Jump to content

Gfinity: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
cat
PixDeVl (talk | contribs)
fix redlink
 
(40 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|International esports company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Gfinity, Plc.
| name = Gfinity plc
| logo =
| logo = Gfinity Logo 2020.png
| type = [[Public limited company]]
| type = [[Public limited company]]
| traded_as = {{lse|GFIN}}
| industry =
| industry = {{unbulleted list|[[Video game industry]]|[[Entertainment industry]]}}
| fate =
| founded = {{start date and age|2012|9}} in [[London]], England
| predecessor = <!-- or: | predecessors = -->
| founder = Neville Upton
| successor = <!-- or: | successors = -->
| founded = {{start date|df=yes|2012|09}}
| founder = <!-- or: | founders = -->
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| hq_location_city = [[London]]
| hq_location_city = [[London]]
| hq_location_country = [[United Kingdom]]
| hq_location_country = England, UK
| key_people = Jonathan Hall ([[CFO]]), Hugo Drayton (Board Member)
| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = -->
| num_employees = 62<ref name="2019report">{{cite web |url=https://cdn.gfinityplc.com/app/uploads/2019/10/12153952/Gfinity-Annual-Report-WEB-FINAL1.pdf |title=Gfinity plc Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019 |publisher=Gfinity |date=25 October 2019 |accessdate=30 July 2020 }}</ref>
| key_people =
| num_employees_year = 2020
| products =
| revenue = {{Increase}} {{GBP|7.87&nbsp;million}}<ref name="2019report"/>
| owner = <!-- or: | owners = -->
| num_employees = 20+
| revenue_year = 2019
| website = {{URL|https://www.gfinityplc.com}}
| num_employees_year = 2017
| parent =
| website = {{URL|www.gfinityplc.com/}}
}}
}}
'''Gfinity''' is an international [[esports]] company based in [[London]], England. Founded in 2012, it develops and delivers esports experiences and strategies for game publishers, sports rights holders, commercial partners and media companies. Partnerships have included [[Formula One]], the [[Premier League]], [[Microsoft]], [[Activision Blizzard]], [[Amazon.com]], [[BT Sport]] and [[Sky Group|Sky]]. The company is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]]'s [[Alternative Investment Market]].


Alongside its esports business, Gfinity launched Gfinity Digital Media (GDM) in 2020, which comprises six websites focused on gaming and technology news and features. The Gfinity community has been built over time through online tournaments, professional events and its owned competition platform, the Gfinity Elite Series, which was broadcast through linear and digital channels until 2019. The company launched its first [[Subscription business model|subscription service]], Gfinity Plus, in July 2020.
'''Gfinity''', founded in 2012, is a UK based [[eSports]] company which operates globally. It is based in London at the UK's only dedicated eSports Arena and is listed on the London Stock Exchange [[Alternative Investment Market]] trading under LON:GFIN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.express.co.uk/finance/city/548261/Gfinity-call-of-duty-AIM|title=Gfinity answers the call of duty for AIM listing|first=Peter|last=Cunliffe|date=22 December 2014|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>


==History==
It hosts daily online tournaments from its online tournament platform as well as regular events at its arena that are broadcast online. It also has a free app for [[Xbox One]]; Tournament Builder.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/04/22/gfinity-tournament-app-xbox-one/|title=Make your own ladders and leagues with Gfinity's Xbox One app|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2017 the Gfinity Challenger Series launched, as part of the Elite Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/counter-strike-global-offensive/cs-go-gfinity-challenger-series|title=Gfinity announce details on their upcoming Gfinity Challenger Series|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Gfinity London Open 2015.jpg|thumb|upright|The Gfinity London Open 2015]]
Gfinity was founded in 2012 and merged with online league and tournament platform the Warped Gaming League (WGL) in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-26-how-gfinity-wants-to-establish-esports-in-the-uk |title=How Gfinity wants to establish eSports in the UK |last=Robinson |first=Martin |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=26 February 2014 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> The company held its first event G1 in July 2013, followed by G2 in October and G3 in August 2014, which included $30,000 ''[[Call of Duty]]'', $7,500 ''[[FIFA (video game series)|FIFA]]'' and $15,000 ''[[StarCraft]]'' tournaments.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.godisageek.com/2014/08/gfinity-uks-biggest-esports-tournament-wraps-up/ |title=Gfinity – UKs Biggest eSports Tournament Wraps-Up |last=Robinson |first=Calvin |publisher=GodisaGeek.com |date=4 August 2014 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> In February 2015, Gfinity hosted the ''Call of Duty'' European Championships at London's [[Royal Opera House]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/11/call-of-duty-european-championships-hosted-royal-opera-house |title=Call of Duty European championships to be hosted by Royal Opera House |last=Stuart |first=Keith |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=11 February 2015 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> The following month, it partnered with cinema chain [[Vue Cinemas|Vue]] to open the UK's first dedicated esports venue for the inaugural Gfinity Championships, which included tournaments for ''[[Hearthstone]]'', ''FIFA'' and ''[[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-02-18-uks-first-esports-arena-opens-in-london-next-month |title=UK's first eSports arena opens in London next month |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |publisher=[[Eurogamer]] |date=18 February 2015 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> The event, which included 23 weekly tournaments, attracted over 58 million viewers.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.mcvuk.com/esports/gfinity-blows-away-targets-with-58m-viewers-in-2015 |title=Gfinity blows away targets with 58m viewers in 2015 |magazine=[[MCV/Develop|MCV]] |date=13 October 2015 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref>


