Blue Mammoth Games, a Ubisoft studio, along with Skillshot Media, a leading esports production company, is helping to grant wishes for children in their home state by partnering with Make-A-Wish Georgia during the upcoming Brawlhalla World Championship event and live-stream broadcast November 3-5, 2023.
The developer of the popular free-to-play fighting game Brawlhalla has implemented an exclusive in-game title of “Wish Maker” which will be granted, along with a newly released profile Avatar, to individuals who donate to Make-A-Wish Georgia during the three day Brawlhalla World Championship live event and live-stream broadcast.
A unique Brawlhalla collectable item will also be awarded to the highest individual donor each day of the broadcast.
This Brawlhalla partnership is the first major game publisher extension of a Make-A-Wish Georgia partnership first announced by Skillshot and Ghost Gaming in April of this year.
“We continue to use our platform to amplify the amazing work of Make-A-Wish Georgia in delivering hope to young people and their families”, said Skillshot President, Nabil Ismail. “We are so very appreciative of the Brawlhalla developers who jumped enthusiastically on this opportunity to introduce Make-A-Wish Georgia to their community”
“Our studio was enthusiastic and honored to partner with Make-A-Wish Georgia”, said Brawlhalla Esports Director Mateo Palfreman, “They are a beloved organization and it is our honor to support their mission in granting wishes for kids battling life-threatening illnesses”.
Make-A-Wish Georgia grants wishes for children with critical illnesses since the chapter’s founding in 1995. There is still a great need for support to grant the wishes that are waiting. To learn more and find out how to get involved, visit georgia.wish.org.
The Chill Munin Avatar will be granted along with a Wish Maker In-Game Title to those who donate to Make-A-Wish Georgia during the Brawlhalla World Championship event
About Blue Mammoth
Founded in 2009 and acquired by Ubisoft in 2018, Blue Mammoth Games is a development studio based in Atlanta, Georgia. The experienced team specializes in online multiplayer games with large player bases.
Blue Mammoth develops Brawlhalla, a Free-To-Play fighting game on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC, Mac, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5 system, iOS, and Android devices. Brawlhalla has over 100 million players and is currently the most played fighting game on Steam.
About Make-A-Wish Georgia
Make-A-Wish Georgia has the unique ability to transform a child and family’s life during some of their most difficult trials – as a wish creates an opportunity for hope and the ability to experience life beyond illness. In the fight against a critical illness, each wish serves as a catalyst for renewed strength and encouragement for every child and family on their journey. We’ve been granting wishes to Georgia wish kids since 1995. www.georgia.wish.org
With a mission to put more Georgians to work in all aspects of the state’s multi-billion-dollar entertainment industry, the Georgia Film Academy (GFA), in partnership with Skillshot Media, kicked off its first-ever Esports program at Georgia State University (GSU) on Thursday, August 27th. The GFA 3500 Fundamentals of Esports provides students with real-world professional workforce training while exploring the numerous career paths available at the nearly 160 Esports companies located throughout Georgia. Esports is emerging as one of the fastest growing industries in the state, according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).
“Georgia is rapidly becoming a global epicenter for both entertainment and technology, and the Esports and videogaming industry are at the nexus of these new economies,” said Jeffrey Stepakoff, executive director of the GFA. “Today, we begin to train Georgians for these exciting high demand careers in Esports and, from a workforce perspective, we start to shape a new industry for our state.”
GSU’s Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) will house this unprecedented public/private partnership, including online and in-person classes.
"Videogames are now the largest entertainment industry in terms of both revenue and popularity", said Todd Harris, CEO of esports solution company Skillshot Media. "In Georgia, gaming and esports had an economic impact of over $830 million last year and the goal with this new program is providing a well-trained Georgia workforce for this rapidly growing industry."
“Collaborative partnerships like this pilot program between the Georgia Film Academy, Skillshot Media and Georgia State University have been critical to developing the state’s unrivaled gaming software development talent pipeline,” said Deputy Commissioner of Global Commerce Scott McMurray, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “We look forward to seeing the opportunities this program creates for students across Georgia and for our world-class digital and esports recruitment team who work every day to attract prospective companies to the esports capital of the nation.”
GFA plans to expand Esports training beyond the introductory pilot program to offer specialty courses as well as opportunities for coveted industry internships across the state. As the program and coursework grows, the GFA hopes to expand industry hubs and opportunities for all universities and colleges in the state system.
