Yahoo set to launch eSports news and video site

Yahoo is launching an eSports news and video site reports Variety. The new Yahoo Esports will focus on covering online gaming, an industry that last year had a global audience over 226 million people according to gaming website Newzoo.

Initially focusing on five titles: Riot Games' "League of Legends"; Blizzard Entertainment's "Heroes of the Storm"; Valve's "Counter-­Strike: Global Offensive" and "Dota 2"; and Capcom's "Street Fighter V.", the site will also include original video content, live tournaments, interviews with players as well as in-­depth features.

In addition it will provide fans with information such as stats and player rankings, similar to information already provided by Yahoo on sports such as the NFL and NBA, as well as enabling them to communicate with each other using a live chat feature.

Commenting on the launch Bob Condor, VP of Yahoo Sports Media, said "We want to be the premiere destination for eSports, for those fans and communities. I make no pretensions that coming out of launch we will be that site. It's critical to understand what fans want for each of these games... I think we'll see how they respond to what we do as opposed to what any competitor does."