Microsoft buys esports platform Smash.gg

Microsoft has announced the acquisition of esports tournament platform Smash.gg.

The platform organises online and live gaming competitions and has raised millions in funding since its 2015 launch. It started as a community-led organisation tool for Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. series but has since evolved into a more broad portal for esports.

In a statement, Smash.GG said that “for now, it’s business as usual as our combined team continues to support our community and tournament organizers.” Financial terms have not been disclosed.

This marks the first major foray into esports from Microsoft since it shuttered its Twitch-rivalling game streaming platform Mixer and partnered with Facebook Gaming in June.

Both deals would indicate that Microsoft has given up on trying to take on Amazon in regards to creating a competitive product, and will instead look to expand in esports via deals with partnerships with existing players in the space.

Elsewhere, Esports One has added US$4 million in funding from XSeed Capital, Eniac Ventures and Chestnut Street Ventures.