GTL: NFL Throws 'Hail Mary' to Gain Twitch Viewers
By Twin Galaxies Editorial Staff ·
The NFL doubles down on streaming deal with Twitch in an attempt to grab gamers' attention. Plus, Gridiron Champions- a new unlicensed, generic college football game- is in the works to circumvent NCAA rules about amateur players.
iMackulate Vison Gaming seeks to circumvent a costant problem with licensing players for football video games by filling the roster with fictional teams and players and the NFL deepens its ties with Twitch to gain access to a new audience on this episode of Game Talk Live. Host Mandie Roman is joined by an expert panel of guests to discuss these topics, including football-centric YouTuber FlemLo Raps, Sports Illustrated and SB Nation sports journalist Devon Lloyd, and boxing, MMA, and video game sports writer Brian Mazique.
Because of an ongoing controversy licensing college sports players, game makers have begun to shy away from use of the NCAA licenses in favor of making up fictional players and teams for games. Such is the case of the upcoming Gridiron Champions from iMackulate Vision Gaming. The panel speaks to the relationship between the NCAA, licensing, and its players, especially in terms of financial control.
It also brings up the question of whether or not game developers can find the same success with fictional players and teams that can be found in previous NCAA, NFL, and similar games featuring realistic rosters. Discussion covers the challenge of making a game with fictional players matter and what kind of audiences will enjoy that the game. The panel also considers the possibility of filling in the gaps that licensing leaves with character creation systems and the legal ramifications that could come with such an allowance.
"[@NCAA 's] definition of success has to be to cultivate a #cult following." - @uniquemazique on #NCAA #videogames
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) May 2, 2018
Watch Live: https://t.co/P0SfV9RQY1 pic.twitter.com/1LryHf1lUc
One of the toughest of challenges for a game like Gridiron Champions is to get new players on board. As a game that started out as a failed crowdfund, the panel looks at other ways Gridiron Champions faces the challenge of getting investors to buy into the game. Discussion of influencers is brought into play.
While a company might not be able to advertise recreated images of real teams, players, and properties on their own, content creators and streamers on YouTube and Twitch can share those creations and advertise for the developers, getting the word out without facing an otherwise legal issue.
"Most #gamers are...not going to look deep into what you can do with the #game. That's where #YouTubers come in...to show the vast majority of people everything can do." -@uniquemazique#NCAA #VideoGames
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) May 2, 2018
Watch Live: https://t.co/P0SfV9RQY1 pic.twitter.com/E838AGGThl
Meanwhile, the NFL has deepened its attempt to build a connection with Twitch. The partnership between the companies means the NFL will be able to step outside of cable and offer its product to people through Twitch services. The panel speaks to the pros and cons of the partnership, as well as what it means for newer and younger viewers through the use of a relatively newer and popular media outlet that Twitch represents. Debate also covers whether or not the NFL is using Twitch to circumvent more negative images associated with professional football in other media.
The panel also considers whether or not the NFL will create new content for Twitch, as well as utilizing already existing programs through the service. Just as well, the experts look at the influence traditional sports could have if it manages to successfully cross over to the new form of media. If the NFL manages to succeed through Twitch, will other major sports organizations attempt to follow suit?
With a professional sports team like the NBA's Golden State Warriors acquiring a League of Legends team - The Golden Guardians - the panel discusses whether or not we can expect other teams to attempt to do the same, as well as if the move will pay off in building the hype of gaming for non-gamers.
"With... @Drake and @Ninja on @Twitch, more traditional media is paying attention. @NFL players... are streaming constantly, they’re dropping videos...I think the #NFL is def. going to take it seriously." -@flemloraps, on NFL + Twitch partnership . https://t.co/P0SfV9RQY1 pic.twitter.com/8b819UmqnL
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) May 2, 2018
This episode of Game Talk Live has wrapped up for today, but you can catch it in its entirety in the video embedded above. Meanwhile, don't miss the previous episode of Game Talk Live in which panelists discuss Nintendo's varied attempts to find fresh success with its fans.