E-sports masters and industry experts gather together for the Bay Area E-sports Feast to polish Zengcheng’s cultural and sports business card
Vibrant Guangzhou Zengcheng is “competing” to present the charm of the Bay Area!
From December 2023 to January 2024, the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-sports Competition will be held passionately in Zengcheng District, Guangzhou City. Eight college e-sports teams and eight groups of e-sports commentators gathered in Zengcheng
Yangcheng Evening News reporter Hao Haoyu
In the past 2023, e-sports is definitely a hot topic that cannot be avoided.
At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, e-sports became an official event for the first time.
The Chinese delegation achieved an impressive record of 4 gold medals and 1 bronze medal.
Driven by the entry of e-sports into Asia, this emerging event has attracted more attention. E-sports and the industry behind it have once again ushered in a period of rapid development.
Both e-sports practitioners and the general public are more thirsty for high-quality e-sports events.
In this context, the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-Sports Competition came into being.
At the end of the year and the beginning of 2024 from 2023 to 2024, this e-sports competition, guided by the Guangdong Internet Industry Federation and sponsored by the Yangcheng Evening News Group and the Guangzhou Zengcheng District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau, ignited the passion in winter.
In Zengcheng, which is "surrounded by mountains and pierced by a river" and known as the "Emerald Oasis of the Pearl River Delta", top e-sports players and commentators from universities gathered together. Experts from academia and industry came in droves to share this gluttonous feast of e-sports. .
How will the e-sports industry be laid out in the future?
Roundtable talks to “take the pulse”
Before the official start of the event, a roundtable discussion centered on topics such as how the e-sports industry is laid out, how e-sports will develop in the future in the Bay Area, and what new “games” there will be for e-sports in the future, etc., was held in Zengcheng on December 1, 2023.
Fu Li, an expert in the expert database of the Guangdong Cultural Finance Association, Wang Xiaodong, Dean of the School of Leisure and Digital Sports of Guangzhou Institute of Sport, Tong Xiang, Head of Tencent Game Life Cooperation, Chen Jiajie, Director of Huya Live Content Production Department, Cai Xiufu, Head of YY Regional Operations and other academic circles, Industry experts actively provided advice and jointly discussed the development path of the e-sports industry in the Bay Area.
Experts generally believe that my country's e-sports industry has developed rapidly in recent years, but the supporting industry chain is not yet complete enough.
E-sports events need to be integrated with the local cultural tourism industry and the real economy to allow the vitality of the e-sports industry to fully flow.
Fu Li pointed out that the e-sports industry must focus on upstream and downstream industries and think about how e-sports content can be integrated with industries such as consumer experience and cultural tourism creation.
"We need to guide capital rationally and at the same time let the public realize that e-sports is not only a game, but can also be integrated into people's daily lives through derivative products, cultural products and other forms."
Wang Xiaodong hopes that in the future, e-sports will be more integrated with fitness and education functions.
"The combination of e-sports and somatosensory equipment is a major direction in the future. Through digital technology, on the one hand, it allows people to experience sports that are difficult to reach on ordinary days. On the other hand, it can also enhance the charm of sports through VR and other technologies." Looking forward to digital. Wang Xiaodong said when the Times e-sports industry was developing, “In the digital era, there will definitely be sports forms that match it. There will be more and more new digital sports projects, which will bring a lot of talent demand. As the first e-sports major in South China, As an undergraduate institution, we are cultivating talents for the e-sports education industry."
Three industry experts, Tong Xiang, Chen Jiajie, and Cai Xiufu, all believe that the e-sports industry in the Bay Area still has broader room for development.
Tong Xiang said that with the recovery of the e-sports market and the rapid growth of the e-sports industry, the market potential of popular events has been fully stimulated, and the gaming and physical industries will gain greater "win-win" space.
Chen Jiajie said that the development of the e-sports industry will definitely move towards scale and popularization.
"We have combined with local culture and tourism to achieve the integrated development of agriculture, culture, sports and tourism through a series of measures such as creating rural e-sports anchors, helping farmers live-stream with goods, and developing characteristic cultural and creative peripheral areas." Cai Xiufu hopes to further enrich China's E-sports "talent pool", "Today, our e-sports talent training is still in the blue ocean stage of development. We need to cultivate professional talents in game commentary, game content production, operation and development, etc., to attract more young people to enter e-sports derivative content track.”
What is the standard of e-sports competitions?
