League Of Legends Developer Brandon Beck Talks Rise Of Gaming Houses And Future Of ESports

Although there’s still $5 million up for grabs with Season Two of Riot Games’ League of the Legends Championship Series Tournament, the company has already mapped out a very different Season Three. Brandon Beck, CEO and co-founder of Riot Games, is leading the charge with a completely separate, dedicated series of tournaments that will occur on a much more frequent, scheduled basis with even more money up for grabs.

In addition, the top eight teams from both North America and Europe from Season Two, as well as top teams from Asia, will be offered salaries by Riot Games as they compete for regional and global dominance. While some leagues charge gamers to watch their favorite pros compete for big prizes, Riot Games is upping the ante with a professional sports-style arena and free HD broadcasts of all the action. That’s helped attract between 2 and 4 million gamers for live tournament events.

Beck talks about the most-played PC game in the world, the growing importance of gaming houses in North America and Europe, and where he expects League of Legends to be five years from now in this exclusive interview.