Tag Archives: Snoop Dogg

Can eSports Save The World?

Almost two years ago, the Gamers Without Borders tournament was held to raise funds worldwide for pressing causes and give a glimpse into how the future of fundraising could be tied into the future of gaming.

With a $10 million prize fund up for grabs, the tournament consisted of one-off tournaments for a variety of eSports titles – from Fortnite to FIFA. Those who played, commentated, and watched were all persuaded to donate to a charity – from UNICEF to Direct Relief and International Medical Corps.  

https://twitter.com/i/status/1269642242068754432

The tournament gained widespread attention.

The final FIFA tournament even had an appearance from Snoop Dogg and One Direction’s Liam Payne. Some of the world’s most prominent footballers, such as Paulo Dybala, Dele Alli, Joao Felix and Andre Silva, managed to raise around $1.5 million through their gaming exploits. By combining some stars of traditional sports and recognizable celebrities with the eSports tournament, not only did the industry managed to raise funds for charity, but they also proved that they could be deployed as a force for good going forwards.  

Part of the crusade for eSports as an industry is to prove to the mainstream that it is a valid and legitimate counterpart to traditional sports and traditional gaming.

By merging the two, eSports is able to benefit from both sides. The success of Gamers Without Borders could prove just how much of a fundraising machine eSports could be and how, with a greater uptake in those who engage with the industry, the industry could do many more benevolent acts. 

There are many ways that eSports is gaining the legitimacy it deserves, and this charitable tournament helped prove it. Indeed, as eSports betting attests to, allowing eSports fans and spectators to wager on the outcome of matches and tournaments gives it further credibility as a likeness to traditional sports. Indeed, bettors can wager on games from Dota 2 to StarCraft 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Overwatch and Rainbow Six in a similar way to how they bet on football, basketball and horse racing. 

The interconnected nature of eSports – that often involve connecting with hundreds of people across social media and streaming sites like Twitch – means that causes can be amplified to audiences around the world. The younger generation who are likely to be participating in and watching eSports are also arguably more likely to think altruistically, according to research, and will often use their platform as a professional eSports player to spread positive information.  

eSports is thriving, and its supportive community is in part to thank for that.

But the main barrier to its further success is its need to be legitimized by mainstream society. Given its professional polish, the good works it’s doing, the chances for careers, and the engagement of fans, it’s clear that the eSports industry is proving itself to be a real contender. The eSports industry might not be able to save the world single-handedly, but as it continues to gain tremendous steam, it could definitely be a vehicle that helps affect positive change.  For the Silo, Bethany Riley.

Jukasa: World Class Music Studio Open For Local Artists

From our Sept/Oct 2011 PRINT Edition (Jukasa has a whole new team of amazing people on board! Please check their website for a list of their amazing staff CP)

If I were to tell you that musicians like Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Snoop Dogg, Derek Miller and The Tea Party have spent time in Ohsweken Village, what would you say?
I know what I said: “Wow, why haven’t I heard about this place?” The place I am talking about is Jukasa Media Group. Jukasa Media Group is a $3 million dollar studio complex that is currently expanding – and rapidly I might add. Upon its construction in 2009 Owner Kenny Hill wanted a place for his son and friends to record their music. In 2010 Mix Magazine named Jukasa as 2010’s “top three new studios on the planet.” What brings such talented musicians to Jukasa? The Gear? The Studio? The Staff? The Price? All of the Above?


The answer is all of the above. Jukasa currently features 2300sq ft of beautifully architectured live recording space, their famous sound board the SSL 8072 Console that spent a decade Abbey Road Studio 3, living accommodations on site, a space for editing daily recordings, and they are currently building a second recording studio, and will be opening a private Recording Arts School as of October where students will be in classes of no more than 9, learning the theory of sound, while recording real artists with the mastering engineer Nick Blagona and other staff.


Mixer and Mastering Engineer Nick Blagona has been in the music industry for decades and brings his experience around the world to Jukasa. Blagona has worked with Chicago, The Beegees, Cat Stevens, Nazareth, Alexisonfire (R.I.P.), Kim Mitchell, Protest the Hero, The Police, and Deep Purple to name the tip of the iceberg. Also under the Jukasa roof is Stevie Salas, Director of Aboriginal Development and U.S. Operations who has received the Life Time Achievement Award from the Native American Music Awards, and has the largest deal Island Records has ever signed. Salas has also brought his long time friend Rob Lamothe into the mix. Rob Lamothe is the General Manager of Jukasa, he has received an Edison Award from Holland, and has toured over 30 European tours.


Aside from the Gear, the staff and the facility itself, what makes Jukasa so unique is the price for the quality. Prices for recording at Jukasa are comparable to prices to record in basement studios in the area however the final product is the highest of quality production, thanks to the experienced staff and incredible equipment available.  For the Silo, Lacie Williamson

 

Okay you didn’t think we were going to NOT show you the famous SSL 8072 did you? Here it is-

Click to view on I-tunes
Click to view on I-tunes