MORE
How NBA 2K is introducing the next generation of sports fans (and brands) to ESPN
May 23, 2020
“The NBA2K Tournament on ESPN proved that there is an appetite for and acceptance of esports content on the TV screen, but it really only scratched the surface of the possibilities,” said Ed Tomasi, the managing director of esports at culture and lifestyle platform Subnation. “Integrations like this will not only usher in the next wave of sports, but the next wave of forward-thinking brands wanting to connect with these cross-platform sports fans and consumers.” READ MORE
Lil Jon, Waka Flocka lend support to relief event 'COV-AID'
April 30, 2020
COV-AID was created, and is being produced by, a consortium of media and technology firms with close ties to the gaming and esports community, including Atlanta-based organizations United in Gaming, Skillshot Media, Uspech Marketing, Softgiving and KontrolFreek, as well as Film Quality Services, Subnation, Visual Weaponry, Mojichat and Lunchbox.gg. READ MORE
April 30, 2020
COV-AID was created, and is being produced, by a consortium of media and technology firms with close ties to the gaming and esports community, including: United in Gaming, Skillshot Media, Uspech Marketing, Film Quality Services, Subnation, Visual Weaponry, Softgiving, KontrolFreek, Mojichat and Lunchbox.gg For more information, or to make a donation, please visit cov-aid.org. READ MORE
COV-AID Announces New Talent for Upcoming Charity Event
April 30, 2020
All Proceeds to Support Americares and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Initiatives Related to Covid-19 Relief Partners Include United in Gaming, Skillshot Media, Uspech Marketing, Film Quality Services, Subnation, Visual Weaponry, Softgiving, KontrolFreek, Mojichat and Lunchbox.gg READ MORE
Lil Jon, Waka Flocka lend support to relief event 'COV-AID'
April 30, 2020
COV-AID was created, and is being produced by, a consortium of media and technology firms with close ties to the gaming and esports community, including Atlanta-based organizations United in Gaming, Skillshot Media, Uspech Marketing, Softgiving and KontrolFreek, as well as Film Quality Services, Subnation, Visual Weaponry, Mojichat and Lunchbox.gg. You can join the party during #GivingTuesday on May 5. A rep for the event tells 11Alive that everyone involved (including staff and talent) are all doing this without a fee so that all proceeds can be donated to Americares and Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Atlanta. READ MORE
ADDITIONAL TALENT ANNOUNCED FOR COV-AID™ 10-HOUR STREAMING CHARITY EVENT ON GIVING TUESDAY
April 30, 2020
All Proceeds to Support Americares and Boys & Girls Clubs of America Initiatives Related to Covid-19 Relief Partners Include United in Gaming, Skillshot Media, Uspech Marketing, Film Quality Services, Subnation, Visual Weaponry, Softgiving, KontrolFreek, Mojichat and Lunchbox.gg READ MORE
Gaming’s Latest Celebrity COV-AID 19 Effort Is Going To Be Packed With Stars!
April 23, 2020
The event will feature a mix of interactive, live-streamed competitions and performances, plus pre-recorded content from entertainers, athletes, and other personalities. Talent will include Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Jon, Super Bowl champion Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski, and many others. Additional talent will be announced. READ MORE
COV-AID™ LAUNCHES 10+ HOUR STREAMING CHARITY EVENT
April 23, 2020
COV-AID™ is proud to present a massive, multi-platform, one-day online charity event on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 1pm EDT / 10am PDT. The event will feature more than 10 hours of content showcasing popular gamers, athletes, artists and other personalities streamed across top social game-streaming platforms including Twitch, YouTube, Mixer, Twitter and Facebook. All proceeds will be donated to Americares and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help the fight against COVID-19, and to support front-line medical professionals, first responders, and families most directly affected by COVID-19. READ MORE
The Key To Esports’ OTT Success
April 10, 2020
Streaming TV is undoubtedly going to play an integral role in the future of premium content consumption, with cord-cutters and cord-nevers making up 31% of the U.S. population. READ MORE
April 2, 2020
Ed Tomasi discusses the importance of live streaming when it comes to the future of events, how esports tournaments continue to hit record virtual viewership during coronavirus, and how Nascar, NBA FIFA are trying to understand how esports can supplement programming during the absence of traditional sports. LISTEN HERE...
