Hi-Rez Studios Launches New Esports Production Company
Published: May 8, 2018 - Last Updated: Nov 4, 2019
Hi-Rez Studios, the company behind popular titles Smite and Paladins, is launching a new esports production subsidiary. Named Skillshot Media, the new entity will take care of production and event management for the company’s two games.
A new tournament operator, production company
The 35-person operation will conduct business from a newly opened 16,000-square-foot production studio. Featuring cutting-edge production technology, soundproof player booths, and custom show stages, the company seeks to deliver immersive broadcast experiences. Hi-Rez Studios co-founder and COO Todd Harris leads the new project.
“We started live-streaming games from a bedroom, then a tiny office, and now a dedicated production studio,” Harris said in a statement. “But our goal has always been to foster community through esports and video content.”
The production company reportedly plans to produce 75 hours of esports content per week. Even though it probably has lots of materials from its own titles, the company also plans to partner with other publishers and developers.
“By organizing ourselves as a separate entity focused only on esports and content, we’re excited to bring even more dedicated esports attention to SMITE and Paladins, and to also explore partnerships with new games and additional game publishers and developers,” Harris added.
Smite, Paladins join top-tier esports titles
The multiplayer online battle arena Smite competes with popular titles like Dota 2 and League of Legends. It’s been continuously growing its user base. Moreover, Paladins, the company’s other signature product, has attracted increased attention thanks to its unique setup. Both titles are available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
“Smite and Paladins have accumulated well over one billion video views while growing a registered player community of over 45 million,” Harris stated.
Hi-Rez is also actively developing the scenes for both titles. In September, the company partnered with esports organization WESA to launch a new Paladins league. The company also recently announced the move of its Hi-Rez expo to DreamHack Atlanta 2018. It will see both Smite and Paladins World Championships happen at the Georgia World Congress Center.
“We believe both Smite and Paladins esports will benefit from dedicated resources and leadership and growing both these leagues was the primary reason for creating a new entity,” Harris told The Esports Observer. “As we continue to invest in our esports capabilities, other publishers have also been reaching out to us and this structure allows us to pursue those opportunities in the future.”
With esports’ popularity reaching new highs, the company is well-positioned to keep successfully growing its gaming communities.
Since: September 12, 2015
