[ToRSpartaz]

As the article suggests, Blizzard have pulled out another huge move towards eSports development in buying over IPL after the cancellation of IPL6.

Slasher wrote up an article regarding the move here:

Gamespot Article:

Link to the TL Thread:

I am really liking the increasing signs of support that Blizzard are presenting in terms of eSports development. Even in the past they have always helped nurture and develop the gaming pro scene, but it feels as though they have so much more to offer. I can't wait personally to see how 2013 pans out for SC2 and Blizzard alike!

[PiG]

Holy shizzle, didn't see that one coming. The world is becoming a much more exciting place!

[Maynarde]

Glad to see some of the IPL guys have a new home A much more stable one at that.

Their production was world class for the past couple IPLs, really excited to see what they can do.

[Flamga]

This is awesome!!! So excited for this now. I think with Blizzard making its march into the esports area finally, this is a great aquisition.

[TheKidBuffalo]

really happy IPL has been bought over , glad to see all the hard work not going to waste.

[Cute]

I think it's important to make it clear that they bought the assets and hired staff members, the actual tournament is not coming back. Still an awesome move though!

[Baldie]

Haven't been able to read into it but looks pretty awesome! Lots of talent in the IPL body so picking them up seems like a great asset in itself

[rezyn8]

Exciting times!

[Meatex]

Not surprising after recent announcements - I just hope not too many of IPL staff have moved on to other things cause production quality was one of the major draws of IPL.

So now blizz has two tournament leagues? Perhaps they want IPL for blizzard all stars and eventually Titan (as its been leaked the new mmo will have e-sports focus) or just going to absorb staff and assets into WCS?
Just speculating as I don't really understand how new WCS works.

[NvRossi]

Originally Posted by Meatex

Not surprising after recent announcements - I just hope not too many of IPL staff have moved on to other things cause production quality was one of the major draws of IPL.

So now blizz has two tournament leagues? Perhaps they want IPL for blizzard all stars and eventually Titan (as its been leaked the new mmo will have e-sports focus) or just going to absorb staff and assets into WCS?
Just speculating as I don't really understand how new WCS works.

"With Blizzard's purchase of the IGNProLeague, the IPL brand and structure is effectively dead, and will no longer run major tournaments. "

there aint no IPL anymore, they all blizzard peeps now

[ToRSpartaz]

Originally Posted by Cute

I think it's important to make it clear that they bought the assets and hired staff members, the actual tournament is not coming back. Still an awesome move though!

Yeah it's good news for future tournaments that Blizzard are going to be holding imo. With the creative force and direction that the IGN crew bring to the table, it's sure to be one hell of a year with them on board.

The quality of production, the engaging experience and atmosphere - It will feel as though IPL will be back under the brand of Blizzard tournaments

[teddyoojo]

Not surprising after recent announcements

yep, not suprising after announcements like that ;p

Over the last few weeks, Blizzard Entertainment's name has come up as one of the leading developer candidates interested in buying out the IGNProLeague. Sources tell GameSpot that the developer behind the widely popular competitive esport StarCraft are interested in acquiring the production talent from IGNProLeague, which includes general manager David Ting.

Blizzard has provided a statement to GameSpot indicating no such deal will be made, but that the company has extended offers to those who lost jobs during the recent IPL6 cancellation.

"We typically don't comment on rumors or speculation, but we want to make an exception here because it's important to dispel any misconceptions surrounding Blizzard and the IPL," a representative from Blizzard Entertainment told GameSpot. "While we were fans of the IPL and disappointed to learn that it was coming to an end, we have no plans to take over operation of the IPL business or operate third-party eSports leagues. Our focus is on making great games and supporting our players. When it comes to eSports events, we generally prefer to work with experienced partners on the operations side while we focus on ensuring quality in terms of how our content is incorporated."

[CleighMoores]

This is awesome! Much love to Blizzard for continuing their support of the sport

[x5.RunaMoK]

i was really sad when i heard ipl got dropped but really excited to see what they can produce =D

[nirvAnA]

really nice, maybe they will have their own in house production teams now for their tournaments?

[AxS.pinealan]

Great to know that I can now continue to watch IPL
D3 was such a disappointment I almost lost all hope. I hope that Blizzard can keep up with making good decisions.

[DGWoLF]

I Totally Didnt see this coming. This can only mean good things. i feel with Blizzards backing IPL will be pretty awesome.

I did ask what this means for the IPL events but after watching the Video on the Gamespot Artical i guess it makes sense. With the Production team of IPL working for Blizzard i could see some pretty awesome events hosted by Blizzard coming up IE the WCS series and future starcraft events.

[TCPKiaSu]

O_O... I was so surprised lol...

[RVLiveR]

hmm, wonder what blizzard will do about IPL LoL. Blizzard definitely has an excuse to kill it in favor of dota2 and other MOBAs since riot has in the past shown considerable hate and competitive-ness toward support for other mobas (getting teams like EG to drop support for dota/hon etc.

[T3CHavOc]

Hopefully this will mean good times are ahead