Global eSports Management (GEM) has launched its official website http://gem.gg/. The name became known in the SC2 scene since MC started wearing GEM shirts when attendings events, but not much else was known about the agency.
The official website answers several questions about the organization. GEM is managed by Tobias "Tumba" Sherman, Min-Sik "reis" Ko and Hwanni Kim and was founded in November 2013. Tumba co-founded and managed the eSports Management Group (EMG) before, which has been stated on the GEM website as "defunct". It seems that all (SC2) clients from EMG have joined GEM with the exception of IdrA who stopped his SC2 career.
Ah, finally it is announced! The things Min-Sik is doing with MC and Siv are pretty awesome and naturally Tobias is king. I think the Moon thing was partially thanks to GEM and Hwanni, no?
To help with their intended rapid expansion, GEM have announced the launch of a gaming house in Düsseldorf, Germany, which gives an indication of their vision for the expansion of the esports scene. It will include "pro-grade computers, catering, off-hours entertainment and even maid services" and will be used as a training point for the clientele of GEM to train for events such as IEM Katowice, Dreamhack and other major European tournaments. This is a large investment and results of their clientele will tell the tale of whether or not it is successful.
Along with their news about the gaming house comes the news that GEM will be constructing a full-scale video production studio located in Seoul, South Korea. With full broadcasting capabilities similar to the studio of GOMeXP, it will provide a base for both foreign as well as local talent to work from within Seoul – allowing the production of high-quality content to be created on behalf of their clients.
On March 24 2014 05:02 Torte de Lini wrote: Ah, finally it is announced! The things Min-Sik is doing with MC and Siv are pretty awesome and naturally Tobias is king. I think the Moon thing was partially thanks to GEM and Hwanni, no?
To help with their intended rapid expansion, GEM have announced the launch of a gaming house in Düsseldorf, Germany, which gives an indication of their vision for the expansion of the esports scene. It will include "pro-grade computers, catering, off-hours entertainment and even maid services" and will be used as a training point for the clientele of GEM to train for events such as IEM Katowice, Dreamhack and other major European tournaments. This is a large investment and results of their clientele will tell the tale of whether or not it is successful.
Along with their news about the gaming house comes the news that GEM will be constructing a full-scale video production studio located in Seoul, South Korea. With full broadcasting capabilities similar to the studio of GOMeXP, it will provide a base for both foreign as well as local talent to work from within Seoul – allowing the production of high-quality content to be created on behalf of their clients.
That sounds really sick actually. ;o
Thank you for this!
For instance, GEM have expanded into both Hearthstone and the fighting game scene; picking up community favorites Mike Ross and Gootecks, as well as professional Hearthstone players Jan 'Ek0p' Palys, Marcin 'Gnimsh' Filipowicz and Jeffrey 'Trump' Shih. These additions show GEM’s understanding of the currently growing esports scenes in both games - these additions may prove to be wise ones.
On March 24 2014 05:02 Torte de Lini wrote: Ah, finally it is announced! The things Min-Sik is doing with MC and Siv are pretty awesome and naturally Tobias is king. I think the Moon thing was partially thanks to GEM and Hwanni, no?
To help with their intended rapid expansion, GEM have announced the launch of a gaming house in Düsseldorf, Germany, which gives an indication of their vision for the expansion of the esports scene. It will include "pro-grade computers, catering, off-hours entertainment and even maid services" and will be used as a training point for the clientele of GEM to train for events such as IEM Katowice, Dreamhack and other major European tournaments. This is a large investment and results of their clientele will tell the tale of whether or not it is successful.
Along with their news about the gaming house comes the news that GEM will be constructing a full-scale video production studio located in Seoul, South Korea. With full broadcasting capabilities similar to the studio of GOMeXP, it will provide a base for both foreign as well as local talent to work from within Seoul – allowing the production of high-quality content to be created on behalf of their clients.
pretty cool news imo. The full-scale video production studio though, not sure if that's a good idea lol.
I was wondering what this was since there was all of those pictures circulating around. Not sure about LS... but good luck to the other individuals! :D
On March 24 2014 05:14 -Kyo- wrote: I was wondering what this was since there was all of those pictures circulating around. Not sure about LS... but good luck to the other individuals! :D
LastShadow's not that strange when you consider he's super good friends with Artosis and Tasteless, hangs out with them a lot, and has played Hearthstone and Heroes of the Storm with Artosis numerous times, the former of which at quite a high level too. He also tweeted that he was the first to reach level 40 in the HotS closed "technical alpha" so there's that too I guess.
He's still lurking in the shadows but who knows where he'll go with the way the new Blizzard games are looking right now. ;o
On March 24 2014 04:54 Waxangel wrote: the third form of azubu
4th I think.
Or is LYGF in the quantic evolution tree?
LYGF is more like Quantic or Eclypsia(?) I guess
We need standardised rankings for shady esports businesses.
