Online gaming and esports are two of the hottest entertainment industries today, both experiencing double digit growth in 2018. According to Newzoo, the video game industry is expected to be worth nearly $138 billion by the end of 2018, with esports revenues projected to reach $1.65 billion by 2021.
Alpharetta-based Hi-Rez Studios, a developer of multiplayer online games, and its subsidiary Skillshot Media, an esports tournament operator and broadcaster, are leaders in these emerging categories. Fulfilling his 7th grade dream to be a programmer in the gaming industry, Todd Harris, co-founder of Hi-Rez Studios, helped launch the company in 2005. Today, it has 450 employees worldwide and 70 million registered players of its games.
“The two companies I was with prior to starting Hi-Rez Studios were both based in Alpharetta, and when we were scouting locations for our headquarters, the city was a natural fit for us,” shared Harris. “Its great technical talent and low cost of living are significant advantages [compared] to other areas in Metro Atlanta and cities across the country.”
Continuing its investment in Alpharetta’s tech community, in early 2018, Hi-Rez Studios announced the opening of its new 16,000 square-foot production studio, following this with the rollout of subsidiary Skillshot Media, which was established to manage multiple leagues for the company’s leading games, Smite and Paladins, along with games from other publishers.
“One of the perks we enjoy about Alpharetta is being a part of a real ecosystem” continued Harris. “There are so many thriving technology companies here, we benefit through networking, new business connections and workforce development. The city’s strong pool of software engineers and programmers have helped us evolve and expand to meet the industry’s rapid growth.”