eSports Streaming Platforms See Surge Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
March 23, 2020
Ed Tomasi, Co-Founder and Managing Editor at SubNation, joined to discuss how eSports is responding to Coronavirus and social distancing trends. READ MORE
Gaming vs. Esports: How Coronavirus Is Exposing A Difference
March 18, 2020
Subnation and Xplayn Launch Gooseman20 With ESL Shop At 2020 Intel Extreme Masters Katowice CS:Go
February 25, 2020
“A product range that celebrates 20 years of esports history and the creator of Counter-Strike: A perfect match for us. We’re honored to have the products launch exclusively at IEM Katowice with a special showcase on our 120m² walk-in store in the MCK expo hall, and further availability in our two other retail positions at the event. We’re excited to hear what fans think” says David Hiltscher, Vice President Shop, Merchandise, Licensing in Shop & Merchandising at ESL. READ MORE
Subnation and Xplayn Launch Gooseman20 With ESL Shop At 2020 Intel Extreme Masters Katowice CS:Go
February 25, 2020
“A product range that celebrates 20 years of esports history and the creator of Counter-Strike: A perfect match for us. We’re honored to have the products launch exclusively at IEM Katowice with a special showcase on our 120m² walk-in store in the MCK expo hall, and further availability in our two other retail positions at the event. We’re excited to hear what fans think” says David Hiltscher, Vice President Shop, Merchandise, Licensing in Shop & Merchandising at ESL. READ MORE
Subnation and Xplayn Launch Gooseman20 With ESL Shop At 2020 Intel Extreme Masters Katowice CS:Go
February 25, 2020
“Esports has a rich history of recognizing its innovators and visionaries, said Seven Volpone, Co-Founder of Subnation. “So we launched this Collection to honor and celebrate the person who created a Half-Life™ mod that revolutionized competitive gaming as we know it. Gooseman is one reason why the stage and stands are filled to capacity at Katowice and other IEM and ESL global events.” READ MORE
Going to IEM Masters Championship? Get Exclusive Apparel from Gooseman20
February 26, 2020
Bernard Chang designed an exclusive apparel line that has two t-shirts, a sweatshirt, hat, and mousepad. Line is by Subnation, Xplayn, and ESL shop to honor cs:go Creator Minh ‘Gooseman’ Le. Just might buy a shirt online. READ MORE
February 6, 2020
Additionally, founder of Xplayn and esports pioneer Kim Rom is developing “The Gooseman The story”, a content series in partnership with Subnation which gives younger (and older) gamers insight into how the CS mod creator has helped shape the industry. This combination of content and commerce, will not only bring the history of esports to the forefront, but enable the community to celebrate their gaming roots through fashion and art. READ MORE
Top Esports Teams Launch Their Own CS:GO League To Counter Franchise Fever
February 6, 2020
The lineup of on-air talent, given its deep roots in the game, gives the new league “instant credibility” with fans, said Seven Volpone, CEO of gaming lifestyle company Subnation and himself a long-time veteran of esports. “Those guys are really going to deliver value for the league and its sponsors,” Volpone said. “If we were going to start a hip hop league, you’d want to have Dr. Dre on the team, it’s crucial.” Volpone also applauded the format’s play-in structure, which gives outsiders a chance to fight their way to a prize purse. “It’s a great move,” Volpone said. “They really came up with a great format. It’s almost a Rocky effect. (An upstart team) will have a chance to win money, be a champ. A lot of these leagues don’t have a walk-on opportunity.” READ MORE
How Subnation is Building Gaming Experiences for Brands
February 1, 2020
Seven Volpone, a former recording artist turned business executive, joins the podcast to talk about his role as CEO, how non-endemic brands are connecting with esports and what makes a good event activation. If you enjoyed the podcast, please rate and subscribe, it helps us out a ton! Multiple new episodes each week. READ MORE
Esports as a tourism generator? It’s more likely than you think!
