GGL Interview: Eric S Rollman
The GGL or Global Gaming League will start rolling later this year to give players a place to play tournaments, win prizes and money, and become stars. www.ggleague.com is the webpage address of this fantastic new league.

This feature interview is with the CEO of the GGL. Eric S Rollman.

We are very excited to have a gaming league such as yours to give players a chance to win prizes and become superstars. What made you decide to start the Global Gaming League? What is your involvement in the GGL?

And we are very excited to be able to build the infrastructure for professional competitive video gaming or V-Sports, as we call it. The industry finally has an organization that can bring the real stars into the public limelight, showcasing their talents and giving them a true platform for their talents. The superstars will emerge and will have all the opportunities available to the stars of other sports and entertainment mediums. The idea for the GGL was that of our Chairman Ted Owen, who is a lifelong gaming enthusiast, and he felt the community would welcome an unbiased organization that was professionally run and where the interest of the players come first. As the CEO, I am responsible for all the day to day activities of the company and the short and long term execution of our mission statement.

You have a lot of experience in television especially with Fox Family Worldwide and Saban Entertainment. How will that help you in the videogame industry?

The opportunity to build this company and roll out the brand into the marketplace is really exciting for me. My experience in building brands with TV projects and with channels like Fox Kids and Fox Family are very applicable to this business. The key to our success is in building a strong brand which has a lot of loyalty from the key demographic. By understanding and respecting our members, we will achieve our goals. At the end of the day, it must be very entertaining to succeed and we will work hard to make it so.

Are you a gamer yourself? If so, what games do you play? Or, what are your favorite type of games?

I am not what would be considered an avid gamer, but since joining up with this business, I have doing a lot of ‘research…’ Let’s just say that, I get it!!! I am playing Quake and Wolfenstein and really enjoy the FPS games.

Of the gaming leagues out there, there is one that stands out. It’s the Cyberathlete Professional League. Do you consider the GGL a competitor or will you work together? How do you differentiate yourself from the CPL or any other league?

I am thrilled that the CPL is putting on great tournaments for the community. I have nothing but respect for their perseverance. The GGL is an unbiased governing body and will not only create our own online and offline tournaments, but are also available to sanction tournaments for others. My door is always open for such discussions. I believe it is important to work together with anyone who also has the goal of making V-Sports a true professional spectator sport.

What games should the public expect to see in the GGL?

The GGL will hold tournaments and create rankings for the games that are most popular and requested by our members. The league is unbiased and is for the members so it’s ultimately their decision.

Where will the live events be held? Will there be any in California?

GGL events will take place in many shapes and styles. Different locations will be chosen as appropriate for each individual event. Look for some announcements in the next couple of weeks.

We were big fans of the original gaming leagues such as the PGL. However, the PGL did not last long. Can you tell us how the GGL will make money or can you tell us anything about the business model?

Our business model looks like other successful professional sports franchises. Revenues will come from sponsorships, membership fees, athlete management fees, entertainment licensing fees and merchandising.

Do you have any sponsors such as Nvidia or AMD lined up? How does a sponsorship work? Do they donate or give money just for key advertising spots? What does the sponsor get out of it?

Sponsors align with successful business in order to gain exposure for their business/products directly to their target demographic. There are many different arrangements which can be structured for sponsors. Cash and in-kind are the two traditional but we are creating new and exciting opportunities which are going to be a win-win for both sides.

What steps need to be taken in order for Professional Gaming to become a mainstream sporting event? What do you think is working in favor of Professional gaming, and what do you think is holding it back right now?

Many new sports have made there way into the public eye in a big way in recent years. With all the new outlets for marketing these sports, it continues to be a perfect time to bring V-Sports to the general public. The video gaming business generates over 23 billion dollars annually in a very targeted audience. With the transition video games have made into TV and movies, the public curiosity is higher than ever. The GGL will grab that opportunity by creating mainstream spectator events which will be entertaining for players and fans. The business has yet to create any human stars and that alone will bring new fans and players to the events. Until now, no one has created an organization that brings it all together…that is one of our main goals and we are well on our way to establishing that infrastructure.

What type of Cash or prizes should the winners expect? In the thousands of dollars?

Each GGL event both online and offline will be different. Expect great competition, great entertainment and great prizes.

Finally, any comments for our readers?

We are creating an organization that will bring public recognition for V-Sports players and fans. We have an excellent management team that brings a diverse experience to the business. We are here to listen to your needs and wants and will be elevating the respect for the players and sport to a much deserved level. GGL events will be fresh and unique and fun! ‘We’re not playing’ so ‘STOP PLAYING WITH YOURSELF!’

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