Future of Esports
Vol. 02 — Inside Esports ./ Branding Research Architecture
We are living in the golden age of esports.
Esports has finally gone from being a new wave of digital entertainment to a mainstream element of pop culture. From fashion and content creation to betting opportunities and diverse sponsorships, the esports industry is revolutionizing sports and entertainment.
This is most obvious when we recognize esports as a movement, a space for self-expression and identity. The esports movement is a hybrid of arts, culture, music, entertainment, sports, live events and fashion. There is simply no way to orchestrate movements like this — but if you're lucky enough to get there early — or get there at all — you are invited into something very special with human connection at its core.
At Populous, we’re more than passionate about digital entertainment. As the industry leaders in the design of venues and experiences that bring gaming to the masses, we’re dedicated to helping the industry continue to accelerate — to maintain its untouchable viewership, investments and adoption.
First design practice to_
Create a Designated esports Division
No. 1
Most Innovative Company in Architecture
Design innovation is the cornerstone of how we draw people together and create a better-built tomorrow. Populous was founded on the innovation and confidence to pursue big ideas.
It is this vision for design excellence that led Fast Company to name Populous one of the world’s 50 most innovative companies. Our firm’s revolutionary sustainable design approach is highlighted by our number one ranking in the architecture category.
Global Distinction
365: AIGA Year in Design Winner 2022
G4 Studios: gaming Channel Headquarters
Illustration / Photography
At Populous, we champion the creativity of our designers by fostering an environment that encourages taking risks, chasing passions and dreaming big. This year, Populous was honored to have Illustrations for G4 Studios named as a winner of 365: AIGA Year in Design, a global competition focused on innovative design storytelling and creative design solutions.
Populous was also named regional AIGA winners in the Brand Identity category for Game Square, and in the Editorial category for our Future of Esports Vol 2 publication and Esports Perspective Piece.
These projects are wide-ranging in content and style, but they share a mission to illuminate the necessity of visual storytelling in the causes, brands and spaces we care about.
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
Regional Awards
Future of Esports Vol. 02; Populous Esports Perspective Piece
Editorial
Game Square
Brand identity
The Arena NFT Collection
Brand Identity
G4 Studios: Gaming Channel Headquarters
Illustration
G4 Studios: Gaming Channel Headquarters
Experiential branding
NBA 2K League Season 5 Concept
set design and branding
"Populous embraced the emotion of it all and brought to life our league’s vision."
Matt Arden, Head of Content, NBA 2K League
We were the first design practice in the world to create a dedicated esports projects division because we saw the future of fan experiences and a new wave of digital entertainment on the horizon.
As industry trailblazers, we have led the design of venues that bring esports to the masses, with over 20 projects around the world and clients that have entrusted us with over $1.5 billion in construction value.
“Populous was a clear decision from the start. Their world-class designers and architects knew how to execute the vision we had for our facility. Since this project included a renovation of a an existing facility, it required complexities that their team was able to navigate with perfection.”
Eric Kammeyer, Director of Esports and Gaming Technology, Butler University
Related Projects_
The global Leader in Esports Venue Design
_What if we designed a broadcast arena that paid homage to the urban communities of New York, fashion, streetwear, music, and pop culture?
NBA 2K League Broadcast Arena
Season 5, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
SEason 6, washington, d.c., United States
After four years of online play and remote production, the NBA 2K League decided to take its fifth season live with in-person competition. The NBA 2K League, a joint venture between the NBA and the Take-Two Interactive, is a professional esports league featuring the best NBA 2K players in the world — the first esports league operated by a U.S. professional sports league.
NBA 2K Season 5
NBA 2K Season 6
_What if we designed a world-class esports venue where gaming meets social connection?
_What if we created a community gaming center that increases access to gaming and connects lovers of the sport at all levels?
Localhost in Philly
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Expanding_
College landscape
_What if we used innovative design to reinvigorate a space that wasn’t being utilized efficiently?
Butler University Esports Park
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
An adaptive reuse of former retail space in a parking garage, the Butler Esports Park features high-performance PCs and consoles, virtual reality, event and coworking spaces, a café, tech-enhanced outdoor lounge spaces, office areas for partner organizations and a studio and video production suite.
_What if we designed the first-of-its-kind, premier, collegiate esports space?
Syracuse Gaming & Esports Center
Syracuse, new york, United States
Located at the entrance of their student center, Syracuse University's new 5,000-square-foot esports space will elevate their esports program, taking it to the next level. The space will be a new social hub bringing students together through gaming, learning and competition. The facility will feature professional-grade LAN PCs and a stage that can be utilized for gaming competitions, academic presentations and special events. LED technology is integrated throughout the space including the LED ribbon on the entry glass storefront, full stage backdrop and main stage screen. The space will also include console gaming, analog games, two driving simulators, three VR booths, a production and broadcast space and a reception and retail area.
_What if we designed a next-generation destination where live immersive events elevated the spectator experience?
Toronto Performance Venue + Hotel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The primary objective of the concept design for the multi-purpose venue was to create a next-generation destination where live immersive events elevate the spectator experience. The new venue will be a home where gamers compete at the highest levels and cutting-edge artists perform in an intimate theatre-like seating bowl, drawing upon the energy of the crowd.
_What if we developed a virtual arena to explore how fans can gather in the metaverse with their favorite esports team?
Kansas City Pioneers
Kansas City, missouri, United States
Populous and multidiscipline esports organization Kansas City Pioneers have partnered to introduce “The Arena,” a five-part digital art collection that takes users on a journey through a prototypical future esports experience. The collection is designed by Populous and follows a character along a futuristic road to a Pioneers-influenced virtual esports arena. Each piece of the series highlights elements of the hero’s journey from arrival to the stadium to behind-the-scenes team training areas. “The Arena” represents the future of world-class esports venue design, highlighting the communal experiences possible in the digital realm. This project offered a research development opportunity for Populous to better understand how the metaverse creates spaces for fans to gather virtually.
The Next-generation will_
Choose Their own adventure
Thought Leadership _ News
_
Drawing people together
Creating
A New LEgacy
At USF
Contact
Interested in working with Populous? Feel free to reach out to talk through specific requests or opportunities.
Marvin Mastin
Associate Principal,
Brand Activation Team Manager
816.329.4273