“We’ve seen first-hand the value of GFA’s film production certification in providing jobs for Georgians,” said Stepakoff. “The intent of this new program is to provide an Esports certification complete with the opportunity to glean real-world experience through internships. The GFA will ensure that our new programs, like our current film production courses, are affordable, accessible, lead to jobs, and provide great value for Georgians.”
Broadly regarded as the Esports capital of the nation, the City of Atlanta annually hosts more than 39,000 gamers and Esports enthusiasts each November for the world’s largest digital festival – DreamHack. The GDEcD estimates that the state will have nearly 12,000 direct and indirect jobs in digital entertainment this year, with an estimated economic impact of $550 million.
Georgia is home to three different professional franchised Esports teams, including the Atlanta Reign (Overwatch League), Hawks Talon GC (NBA 2K League) and the Atlanta FaZe (Call of Duty League). The state also boasts three varsity college Esports teams: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Georgia State University (GSU) and Georgia Southern University (Georgia Southern). Georgia was among the first five states in the nation to recognize Esports as an official competitive high school sport. There are now over 100 high schools in the state undergoing competitive Esports.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”
- James Baldwin
As the call for meaningful change and reform continues to sweep across the country, Skillshot is teaming up with gaming and esports partners across the city of Atlanta in the fight for social justice. We are standing with 20+ gaming & esports companies for a virtual gathering to celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, June 19, 2020. This event is presented by Axis Replay.
“This is a time to reflect and rejoice in the progress achieved by the African American community and a reminder of what is still left to do. The event will showcase celebrity guests, spark discussion, educate viewers, and highlight esports gameplay & more,” says Ryan Johnson, Executive Director of Cxmmunity, a non-profit organization focused on increasing minority participation in the esports and video game industry.
On June 19th, 2020 7PM – 12AM, the live broadcast of the virtual esports gathering to celebrate Freedom for All will be available on twitch.tv/axisreplay | youtube.com/axisreplay | facebook.com/axisreplay |mixer.com/axisreplay, and hosted on partner broadcasts, twitch.tv/checkpointXP | ESTV and more. The program will include influencers, entertainers, and pro-athletes like: Erin Ashley Simon, Larry Ridley, Jeezy, Desi Banks. Allies for change include: FaZe Clan, Invest Atlanta, the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, NFL Alumni Association, EventsDC, Twitch, Fight Tyme Gaming, Black Salt Coreuption, United Way, Cxmmunity, Axis Replay, RIISE Ventures, Gamers Vote, Vote to Live, Atlanta Esports Alliance, ESTV, NutriGMR, Beasley Esports, Checkpoint XP, Atlanta Inno, Esports Insider, Gamer’s Outreach, Ultimate Gamer, eFUSE, Black Python.
“Juneteenth is the oldest, nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States and a reminder of the pride, resilience and determination of African Americans in American history. Even though COVID-19 has hindered live event celebrations and parades, Axis Replay and our partners are committed to fight for social justice. As an ally, I want to do more, and we do it best by giving our community a way to celebrate and connect, both in-person and virtually. We’re making a difference through our shared love of esports and video games. This is our commitment to the future, and it starts with us. Together we win,” says Allie Young, CEO of Axis Replay.
Through the observance of African American freedom with an emphasis on education, achievement, assessment, improvement and celebration, the event will reflect on this day of independence through the shared voices of the video game community.
“Black history is an essential part of the history of the United States and it is important that we continue to promote awareness, create safe spaces, and be inclusive. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities, and religions are joining forces to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that continues to influence and shape our society today. Being sensitive to the conditions and experiences of others is vital for us as a people to make significant and lasting improvements in our society,” says Todd Harris, Chairman of the Board, Atlanta Esports Alliance.
For more information and a schedule of events and want to get involved, visit www.juneteenth.gg.
In a show of support for Make-A-Wish Georgia, several organizations in the Georgia gaming community have come together to fulfill Ethan’s wish of having his game about fighting cancer created and brought to market. Kennesaw State University (KSU), Skillshot Media, three developers from Hi-Rez Studios, KontrolFreek, and the Georgia Game Developers Association (GGDA) are working together to help create Ethan’s game along with student teams participating in KSU’s Global Game Jam, January 31 - Feb 2, 2020.