Teamhouse thingy sounds pretty cool though, I guess thats were Bounty Hunters will be ?
That's an interesting possibility actually, but wouldn't the other BH players have to get signed by GEM first, or is that not how that would work?
No idea, nobody heard anything from First and Yoda after they lost in WCS EU. No idea what they were up to or anything. Maybe MC can get them there with his Audi money
On March 24 2014 05:02 Torte de Lini wrote: Ah, finally it is announced! The things Min-Sik is doing with MC and Siv are pretty awesome and naturally Tobias is king. I think the Moon thing was partially thanks to GEM and Hwanni, no?
To help with their intended rapid expansion, GEM have announced the launch of a gaming house in Düsseldorf, Germany, which gives an indication of their vision for the expansion of the esports scene. It will include "pro-grade computers, catering, off-hours entertainment and even maid services" and will be used as a training point for the clientele of GEM to train for events such as IEM Katowice, Dreamhack and other major European tournaments. This is a large investment and results of their clientele will tell the tale of whether or not it is successful.
Along with their news about the gaming house comes the news that GEM will be constructing a full-scale video production studio located in Seoul, South Korea. With full broadcasting capabilities similar to the studio of GOMeXP, it will provide a base for both foreign as well as local talent to work from within Seoul – allowing the production of high-quality content to be created on behalf of their clients.
pretty cool news imo. The full-scale video production studio though, not sure if that's a good idea lol.
Yeah, not sure how that'll be like, but I wouldn't be worried. They've been doing video stuff for awhile with Sympatico behind the wheel in NA (they've been doing IHEARTU and stuff I think, no?), Ethan Ahn is in SEA with Hwanni and the people with Min-Sik. So they've got a strong base to be able to do a lot; it's not exactly their first time around the block managing people/talent, etc.
Uh, the page design and functionality really reminds me of that european eSports convention thingy, probably the same people behind it or just same designer.
Pretty great news, already saw the report by OnGamers a while ago. Seem to cover a lot of scenes so they're probably knowleadge. Pretty sick if they really work with OGN directly.
On March 24 2014 05:14 -Kyo- wrote: I was wondering what this was since there was all of those pictures circulating around. Not sure about LS... but good luck to the other individuals! :D
LastShadow's not that strange when you consider he's super good friends with Artosis and Tasteless, hangs out with them a lot, and has played Hearthstone and Heroes of the Storm with Artosis numerous times, the former of which at quite a high level too. He also tweeted that he was the first to reach level 40 in the HotS closed "technical alpha" so there's that too I guess.
He's still lurking in the shadows but who knows where he'll go with the way the new Blizzard games are looking right now. ;o
HotS bonjwa inc? xD
Sorry, you must have misunderstood what I meant to say~ It's not that I find it strange, but rather, I just do not support it. I didn't want to be too rude.
I can't wait to see them produce non-game-streaming content If they are getting a full production studio. Maybe stuff similar State of the Game or Meta, featuring their clients. They will need the publicity for their players anyways. It would sick if they make a "How is MC going to spend all of his prize money in one night?". LOLz
On March 24 2014 05:02 Torte de Lini wrote: Ah, finally it is announced! The things Min-Sik is doing with MC and Siv are pretty awesome and naturally Tobias is king. I think the Moon thing was partially thanks to GEM and Hwanni, no?
To help with their intended rapid expansion, GEM have announced the launch of a gaming house in Düsseldorf, Germany, which gives an indication of their vision for the expansion of the esports scene. It will include "pro-grade computers, catering, off-hours entertainment and even maid services" and will be used as a training point for the clientele of GEM to train for events such as IEM Katowice, Dreamhack and other major European tournaments. This is a large investment and results of their clientele will tell the tale of whether or not it is successful.
Along with their news about the gaming house comes the news that GEM will be constructing a full-scale video production studio located in Seoul, South Korea. With full broadcasting capabilities similar to the studio of GOMeXP, it will provide a base for both foreign as well as local talent to work from within Seoul – allowing the production of high-quality content to be created on behalf of their clients.
pretty cool news imo. The full-scale video production studio though, not sure if that's a good idea lol.
Yeah, not sure how that'll be like, but I wouldn't be worried. They've been doing video stuff for awhile with Sympatico behind the wheel in NA (they've been doing IHEARTU and stuff I think, no?), Ethan Ahn is in SEA with Hwanni and the people with Min-Sik. So they've got a strong base to be able to do a lot; it's not exactly their first time around the block managing people/talent, etc.
I was considering the monetary aspect of it, not the skills they possess
On March 24 2014 07:14 bo1b wrote: How many months before this group falls apart I wonder
"I am not familiar with this organization, therefore it is a scam that will take people's money, is involved with criminal activity, and is further damaging the credibility of eSports." Is that how we're treating new involvement and investment into this industry? Really?
