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Playing titles competitively is becoming an increasingly desirable career for many gamers. MCV looks at the pro-gaming products you should be stocking
You’ve seen it online, you’ve read it in the very pages of MCV – eSports is big business.
The rapid explosion of interest in gamers playing and watching competitive titles was once again highlighted by the recent purchase of Twitch by Amazon for $970 million.
Twitch, the streaming service of choice for many professional gaming teams and prominent events such as the League of Legends Championship Series, is just one of hundreds of businesses utilising the burgeoning competitive gaming sector – and retail should follow suit by stocking professional-grade gaming gear.
Players can compete on both PC and console platforms, meaning that retailers can offer a massive range of peripherals and accessories, including controllers, add-ons and even clothing.
With some products built for comfort, some for speed and others just to look cool as players fight their way up the pro-gaming ranks, retailers shouldn’t be short of ideas on how to engage and excite eSports enthusiasts.
Andrew Holt-Kentwell, global associate eSports manager at Razer, told MCV of the biggest titles that retailers should be looking to stock accompanying products for.
The re-emergence of the MOBA genre has definitely sculpted today’s current eSports interests among PC gamers,” he explained, referring to free-to-play titles such as Dota 2 and League of Legends. But there’s still huge interest for first-person shooter games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and real-time strategy games like StarCraft II.
On console, today’s interests are instead split between shooter games like Call of Duty and fighting games such as Street Fighter and, more recently, Super Smash Brothers.”
Turtle Beach Ear Force XP Seven
The official headset of eSports firm Major League Gaming (MLG), the XP Seven includes a removable microphone boom, Dolby Surround Sound and a programmable digital signal processor for more immersive audio when playing games, controlled with a number of customisable audio presets.
SRP: 249.99
Distributor: Turtle Beach
Contact: 0191 230 6650
MLG Pro-Circuit Controller for PS3
The only officially licensed PS3 controller from Major League Gaming, this controller includes features such as consistent analog sticks, swappable ProModule components and customisable faceplates.
SRP: 84.95
Distributor: Lime
Contact:01622 845 160
Razer Orb Weaver
With three times more mechanical keys than human fingers (30), this keypad provides fast access to multiple in-game actions.
SRP: 114.99
Distributor: VIP Computers
Contact: 0871 622 7500
HipShotDot
This USB-powered illuminated red dot sight can improve accuracy in competitive shooters by attaching to a screen or monitor.
SRP: 19.99
Distributor: Lime
Contact: 01622 845 160
SteelSeries 9HD
Built for use with gaming mice, the 9HD minimises friction and increases tracking for improved mouse accuracy and speed.
SRP: 29.99
Distributor: Exertis Gem
Contact: 01279 822 822
Gamer Grip
Get a grip on the situation with this non-slip, anti-perspirant formula. One two-ounce tube will last multiple months with regular use.
SRP: 10.99
Distributor: Gamer Grip
Contact: gamergrip.com
Gunnar Optiks SteelSeries Scope
With an extended frame and custom carbon socket set, the Scope glasses use Gunnar’s i-AMP lenses to protect gamers’ eyes.
SRP: 99.99
Distributor: Gunnar UK
Contact: sales@gunnars.co.uk
Mad Catz STRIKE TE
This keyboard is equipped with Brown keys, meaning that typing noise is reduced and players can experience tactile feedback.
SRP: 99.99
Distributor: Entatech
Contact: 0333 101 1000
