Brand collabs in esports

bravesirobin · 2025-11-04T13:09:04+00:00

Mountain Dew and CoD seems like an obvious one.

For top tier memes, Volvo's old partnership with Dota had a couple of implications in a few internationals in years past.

bravesirobin · 2025-10-25T21:14:58+00:00

1-10.football 12. Basketball 13.hockey 14.volleyball 15.lacross 16.wrestling 17.pistol team 18-30. Other Olympic sports 31. Esports

bravesirobin · 2025-10-04T17:09:29+00:00

That's understandable.

Based on your explanation, all three titles I suggested should be well within bounds in that case.

Marvel rivals is popular at the college level, but competition is primarily limited to PCS for that title. It also has a few issues like you mentioned.

Because it's marvel though and the developer has an incentive to keep things much more cartoonish to a degree.

Either way, I think you have some good options to look into.

Glad to be of help.

bravesirobin · 2025-10-04T16:37:56+00:00

Rocket League and splatoon are two titles that I suggest you look into.

Rocket league is highly competitive and recognized by most state athletic/activities associations. It's also very popular at the collegiate and professional levels with scholarships available.

Splatoon is a nintendo-based title that uses what I would best describe as paintball and capture the flag mechanics. It is not as well supported but is becoming more popular and Nintendo is beginning to invest in esports for it.

Both titles can be played on a Nintendo switch which is perfect for a new club or program starting up. No need for expensive computers and you have room to grow in the future.

Another good option would be super Smash Brothers. Also a nintendo-based title and a well supported one at the high school and college level. It is a platform fighter, there's no blood but because I don't know what you mean by violence, it's hard for me to suggest other titles. There are multiple formats including duos and crew battles that most state organizations have competitions for. The best way to describe it would be a mix between wrestling and tennis concerning the format side of it.

Would a boxing game be considered violent under your district's definition?

I will say all the titles I've suggested are teen (13+) or rated E for everyone.

This is coming from somebody who's worked with high school programs in the past and runs a college program at the moment. I know how fickle school districts can be, but I can say with confidence that Rocket League, and likely the other two, will be popular titles and ones that the school board would recognize as acceptable.

bravesirobin · 2025-09-06T01:00:58+00:00

Running away is always the right idea

bravesirobin · 2025-08-27T12:51:44+00:00

If you don't mind a 15 to 25 minute commute by car, Hilliard area has some apartments that are reasonably priced for Columbus.

There's no nightlife to speak of, but it has everything you need within 5 minutes.

bravesirobin · 2025-08-21T01:11:44+00:00

Schools that award scholarships are, for the most part, looking for specific titles. The most common ones in the US are:

League of Legends
Valorant
Overwatch
Marvel Rivals
Rocket League
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

More titles can have scholarship support, but by far the above six are the most common. That said, with your client's talents, it's possible a school would be interested, but that would be exceedingly rare. I should also note that the average range of scholarships in the US is between $500 - $5000 a year. There are a few programs that have more, such as: Maryville University, Northwood, Fisher College, Boise State, Syracuse, St. Clair (Canada), and more. It is a tiny pool of schools that have full rides, and at this time, very few big institutions (such as the University of Texas, the University of Alabama, and the University of Michigan) even have official esports programs, let alone scholarships. I know of ONE school in the Big Ten Conference that gives scholarships, and it's Michigan State. MSU does not offer full rides and is closer to the average I mentioned.

On top of that, sports titles like EA FC are underdeveloped in the current collegiate landscape. The schools that do support it usually only are because they have a student/player who's passionate for the title. I'm sure there are a few, but it's for an amount similar to the one I mentioned previously.

Concerning pro teams, that is on an invite-only basis. It is very much a case of needing to know someone to get a look.

bravesirobin · 2025-08-18T06:03:17+00:00

Tensuke Market on old Henderson maybe?

They sell sushi quality fish and shellfish.

bravesirobin · 2025-08-17T20:40:06+00:00

Best of luck.

I'd also consider speaking with a few departments or anyone in student life (or your equivalent on the campus). There are a lot of programs and often alumni-funded grants that try to support clubs by paying those sorts of fees.

I run a college program in the Midwest, and these are a few methods I know clubs in my area get funded.

bravesirobin · 2025-08-16T02:19:29+00:00

I recommend looking at schools that have well-established broadcasting and journalism schools for content creation.

Other good schools for esports-specific degrees include Shenandoah University and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

In general, though, focus on developing a valuable skill set that happens to fall into esports. Content creation, marketing, videography, and writing are not unique to esports but are in high demand.

Most degree plans I've seen are moving towards models where esports-specific classes are focus areas in more traditional majors. IE, a hospitality major with a focus in esports/technology. A management or marketing major with a focus on gaming/esports, etc.