In 2016, Gfinity hosted the first [[Formula E]] Race Off,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2016/january/senna-prost-trade-cars-for-consoles-to-race-fans-in-the-next-generation-of-gaming.aspx| title=Senna & Prost trade cars for consoles to race fans in the next generation of gaming |publisher=[[Formula E]] |date=15 January 2016 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> the ''[[Halo (series)|Halo]]'' World Championship Tour,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/gaming/halo-world-championships-xbox-one-17153616ity |title=Halo World Championship Tour: Watch all the Halo 5 action from the Gfinity Arena |last=Wright |first=James |work=[[Daily Star (United Kingdom)|Daily Star]] |date=15 January 2016 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> the ''[[Vainglory (video game)|Vainglory]]'' European Winter Championship,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.esports-news.co.uk/2016/03/22/team-secret-wins-vainglory-european-winter-championship |title=Team Secret wins Vainglory European Winter Championship at the Gfinity Arena |last=Pelling |first=Oscar |publisher=Esports News UK |date=22 March 2016 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> the ''Call of Duty'' World League Summer Masters,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gfinity-to-host-call-of-duty-world-league-london-300788286.html |title=Gfinity to Host Call of Duty World League: London |publisher=[[PR Newswire]] |date=4 February 2019 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> and many more tournaments. Also in May, the ''[[Battlefield 1]]'' global reveal event took place at the Gfinity Arena, including the premiere of the game's official trailer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/battlefield-1-interview-ea-studios-evp-world-war-1-setting-single-player-remasters-horses-1558771 |title=Battlefield 1 interview: EA Studios EVP on World War 1 setting, single player, remasters and horses |last=Skipper |first=Ben |work=[[International Business Times]] |date=7 May 2016 |accessdate=27 March 2018 }}</ref> In 2017, it was announced that Gfinity had partnered with American cable television provider [[Medicom]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sportindustry.biz/news/mediacom-partners-gfinity |title=MediaCom partners with Gfinity |publisher=Sport Industry Group |date=30 January 2017 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> Later that year, the company was chosen by [[Microsoft]] as the official tournament partner for the ''[[Forza (series)|Forza]]'' Racing Championship.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/176424/gfinity-and-microsoft-partner-to-host-forza-racing-championship-176424.html |title=Gfinity and Microsoft partner to host Forza Racing Championship |last=Ashcroft |first=Jamie |publisher=Proactive Investors |date=13 April 2017 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> Recent partnerships include [[Formula One]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://esports-news.co.uk/2020/03/23/gfinity-formula-1-esports-virtual-grand-prix-series/ |title=Gfinity to deliver Formula 1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series which runs until May |last=Sacco |first=Dom |publisher=Esports News UK |date=23 March 2020 |accessdate=30 July 2020 }}</ref> the [[Premier League]],<ref name="premierleague">{{cite news |url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/917585/gfinity-jumps-as-it-prepares-to-host-inaugural-epremier-league-invitational-tournament-917585.html |title=Gfinity jumps as it prepares to host inaugural ePremier League Invitational tournament |last=Muirhead |first=Calum |publisher=Proactive Investors |date=20 April 2020 |accessdate=30 July 2020 }}</ref> Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management,<ref name="admm">{{cite news |url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/gfinity-and-abu-dhabi-motorsport-management-to-launch-new-esports-championship/ |title=Gfinity and Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management to launch new esports championship |publisher=SportBusiness |date=4 June 2020 |accessdate=30 July 2020 }}</ref> Microsoft,<ref name="pandemic">{{cite news |url=https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/news/900865/gfinity-s-revenue-growth-driven-by-strategic-client-relationships-900865.html |title=Gfinity gets pandemic boost as world turns to esports |publisher=Proactive Investors |date=14 July 2020 |accessdate=30 July 2020 }}</ref> [[Activision Blizzard]],<ref name="pandemic"/> [[Amazon.com]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gfinityplc.com/news/gfinity-selected-by-amazon-to-deliver-the-twitch-prime-crown-cup/ |title=Gfinity selected by Amazon to deliver The Twitch Prime Crown Cup |publisher=Gfinity |date=2 July 2019 |accessdate=30 July 2020 }}</ref> [[BT Sport]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevemccaskill/2020/05/11/bt-sport-and-gfinity-develop-esports-formats-for-uk-tv-during-lockdown/ |title=BT Sport And Gfinity Develop Esports Formats For U.K. TV During Lockdown |last=McCaskill |first=Steve |work=[[Forbes]] |date=11 May 2020 |accessdate=30 July 2020 }}</ref> and the [[Sky Group]].<ref name="premierleague"/>
== History ==