“This game emulates my journey in the fight against childhood cancer. I couldn’t win this battle without the doctors, nurses, chemo, blood transfusions, friends, and ability to control germs,” said Ethan. “Sometimes you just don’t feel well, and sometimes you have counts so low that you can’t leave your house. This game will give cancer warriors the chance to still play with friends and stay in bed to do it. It also takes back the control from a disease that takes so much. The kids can use it to be stronger and more expressive in beating that nasty beast.”
Global Game Jam is the world's largest game development event with multiple physical locations participating simultaneously. KSU is one of many sites in Georgia providing a place for students and game development enthusiasts to take on the challenge of creating a game in 48 hours. Ethan will meet with participating student teams from KSU and share his vision for his game before releasing the teams to work on an early iteration over 48 hours.
“It truly is a privilege to give greater meaning to Global Game Jam by lending our expertise and talented students in helping Ethan realize his dream,” said Dr. Michael Franklin, an assistant professor of gaming in Kennesaw State University’s College of Computing and Software Engineering. “We are inspired by his personal battle with cancer and his selflessness in choosing a wish that will benefit so many others, and we very much look forward to building a game that reflects his journey.”
At the conclusion of the event on Sunday, Ethan will sit on a panel to judge early versions of his game and select a winner to continue working on the project. Once a winning team is selected, they will receive ongoing mentorship from three professional game developers employed at Hi-Rez Studios, a Georgia-based game development company: Danny Wittenauer, UI & systems programmer on Paladins, Chris Malloy, Champion programmer on Paladins, and Jake Baker, gameplay programmer on Realm Royale. The three of them will donate their time to meet regularly with Ethan and the winning team to see the game through to completion.
Skillshot Media, an Atlanta-based esports solution provider, will supply video coverage during GGJ weekend at KSU and video check-ins to update the public as Ethan’s game comes to life. KontrolFreek, the Atlanta-based creator of Performance Gaming Gear, will provide gift packs to the teams working on Ethan’s game, and a grand prize to the selected winning team. In addition, the Georgia Game Developers Association will promote the winning team alongside finalists in their annual Best in Georgia competition.
“At Skillshot, we're all about building gaming communities, and what better example of the power of community than this?” said Kathryn De Shields-Moon, public relations & partnerships manager at Skillshot. “We are truly moved by the way Metro-Atlanta’s gaming community is coming together to support Make-A-Wish Georgia and make Ethan's inspirational wish come true.”
Since 1995, Make-A-Wish Georgia has been granting the wishes of local children facing critical illnesses. More than 20 years later, nearly 8,000 lives have experienced the impact of a life-changing wish. Make-A-Wish Georgia is a movement of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for wish families and communities disrupted by serious childhood illness.
“A wish can be a transformational experience for our kids. Our wish kids believe the inspiration, hope and joy provided by their wish helped them not just feel better, but sometimes get better,” said Tim Earley, Make-A-Wish Georgia CEO. “With the help of an incredible gaming community like KSU, Skillshot, Hi-Rez Studios, KontrolFreek, and the GGDA, our hope is that Ethan’s wish will bring him the same life-change that so many our wish kids experience.”
On Thursday, Nov. 14 through Friday, Nov. 15, Esports Summit 2019 will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center. Presented by Skillshot Media, this conference is the premier business-focused esports conference in the southeast running alongside Hi-Rez Expo and DreamHack Atlanta.
With a focus on educating attendees about opportunities in the competitive gaming industry, Esports Summit presents tours of Atlanta facilities supporting the growth of esports, such as Turner Studios, the recreational venue Axis Replay, INAP’s downtown data center and the Hi-Rez Expo at DreamHack Atlanta World Championships.
INAP (NASDAQ: INAP), a leading-edge provider of high-performance data center and cloud solutions, is the official “Powered By” partner of Esports Summit and secured the title sponsorship. Hi-Rez Studios is the Presenting Publisher sponsor of the Summit.
Featured speakers include Kevin Lin, co-founder of Twitch, Sundance DiGiovanni, co-founder of Major League Gaming; and more than 30 other executive speakers representing esports team organizations, Georgia government officials, investors, technology centers, brand agencies, and financial services institutions. Friday’s program includes panels, keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities.
“Esports is quickly entering the mainstream as a staple of the global entertainment industry, presenting infinite ways for organizations and brands to be a part of the industry’s incredible growth,” said TJ Waldorf, CMO at INAP and featured keynote speaker. “INAP is proud to have powered online gaming and esports communities for more than a decade. We can’t wait to welcome attendees to this first-of-its-kind event for the region.”
