One of the Xbox platform’s biggest strengths has been the Xbox Live community and seamless online multiplayer. Even Microsoft recognizes there’s room to improve, as do several vendors, which helps explain today’s launch of the Xbox One ESL app.
The Xbox One ESL app enables competitive console players in Europe and North America to connect directly through Xbox Live. At its launch today, the Xbox One ESL app supports only players and tournaments in those two regions. Both ESL and Microsoft plan to expand the functionality pending the success of this initial launch.
Using the Xbox One ESL app, gamers can identify and compete in an expansive list of games in a variety of ESL cups and tournaments. With matchmaking as the core feature, the ESL app on Xbox One eliminates the need for extra devices and browser windows.
ESL is the world’s largest independent eSports brand, covering various games with numerous online and offline competitions. As a result, you can bet that the Xbox One app is legit and powerful, and that millions of existing ESL gamers will want to get in on the action.
Marcel Menge, Managing Director at Turtle eSports Technology, said the Xbox One ESL app “will allow players of all skill levels to easily participate in our tournaments. This is just the start for us – we are working hard to bring major eSports tournaments to consoles and integrate them flawlessly into our app so everyone can get involved.”
Microsoft appears keen to see how the app succeeds as well. Commenting on today’s launch, Larry Hyrb (aka “Major Nelson) said “With the addition of the ESL app on Xbox One, we can deliver a wide range of tournaments for some of the best games on the platform all with the functionality our community craves.”
The main feature of the Xbox One ESL app is to enable users to find, sign up and submit results for ESL cups and matches on the Xbox One itself. An extension of this allows the gamer to stay on top of the competition and track his/her progress within both past and present ESL competitions. Additionally, opponents can be found, viewed and challenged via their Gamertags.