Microsoft acquires Smash.gg esports tournament platform

The company has announced it's joining Microsoft, bringing a suite of management tools for esports events to the Xbox platform holder.

What you need to know

• Smash.gg has announced an agreement to be acquired by Microsoft, bringing its online platform for esports tournaments within its gaming portfolio.
• We've reached out for Microsoft for confirmation, although it did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Online video game events platform, Smash.gg, has announced it has entered an acquisition agreement with Microsoft. The company, rooted in tools to host and support esports events, reportedly looks to join Redmond for an undisclosed sum, further bolstering its gaming presence alongside the Xbox brand. Smash.gg announced the deal via its official website. We've reached out to Microsoft for confirmation, although it did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Smash.gg first started operations in 2015 as a platform for esports events around Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. fighting series. Its services have since expanded to other titles, although its name and presence remain closely tied to the fighting genre. Its suite of tools offers support to grassroots and professional organizers, handling management, payments, and analytics through an all-inclusive platform.

"Since we started in 2015, our goal has been to build active esports scenes around the games people love to play," Smash.gg said in a statement. "Today we're excited to take the next step in that journey by joining Microsoft to help strengthen our existing relationships and explore new opportunities. Smash.gg will continue as a self-service esports platform available to tournament organizers from all game communities. If you have any questions about existing tournaments please reach out to hello@smash.gg."

An acquisition of smash.gg isn't entirely expected, with the company previously suggest the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had impacted its bottom line. It stated "lots of conversations" were underway to maintain growth amid rumors of a closure, including "talks about acquisition or combination with services." It appears Microsoft was that ideal partner, likely to push the platform into the spotlight alongside its broader gaming portfolio.

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