Experts say: The players’ level is extremely high
On December 16, 2023, the highlight of the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area e-sports competition was staged at Zengcheng Plaza.
Guangzhou University team, Zhongkai College of Agricultural Engineering team, Nanjing University of Communication team, Guangzhou Baiyun Industrial and Commercial Technician College team, Guangzhou Huali Vocational College of Science and Technology team, Guangdong Vocational College of Foreign Languages and Arts team, Guangzhou Transportation Technician College team, Guangdong Light Industry Technician Eight teams from the college team entered the quarterfinals of the offline stage of the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-Sports Competition Honor of Kings College Invitational Tournament, bringing exciting and exciting competition to the audience.
After two days of fierce competition, the team of Guangdong Vocational College of Foreign Languages and Arts defeated the team of Nanjing University of Communication in the finals and won the championship of this vibrant Bay Area e-sports competition, the Honor of Kings College Invitational Tournament.
The team of Nanjing University of Communication won the second place, and the team of Guangzhou Huali Vocational College of Science and Technology won the third place.
During the competition, the performance of the players was eye-catching, especially the champion team of Guangdong Vocational College of Foreign Languages and Arts. They achieved a "let two chase three" in the semi-finals, reversed the team of Guangzhou Huali Vocational College of Science and Technology and advanced to the finals. Then in the final, they defeated the Nanjing University of Communication team, the most popular team in this competition, to win the championship.
Such a "counterattack" experience is consistent with the never-say-die spirit in e-sports.
Lin Chao, captain of the Guangdong Vocational College of Foreign Languages and Arts, said excitedly after the game: "We won the championship because the team was tightly united. I am very grateful to all my teammates for their support." What is commendable is that Guangdong Vocational College of Foreign Languages and Arts The team was formed in a short time and did not have much training time, but they had the last laugh through wonderful operations and united tactics.
The entire competition was broadcast live online. An insider from the professional King of Glory team who watched the competition lamented that he did not expect the level of these students to be so high. Some of the wonderful operations even vaguely resembled professional players.
Shortly after the end of the Honor of Kings College Invitational Tournament, another blockbuster showdown of the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-Sports Competition - the final of the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-Sports Commentator Competition was held on January 3, 2024 at the Zengcheng District Culture Radio and Television Station in Guangzhou City The lecture hall of the Tourism and Sports Bureau came to an end.
A total of 11 contestants from 8 groups from Nanjing University of Communication, Guangzhou Public Utility Technician College, Guangzhou Baiyun Industrial and Commercial Technician College and other universities entered the finals.
Hosted by Cui Ke, IP producer of the Huya King of Glory "Thunder" series of events, Ou Jianyan, deputy editor-in-chief of Jinyang.com, Wang Xiaodong, dean of the School of Leisure and Digital Sports of Guangzhou Institute of Sport, Ma Dongming, senior reporter of Guangzhou Radio and Television Station, and Guangzhou Traffic Radio The professional jury composed of Deng Zhaokun scored, and the players from Nanjing University of Communication won the first, second and third place. Zhang Yuqi and Chen Zhengtian won the championship; Li Qi, who has served as a commentator in many e-sports events, won the runner-up; 2023 Vibrant Bay Area Electronics Song Chenghao, the official commentator of the competitive competition, won the third place.
It is worth mentioning that in order to show the unique charm of Zengcheng, the organizing committee specially added a link in the competition for contestants to introduce their impressions of Zengcheng city.
Some contestants spoke on the stage: "In 2023, Zengcheng will hold many activities, including not only vibrant sports events, but also cultural programs full of literature and art, as well as creative tourism festivals. This makes me I can fully feel that Zengcheng, a city with profound cultural heritage, is colorful and three-dimensional." Players who have visited Zengcheng in depth lamented: "Zengcheng is a poetic picture, with graceful bells and graces and beautiful scenery. The launch of 'Weekend to Zengcheng' The brand’s theme lines are rich in types, and people of every age group can find their favorite products. I like traveling in Zengcheng very much.” Under the emotional explanations of the contestants, the audience at the scene and offline not only appreciated the e-sports commentary charm, and also learned about the different urban style of Zengcheng.
Among the contestants, there are both "scientific people" who have received professional training in broadcasting and hosting; there are also grassroots commentators who "became a monk halfway" due to their passion.
A variety of completely different commentary styles compete tit for tat on the stage, which is really beautiful to watch.