In March 2020, Gfinity CEO Graham Wallace and executive chairman Garry Cook stepped down from their roles; they were replaced, respectively, by global brand officer John Clarke and the company's co-founder Neville Upton.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-03-19-gfinitys-ceo-and-chairman-step-down-ahead-of-60-percent-cost-reduction-plan |title=Gfinity's CEO and chairman step down ahead of 60% cost reduction plan |last=Handrahan |first=Matthew |publisher=gamesindustry.biz |date=25 March 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> The same month, the company was selected to operate the online qualifiers and playoffs for the inaugural ePremier League USA by [[NBC Sports]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/gfinity-to-deliver-online-qualifiers-for-epremier-league-usa/ |title=Gfinity to deliver online qualifiers for ePremier League USA |last=Cronin |first=Ben |publisher=SportBusiness |date=26 February 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> In April, Gfinity hosted the ePL Invitational tournament for [[Sky Sports]], from which the prize fund was donated to the #PlayersTogether initiative to benefit the [[National Health Service]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.voxmarkets.co.uk/articles/gfinity-hits-the-back-of-the-net-with-the-first-epremier-league-invitational-tournament-a9330fe/ |title=Gfinity hits the back of the net with the first ePremier League Invitational Tournament |publisher=Vox Markets |date=20 April 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> The tournament was viewed by over 150 million people across all channels.<ref name="eprem">{{cite news |url=https://www.esportstalk.com/news/premier-league-esports-invitational-secures-more-than-150-million-views/ |title=Premier League Esports Invitational Secures More Than 150 Million Views |last=Parker |first=Jason |publisher=EsportsTalk |date=5 May 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> After signing a multi-year agreement to deliver the F1 Esports Series, Gfinity delivered eight virtual races during the [[2020 Formula One World Championship|2020 Formula One season postponement]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.esportsinsider.com/2020/05/gfinity-f1-esports-series-extension/ |title=Gfinity continues to operate F1 Esports Series in multi-year deal |last=Wootton |first=Jamie |publisher=Esports Insider |date=20 May 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref>
=== 2012 - 2014 ===