November 6, 2019
Global revenues for the esports industry will top $1 billion in 2019, with prize pools for tournaments exceeding $34 million. And the revenues from this global phenomenon are starting to trickle down to local communities. The reason for this is the passion of the esports community, which is proving to be a differentiator when compared to traditional entertainment experiences. READ MORE
October 9, 2019
Officials with the city of Raleigh, N.C., are touting the outsized economic impact of the Raleigh Major, a recent tournament the city hosted for long-time esports league ESL and publisher Ubisoft’s latest flavor of its first-person-shooter franchise Rainbow Six. The city and its tourism board worked with consulting company Big Block to evaluate facilities, get a crash course on the business of esports and better prepare for the particular needs of an esports event. The tournament was held over a week in mid-August at the Raleigh Convention Center. READ MORE
Economic impact report released for Six Major Raleigh
October 9, 2019
Ed Tomasi, Managing Director of Esports at Big Block added: “Esports is not something that can be homegrown overnight. By leveraging our team’s twenty-plus years of collective relationships, trust and experience in global esports production and brand management, Greater Raleigh has quickly been elevated on the global stage for having the facilities and ecosystem for hosting world-class esports events.” READ MORE
Subnation’s ‘LVL UP’ Highlights Explosion Of Premium Content For Esports
September 17, 2019
According to Seven Volpone, CEO of Big Block Capital Group (Subnation’s parent), “LVL UP takes an ‘everyday’ gamer and helps them experience the latest trends within the community by leveling up their gaming lair with everything from hardware, furniture, A/V equipment, and other innovative peripherals, courtesy of Goldenboy and our brand partners.” Those partners include Vizio, Razer, RIG, and Buddah Tek. READ MORE
This Week’s Top Esports Videos: Fortnite, Dota 2 and Counter-Strike
August 28, 2019
Finally, we have a video from betway esport featuring NiKo from the Counter-Strike Clan FaZe. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Counter-Strike, multi-platform media brand SUBNATION recently teamed up with world renowned DC artist Bernard Chang to pay homage to creator and gaming visionary Minh ‘Gooseman’ Le through a limited edition apparel collaboration. READ MORE
International video game competition arrives in Raleigh with cosplay advisory
August 15, 2019
“That’s the key here. For people who know Raleigh and have seen the growth, they know about the corporate communities in technology and gaming publishers and developers,” said Ed Tomasi, managing director of esports for Big Block. “But for people outside of the region, (those connections) are a little bit less known. That’s why hosting such a global esport event puts Raleigh on the map.” READ MORE
Raleigh hosting $500,000 ‘Six Major’ esports event this week
August 12, 2019
“Big Block quickly helped Raleigh identify the unique assets within our existing venues and gaming ecosystem here, then began connecting us strategically utilizing their global relationships with esports leagues and event organizers,” Loren Gold, Executive Vice President of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in a statement. READ MORE
July 10, 2019
"I can think of no better host and ambassador than ReDeYe to begin our collaboration with Westwood One," said Seven Volpone, CEO of Subnation. "Paul is globally regarded as one of the most respected voices in esports, and his deep knowledge and genuine passion are a testament to how dedicated Subnation is to celebrating the culture of gaming and lifestyle of esports." READ MORE
“The Voice Of Esports” A Boon For Gamers
July 10, 2019
“I can think of no better host and ambassador than ReDeYe to begin our collaboration with Westwood One,” said Seven Volpone, CEO of Subnation. “Paul is globally regarded as one of the most respected voices in esports, and his deep knowledge and genuine passion are a testament to how dedicated Subnation is to celebrating the culture of gaming and lifestyle of esports.” READ MORE
4 Must-Haves Gaming Livestreamer Caffeine Needs to Compete With Twitch
July 9, 2019
