GTL: Esports Keeps Las Vegas Alive

Valve's video game skin trading markets finds itself shifted and shaken as the company imposes new restrictions and limitations on trading and transactions. Meanwhile, is Las Vegas becoming a hub for esports events as more and more companies invest in production in the city? On this episode of Game Talk Live, these subjects and more are discussed by host Mandie Roman, joined by an expert panel of guests including Unikrn CEO Rahul Sood, Marvel, ESL, and Twitch on-screen entertainer Paola Alejandra, and host of Popcorn Talks and Marvel Movie News host Keia McCarty.

Recently, Valve imposed new rules and guidelines on all video game skin and trade transactions. While some players embraced the new rules and cheered them, others have cried foul and cashed out of the market entirely. The panel discusses whether or not these changes are worthwhile and justified, as well as whether or not the sytem and changes are "too little, too late" and why. Discussion of gambling on skins and the rings and oranizations built upon these concepts are also discussed.

The question comes up as to whether the days-long waiting periods will actually fully damage the demand for these systems. Concern includes how many players will drop off of these games in relation to how interest in these systems and who will actually stay on board and use these systems with the restrictions in place.

Gambling rings and issues with the skin transaction and trading systems have faced problems for years, including a crackdown by Valve years back. That said, games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive undoubtedly built a large part of their community off of this service. The panel considers whether or not the current system can actually be fixed or if the whole thing should be thrown out in favor of a new system. The panel considers ways in which a safe and fun system could be created while avoiding enabling illegal gambling.

"I can tell you that of all the skin treading sites, there are probably only 4 or 5...that operate the way you should operate a business." -@rahulsood of @UnikrnCo

Watch Live: https://t.co/SrScm3pyqh #GamersUnite #skins #videogames pic.twitter.com/zg4GeDWGSE

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 18, 2018

As esports has picked up steam and pace across the world, the city of Las Vegas has picked up interested leagues and organizations looking to establish themselves in the gaming trend. Esports has given Vegas new life and an all-new type of revenue at an exponential rate. The panel shares opinions on the current state of Las Vegas as well as how events have progressed to allow esports to take such a hold in the city of Vegas.

In comparison of gaming to gambling, the panel considers how Vegas has shifted its priorities to be able to cater to the interests of visitors and residents, as well as how it has changed its marketing over time. Panelists discuss their personal experience with gaming business and events in Las Vegas and how things have expanded over the course of the years they've worked with the city. 

Many see the possibility of gambling on video gaming and esports as a new and exciting possibility for Vegas. Not only does it allow for all-ages engagement with video games for kids and gambling for adults in one place. The panel discusses how Vegas properly regulates and builds upon this concept, as well as what kind of opportunities there are for business and entertainment in this new horizon.

"...Vegas Iikes to...say it’s for the whole family. [Now parents can] go to an esports arena, connect with [their] kids there, have a drink... It’s such a sound business model!" -@markeiamccarty

Watch Live: https://t.co/SrScm3pyqh #esports #esportsarena #vegas pic.twitter.com/GSVWJ7rJIl

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 18, 2018

Game Talk Live has wrapped up, but you can see it in its entirety in the embedded video above. Catch up on the previous Game Talk Live as well where the panel discusses the comeback and crowdfunding of board games.