Time and time again, the gaming industry has proven that it is a force to be reckoned with. Games have become more than just a hobby to pass time. With the meteoric rise of eSports globally, games have become something far greater.

They are a source of fame, a platform to showcase incredible skill, quick thinking and determination. eSports has paved the way for legacies to be built and new stories to be told. Whilst passion was what built competitive gaming initially, serious money is now what is helping propel it to new heights.

More and more brands are starting to recognise the power in competitive gaming and the passionate community it has created. So too in South Africa, not quite a global powerhouse but a scene growing stronger each year, is value being seen and money being put on the table.

Kagiso Media, a giant in the South African media industry, has recently joined the wave of growing ambition and optimism in the gaming scene with the formation of Mega8. Mega8 is an organisation with a goal to grow the local eSports scene and add to the growing credibility already existing within. With a wealth of experience in broadcasting and media, Mega8 hopes to grow the local audience and give local eSports a far larger reach than ever before.

With a Dota 2 tournament firmly under their belt, Mega8 has now set its eyes on Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). Coming up this month will be the CSGO Autumn Cup, where 16 teams will battle it out for the top prize of R50 000. From Bravado to White Rabbit Gaming to Energy eSports, all the heavyweight contenders will be there.

For Mega8, this is just the beginning. There is ample opportunity in the local eSports scene and Mega8 is doing its part to drive that growth. Consistent, regular tournaments backed by well-funded, dedicated partners creates sustainable growth, something the local scene desperately needs. With partners such as MTN and Billosoft, Mega8 is certainly heading in the right direction.

The belief in the scene comes from the top down with Mega8. CEO of Kagiso Media, Mark Harris, had this to say about Mega8:

“The launch of Mega8 indicates Kagiso Media’s commitment to being at the forefront of developing media trends. We’re a progressive media company that has identified the eSports phenomenon as a burgeoning industry.”

Another serious contributor to the local scene is always welcomed and Mega8 looks poised to do great things. It’s time for South Africa’s competitive scene to have its own meteoric rise and if the last few weeks are anything to go by, the time is now.

Watch this space for more detailed information about Mega8’s upcoming CS:GO Autumn Cup.