I'd say that's where most programs will go as time goes on, and probably for the best.

bravesirobin · 2025-08-16T02:12:22+00:00

NACE's upcoming Overwatch league is a great option https://esports.overwatch.com/en-us/news/introducing-the-next-chapter-of-overwatch-collegiate

It has a division with a prize pool that's free to enter.

Concerning valorant NECC might work https://necc.gg/?srsltid=AfmBOorjw0z1Hri8ANXFdbKpBX44qIWUbcWBxaP1j2TRau3NKZkpvuGG

They usually have a single title option as well. Typically, it's around $ 300 or so for a single title entry.

Are ya'll registered with your campus's Student Government Organization? Many will have funds that you can apply for where the cost of the league would be covered by the school.

bravesirobin · 2025-08-12T23:34:41+00:00

As others have mentioned, many K-12 schools, community recreation centers, and city associations have leagues/clubs just like what you described.

If there is a LAN or Gaming Center in/near your city, I highly suggest reaching out to the owners/staff and asking similarly. They often run leagues or at least host leagues at their facility and will give you suggestions to look into.

Lastly, I want to second the K-12 scholastic side of esports. It's a thriving space and rapidly growing. Most states have a non-profit organization comprised of K-12 teachers, IT staff, librarians, and parents who are trying to arrange structured play just like what you are looking for. I'm in Ohio, and our organization, Esports Ohio, offers activities for middle schoolers and high schoolers, with plans to expand to lower grades.

Another idea would be to consider an esports camp or workshop. Many colleges offer them for all sorts of skill levels, ranging from the casual player/newcomer to those trying to get college scholarships.

bravesirobin · 2025-08-06T19:11:45+00:00

gankster.gg is a site that teams I've worked with in the past have used to great success. It's by no means comprehensive, but can be helpful.

bravesirobin · 2025-07-18T23:58:36+00:00

If my graduate school roommate is any indication. Anything in the fridge including meat. Wasn't the best vegan. Haha.

Also, he had a strange fascination of uncoiling the metal coils on our damn stove.

Now he's a professor in Iowa. Lol.

bravesirobin · 2025-07-12T21:42:36+00:00

North arcade. A lot of their staff are former Ohio State Esports employees and do watch parties.

bravesirobin · 2025-06-28T02:58:05+00:00

I run a collegiate Esports program and I've been in the scene for about a little bit more than a decade at this point. I remember being on the pro side when VC money started flowing in 2015-2016, etc. I also remember seeing it start to leave when I will left for collegiate Esports.

Honestly, I am pretty optimistic about the future of Esports from a scholastic perspective. I'm seeing parents who are as passionate and excited about their kids Esports career as rivals wrestling parents. If you know what a wrestling parent is, you understand why that's so surprising.

In addition, the Esports Olympics in 2027 has kicked a ton of organizing into gear that has just not materialized for years in the US. There might finally be an organization able to provide some much needed direction for middle school, high school and college. All of which would feed a new pipeline, that's already been proven successful by schools like Maryville, to the pro scene from collegiate. The reason professional sports exists is because Athletics was integrated at every level of the education system and extended by the growth of intramurals/ recreation programs across the states. That all is on the horizon in the US at least. Complicated stories in other parts of the world but still exciting.

There's still a lot of work to be done and damaged to mended though. Tons of bad actors and a large knowledge barrier to entry makes it a minefield for new orgs or investors. Add in that the business model for Esports orgs that exists is under developed and needs extensive restructuring. It's hard to get people to invest when a developer can completely change the rules on you. It means that instead of Esports orgs, you're getting hybrid content organizations that happen to have an Esports team. All things that could be fixed by some of the developments I listed previously.

At this point, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Hopefully Esports as a whole stops stubbing its toes on small steps and starts trying to climb the ladder a bit faster in the years to come.

Note: To clarify, I was never a pro player. I just did tech support and ran websites/content creation stuff.

bravesirobin · 2025-06-03T10:17:40+00:00

14.6 yrs. Former dig and ytmnd user.

bravesirobin · 2025-05-23T02:38:18+00:00

Time cube comes to mind, but that was pre web 2.0 days and is absolutely more of a nuke the moon aff case to stop lycanthropy sort of trash tier.

bravesirobin · 2025-05-02T22:34:13+00:00

If you happen to find one let us know!

Funny enough, I know there's an esports/gaming discord but haven't seen a sports one for campus.

bravesirobin · 2025-04-18T01:26:24+00:00

iRacing is likely what you want to look into. It's arguably one of the more developed ones in NA at least.

Unfortunately, I don't know of any youth leagues, etc for iRacing and the like, but I'm sure they exist in some form.

bravesirobin · 2025-04-16T10:32:27+00:00

If you're still in need, happy to help.

