3,000 gamers have already joined the Swisscom Hero League – new season kicks off with “CS:GO”

With the start of the new season, “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” (CS:GO) presents the Swisscom Hero League’s professional gamers with a new challenge. As a tactical shooter game, CS:GO is one of most popular titles among eSports fanatics and it was therefore in high demand. “We were aware of the somewhat controversial nature of this game and deliberated carefully before taking this step, despite being literally bombarded with requests for the title to be offered right from the very start,” explains Nadine Jaberg. The ZHAW survey showed that one in six gamers actually plays this game and as many as one in four watches eSports broadcasts of it. Tactical shooter games are undoubtedly some of the most successful eSports games and it would therefore be wrong not to include such a game if we are also in the business of promoting Swiss eSports.”
Swisscom’s specialists in young people’s media literacy will support and advise the Swisscom Hero League. As well as providing advice to gamers, they will also offer course modules to parents and teachers. The sector is demonstrating positive results. Nadine Jaberg: “In the past year, we have successfully showcased the opportunities inherent to gaming. Gaming is much more than a simple leisure activity enjoyed by 2.5 million Swiss – it is also an important part of the economy. This is particularly evident in the area around Lake Geneva, which is seeing the establishment of increasing numbers of gaming start-ups. This clearly demonstrates that it is much more than a sport.”