Eutelsat group to host eCLUTCH eSports package
MARCH 11, 2024 12.37 EUROPE/LONDON BY JULIAN CLOVER

iKO Media Group is to use Eutelsat satellite capacity to launch a new eSports package, designed to bring new gaming content to a wider audience.

eCLUTCH is launching on Eutelsat’s 16 degrees East orbital slot, the Hotbird neighbourhood at 13 degrees East and 7/8 degrees West. Theplatform initially includes 10 eSports and gaming channels, with more to join in the near future.

The eSports market is expected to exceed 856 million users worldwide by 2028 with millions of viewers already tuning in towatch the experts play their favourite games.

Traditionally distributed via streaming platforms and social media, iKO Media Group is expanding the reach of this new content to hard-to-reach areas beyond terrestrial networks via satellite, in a new hybrid distribution approach for eSports.

The service has already been selected by Albania’s leading pay-TV platform, DigitAlb, at 16° East, to expand its content offer and attract new subscribers. “Launching this eSport channel package will help us attract new audience demographics. As a well-established TV Platform, DigitAlb is able to provide larger audiences for eSports channels, while these channels will help us attract a younger digital-native demographic, to whom we can offer a high quality, large screen experience for their eSports passion,” said DigitAlb CEO, Eglinor Ramaj.

Close to 1 billion people around the world already watch video game and tournaments, as Arnaud Verlhac, eCLUTCH co-Founder, explains, “For media, E-sports is a huge opportunity to reach a new target audience in the same way they already do with sports, music, or events. I am really excited to build this bridge with such a strong and trusted partner as Eutelsat.”

The multi-year agreement between Eutelsat and iKO Media Group represents a new business model for Eutelsat, as it looks to evolve as a solutions provider, working with partners to develop solutions that provide value to both clients and their end-users.

“The deal showcases both the new types of content we are bringing to satellite, as well as satellite’s role in enabling broadcasters to extend their reach and target new audience bases. We are also delighted to see our anchor client, DigitAlb, already making eCLUTCH available for its subscribers,” said Laurence Delpy, President of Eutelsat Video Business Unit.

Swiss-based iKO Media Group is known for Playout & advanced cloud solutions and OTT platform integration.