In May 2020, Gfinity announced the creation of a new [[digital media]] group within the company, Gfinity Digital Media (GDM), now headed up by Rebekah Billingsley as managing director.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-15 |title=Gfinity appoints Rebekah Billingsley as Managing Director of GDM |url=https://www.gfinityplc.com/rebekah-billingsley-appointed-as-managing-director-of-gdm/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Gfinity PLC |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="GDM">{{cite news |url=https://esportsobserver.com/gfinity-digital-media-group/ |title=Gfinity Expands With Digital Media Group, Ecommerce, and Digital Rewards |last=Ashton |first=Graham |publisher=The Esports Observer |date=26 May 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> With its launch, GDM also revealed Gfinity Plus, a digital rewards programme that supports gamer forums and facilitates data collection, which launched in July.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.voxmarkets.co.uk/articles/-gfinity-to-launch-gfinity-plus-rewards-programme-3a4730e |title=Gfinity to launch Gfinity Plus rewards programme |last=Morgan |first=Francesca |publisher=Vox Markets |date=13 July 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref>
Gfinity merged with The Warped Gaming League, the online league and tournament platform, in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-26-how-gfinity-wants-to-establish-esports-in-the-uk|title=How Gfinity wants to establish eSports in the UK|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> It hosted G1 in July 2013 followed by G2 and G3 took place at the Copper Box at the Olympic Park in August 2014; which included a $30,000 ''Call of Duty'', a $7,500 ''FIFA'' and a $15,000 ''StarCraft'' tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.godisageek.com/2014/08/gfinity-uks-biggest-esports-tournament-wraps-up/|title=Gfinity - UKs Biggest eSports Tournament Wraps-Up|date=4 August 2014|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>


=== 2015 ===
==Services==
===Community building===
Utilising its own technological [[intellectual property]] and production processes, Gfinity creates and delivers virtual and online esports programmes and competitions for publishers, sports rights holders, brands and media organisations, including [[Activision]] and [[2K Games]].<ref name="pandemic"/>


Since April 2020, the company has delivered the Virtual Grand Prix series and the ePremier League Invitationals, delivering record-breaking figures during the cancellation of many sporting events amid the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="pandemic"/> The Virtual Grand Prix Series received 30 million views across TV and digital platforms during the lockdown period, whilst the ePremier League Invitational Tournament received over 150 million total video views.<ref name="eprem"/> Gfinity also partnered with [[BT Sport]] to produce the BT Sports FIFA Challenge,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://esports-news.co.uk/2020/05/12/gfinity-bt-sport-fifa-challenge/ |title=Gfinity partners with BT Sport for new FIFA Challenge tournament |last=Sacco |first=Dom |publisher=Esports News UK |date=12 May 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref> and with [[Willow TV]] to deliver the eCricket Challenge, a series which saw professional cricketers competing against each other in the video game ''[[Cricket 19]]''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://esports-news.co.uk/2020/04/17/gfinity-cricket-esports-tv-series/ |title=Gfinity to run cricket esports TV series tournament with pro cricketers taking part, including England's Stuart Broad |last=Sacco |first=Dom |publisher=Esports News UK |date=17 April 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref>
Gfinity hosted the ''Call of Duty'' European Championships at the Royal Opera House in February 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/feb/11/call-of-duty-european-championships-hosted-royal-opera-house|title=Call of Duty European championships to be hosted by Royal Opera House|first=Keith|last=Stuart|date=11 February 2015|website=the Guardian|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>


===Joint ventures/partnerships===
Gfinity opened the first dedicated eSports Arena in early 2015 in [[Fulham]], London.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/04/03/inside-gfinity-esports-arena/|title=Inside the UK's first dedicated eSports arena|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> when it partnered with [[Vue Cinemas]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-02-18-uks-first-esports-arena-opens-in-london-next-month|title=UK's first eSports arena opens in London next month|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> and organised over 20 offline events from the Gfinity Arena in the 2015 Gfinity Championships. Games played included ''Hearthstone'', ''FIFA'' and ''[[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive]]''. Over $500,000 in prize money was paid out to teams and players. The Championships attracted over 58 million views.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/esports/gfinity-blows-away-targets-with-58m-viewers-in-2015|title=Gfinity blows away targets with 58m viewers in 2015|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>
Gfinity also partners with organisations to deliver projects across creative, production, game operations, community building and commercial opportunities.


In June 2020, Gfinity agreed a five-year partnership with Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management.<ref name="admm"/> Together, the two companies created the Global Racing Series, of which the first product is the V10 R League. The new racing championship will feature some of the fastest professional simulation racing drivers with a roster of teams from digital motorsport.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://esports-news.co.uk/2020/06/07/gfinity-abu-dhabi-motorsport-management-new-esports-racing-championship/ |title=Gfinity and Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management to create a jointly owned new esports racing championship |last=Sacco |first=Dom |publisher=Esports News UK |date=7 June 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref>
=== 2016 ===


