The symbiotic relationship between live streaming and eSports has catapulted both categories to previously unimaginable heights. Matcherino, a fast-rising startup that just received a $1.25 million seed round, looks to power the next generation of eSports engagement built through streaming. The Matcherino platform enables viewers to contribute to crowdfunding campaigns that fund matches between top streamers; who can, in turn, get paid for their matches and interact with followers. Grant Farwell, Matcherino CEO, was kind enough to provide some insight on these topics of interest, and more, via an interview:
Which problem(s)/market(s) does Matcherino address?
There are so many ways to make the digital experience of fans and celebrity players easier. We’re trying to tackle the ones we find most exciting. We started with showmatches, and then made a way for streamers to easily play with fans — but there are so many other ways to ‘interact’ that we can solve with tools specifically designed to help.
With which streaming platforms does Matcherino integrate? Or is it platform-agnostic?
We currently integrate with Twitch.tv. In the future we’re going to provide a way to use other login credentials, but we want to nail down the experience and make sure it’s a success with Twitch before we add others.
What’s your take on the future of paying, either through subscription or by individual event, to view eSports events? Specifically, do you think eSports audiences are ready for pay-to-view models?
I don’t think eSports will ever fully adopt ‘pay-per-view’ models. There are too many benefits to broadcasting an event to as many people as possible. I do think the future is one where events are supported directly by the fans and by sponsors, using platforms that help facilitate the process like Matcherino.
Running a startup is a 24/7 job. Do you still make time to game and/or watch streams?
Yes, I still play and watch. I find gaming a great way to relieve stress, which sounds ironic since I do most if not all of my yelling when I play. I also love watching Hearthstone, Starcraft, Heroes of the Storm or any big tournament when there’s time.
Which of the bigger casters/players has Matcherino worked/partnered with so far?
SolidJake and Gillyweed, official blizzard casters for Heroes of the Storm and BasetradeTV from Starcraft are the most recent casters we’ve worked with for our showmatches on Matcherino. LiquidTLO, TempoStorm Eloise, SK Zetalot, and ByuN are just a few of the competitive players we’ve worked with so far.
What, in your opinion, are three main characteristics of successful crowdfunding campaigns within the eSports community?
Having high production quality can be important for a successful campaign. Potential backers want to see what sets the event apart from everything else. Interacting with the community is also a critical part of the process — and making sure they’re rewarding accordingly is also important. Timing can make or break campaigns; If you’re inadvertently scheduled during a major event you’re likely to drown in the other noise.
What can we expect from Matcherino in 2016?
We’re working on a number of new features. One of them is a way for streamers to give their fans points for watching, similar to bots that currently exist but on our site it will be easy to earn real gaming related products and see who the most popular fans are as well as discover new streamers through other fans.
Join our FREE mailing list and stay connected to the business side of eSports – http://tinyletter.com/afletcher
Alex Fletcher is founder & president at eSports Group, where he helps customers meet their eSports advisory & consulting needs. When Alex isn’t glued to a screen, he spends time with his wife, their two dogs, and pretends to learn Polish. Feel free to stalk him on Twitter – @FletchUnleashed