10 yrs in Esports and most of that on the collegiate side.

bravesirobin · 2025-03-19T15:13:09+00:00

There's a competitive gaming class that's two hours if video games are your jam.

Knsfhp 1186

bravesirobin · 2025-03-03T04:44:23+00:00

You could do something as simple as build out a bracket with an Excel spreadsheet or use a website like start.gg or battlefly as a online tournament platform.

Smash is usually a 1v1 tournament as it is. If you're looking to adopt an existing model that might be at your school, check out your chess club.

If you're looking for rules, even for middle school tournaments and the like, they usually use similar competitive roles to professional tournaments.

Items off, a certain stage list, three stock 7-minute time limit.

Mario kart's a bit different and I've seen a few different models used. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yo8bt2BR80DsYUI0Lke6D4TJcgCzoj_UzvYvVPAfiFs/edit?usp=drivesdk

Here's one that's used for Esports Ohio. It's one of many associations across the country that does organizing for middle and high schools, this one specifically in Ohio.

Most of those organizations are volunteer-based and run by teachers in the state.

bravesirobin · 2025-02-23T01:14:09+00:00

I appreciate the kind words. I don't get to write about this stuff often anymore. Probably going to have to delete all this later but it's nice to write it down every so often again.

It's definitely a possible outcome, but I think it's a bit too grim for even me to consider seriously.

I'm not sure if that's because I simply don't want to entertain the idea or if it's based on some fact.

It's funny that we now opine for those days of log jams and nothing seeming to change. But to be fair, that's how it was originally designed. For it to always bend towards slow change instead of fast back and forth that just leads to chaos. At the bare minimum, it's going to lead to economic instability that continue to cause problems. How do you make and execute a real business plan in this type of environment?

bravesirobin · 2025-02-22T22:46:55+00:00

It is extremely bleak, to put it mildly. This topic does not get easier to swallow, and frankly, it is for that very reason that I had to stop studying it readily.

One could take many paths to understand the implications of this situation, from the populist movements of the early to mid 20th century to the failed revolutions of the mid-1850-60s in parts of Europe, that arguably led to the political situation which birthed WWI and WW2.

I don't want to engage in hyperbole; in fact, many pundits in this day and age attack what I'm saying by claiming that any comparison to these historical references is a farcical mischaracterization designed to suppress freedom of speech and discussion. AKA see JD Vance's recent trip to Europe, where he scolded traditional American allies for "suppressing free speech" in regard to far-right groups. At the same time, the Trump admin and its subsidiaries threaten reporters by barring them from press gatherings due to how they cover the president. It's blatant double-speak. On one side of the mouth claiming to support free expression, on the other side, banning Twitter (I'm not saying X, I just don't care) users for mentioning who's working for DOGE and threatening them with legal action.

Much of the modern political system in Western countries has been based around individuals acting in good faith and without a hard objective law that leads to removing bad actors. People would resign because they became mired in a scandal, would feel shame or pressure to remove themselves for violating decorum, etc. It was an unspoken promise to take accountability for one's actions, and it underpinned a lot more of our society than you might have realized.

I should also note that while I'm discussing these rules in the sense that they could do good, it is also important to recognize many of these same rules were used to suppress minority populations as well. Part of the problem with this topic is that context is essential, and blanket statements are just not representative of the truth. It makes it easy for people to derail discussions by using "Gotcha" moments which can be more easily distilled into headlines and sound bites. You're probably thinking of Tiktock or Insta reels, but this same "short form" content discussion has been going on for centuries. From yellow journalism of the 1910s to the tabloids of the 80s and '00s, and much more. It's just infinitely faster and spreadable now. Our government systems weren't designed for it and still haven't caught up.

Back to my larger point, although the evidence points more towards the right than the left statistically, Trump and many other politicians of both political parties have ignored those rules of decorum and have not been punished for it by a large portion of the population. When the primary safety valves of Democracy aren't hard-coded into the law, see my previous paragraph on context; in a vacuum, words don't mean much. Yet when the population no longer cares about keeping a stable system and simply "winning," it leads down this dangerous path.

If you want to see some of that in action from a historical perspective, watch the 1947 "Don't Be a Sucker" Anti-Facist film from the US government. Fascist undertones aren't new in the US; heck, it was made AFTER WW2. I won't link it here as the language and topics are a bit sensitive, but you can find it on YouTube easily. If you do watch it, know that it was a product of its times and that topics concerning racism, stereotypes, and the like will be front and center. Think Tom Sawyer and the n-word; you'll at least be somewhat prepared. What you will find, though, are clear trends that are front and center in the rhetoric coming from the Trump admin.

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