===Gfinity Digital Media===
Gfinity hosted the first [[FIA Formula E]] Race Off event in January 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiaformulae.com/en/news/2016/january/senna-prost-trade-cars-for-consoles-to-race-fans-in-the-next-generation-of-gaming.aspx|title=Senna & Prost trade cars for consoles to race fans in the next generation of gaming – Formula E|website=www.fiaformulae.com|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> and in the same month delivered the [[Halo (series)|''Halo'']] World Championship Tour <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/gaming/487841/Halo-World-Championships-Xbox-One-Gfinity|title=Halo World Championship Tour: Watch all the Halo 5 action from the Gfinity Arena|date=15 January 2016|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> followed by the [[Vainglory (video game)|''Vainglory'']] European Winter Championship in March 2015,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esports-news.co.uk/2016/03/22/team-secret-wins-vainglory-european-winter-championship|title=Team Secret wins Vainglory European Winter Championship at the Gfinity Arena - Esports News UK|date=22 March 2016|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> the second year in the ''FIFA'' Play Like a Legend tournament,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.futhead.com/posts/fifa-16/33628-gfinity-play-like-a-legend-season-2-kicks-off|title=FIFA 18 News, Information and Guides - Futhead News|first=|last=Futhead|website=Futhead - Your FIFA Community|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> it hosted the global reveal of ''[[Battlefield 1]]'', premiering the official trailer and live stream from the Gfinity Arena in May 2016,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/battlefield-1-interview-ea-studios-evp-world-war-1-setting-single-player-remasters-horses-1558771|title=Battlefield 1 interview: EA Studios EVP on World War 1 setting, single player, remasters and horses|first=Ben|last=Skipper|date=7 May 2016|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> the $20,000 ''Call of Duty'' World League Summer Masters,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mcvuk.com/esports/20-000-call-of-duty-world-league-tournament-taking-place-at-the-gfinity-arena-next-month|title=$20,000 Call of Duty World League tournament taking place at the Gfinity Arena next month|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> the ''[[Gears of War]]'' European Open tournaments and the [[Gillette]] Championship<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sbcnews.co.uk/esports-fantasy/2016/06/08/gfinity-partners-gilette/|title=Gillette makes smooth move into esports with Gfinity|date=8 June 2016|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> in July 2016, the Serious Rainbow 6 tournament with [[Jme (MC)|grime MC JME]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/tech-news/jme-and-gfinity-join-forces-for-a-series-of-gaming-tournaments-11364084210656|title=Jme and Gfinity join forces for a series of gaming tournaments|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> and the Nintendo Summer of Splat Finals<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.uk/News/2016/July/The-Splatoon-Summer-of-Splat-begins-this-July--1120899.html|title=The Splatoon Summer of Splat begins this July!|website=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> in September 2016. The ''CS:GO'' Invitational took place at the Eurogamer Expo in the NEC in Birmingham.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hltv.org/news/18656-100000-gfinity-csgo-invitational|title=$100,000 Gfinity CS:GO Invitational|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> In December 2016 it delivered the $100,000 Gears Pro Circuit: London tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gearsofwar.com/en-us/esports/recap-gpc-london-open|title=Recap: Gears Pro Circuit London Open - Gears of War - Official Site|website=gearsofwar.com|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>
Gfinity's media arm operates and owns 10 gaming, hardware and entertainment-based websites: [http://gfinityesports.com/ GfinityEsports.com], [https://realsport101.com/ RealSport101.com] ([https://realgaming101.es/ and the smaller international sites: RealGaming101.es], [https://realgaming101.pt/ RealGaming101.pt] and [https://realgaming101.me/ RealGaming101.me]), [https://stealthoptional.com/ StealthOptional.com], [https://epicstream.com/ Epicstream.com], [http://www.RacingGames.gg RacingGames.gg], [https://MTGRocks.com MTGRocks.com] and the latest addition [https://Stockinformer.com Stockinformer.com] / [https://stockinformer.co.uk .uk]. The sites are monetised through [[Cost per mille|CPM]] (programmatic static and video advertising), [[Cost per action|CPA]] (affiliate sales and brand partnerships), site takeovers and social amplification.<ref name="GDM"/> The company has partnerships in place with Venatus (for ad serving).