Everything GEM is talking about sounds sick, and the people it represents are all people I want to see a lot of. Not to mention that the people behind it have been experienced in eSports for quite a while (reis was representing Korean players and playing in the FFAs at IEM not especially long ago), and have a reasonable level of visibility. If something begins to appear suspicious, then by all means, let that be addressed. But until that point, I'd rather greet them with open arms, not loaded ones.
On March 24 2014 07:14 bo1b wrote: How many months before this group falls apart I wonder
I'd be shocked if it makes it to the plural of months to be honest. No income, large expenses from what I see. Maybe they change that though. Talent agencies (that is what this is right?) can be very profitable
On March 24 2014 07:42 linkhimura wrote: they're like managers or something? I still don't get what they do.
But well, they have good players/clients, so I suppose this will be a good thing....?
How hard is it to understand what an agent is?
The idea of agents isn't something that's hard to understand. It's hard to understand within the context of the current eSports environment.
It's pretty much what you'd expect, the person contacts teams on the players behalf and tries to make a deal.
It's hard to understand in that there is hardly an abundance of sponsorships flying around just waiting to be assigned to players, especially so when most people in the position for a sponsorship are on teams.
On March 24 2014 07:14 bo1b wrote: How many months before this group falls apart I wonder
I'd be shocked if it makes it to the plural of months to be honest. No income, large expenses from what I see. Maybe they change that though. Talent agencies (that is what this is right?) can be very profitable
Launch is official, but they've been around for several months; you just don't know anything. Individually; they've been doing this for awhile too.
On March 24 2014 09:59 Circumstance wrote: "I am not familiar with this organization, therefore it is a scam that will take people's money, is involved with criminal activity, and is further damaging the credibility of eSports." Is that how we're treating new involvement and investment into this industry? Really?
Everything GEM is talking about sounds sick, and the people it represents are all people I want to see a lot of. Not to mention that the people behind it have been experienced in eSports for quite a while (reis was representing Korean players and playing in the FFAs at IEM not especially long ago), and have a reasonable level of visibility. If something begins to appear suspicious, then by all means, let that be addressed. But until that point, I'd rather greet them with open arms, not loaded ones.
Only in StarCraft where there's nothing to talk about and skepticism is abundant on the internet. Personal name sake doesn't matter if people don't know everything relevant to irrelevant about the company.
But it's only a vocal minority who get so judgmental and yet speak so wildly about/from their lack of knowledge.
On March 24 2014 07:42 linkhimura wrote: they're like managers or something? I still don't get what they do.
But well, they have good players/clients, so I suppose this will be a good thing....?
How hard is it to understand what an agent is?
The idea of agents isn't something that's hard to understand. It's hard to understand within the context of the current eSports environment.
It's pretty much what you'd expect, the person contacts teams on the players behalf and tries to make a deal.
It's hard to understand in that there is hardly an abundance of sponsorships flying around just waiting to be assigned to players, especially so when most people in the position for a sponsorship are on teams.
Which is why the agency exists.... You solve your own question within your question's explanation.... (Hard to find a sponsor? Great! Find an agency to do that for you!)
Regardless of whether or not they have teams, they can do things like arrange 1 time sponsorships, find and handle hotel arrangements, handle legal and passport related issues, and the list goes on forever. I don't really get where the confusion is coming from. It's a talent agency! It does all the things such an agency does!
On March 24 2014 07:42 linkhimura wrote: they're like managers or something? I still don't get what they do.
But well, they have good players/clients, so I suppose this will be a good thing....?
How hard is it to understand what an agent is?
The idea of agents isn't something that's hard to understand. It's hard to understand within the context of the current eSports environment.
It's pretty much what you'd expect, the person contacts teams on the players behalf and tries to make a deal.
It's hard to understand in that there is hardly an abundance of sponsorships flying around just waiting to be assigned to players, especially so when most people in the position for a sponsorship are on teams.
Which is why the agency exists.... You solve your own question within your question's explanation.... (Hard to find a sponsor? Great! Find an agency to do that for you!)
Regardless of whether or not they have teams, they can do things like arrange 1 time sponsorships, find and handle hotel arrangements, handle legal and passport related issues, and the list goes on forever. I don't really get where the confusion is coming from. It's a talent agency! It does all the things such an agency does!
The confusion people are expressing isn't over what job they can do, that's obvious. It's over why they're doing it in a market which seems way too small for such a business to operate.
In any event I'm not making statements as to whether or not such a business will succeed, I'm just pointing out where the confusion lies.
Yeah, sure its a talent agency but can they atleast tell us WHAT they have done for the scene and the listed players. The listed players are already Esport icons that have the least trouble finding sponsors already.
On March 24 2014 15:52 IvorYchef wrote: Yeah, sure its a talent agency but can they atleast tell us WHAT they have done for the scene and the listed players. The listed players are already Esport icons that have the least trouble finding sponsors already.
