StarCraft is Too Big for TV to Ignore

Interesting article about StarCraft on TV, should it get it's own broadcast time, or is watching it over internet just fine ?

The feeling is so strong that it’s almost palpable. Forums and chat rooms are abuzz and live events are filled with energy . The entire eSports scene is on the brink of something incredible, and StarCraft is leading the charge.

It’s not a directionless charge, though at times it may seem like it. The end goal, and the one undeniable mark of success for eSports in the West, is a presence on television. Popularity on YouTube and live streaming sites can get you far but television opens the doors to new possibilities and a whole new level of respect from mainstream audiences. If competitive StarCraft can reach television and stay there, the StarCraft community and eSports community as a whole will reap the benefits.

Despite this reality, there are those within the StarCraft community – including some with a great deal of influence within the world of Western eSports – believe that televised StarCraft isn’t something we should aspire to. They think it’s an impossible goal, and something that’s only achievable in Korea. Their opinions are strong, but the evidence for their arguments is weak.

Make no mistake – StarCraft tournaments and shows in the US has a long way to go in terms of finances and logistics. No matter how popular a show is, a dude talking to his webcam just won’t cut it for television. If you look at things purely at the statistic of viewership however, you’ll find that StarCraft isn’t as far from TV as it seems at first glance.

Take the recent show match between IdrA and Jinro for example. “Clash of the Titans” was broadcast to the world on February 21st at 5pm EST. Monday evening is hardly prime time for East Coast viewers, but it’s even worse for those on the West coast who had to tune in at 2pm.

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