“If it thinks it can compete as another gaming ‘network’ it will fail,” CEO of Subnation Seven Volpone told TheWrap. “This is not ABC vs. NBC vs. FOX. They need to have a unique proposition around the development and production of cultural content. Expanding the purview and definition of…” READ MORE
E3 Equals Esports Enthusiasm Everywhere, But Caution Flags Fly
June 15, 2019
"They went from hotel lobbies, and struggling, to everybody paying attention to them and then to grow the sport," said Volpone. "And now, what Subnation is trying to do is trying to protect the integrity of it, where everybody else is trying to water it down." READ MORE
06/13/19: Immortals officially announced the acquisition of OpTic Gaming
June 13, 2019
Respawn, a mental performance drink for gamers, by gamers, announced multiple partnerships, including Subnation and eUnited. The alliance with Subnation is backing the E3 ESPORTS ZONE and LVL UP content series with Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez. “Esports is a global phenomenon, currently being considered as a demonstration sport at the 2024 Olympic Games,” said Sean Driscoll, Product Manager for Respawn. “And with the demands of the gaming community being so unique, we knew that we needed to create a special formula specifically for gamers that help them continuously perform at the top of their game.” READ MORE
Westwood One, Subnation Join Forces Over Esports
June 12, 2019
“Subnation’s goal has always been to celebrate the gaming lifestyle and subcultures with the community through innovative content experiences and activations, wherever they are,” said Seven Volpone, CEO Subnation. “This partnership with Westwood One is the perfect opportunity to create premium audio content for the community, which will complement our immersive, experiential event activations and editorial publication.” READ MORE
'Zach Sang Show' Gets ESports Injection Via Subnation
June 12, 2019
To officially kick off the partnership, Sang is onsite with Subnation at the 2019 Electronic Entertainment Expo, a.k.a. E3. He’s talking with celebrities, artists, insiders, and fans Wednesday and Thursday afternoons in Subnation’s “ESPORTS ZONE.” READ MORE
Shacknews E3 2019 Day 2 live stream schedule
June 11, 2019
Wednesday brings a ton of new great content for you to enjoy, and we’ll be streaming a ton of new interviews as we talk about everything we’ve seen so far during our live stream at E3 2019. this year we've partnered up with Subnation to bring an entire day of content, interviews, and special appearances. READ MORE
Shacknews E3 2019 Day 1 live stream schedule
June 11, 2019
Shacknews is kicking off E3 2019 in style with a jam-packed day of great content over on our Twitch.tv channel. We have appointments set with quite a few developers on the show floor, but we’ll also be working alongside Subnation to bring a ton of great content to our stream. You can find a full schedule of our shows below to see what we’re covering and when. READ MORE
Esports Arenas Coming To A Campus, Or Cafe, Near You
June 11, 2019
“Esports is a global phenomenon that is bringing world-class gaming experiences to local communities,” said Ed Tomasi, Managing Director esports at Big Block and its subsidiary Subnation. Tomasi’s companies are working with Raleigh, N.C., city officials and groups to help make the Research Triangle area a hub for future esports events. READ MORE
E3 2019 tips: How to survive the mayhem of gaming's big trade show
June 7, 2019
This place in the West Hall will feature a content stage programmed by Subnation and Shacknews, plus an esports stage for community exhibition matches with influencers and pro gamers. READ MORE
Esports Stadiums Are Popping Up Everywhere
May 31, 2019
“Esports is a global phenomenon that is bringing world-class gaming experiences to local communities,” said Ed Tomasi, Managing Director esports at Big Block and its subsidiary Subnation. Tomasi's companies are working with Raleigh, N.C., city officials and groups to help make the Research Triangle area a hub for future esports events. READ MORE
Raleigh, NC Preparing to Host Major Esports Events
May 22, 2019
Big Block, which specializes in esports consulting, will now help the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance to evaluate local facilities, as well as educate them on the esports industry and ensure they’re ready to host major events. READ MORE
