Russia’s MTS has launched an interactive media platform for cybersport players and gamers.
Known as WASD.TV, it allows users to not only stream and watch broadcasts of other players but also participate in eSports tournaments, earn virtual currency (XP) for any activity on the platform and spend it on promoting streams on the main page and promoting the best streamers. The platform’s functionality also allows users to display two broadcasts at once (cooperative streaming with combined chat) and stream in high resolution regardless of rating.
Commenting on the platform, Alexey Kornya, CEO of MTS, said: “WASD.TV is MTS’s own development. We are launching not just a streaming service, we present a platform on the basis of which we will develop various solutions in the field of gaming, professional eSports and multimedia content. MTS has long studied the market of eSports, creating products for gamers, analysing information about the specifics of content consumption by players and viewers. The acquisition of one of the best eSports clubs in the world, Gambit Esports, has enabled us to better understand this market in order to create a product in close cooperation with the best experts that can change perceptions of gaming and eSports in Russia.”.
He added: “According to our estimates, the Russian eSports market will grow by an average of 20% annually in the coming years. This year it will reach $ 55 million, and in 2023 it will exceed $100 million. We are confident that in such a rapidly growing MTS market, a technology company with extensive experience in developing innovative products and working with the widest audience will be able to take a significant share”.
Meanwhile, RNS has quoted Kornya as saying that MTS intends to invest $10 million in eSports by the end of this year.
