US-based esports organisation Ghost Gaming has been acquired by Atlanta Ownership Group and will relocate its headquarters and operations from Irvine, California to Atlanta as part of the purchase.
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The ownership group, which features a variety of Atlanta-based investors, is being led by Andrew Steinberg, Founder and Managing Partner at Phoenix Capital Ventures and Todd Harris, co-founder of Hi-Rez Studios and CEO of Skillshot Media.
Regarding the group’s purchase of Ghost Gaming, Steinberg commented: “We are thrilled to bring what is a phenomenal and growing global business to Atlanta.
“Ghost Gaming has always been at the nexus of gaming and lifestyle, and Atlanta is quickly becoming the epicentre of digital media and culture. Our goal is to build an inclusive gaming lifestyle brand that is representative of the vibrant, creative culture that makes Atlanta truly special.”
According to the official release, the goal is to expand Ghost Gaming’s footprint in Metro Atlanta by adding 10 extra positions in the company, whilst also supporting the organisation’s current staff and players.
“I believe esports is the future of entertainment, and Atlanta is the future of esports,” added Todd Harris. “Esports reaches and engages the demographic that is the most desirable yet the hardest for brands to reach today – the cord-cutting digital native. Atlanta has the game companies, venues, infrastructure, workforce and culture that will make it the esports capital.”
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Exact financial details have yet to be revealed, however, the Georgia Department of Economic Development commented that the move highlights the ‘state’s investment in developing world-class talent and an esports ecosystem right here in Georgia’.
Grant Wainscott, Vice-Chair of the Atlanta Esports Alliance, has also praised the announcement: “Despite challenges we all face with coronavirus temporarily postponing live events, esports online viewership is at a record high around the world, and esports businesses continue to choose Metro Atlanta and thrive here.
“We’re excited to welcome Ghost Gaming as Metro Atlanta’s fourth major esports team franchise, joining the Atlanta Reign, Atlanta FaZe and Hawks Talon.”
Some of the additional strategic investors involved in Ghost Gaming’s acquisition include Matt Woomer, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Blue Mammoth; Tree McGlown, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Sideqik; Tammy Hurt, Vice-Chair of the Recording Academy; Adam Wexler, Founder and CEO of PrizePicks; and Jeff Webb, Founder and Chairman of Varsity Spirit.
Esports Insider says: Atlanta Ownership Group’s acquisition of Ghost Gaming will certainly continue strengthening the state’s esports ecosystem. It is important to note that the company is moving into somewhat of a crowded market by relocating to Atalanta, however, this could only enhance the brand’s value in the long-term.
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