Esports is Having a Cultural Breakout Thanks to Overwatch – But It Has a Long Way to Go
May 20, 2019
“Brands also need to know that the gaming and esports communities are hyper aware of intrusive and irrelevant marketing,” said Ed Tomasi, Managing Director of esports at Big Block // Subnation, a creative agency and lifestyle platform. “In fact, ads like that can get brands shunned (flamed) almost instantly and with a mass global impact.” READ MORE
April 25, 2019
PLATFORMS
Goldenboy signed on to host a new series, titled LVL UP, in partnership with Try Hard Channel and Subnation. The digital series, with Alex “Goldenboy” Mendez hosting, production begins May 20 with a premiere slated for E3 via the IMGN TryHard Channel on Instagram and TheSubnation.com. READ MORE
How 5G Technology Will Determine Who Is Crowned The Netflix Of Gaming
March 14, 2019
The numbers don’t lie; esports is destined for greatness. And when we witness a legacy brand like GameStop watch their stock plummet after posting a loss of $488.6m in Q4, the industry is in clear need of disruption. The Netflix model has resulted in great success, leading to a larger market capitalization than Disney and Comcast. Gaming consoles have always provided a solid infrastructure for the industry, but with 5G technology finally enabling cloud gaming in the near-future, why not take a chance on a proven, successful streaming model to drive wider adoption? READ MORE
Subnation and IMGN Create Lifestyle Content for Gamers
March 4, 2019
“A lot of people just started to rush into esports, and they really didn’t understand it from a gut level, really understanding what makes the players tick, what makes the people who watch the players tick,” says Big Block Media CEO Seven Volpone. “People were starting to approach it more from a brand perspective or a sports perspective, straight up trying to make it almost like ESPN content. How can I follow a team? We realized that the people who were gaming were also the kids standing in line to get a limited pair of sneakers from Supreme or the kids waiting for a limited piece of street art.” READ MORE
Sports Video Group News: Subnation and IMGN Create Lifestyle Content for Gamers
March 4, 2019
Feeding the ever-expanding audience for gaming content, multimedia platform Subnation and media company IMGN have partnered to create three series that will be distributed primarily via IGTV. The goal is to create lifestyle content for gamers, premium series that reflect their interests. READ MORE
Extra: Sunny Side ’19 opens doc call; “All Together Now” goes to Russia
March 1, 2019
Subnation, IMGN Media pen premium partnership
Multi-platform media brand Subnation has secured a premium content partnership with New York-based IMGN Media to produce and distribute three esports short-form series across multiple social platforms. READ MORE
‘Pimp My Ride’ for Gamers? Subnation, IMGN Media Partner on 3 Short-Form eSports Series (Exclusive)
February 26, 2019
Subnation, the multiplatform media brand of Big Block Media Holdings, is doubling down on its celebration of all things gaming by partnering with IMGN Media to launch three new short-form eSports series, Wrap Pro has learned. READ MORE
Esports Already Happened. Econcerts Are What’s Next
February 12, 2019
My friend Ed Tomasi, managing director of esports at Big Block, has roots in the gaming and esports worlds that go back to the early 2000s, and I was curious to get his take on it. READ MORE
Facebook’s esports dreams face the privacy PR nightmare
February 7, 2019
It’s no secret that Facebook’s mishandling of consumer data has landed it in hot water. This forced the social-media behemoth’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg a date with Congress to explain how data from an estimated 87 million Facebook users was leveraged to influence voters during the 2016 election.
“That is the secret here. For those that understand Raleigh and have observed the development, they understand about the corporate communities in gaming and technology publishers and developers,” explained Ed Tomasi, managing director of esports for Big Block. “However, for people beyond the area, (those relations ) are a tiny bit less understood. That is why hosting this type of international sports occasion puts Raleigh about the map.” READ MORE