GTL: H1Z1 Pro League Looks to Revolutionize the Esports Scene

On this episode of Game Talk Live, host Mandi Roman dives into the H1Z1 Pro League and how it is looking to change how esports leagues operate, while creating a entertaining product that any viewer can enjoy. Joining Mandie on today's show are expert panelists including Twin Galaxies Chairman Jace Hall; H1Z1 Pro League team Obey Alliance General Manager Julian Castro; and aspiring H1Z1 professional player Pixy. 

The H1Z1 Pro League is the first of its kind in how it will operate and the genre of game that it will be base its competition on. The panelists discuss how the Battle Royale genre is very easy to understand even for viewers who have never played or heard of Battle Royale, due to its concept being explored in other media, such as the Hunger Games, and that there is no other need to have vast knowledge of the game to understand what you are viewing. Discussion also covers how H1Z1 stands out as the best representation of the Battle Royale concept, as it provides the clearest look into highest skill level that Battle Royale games have to offer, and how the passionate community of H1Z1 will help the league see long term success. 

“When you look at the #BattleRoyale games, @H1Z1 stands out as a more easily understood depiction of this Battle Royale concept.” -@JaceHall

Watch Live: https://t.co/zKdSCNHJG7#esports #H1Z1 #GamersUnite pic.twitter.com/Ho2KlYrFae

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 9, 2018

What makes the H1Z1 Pro League stand out from existing esports leagues? Game Talk Live discusses the different avenues that the H1Z1 Pro League will be taking to separate itself from its competition and the old guard of how esports leagues are ran. From a 360 degree arena viewing experience, a player first mentatlity, and each team of the league having a seat at the table when it comes to deciding how the league will operate, the H1Z1 Pro League is determined to create a experience that can be enjoyed by more than just those who play the game. The league will also be distancing itself from the publisher ran model that most esports league employ. 

Discussion also covered how it is important for the league to moderate player behavior to avoid issues of unsportmanlike conduct and toxicity, while at the same time allowing for players and teams to express themsleves in order to create the rivalries that fans love to watch in action. The H1Z1 Pro League will employ a goverance comittee of five elected members that will oversee issues of player behavior and determine the appropriate action to the situation. Should other esports leagues follow suit? 

"The key to understanding all of #esports is understanding that the game is only a piece of what’s important. The players, the team organizations, the people that are involved [are] what the audience wants to invest in.” -@JaceHall

Watch Live: https://t.co/zKdSCNHJG7 pic.twitter.com/HFACXYk0L8

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 9, 2018

With Las Vegas playing host to the H1Z1 Pro League, and Facebook being announced as the leagues primary broadcast platform, each panelist gives their thoughts on how these two factors will help the league reach a wider untapped audience than it would have being based in other cities or broadcasting on other platforms. Examples include Facebook's work to making their streaming service the best on the market and the opportunity to market an entertainment product on a platform that can reach everyone and not just esports purists. 

Is being free to play necessary for a game to succeed as an esport? Game Talk Live also turns its attention to the news of H1Z1 becoming a free to play title and the effect it will have on the path to becoming a professional player in the H1Z1 Pro League. The panelists explain how the league is focused on supporting and building up the amateur scene to create a system of rising through the ranks that mimics the likes of traditional sports. 

"@H1Z1 free-to-play is essential for it to be successful in #esports" -@Aeolus

Watch Live: https://t.co/zKdSCNHJG7 #freetoplay #BattleRoyale #LiveStreaming #gaming #gamersunit #videogames pic.twitter.com/CIKmsF6jig

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) March 9, 2018

Our next topic moves to the steps that aspiring H1Z1 Pro League players should take to realize their dreams of becoming a professional player. From creating a Twin Galaxies Player Profile that puts you on the qualified list of free agents to showing potential organizations that you are dedicated to building a legacy with them in the league, the experts give advice on what will separate you from your competition. 

Discussion moved towards H1Z1 making its way onto consoles. Would a console version of H1Z1 be popular amongst the gaming community? Each panelists give their thoughts on how the game would translate to being played on consoles, while revealing that a console version is on its way in the near future, and that the H1Z1 Pro League will be looking at integrating professional competition for the console scene. Finally, the future of the Z1 map making its long awaited return to H1Z1 and what it means for the H1Z1 Pro League is also explored by the panelists. 

Game Talk Live has wrapped up for today, but you can see in its entirety in the video above. Be sure to check out the previous episode, where panelists discuss geek gatekeeping and the influence of mainstream culture on popular franchises.