Head of eSports at Activision Blizzard, Brandon Snow: Building 'Generational Fandom' of Professional Video Game Teams

Guest: Brandon Snow, Head of eSports at Activision Blizzard In this episode, we cover: 'I'm lovin' it': Brandon's experience of working at marketing firm Heye & Partner as it first pitched McDonald's now-famous worldwide tagline. (3:03) ... Why Brandon left the NBA to transition from marketing to sales — and his eventual return to the NBA to work in sales. (7:02) ... 'Managing an orchestra': The incredibly long hours spent working on pitches as head of new business of an advertising agency — and the chances a pitch will succeed. (10:55) ... The importance of creativity and charisma in the advertising business — and how sports sponsorship has evolved over time. (13:50) ... Brandon's experience working for the NBA in Beijing, China — and the importance of embracing how different cultures conduct business. (18:38) ... China, Hong Kong, and the NBA: The politics of running a global business. (24:04) ... How Activision Blizzard is creating professional, NFL-like global esports leagues with its existing video game IPs. (28:01) ... Activision Blizzard's vision to build 'generational fandom' in its professional, global, and city-based esports leagues over time. (35:06) ... Ticket sales, sponsors, and digital goods: The revenue models behind the 'Overwatch' and 'Call of Duty' esports leagues. (39:55) ... Activision Blizzard's franchise model for esports leagues — and why the esports industry must mature past sponsorship as its main revenue source. (43:16) ... What other entertainment industries can learn from the video games business — and why Activision Blizzard continues to invest in its already popular video game franchises. (49:17) ... What the word grit means to Brandon. (53:53)