Global Gaming League raises $10M round for celebrity-endorsed gaming tournaments
Summary
Sparks said it is the most technologically advanced studio in the area, boasting the largest wrap-around digital screen in the Western U.S. (second only to Sphere) and 43,000 square feet of space with everything for Hollywood-level film and television production and VIP events of all kinds.Sparks said GGL delivers unforgettable experiences, high-impact sponsorship moments, and a new entertainment format where the audience is just as important as the action.Everybody games, said T-Pain, GGL director of strategy and team owner, in a statement. Since announcing this, the league has over a quarter of a million entries to play for one of the celebrity-owned teams.The first team owners to be revealed include: T-Pain Grammy-winning artist and beloved voice in gaming culture Flavor Flav Hip hop legend, reality show icon, and official host of the 2024 Olympics.GGL will be announcing more team owners in the coming weeks pulling from music, film, sports, fashion, social media and gaming.Game time is the new prime timeGaming is projected to surpass $300 billion by 2026outpacing TV, film, and music combined. Gamers spend 30% more on retail than non-gamers and that number goes up in key categories like automobiles, travel and technology, said John Garcia, managing partner of Solyco Capital, in a statement. The Academy is built to train, mentor, and connect aspiring gamers, creators, and professionals to real-world roles across the gaming, entertainment, and tech industries.What really gets me excited is the connecting of cultures, the building the national bridges and uplifting underserved communities, Sparks said.Strategic partnerships with NYU, UNLV, and Syracuse are already underway, building a direct pipeline from the classroom to the arena. He wrote and produced songs for the likes of Akon, Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Big Sean and more.In gaming, his hip-hop music was used in DJ Hero 2, and he did voice acting in Scarface: The World is Yours and Saints Row: The Third.