Judge Wang Xiaodong expressed surprise at the level of the competition. He said that it was a high-quality event: "I used to be a sports commentary teacher in school and I know the level of students' commentary well. But I am so impressed by the performance of the contestants in this competition." I was shocked! The level of the top eight players is very high, generally reaching the level of national e-sports commentators. I saw players from all over the country dedicating wonderful e-sports commentary games. The new style they presented will be helpful to my future teaching .”
Why Zengcheng?
The soil here is unique for the development of e-sports
The finals of the Honor of Kings College Invitational Tournament and the Vibrant Bay Area E-sports Commentator Competition came to an end one after another, and the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-sports Competition came to a successful conclusion.
This event attracted widespread attention and received unanimous praise from the contestants and guests. Participants all believed that this was a high-quality and high-quality event.
In fact, Zengcheng has unique soil for developing the e-sports industry and hosting e-sports events, which is also the decisive factor in the success of this competition.
Zhang Yingzhi, deputy mayor of Zengcheng District, Guangzhou, said in an interview that Zengcheng District maintains a high degree of attention to e-sports and the e-sports industry.
Zhang Yingzhi believes that although the e-sports industry in Zengcheng District is in its infancy, it is similar to the economic development of Zengcheng District and is developing rapidly.
"Zengcheng uses Guangzhou Science and Education City as a platform. Now it has 21 higher vocational colleges and nearly 300,000 college students. This is fertile ground for Zengcheng to cultivate e-sports talents. It is also a fertile ground for Zengcheng to hold e-sports competitions, develop e-sports sports and related The best talent base and mass base for the industry." Zhang Yingzhi said.
"With green as the background, culture as the soul, and industry as the support, develop the e-sports industry with a more open, inclusive, and positive attitude, promote the industrial development of 'e-sports+', and promote the energy level of the eastern central city. 2023 Vibrant Bay The launch of the district e-sports competition in Zengcheng is at the right time." Zhang Yingzhi hopes that by holding this competition, gathering the e-sports industry and improving the industrial chain will effectively promote Zengcheng to stimulate innovation vitality, thereby accelerating the "development of the eastern center of Guangzhou" "Modern Vitality Core Construction" will contribute to Guangzhou's goal of accelerating the creation of a "world famous e-sports city".
As the venue for this tournament, Zengcheng District is an ancient town in Lingnan with a history of more than 1,800 years. It is the hometown of He Xiangu, the only female fairy among the "Eight Immortals" in folklore.
As the intersection of Guangzhou's "One Belt and One Corridor" and the northern vertex of the 100-kilometer "Golden Inner Bay" of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Zengcheng has a unique advantageous role in the overall development of the city, the province, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. important strategic position.
Zengcheng District is now focusing on improving the "modern vitality core" function, building a modern industrial cluster and an urban-rural integrated development demonstration zone with high standards, creating a hard support for the city's modern industries and a source of power for high-quality development.
The "entry" of e-sports events and related industries has added another layer of weight to the deep integration of Zengcheng District's cultural, tourism and sports industries and physical competitions.
Zengcheng District has rich cultural tourism resources and a superior geographical location. Since this year, it has fully empowered the cultural, sports and tourism industry through various methods and promoted high-quality development.
In addition to hosting the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area e-sports competition, Zengcheng District has further promoted the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism. From the beginning to the end of 2023, "months have themes, weeks have activities, there are always highlights, and there is always an atmosphere."
Since 2023, Zengcheng District has successively held cultural, sports and tourism integration activities such as Lihu Music Festival, Baiqin Concert, Hundreds of National Intangible Cultural Heritages Entering Zengcheng, Lychees to Zhengjia Plaza, and Zengcheng Lychees to Xi'an, the Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties.
At the same time, Zengcheng will continue to focus on the main line of high-quality development and accelerate the construction of a strong sports district.
Tour of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area City Cycling Challenge, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Triathlon, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Taekwondo Competition, Dragon Three Fighting Global Boxing Champions Guangzhou Invitational Tournament, 2023 China Three-person Basketball League, "Zengcheng Cai Xin" "Powerful" Bay Area Strongman Open, National Shuttlecock Guangdong Open, Guangdong Street Dance Open, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Break Dance Competition, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Women's Half Marathon and other special events have been launched in Zengcheng. It has greatly promoted the in-depth integrated development and resource integration of "sports + culture + tourism" in Zengcheng District, and established the image of "Vibrant Zengcheng".