In addition to the tours, an evening B2B Mixer at Axis Replay, and a full day of programming and networking opportunities, Esports Summit will conclude with a “Legends of Esports” afterparty at oAK Atlanta.
“When we planned Esports Summit, we were singularly focused on providing everyone in attendance with the ability to become knowledgeable about this rapidly growing market space from the people who are shaping it,” said conference organizer Kathryn De Shields. “The esports environment is expanding every day, and it’s important that non-endemic individuals and companies are aware of present opportunities — whether it’s game publishing, increasing economic growth through tax incentives, or investing in team franchises.”
Other companies supporting Esports Summit include DreamHack, Axis Replay, RIISE Ventures, McKinney Economic Development Corporation, Radar Live, The City of Alpharetta, Select Fulton County, ELEAGUE, KontrolFreek, FANDOM, Blokz by Zenni, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Aprio.
The full speaker list, agenda, and sponsor list for Esports Summit 2019 is available at www.esportssummit.live.
COO of Hi-Rez Studios and President of Skillshot Media will serve on the 2019 board.
Make-A-Wish Georgia appoints Todd Harris, COO of Hi-Rez Studios and President of Skillshot Media to the 2019 board of directors.
This appointment is an extension of Hi-Rez Studios and Skillshot Media’s dedication to Make-A-Wish Georgia as a community partner and supporter. Each year, Make-A-Wish Georgia benefits from Spring Fling -- an annual, online event that encourages the SMITE and Paladins gaming community to raise funds for local wishes. Over the past two years, the event successfully raised more than $170,000 for the organization.
“I am thrilled to serve on the board of Make-A-Wish Georgia and further our commitment to this life-changing mission,” said Todd Harris, Hi-Rez Studios COO and Skillshot Media President. “As a board member, I look forward to lending my talents and expertise to serving children with critical illnesses and fulfilling wishes across the state of Georgia.”
Harris is a co-founder of Hi-Rez Studios, one of the largest video game studios in the Southeast, and President of Skillshot Media, the largest dedicated esports production company on the east coast. Between Hi-Rez Studios and Skillshot Harris works to advance competitive gaming and help partner brands authentically reach our esports fans.
“We are very fortunate to have Todd by our side as we continue to strengthen Georgia communities by creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses,” said Tim Earley, Make-A-Wish Georgia CEO. “Todd embodies the spirit of community and has already made an impact on our mission. The leadership, talent, expertise and energy he brings to the table will help propel our work of granting the wish of every eligible throughout our state.”
About Skillshot
Based in Alpharetta, GA, Skillshot provides a turnkey esports solution for leading competitive titles, including online and offline tournament organization, industry-leading esports production and active community management. Skillshot has more than five years of esports experience in hosting thousands of global competitors, paying out millions in tournament prizing and serving more than one billion esports views to date. Learn more at www.skillshot.com.
About Make-A-Wish Georgia
Since 1995, Make-A-Wish Georgia has been granting the wishes of local children facing critical illnesses. More than 20 years later, nearly 8,000 lives have experienced the impact of a life-changing wish. Make-A-Wish Georgia is a movement, powered by you, to renew families and communities disrupted by serious childhood illness. We all have the power to make wishes comes true. To learn how you can make wishes come true, visit www.georgia.wish.org.
In partnership with the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network in Atlanta, Skillshot Media launches the first Esports Medicine Program to benefit professional SMITE and Paladins esports players and to further medical research in the esports industry.
As esports continues to grow with more organizations, teams, and players entering the scene and playing video games at a highly-competitive level, Skillshot Media, a turnkey esports provider, and Northside Hospital have come together to form a comprehensive esports medical program for SMITE and Paladins esports athletes. Northside will apply existing knowledge of sports science and sports medicine to maximize performance and minimize injury with esports players.
“In discussions with the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network, it became clear that they are not only taking early notice of the rising trend of esports injuries, but also aspire to serve our pro players just like athletes in traditional sports — benefiting from nutrition, exercise, rest, and best practices for optimizing performance and prolonging careers,” said Todd Harris, President of Skillshot Media.
“We are thrilled to partner with Northside to provide complementary injury-prevention services for our players and also share ongoing research with the broader esports community”
Skillshot will serve as an esports consultant to help educate Northside about the esports industry, support Northside’s research studies, and run original esports medicine programming.
