Aidan Ricotta
The NHL team the New Jersey Devils have announced a video game night to celebrate the opening of there new Esports Facility!
Photo Credit: New Jersey Devils
On The Devils next game with Carolina Hurricane’s March 9th, the new Devils Gaming Group will be announced. This brand new facility will be open to fans during the game, and before! At 10:00 the facility will host a grand opening, with nig names and faces in the community.
Representatives from the National Hockey League will be present. More importantly for our readers leaders in the esports community will be in attendance. Team Dignitas players Pyro and AlarmingAmber will be present. Other members from the esports community will be present, as past New Jersey Devils gaming group tournament Winners will be present.
All of these people will be available for meet and greets after the opening. During the game a lucky fan will be able to play NHL 24 with the Devil’s mascot for a chance to win a prize.
Photo Credit: New Jersey Devils
This is a continuation of The Devils push into gaming, as the Devils Gaming Group was created in 2023. This is something that esports desperately needs, legitimization.
Its no surprise to anyone in the esports scene that we are overlooked, and many don’t believe esports is a valid market. This has plagued the scene recently with withdrawals of advertisers, along with the shrinking viewership of certain esports. In order to grow scenes organically and honestly we need to incorporate new people, and exposed to new audiences.
By tying esports to traditional media, or traditional sports we can expand on our viewer base. Not only do they add a legitimizing factor that makes esports seem appealing. It also opens the casual person to esports, as the idea of professional gaming is new to others.
To many in the 30+ range, they have never herd of professional gaming. Let along people getting paid for gaming. This stereotype hurts the industry and hurts our chances for growing our fanbases.
We often see Traditional media or sports put down esports. Seeing commentators mock and misinterpret news related to esports makes others see esports as illegitimate. Having a reputable and storied company backing your organization can help benefit an org.
We need more organizations that are willing to back and partner to understand with them. Esports is a valid market, and can seriously boost an existing company. We need more Organizations like The New Jersey Devils who are willing to support and foster a welcoming esports community.