Gfinity Plus, which launched in July 2020, is a reward-based product used by the company to "gather data and pave the way for the company to offer online social tournament play".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.gfinityplc.com/news/gfinity-announces-creation-of-gfinity-digital-media-and-new-ecommerce-and-rewards-programme-initiatives/ |title=Gfinity announces creation of Gfinity Digital Media and new ecommerce and rewards programme initiatives |publisher=Gfinity |date=26 May 2020 |accessdate=31 July 2020 }}</ref>
=== 2017 ===


==References==
Gfinity organised the Gears Pro Circuit: Mexico in Mexico City and ''Call of Duty'' World League London in January, the EU ''Halo'' World Championship London at the Great Hall in [[Wembley Stadium]] and the LATAM ''Halo'' World Championship in Mexico City in February and the Gears Pro Circuit: Paris in La Gaîté Lyrique in May.
{{reflist}}


==External links==
In January a partnership with [[Mediacom]] was announced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportindustry.biz/news/mediacom-partners-gfinity|title=MediaCom partners with Gfinity|date=30 January 2017|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>
*[https://www.gfinityplc.com Official website]
*[https://www.gfinityesports.com GfinityEsports.com]


{{Authority control}}
The company was selected by [[Microsoft]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stockmarketwire.com/article/5531596/Gfinity-exclusive-partnership-with-Microsoft.html|title=Gfinity exclusive partnership with Microsoft - 13 April 2017 - Stock Market Wire|website=www.stockmarketwire.com|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> in April to be the exclusive tournament operator for the [[Forza (series)|Forza]] Racing Championship 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.esports-pro.com/articles/business/gfinity-becomes-global-tournament-partner-for-the-forza-racing-championship|title=Gfinity becomes global tournament partner for the Forza Racing Championship|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>

== Online tournaments ==

Gfinity runs tournaments on its online platform for games on [[PlayStation 4]], Xbox and PC which are open to registered competitors, membership is free. It also hosts competitions for companies such as [[Activision]] and Microsoft and has partnered with global brands such as the FIA Formula E,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.motorsport.com/formula-e/news/senna-claims-first-formula-e-race-off-title-669464/|title=Senna claims first Formula E Race Off title|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> OMEN by HP, Gillette<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportindustry.biz/news/gillette-strikes-esports-deal-gfinity|title=GILLETTE STRIKES ESPORTS DEAL WITH GFINITY|date=17 June 2016|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> and Virgin Media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/b212349c-6dd3-11e6-a0c9-1365ce54b926|title=Subscribe to read|website=Financial Times|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>

It launched the ''[[FIFA 17]]'' Futhead tournament in Europe, North and Latin America in June 2016 in partnership with Futhead.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.futhead.com/posts/fut/34194-gfinity-and-futhead-bring-you-futhead-cups|title=FIFA 18 News, Information and Guides - Futhead News|first=|last=Futhead|website=Futhead - Your FIFA Community|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref> In March 2017 the tournament expanded to PlayStation 4.

It launched the Gfinity Elite Series in March 2017 with the Challenger Series supporting ''CS:GO'', Rocket League and ''[[Street Fighter V]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shoryuken.com/2017/03/08/street-fighter-v-joins-the-gfinity-challenger-series/|title=Street Fighter V Joins the Gfinity Challenger Series|date=8 March 2017|publisher=|accessdate=27 March 2018}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:ESports organizations]]
[[Category:Esports organizations]]
[[Category:Companies based in London]]
[[Category:Companies based in the City of London]]
[[Category:British companies established in 2012]]
[[Category:British companies established in 2012]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the London Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Alternative Investment Market]]
[[Category:2012 establishments in England]]
[[Category:2012 establishments in England]]

Latest revision as of 18:33, 29 November 2024

Gfinity plc
Company typePublic limited company
LSEGFIN
Industry
FoundedSeptember 2012; 12 years ago (2012-09) in London, England
FounderNeville Upton
Headquarters,
England, UK
Key people
Jonathan Hall (CFO), Hugo Drayton (Board Member)
RevenueIncrease £7.87 million[1] (2019)
Number of employees
62[1] (2020)
Websitewww.gfinityplc.com

Gfinity is an international esports company based in London, England. Founded in 2012, it develops and delivers esports experiences and strategies for game publishers, sports rights holders, commercial partners and media companies. Partnerships have included Formula One, the Premier League, Microsoft, Activision Blizzard, Amazon.com, BT Sport and Sky. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market.

Alongside its esports business, Gfinity launched Gfinity Digital Media (GDM) in 2020, which comprises six websites focused on gaming and technology news and features. The Gfinity community has been built over time through online tournaments, professional events and its owned competition platform, the Gfinity Elite Series, which was broadcast through linear and digital channels until 2019. The company launched its first subscription service, Gfinity Plus, in July 2020.

