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United States33708 Posts
This a related development in the controversy between Blizzard and KeSPA
+ Show Spoiler [Timeline] +
MBCGame to negotiate with Gretech in order to continue to broadcast the MSL
Source: etnews.co.kr
This is not a full or direct translation.
With the MBCGame survivor league set to start on the third of June, MBCGame has approached Gretech/GomTV to begin negotiations over Blizzard's intellectual property rights.
MBCGame's Director of Operations Cho Jung Hyun stated "As a broadcasting company, we can't disappoint fans of the MSL and thus we are taking measures to make sure we open the league. We will take necessary measures including negotiations to ensure the stable operations for our league."
For now, the Survivor Tournament will go on as planned. Gretech CEO Bae In Shik said "The most important thing is that they are willing to come to the table. Seeing as it's a league with an already fixed schedule, we will continue to allow them to operate even though we have not finished negotiating."
MBCGame is the first party to make a move since the Gretech-Blizzard agreement. Their actions may effect their rival OnGameNet, who have more time to contemplate their choices before the OSL begins on the 11th of this month. A source from OnGameNet stated "The issue between KeSPA and Blizzard has yet to be resolved, so we are not currently decided on a course of action. Since we have until next week to decide, we will continue to monitor the situation."
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So it looks like things are going heavily in Blizzard's favour so far.
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Good on MBC for not falling in line with Kespa. It's all about keeping the business and the sport alive, and cooperation fosters that.
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I really hope there is some integrity at the top of MBC that will shine, that it will not all be about the pride, glory and money of broadcasting Starcraft.
But that it could be the responsibility and honour of broadcasting and showing the REALLY hard work of these young men, who are most likely jeopardizing their future by being practice-partners. Long live the MSL
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Seems only a natural progression to this interesting saga. Thanks for the news.
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If this is a step towards gamers being compensated better (thus making it more of a legit profession), it's great news for e-sports. As it is I find the situation incredibly bizarre and confusing, and I can't really make sense of it.
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Good job MBCGame! Rather than trying to mindlessly become controlled by every move and actions from KeSPA, to have its ability to decide and judge the situation is a right one atm. KeSPA certainly don't own MBCGame and this is one of the possibilities to ensure MSL and e-sports to stay well and alive by taking the initiative!
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France2061 Posts
Perhaps CJ's stake in Gretech is facilitating this deal. If that's the case, things should also work out for OGN, which belongs to CJ. I expect BW to be able to continue unhindered, at least in the immediate future, unless Blizzard/GOM make impossible demands with the intent of killing the proscene to make way for SC2. It's the SC2 scene that will probably be most affected by the Blizzard-Gretech deal, not Brood War.
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United States33708 Posts
On June 03 2010 03:07 TwoToneTerran wrote:
Good on MBC for not falling in line with Kespa. It's all about keeping the business and the sport alive, and cooperation fosters that.
Well, MBCGame is just doing everything they can do on their end to make sure MSL keeps going on. KeSPA still have a good deal of control over the pro-game teams and thus the players (as seen by their ability to unofficially blacklist the old GomTV league). If MBCGame comes to a good agreement with Gretech that will be great, but it won't be the only factor in opening an intact MSL.
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United States33708 Posts
On June 03 2010 03:14 snowdrift86 wrote:
Perhaps CJ's stake in Gretech is facilitating this deal. If that's the case, things should also work out for OGN, which belongs to CJ. I expect BW to be able to continue unhindered, at least in the immediate future, unless Blizzard/GOM make impossible demands with the intent of killing the proscene to make way for SC2. It's the SC2 scene that will probably be most affected by the Blizzard-Gretech deal.
CJ have a 25% stake in gretech. While it does make them the single biggest shareholder in Gretech, Korean journalists speculate on exactly how significant it is. Officially, CJ claims they are just an investor in Gretech and have no interest in its actual operations.
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Oh blizzard , always getting what you want at any cost ^^
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I'm glad to see that this is happening, even if it is the smartest move MBC could make, they could just as easily side with KeSPA and make Blizzard seem like an evil corporation.
I feel like MBCGame has always been a great company, and is constantly trying to promote eSports, with shows like HyungJoon, aggresive advertising, the pro team, and obviously their tournament, among others. Hopefully things pan out for them and we get to see another amazing MSL next season.
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On June 03 2010 03:16 Waxangel wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2010 03:14 snowdrift86 wrote:
Perhaps CJ's stake in Gretech is facilitating this deal. If that's the case, things should also work out for OGN, which belongs to CJ. I expect BW to be able to continue unhindered, at least in the immediate future, unless Blizzard/GOM make impossible demands with the intent of killing the proscene to make way for SC2. It's the SC2 scene that will probably be most affected by the Blizzard-Gretech deal. CJ have a 25% stake in gretech. While it does make them the single biggest shareholder in Gretech, Korean journalists speculate on exactly how significant it is. Officially, CJ claims they are just an investor in Gretech and have no interest in its actual operations.
And with the whole new issue with GOM/Gretech officially and legally holds broadcasting rights and Blizzard's IPs, that may change in due time with CJ influencing Gretech directly and indirectly. If CJ really do have that much shares and are the single biggest shareholder, then they also have the power to somewhat control the actions and operations made by the corporations because of the power CJ has with just shares. In fact, if you see some Korean dramas that always mention corporations and companies with families having shares, I believe if you and your partners/companions/side have the majority of shares in a corporation, you can easily influence and pick a new CEO and lead the direction of that company.
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*Edit* Double post that was accidental... it was suppose to be edit for other post and not quote... sorry!~ T_T
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oh wow, so much for kespa already lost one half of their broadcast advantage, they are done for.
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I hope the make public how much GomTV asks, and for how long...
I wouldn't be surprised if they only give permission for a few months, maintaining the possibility of suddenly shutting down BW.
Don't forget that Blizzard asked in their contracts 100% control over the company.
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no power outages, no blizzards, what could possibly go wrong?
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why would they want to shutdown bw? they are making money with it dude...
im happy that mbc already started negotiating. i bet OGn will follow sooner or later and esport in korea will go on as usual 
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Well, looks like the beginning of the end of the BW scene in Korea as we know it.
*sobs uncontrollably*
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On June 03 2010 03:33 TRAP[yoo] wrote:
why would they want to shutdown bw? they are making money with it dude...
It depends. How much do you think they're going to pay?
Shutting down BW subtly (by demanding a high fee, but setting a NDA so they cannot say how high it is) would increase SC2 sales almost for sure. And a moderate increase of SC2's sales is a lot more profitable for Activision Blizzard both in the short and the long run.
They can ask a ton of money for BW and a small fee for SC2 (which will increase afterwards), so they make SC2 more profitable and force the switch.
I'm pretty sure that's what Kotik would do/think.
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EPT
