National collegiate video game tournament to debut in the fall

Black Issues in Higher Education, June 17, 2004 by Ronald Roach

LOS ANGELES

Two college market entertainment firms have announced plans to launch the 2004 Video Sports College Challenge (Vs2C), a nationwide two-month college tournament to determine the top college in video game play. As a national tournament, players hailing from over 720 colleges and universities representing their schools will compete for the title of the No. 1 college in video game play, and to win thousands in cash prizes. The two entertainment entities announcing the tournament are mtvU and the Global Ginning League (GGL).

"College students lead the way in gaming, and this partnership with GGL allows us to create the first gaming version of March Madness where students on every one of our 720 campuses can compete," said Stephen Friedman, the general manager of mtvU. "On-air; online and on-campus, we will highlight the student stars and the great rivalries between colleges."

MtvU, a unit of MTV parent Viacom International, broadcasts to over 720 colleges and calls itself the most comprehensive television network just for college students. The Global Gaming League describes itself as an unbiased governing body that stages high-quality video gaming competitions online through a proprietary Web site as well as manages and promotes elite players.

"We're pleased to provide such an exciting platform for college students to exhibit their gaming talent. MtvU will certainly be instrumental in coupling our presence with the voice necessary to reach the college demographic," said Ted Owen, GGL chairman.

Vs2C will begin this fall with a four-week online tournament ladder competition. Top winners advance to the one-week online regional playoff tournament followed by an even more intense two-week online playoff tournament. The top 16 teams and individuals will finally compete at the National Championship Finals with an audience of thousands of college students and live entertainment. MtvU students will be able to root for their peers from the sidelines whether they are logged on to the Web site to experience the live audio and video coverage complete with play-by-play, or watching the updates on the action through segments on mtvU.

Online promotion will also take place on both mtvu.com and ggl.com in addition to mtvU/GGL live streaming broadcasts.