History

[edit]
The Gfinity London Open 2015

Gfinity was founded in 2012 and merged with online league and tournament platform the Warped Gaming League (WGL) in 2013.[2] The company held its first event G1 in July 2013, followed by G2 in October and G3 in August 2014, which included $30,000 Call of Duty, $7,500 FIFA and $15,000 StarCraft tournaments.[3] In February 2015, Gfinity hosted the Call of Duty European Championships at London's Royal Opera House.[4] The following month, it partnered with cinema chain Vue to open the UK's first dedicated esports venue for the inaugural Gfinity Championships, which included tournaments for Hearthstone, FIFA and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.[5] The event, which included 23 weekly tournaments, attracted over 58 million viewers.[6]

In 2016, Gfinity hosted the first Formula E Race Off,[7] the Halo World Championship Tour,[8] the Vainglory European Winter Championship,[9] the Call of Duty World League Summer Masters,[10] and many more tournaments. Also in May, the Battlefield 1 global reveal event took place at the Gfinity Arena, including the premiere of the game's official trailer.[11] In 2017, it was announced that Gfinity had partnered with American cable television provider Medicom.[12] Later that year, the company was chosen by Microsoft as the official tournament partner for the Forza Racing Championship.[13] Recent partnerships include Formula One,[14] the Premier League,[15] Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management,[16] Microsoft,[17] Activision Blizzard,[17] Amazon.com,[18] BT Sport[19] and the Sky Group.[15]

In March 2020, Gfinity CEO Graham Wallace and executive chairman Garry Cook stepped down from their roles; they were replaced, respectively, by global brand officer John Clarke and the company's co-founder Neville Upton.[20] The same month, the company was selected to operate the online qualifiers and playoffs for the inaugural ePremier League USA by NBC Sports.[21] In April, Gfinity hosted the ePL Invitational tournament for Sky Sports, from which the prize fund was donated to the #PlayersTogether initiative to benefit the National Health Service.[22] The tournament was viewed by over 150 million people across all channels.[23] After signing a multi-year agreement to deliver the F1 Esports Series, Gfinity delivered eight virtual races during the 2020 Formula One season postponement.[24]

In May 2020, Gfinity announced the creation of a new digital media group within the company, Gfinity Digital Media (GDM), now headed up by Rebekah Billingsley as managing director.[25][26] With its launch, GDM also revealed Gfinity Plus, a digital rewards programme that supports gamer forums and facilitates data collection, which launched in July.[27]

Services

[edit]

Community building

[edit]

Utilising its own technological intellectual property and production processes, Gfinity creates and delivers virtual and online esports programmes and competitions for publishers, sports rights holders, brands and media organisations, including Activision and 2K Games.[17]

Since April 2020, the company has delivered the Virtual Grand Prix series and the ePremier League Invitationals, delivering record-breaking figures during the cancellation of many sporting events amid the COVID-19 pandemic.[17] The Virtual Grand Prix Series received 30 million views across TV and digital platforms during the lockdown period, whilst the ePremier League Invitational Tournament received over 150 million total video views.[23] Gfinity also partnered with BT Sport to produce the BT Sports FIFA Challenge,[28] and with Willow TV to deliver the eCricket Challenge, a series which saw professional cricketers competing against each other in the video game Cricket 19.[29]

Joint ventures/partnerships

[edit]

Gfinity also partners with organisations to deliver projects across creative, production, game operations, community building and commercial opportunities.

In June 2020, Gfinity agreed a five-year partnership with Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management.[16] Together, the two companies created the Global Racing Series, of which the first product is the V10 R League. The new racing championship will feature some of the fastest professional simulation racing drivers with a roster of teams from digital motorsport.[30]

Gfinity Digital Media

[edit]

Gfinity's media arm operates and owns 10 gaming, hardware and entertainment-based websites: GfinityEsports.com, RealSport101.com (and the smaller international sites: RealGaming101.es, RealGaming101.pt and RealGaming101.me), StealthOptional.com, Epicstream.com, RacingGames.gg, MTGRocks.com and the latest addition Stockinformer.com / .uk. The sites are monetised through CPM (programmatic static and video advertising), CPA (affiliate sales and brand partnerships), site takeovers and social amplification.[26] The company has partnerships in place with Venatus (for ad serving).