“As the convergence of technology expands our definitions of ‘athletes and competition,’ Northside Sports Medicine is proud to step into this unique role,” said Dr Vonda Wright MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and Chief of the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network. “The growth of esports is a worldwide phenomenon, and Northside is ready to provide elite sports medicine and performance therapy to the professionals of Skillshot Media. Through preventive care and innovative research, we hope to maximize performance while minimizing injury for these pro players, while setting a standard of care for esports athletes at every level.”
Common injuries that frequent esports athletes include carpal tunnel, issues with the lumbar spine, brain fatigue, and ocular strain. As part of this partnership, Northside will provide pre-performance injury screenings for each SMITE and Paladins team, hold weekly endurance training twice a week, and provide a team/league doctor as needed for tournament play. Access to Northside Hospital’s Sports Medicine experts for physical and mental health management, group sports nutrition training, and an injury training room will also be provided to esports athletes.
Though this partnership directly benefits the 90 SMITE and Paladins esports athletes traveling or relocating to Atlanta for the 2019 season, research gained from this partnership will shape new insights and best practices in the emerging athletic field of esports. Topics like injury prevention, documenting injury epidemiology, and measuring mental stamina will be explored in the research and innovation phase of this partnership.
About Skillshot
Based in Alpharetta, GA, Skillshot provides a turnkey esports solution for leading competitive titles, including online and offline tournament organization, industry-leading esports production and active community management. Skillshot has more than five years of esports experience in hosting thousands of global competitors, paying out millions in tournament prizing and serving more than one billion esports views to date.
About Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network
The Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network includes a team of clinical experts — orthopedic sports surgeons, non-operative sports medicine doctors, sports performance and concussion experts — who provide high-tech, high-touch evidence-based musculoskeletal care and offer a full complement of surgical and medical consultants, a comprehensive sports concussion program, sports nutrition, physical therapy and a sports performance and innovative research initiative. Locations in Georgia include Atlanta, Alpharetta, Buckhead, Buford, Cumming, East Cobb, Holly Springs, Midtown, Roswell and Woodstock. For more information about the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network, call 1–855-NH-SPORT (647–7678).
As part of a multi-organization collaboration, Skillshot Media, Johnson STEM Activity Center, The Forever Young Foundation, and Atlanta Public Schools established an esports arena as an extension of the Johnson STEM Activity Center’s operations. The esports arena will be a free resource to students who want to compete in the inaugural season of varsity esports programs in the state of Georgia.
“Skillshot seeks to foster community via esports,” said Todd Harris, President of Skillshot Media.
“Esports cultivates discipline, teamwork and good sportsmanship as well as STEM skill development. This new venue and partnership will greatly expand access to the local community.”
8 to 80 zones are a collaboration between NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback and Founder of the Forever Young Foundation Steve Young and former NFL player Jerry Rice. This service provides youth in underserved communities the skills they need to pursue careers in technology and media.
“Jerry and I continually seek to reach the youth we serve ‘where they are’,” said Steve Young. “We want to stimulate their minds and creativity by utilizing platforms they are already passionate about.”
Skillshot Media provided technological and infrastructural direction in constructing the 3,500 square-feet addition to the Johnson Stem Activity Center. The esports arena is a state-of-the-art facility that allows students to hone their skills as they compete in season one of the Georgia High School varsity esports program. Teams from around the metro area will be transported from their school to the arena at no charge.
“Not every school has the financial resources to support an esports team,” said Dr. Lonnie Johnson, Atlanta inventor and Founder of the Johnson STEM Activity Center. “Our arena will level the playing field and allow anyone with the desire to compete to play for a state championship.”
In addition, the space is a classroom that provides students with hands-on training in broadcast production, online streaming, audio engineering, video editing, and game development.
About Skillshot
Based in Alpharetta, GA, Skillshot Media provides a turnkey esports solution for leading competitive titles, including online and offline tournament organization, industry-leading esports production and active community management. Skillshot has more than five years of esports experience in hosting thousands of global competitors, paying out millions in tournament prizing and serving more than one billion esports views to date.
About Johnson STEM Activity Center
Since 2007, the Johnson STEM Activity Center has been providing free STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) resources to Georgia’s most underrepresented communities. With over 2,000 students annually, JSAC is a major reason Georgia leads the nation in African American students involved in robotics.
