Microsoft is adding an esports development platform to Xbox Live
Teams up with ESL for a new SDK.
Microsoft has teamed up with esports league ESL to introduce a new Xbox Live SDK for standardised esports tournament support.
This will allow developers and publishers easier access to organise esports events within their game, over Xbox Live.
Furthermore, this will extend to Windows 10 PCs, and developers can even have tournaments extend between platforms.
"This partnership represents a revolutionary step for the evolution of esports, by allowing developers and publishers to gain easy and automated access to live tournaments, as well as giving them the ability to organise the logistics and handling of such," ESL said in its announcement.
"The tournament experience on ESL platforms looks to see a significant increase thanks to our partnership with Microsoft," said vice president of strategic relations & ESL technology Arne Peters. "ESL platform integration is a big step forward in establishing competitive gaming and esports. We are very happy to be working with Microsoft on projects such and these and are excited to see them embrace the significance of esports and its phenomenal growth."
ESL further noted that the first games to use its tournament system on Xbox Live are "already in the making" with more to be announced soon.