A Korean corporation is planning a show to scout young Overwatch talents. The goal is to eventually have a proper team emerge from the show.
What kind of show is this? According to a Korean news site, the upcoming reality show is rumored to be named “God of Overwatch”.
“God of Overwatch” is set to start in June. Registrations will be accepted until April 30, and the first matches of the participants are scheduled to be filmed on May 13.
What is the purpose of the show? By participating in the show, the best players among the participants are to be found. These will eventually form a team. However, it has not yet been confirmed whether they will participate in tournaments like the Overwatch League.
The show, according to statements from KBS, the organizers, also aims to make eSports more mainstream. It is meant to dispel stereotypes and show the wider audience how much eSports is growing.
Korea is regarded as a stronghold of eSports, and according to dotesport, 109 of the currently 193 active players in the Overwatch League are from Korea. Some non-Korean teams like London Spitfire are even made up entirely of Korean players. Before the Overwatch League, Korea even had its own league in Overwatch, the Overwatch APEX.
Who is making the show? Behind “God of Overwatch” is the Korean broadcaster KBS. KBS is supported by a cryptocurrency company, Suponic, which is also based in Korea.
Will this be successful? “God of Overwatch” is not the first reality show searching for pros. Similar approaches have already been made in other countries. There, they had according to dotesports, however, faced some difficulties:
- Gamerz from Sweden was searching for aspiring CS:GO pros but reportedly did not pay the players.
- The Next Gamer from Australia sought LoL talents but was canceled after one season.
On a US network, Overwatch was already aired and received terrible criticism. Whether the show will deliver on its promises remains to be seen.
What do you think of the idea?
At least the Overwatch League knows how to present itself:
