SIMPLICITY TO DOMINATE U.S. GAMING CENTRE SCENE WITH PLAYLIVE ACQUISITION

Simplicity Esports has announced it is to acquire US gaming centre operator PLAYlive Nation.

The all-stock deal will see PLAYlive Nation, which currently has 44 gaming centres across 11 states and serves more than 150,000 customers per year, absorbed into the Simplicity brand.

In April Simplicity opened its first gaming centre, in Boca Raton, Florida, had identified four more locations, and announced plans to open fifteen centres by the end of this year, and have fifty running within two years.

With the PLAYlive Nation acquisition, Simplicity will almost reach its two-year target immediately.

Commenting on the news, CEO of Simplicity Esports, Jed Kaplan, said: “I am proud to announce the acquisition of PLAYlive, which further demonstrates management’s commitment to reach our aforementioned goal to operate 50 esports gaming centers. PLAYlive combined with existing Simplicity Esports Gaming Centers, represents the largest brick-and-mortar footprint of esports gaming centers affiliated with an esports organization in North America.

“We intend to leverage our vast footprint to further implement our brick-and-click approach connecting esports fans, players, gamers, and influencers on a large scale, thereby representing attractive opportunities for corporate partnerships. Simplicity Esports will host competitive tournaments, grassroots community leagues, and special events connecting both professional and casual gamers with our brand.”

Earlier this year, Simplicity Esports, which competes in games including Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, Gears of War and Madden NFL, was acquired by SMAAASH Entertainment in an all-stock transaction.

AYO.NEWS says:

Bricks-and-mortar gaming centres are crucial to the growth of esports, bringing players together and helping create the strong community that is so special. Of course, from the business point-of-view this deal is going to give Simplicity some serious clout when it comes to sponsorships and advertising deals.