Expert perspective
Fu Li, an expert in the expert database of the Guangdong Provincial Cultural Finance Association: "Zengcheng is very distinctive in the cultural, tourism and sports industry. This e-sports event combines with Zengcheng's traditional culture and landmark buildings, attracting more people's attention. The e-sports Most of the target users are young people, and holding e-sports competitions will attract more young people, thereby promoting the vitality of the area where the competition is held."
Wang Xiaodong, Dean of the School of Leisure and Digital Sports of Guangzhou Institute of Sport: “The emergence of more and more high-quality e-sports events like the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-sports Competition has provided more employment opportunities for e-sports practitioners and allowed more Children and parents are willing to join the e-sports industry. Talent training in colleges and universities also revolves around e-sports events. The events not only include players, but also include operations, communication, commentary and other aspects of participation. More and more events allow us to The talents we cultivate will get more employment opportunities, and we will also build a whole-industry-chain e-sports talent training model around the competition. Yangcheng Evening News Newspaper Group and Guangzhou Zengcheng District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau organized this competition as a strong alliance. , is also a manifestation of the emerging sports industry empowering the cultural tourism industry. Similar activities are mostly held in Zengcheng, which can promote the sustainable development of the local cultural industry. I can clearly see that Zengcheng is using integrated thinking to enhance the strength of culture, tourism, sports and other fields. . If Zengcheng wants people to stay for consumption and entrepreneurship, it needs to make the cultural atmosphere here stronger."
Wang Sixing, Executive Vice Dean of the E-Sports School of Nanjing University of Communication: "Whether it is the setting of the large screen or the competitive status of the players, it reflects the professionalism of this competition. Holding offline e-Sports events will attract a large number of young people to participate. , will help the local area build a more three-dimensional e-sports industry matrix, thereby empowering the development of traditional industries. Like this competition, many e-sports competitions will be held in business districts. Young people are the main force of the e-sports industry , and they are also the main group of people who promote consumption. There are competitions to attract more young people to come to this business district for consumption. This is actually the business model of 'e-sports +'. The e-sports industry is actually very good at empowering the traditional economy. Yes, this kind of young things attract the attention of young people, can provide traditional business districts with more ways for young people to play, and also enhance the charm and attractiveness of the city. This is exactly what current e-sports events can bring to the venue. promotion and benefits.”
Cui Ke, IP producer of the Huya King of Glory "Thunder" series of events: "I am honored to serve as a judge for this competition. I feel the confidence and trust of the Yangcheng Evening News Group and the Guangzhou Zengcheng District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau in the e-sports industry. I look forward to and hope that more e-sports events and e-sports commentary events will be held in Zengcheng in the future, bringing a different atmosphere to this land."
player voice
Zhang Yuqi and Chen Zhengtian, champions of the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-sports Commentator Competition: “What’s more satisfying than winning the championship is seeing more and more people loving the e-sports industry. Zengcheng holds this competition. I hope it can continue to be held and contribute to the e-sports industry. Injecting vitality into the development of the e-sports industry. Zengcheng has fresh air, pleasant environment, and many delicious foods. It is very livable. I will come back to Zengcheng to experience the beautiful scenery and delicious food if I have the opportunity in the future. At the same time, I also hope to be able to work in relevant positions in the e-sports industry in the future and contribute to the vigorous development of the e-sports industry. A small effort."
Song Chenghao, the third runner-up in the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-sports Commentator Competition: “As the official commentator of the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-sports Competition, I saw many citizens and students coming to watch the game at the competition site, and I felt the strong e-sports scene in Zengcheng. atmosphere, I hope that more sports events including e-sports will be held in Zengcheng in the future. I will also work hard to become a 'deliverer and voice of e-sports' in the future, standardize my commentary terms, and help more People have a comprehensive and three-dimensional understanding of e-sports.”
Lin Chao, captain of the champion team of the 2023 Vibrant Bay Area E-Sports Competition Honor of Kings College Invitational Tournament: "The organizers arranged it very well, and the atmosphere in Zengcheng Square at the competition site was also great. It was the first time to play such a large-scale competition offline. My and I The team members are very excited and very happy to win the championship. During these few days in Zengcheng, whether it is food, accommodation, or transportation, I feel very happy. I hope to come to Zengcheng to compete again in the future." (Yangcheng Evening News)