rEvolution Acquires Recently-Founded eSports Sponsorship Consultancy NEXTGEN+MVPs

Chicago-based agency rEvolution has acquired eSports sponsorship consultancy NEXTGEN+MVPs and is launching rEvXP to serve brands, platforms and players. NEXTGEN+MVPs was founded earlier this year by media and gaming industry vet Dan Ciccone, who will serve as rEvXP Managing Dir and will oversee all digital media operations and brand sponsorships opportunities. As part of the rEvXP acquisition, pro esports team OpTic Gaming Founder & CEO Hector Rodriguez, whose company has worked with NEXTGEN+MVPs, will be responsible for creative direction, content creation and engagement programs with eSports influencers on behalf of brands (rEvolution). FORBES' Darren Heitner wrote rEvolution's acquisition "indicates a strong belief that integration of notable brands into eSports will occur sooner than later." Heitner: "It was just a matter of time before marketing and media agencies started to understand the true value of entering the eSports space" (FORBES.com, 10/2).