Gfinity Plus, which launched in July 2020, is a reward-based product used by the company to "gather data and pave the way for the company to offer online social tournament play".[31]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Gfinity plc Annual Report & Financial Statements 2019" (PDF). Gfinity. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  2. ^ Robinson, Martin (26 February 2014). "How Gfinity wants to establish eSports in the UK". Eurogamer. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  3. ^ Robinson, Calvin (4 August 2014). "Gfinity – UKs Biggest eSports Tournament Wraps-Up". GodisaGeek.com. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  4. ^ Stuart, Keith (11 February 2015). "Call of Duty European championships to be hosted by Royal Opera House". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  5. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (18 February 2015). "UK's first eSports arena opens in London next month". Eurogamer. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Gfinity blows away targets with 58m viewers in 2015". MCV. 13 October 2015. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  7. ^ "Senna & Prost trade cars for consoles to race fans in the next generation of gaming". Formula E. 15 January 2016. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  8. ^ Wright, James (15 January 2016). "Halo World Championship Tour: Watch all the Halo 5 action from the Gfinity Arena". Daily Star. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  9. ^ Pelling, Oscar (22 March 2016). "Team Secret wins Vainglory European Winter Championship at the Gfinity Arena". Esports News UK. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  10. ^ "Gfinity to Host Call of Duty World League: London". PR Newswire. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  11. ^ Skipper, Ben (7 May 2016). "Battlefield 1 interview: EA Studios EVP on World War 1 setting, single player, remasters and horses". International Business Times. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
  12. ^ "MediaCom partners with Gfinity". Sport Industry Group. 30 January 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  13. ^ Ashcroft, Jamie (13 April 2017). "Gfinity and Microsoft partner to host Forza Racing Championship". Proactive Investors. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  14. ^ Sacco, Dom (23 March 2020). "Gfinity to deliver Formula 1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix Series which runs until May". Esports News UK. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  15. ^ a b Muirhead, Calum (20 April 2020). "Gfinity jumps as it prepares to host inaugural ePremier League Invitational tournament". Proactive Investors. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  16. ^ a b "Gfinity and Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management to launch new esports championship". SportBusiness. 4 June 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  17. ^ a b c d "Gfinity gets pandemic boost as world turns to esports". Proactive Investors. 14 July 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Gfinity selected by Amazon to deliver The Twitch Prime Crown Cup". Gfinity. 2 July 2019. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  19. ^ McCaskill, Steve (11 May 2020). "BT Sport And Gfinity Develop Esports Formats For U.K. TV During Lockdown". Forbes. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
  20. ^ Handrahan, Matthew (25 March 2020). "Gfinity's CEO and chairman step down ahead of 60% cost reduction plan". gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  21. ^ Cronin, Ben (26 February 2020). "Gfinity to deliver online qualifiers for ePremier League USA". SportBusiness. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  22. ^ "Gfinity hits the back of the net with the first ePremier League Invitational Tournament". Vox Markets. 20 April 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  23. ^ a b Parker, Jason (5 May 2020). "Premier League Esports Invitational Secures More Than 150 Million Views". EsportsTalk. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  24. ^ Wootton, Jamie (20 May 2020). "Gfinity continues to operate F1 Esports Series in multi-year deal". Esports Insider. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  25. ^ "Gfinity appoints Rebekah Billingsley as Managing Director of GDM". Gfinity PLC. 15 September 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  26. ^ a b Ashton, Graham (26 May 2020). "Gfinity Expands With Digital Media Group, Ecommerce, and Digital Rewards". The Esports Observer. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  27. ^ Morgan, Francesca (13 July 2020). "Gfinity to launch Gfinity Plus rewards programme". Vox Markets. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  28. ^ Sacco, Dom (12 May 2020). "Gfinity partners with BT Sport for new FIFA Challenge tournament". Esports News UK. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  29. ^ Sacco, Dom (17 April 2020). "Gfinity to run cricket esports TV series tournament with pro cricketers taking part, including England's Stuart Broad". Esports News UK. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  30. ^ Sacco, Dom (7 June 2020). "Gfinity and Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management to create a jointly owned new esports racing championship". Esports News UK. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
  31. ^ "Gfinity announces creation of Gfinity Digital Media and new ecommerce and rewards programme initiatives". Gfinity. 26 May 2020. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
[edit]