National CineMedia (NASDAQ:NCMI), the largest cinema advertising network in the U.S., and Harena Data, a leading esports community aggregator, have entered into an exclusive esports advertising and content monetization agreement to capitalize on the esports industry and cultural phenomenon.
As part of the new deal, NCM will have the exclusive right to sell advertising across Harena Data’s ad-supported esports content and events in the United States, including in movie theaters, on streaming media, and in place-based locations such as bars, restaurants, and family entertainment venues. NCM will also work with Harena Data to develop content licensing deals and create new spheres of distribution for its esports content and gaming events.
Scott Felenstein, President, Sales, Marketing & Partnerships with National CineMedia (NCM) told us “Joining forces with Harena Data gives us a unique opportunity to develop the esports concept and create compelling consumer experiences both across our NCM theater network and beyond the big screen in other complementary venues and mediums,” said “For brands, esports attracts a young demographic that is just like our core moviegoing audience, with extremely high levels of engagement. As it has grown from a niche advertising strategy to the mainstream, we believe esports will be appealing to brands that continue to try to find new ways to connect with cord-cutting, experience-driven Gen Z consumers. I’m excited to be able to add esports to our compelling mix of cinema, Digital, and DOOH offerings to help advertisers engage movie fans anytime and anywhere.”
Harena Data produces powerful esports events and content that run across multiple platforms under its GoPixls brand. GoPixls is a combination of content aggregated from partners and content derived from Harena’s GYO.gg video game and esports analytics platform, and is provided in fully edited durations depending on use and need, ranging from full-length to mini segments.
Bill Dever, Chief Strategy Officer of Harena Data said “The agreement we’ve signed with National CineMedia is one of our most exciting esports advertising deals ever. The potential for new entry of esports into national theater chains and other locations provides for incredible esports opportunities in various verticals, combines virtual and physical revenue models for monetization, and defines a new market of crossover entertainment between gaming and film” said t also creates unique opportunities for brands to reach young, digital natives while empowering movie theaters and other locations with new content. National CineMedia is always looking toward the future, expanding their business into the realm of esports proves that they’re the perfect partner for us to work with to level up in the media game.”
Founded in 2017, Harena Data has developed GYO Score to be a data analytics, league development, and player management tool for the esports industry. The principles of Harena Data have a strong background in esports, event management, motion picture production, and telecommunications. In addition to GYO Score, Harena Data specializes in esports consultation regarding the development and deployment of esports venues, scholastic esports programs, and esports league concepts.
Follow DailyDOOH