If you contact them, they will answer these questions. Their jobs are in the background; so you won't hear much from them, you'll just see their talent in many places and areas.
Honestly, if you see their talent in commercials or in new projects, it's very likely because of them such as MC for Need for Seat and the shows Artosis does. The players are icons but they may not be the most savvy marketable people or simply not that good at negotiation or managing the agreements with interested partners/companies; hence why these guys are their agents for a small cut.
Seriously, do a little research, even as eMG, they've been doing this for awhile for Tasteless and Artosis (and so many other people).
You even see MC and Min-Sik wearing the GEM jackets. Come on...
On March 24 2014 15:52 IvorYchef wrote: Yeah, sure its a talent agency but can they atleast tell us WHAT they have done for the scene and the listed players. The listed players are already Esport icons that have the least trouble finding sponsors already.
If you contact them, they will answer these questions. Their jobs are in the background; so you won't hear much from them, you'll just see their talent in many places and areas.
Honestly, if you see their talent in commercials or in new projects, it's very likely because of them such as MC for Need for Seat and the shows Artosis does. The players are icons but they may not be the most savvy marketable people or simply not that good at negotiation or managing the agreements with interested partners/companies; hence why these guys are their agents for a small cut.
Seriously, do a little research, even as eMG, they've been doing this for awhile for Tasteless and Artosis (and so many other people).
You even see MC and Min-Sik wearing the GEM jackets. Come on...
I don't think the bulk of the early comments are that unfair. They call themselves an agency, but no one knows exactly what they've done. I'm not expecting GEM to release contract numbers, but when CSN (or whatever name that agency goes by) is active in getting visas for Polt and Violet, TheGD Studio/Agency is securing contracts/work for all their talent, the lack of transparency from GEM will naturally be met with raised eyebrows.
Wow torte de lini, just wow. You call out that people have a lack of knowledge, but it's not as if GEM are giving information on what exactly they do themselves. And you are not helping. Just read the opening post. Lack of substance on what they actually do or have done. It's no wonder people are skeptical; it is remniscient of an AZUBU style post.
Calling on the lack of research, not knowledge. They announced maybe 14 days ago; so news doesn't exactly spread, especially if they intend to keep themselves in the background and continue to push their talent forward. So that's fair, but I don't think dismissing them or misplacing skepticism on them is fair if the founders are reputable people (Hwanni, Tobias, Min-Sik) and a lot of talent seem to trust them.
Not sure how I am not helping, albeit the tone might come off strong.
I mean, in the end, it will be the results and products coming out that will quell the vocal minority; I just dislike the sweeping judgement especially when they haven't made an effort to at least see what's been put out.
So are they a bunch of players/people who pay an agency to work for them or are they a bunch of players/people who work for an agency? And there is a team house. In Germany. MC have $416,988 total career winnings. RagnaroK $2495. One of them can attract sponsors and spend money. The other one can not. I don't get it.
Edit: And why is AZUBU shady community guy who never really answered any questions doing the same gig for GEM? So much I don't get.
Torte putting the months of frustration from Claufzubu comments to defend GEM. Your (reasonable) logic is apparently unwelcome in this thread, dude.
I've been skeptical of this kind of thing in the past, but I'm cautiously optimistic here. There's a lot of positive things planned that are going to be extremely good for eSports in general if they catch. If it works? I'll be extremely happy, and think it's worth the chance.
On March 24 2014 15:52 IvorYchef wrote: Yeah, sure its a talent agency but can they atleast tell us WHAT they have done for the scene and the listed players. The listed players are already Esport icons that have the least trouble finding sponsors already.
If you contact them, they will answer these questions. Their jobs are in the background; so you won't hear much from them, you'll just see their talent in many places and areas.
Honestly, if you see their talent in commercials or in new projects, it's very likely because of them such as MC for Need for Seat and the shows Artosis does. The players are icons but they may not be the most savvy marketable people or simply not that good at negotiation or managing the agreements with interested partners/companies; hence why these guys are their agents for a small cut.
Seriously, do a little research, even as eMG, they've been doing this for awhile for Tasteless and Artosis (and so many other people).
You even see MC and Min-Sik wearing the GEM jackets. Come on...
I don't think the bulk of the early comments are that unfair. They call themselves an agency, but no one knows exactly what they've done. I'm not expecting GEM to release contract numbers, but when CSN (or whatever name that agency goes by) is active in getting visas for Polt and Violet, TheGD Studio/Agency is securing contracts/work for all their talent, the lack of transparency from GEM will naturally be met with raised eyebrows.
You should probably contact them and let them know your opinion is that they should get out of the business. I'm sure they will value your opinion.
EPT
IdrA who stopped his SC2 career.
Bomber
MC
Tasteless
