Advertising company DDB Worldwide has confirmed it is launching DDB FTW (For The Win), the world’s first specialised esports and gaming network agency, according to the firm.
The agency will be located in Prague and be led by CEO and Global Esports & Gaming Lead, Darko Silajdžić. Moreover, DDB FTW will have additional capacities run out of DDB’s agencies in Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Paris and Hong Kong.
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DDB FTW will provide global and regional esports and gaming solutions to current clients and new partners. According to DDB Worldwide, the launch of the agency recognises the importance of the industry as a channel to reach almost three billion people who identify as gamers.
Founded in 1949, DDB is already one of the world’s largest and most influential advertising and marketing networks, with its current clients ranging from McDonald’s to Volkswagen.
Darko Silajdžić, CEO and Global Esports & Gaming Lead of DDB commented: “In a changing world dominated by news of pandemics and social distancing, we are seeing acceleration of macro trends across all categories, and none with more momentum and potential than gaming and esports.
“As a gamer, I understand that the place where the next generation of people come together is shifting from physical locations to platforms like Fortnite.”
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Described as a “cross-generational phenomena”, DDB is the first global network agency dedicate to guide brands into this vital territory of gaming and esports.
Glen Lomas, President of DDB, EMEA added: “This category is not simply about playing Candy Crush or shooting games. It is a movement that spawns its own music, fashion and language. Gaming platforms are a lifeline of social connection for people during these trying times, and we expect the trend to continue in a post-Covid world.”
Esports Insider Says: DDB is a massive, worldwide agency, and for them to branch into esports tells you a lot about how much the industry is slowly growing into the mainstream market. As a multiple-time Agency of the Year winner, this is a step in the right direction for expanding their reach to a new target audience.