World Series of Video Games is cancelled this year

Due to high cost of hosting, the World Series of Video Game series has reached its toll and has been shut down as of September 13, 2007. All remaining events scheduled this year have all been canceled by its organizer Games Media Properties who posted the following statement on the WSVG web site:

“Effective immediately, Games Media Properties will no longer produce the World Series of Video Games. The remainder of the 2007 season in Los Angeles, London and Sweden is canceled.

The World Series of Video Games launched with the goal of expanding interest and participation in competitive gaming. Over the course of two seasons, we have been honored by the strong support the community has shown in attending our festivals, and watching our competitions online and on television – all in record-setting numbers. We have been grateful for the generous support provided by Intel and other sponsors since our inception.

However, the continuing challenges of securing adequate revenues to sustain the production of the WSVG’s large scale events and television programming, in a very crowded field of competitive gaming leagues, has prompted us to re-evaluate our direction as an organization.

Unfortunately, the decision is to cancel the remainder of the WSVG season, as we shift our focus solely to growing our online advertising network of websites, which currently reach seven million users each month.

We are proud of the accomplishments and memorable entertainment we have provided through the World Series of Video Games. While we are sorry that this news will disappoint our fans and players, we are deeply appreciative that we have had the opportunity to contribute to the growth of eSports.”

The main reason behind the cancellation of the series was due to very high costs and low income support. With WSVG refocusing its efforts on developing their advertising networks, other key players in the e-sports arena such as the Championship Gaming Series will no doubt take advantage of the situation.

Games Media Properties stated at the bottom of the announcement that they will refund the entry fees of all the registered WSVG Los Angeles competitors and those who have competed in won cash prizes at recent events will be paid once all the necessary paperwork have been completed.

Read [Game Industry Biz] Site [World Series of Video Games]