While the Esports World Cup (EWC) took center stage in the gaming world for nearly two months, stc emerged as a powerful force, reshaping the landscape of competitive gaming with its cutting-edge platforms, stc play and stc tv. 

 

Designed to elevate the gaming experience, stc play and stc tv are more than just access points — they are the heart of a thriving community for gamers and fans alike. Through the use of state-of-the-art technology and strategic engagement, these platforms are redefining how audiences connect with the dynamic world of esports. 

 

"Our goal is to go beyond providing connectivity," said Bader Almarshoud, Head of stc play, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia on the sidelines of the EWC. "We are focused on creating unparalleled experiences that resonate with our audience."

 

Amidst the electric atmosphere of the EWC, where the excitement was palpable and the stakes higher than ever with a jaw-dropping $60 million in prize money, Almarshoud shared insights into stc's pivotal role in the event's success. 

 

Thousands of fans flocked to Riyadh’s Boulevard City to witness the spectacle, but stc play and stc tv ensured that the thrill of the competition reached the homes of millions worldwide, offering unmatched coverage and interaction.

stc play, a premier social engagement platform for gamers, was meticulously crafted to foster connections within the gaming community. For the EWC, stc play introduced a range of exclusive features designed to amplify fan interaction and enhance the overall event experience. 

 

"At the heart of stc play’s EWC offering was a dedicated section within the app," Almarshoud explained, taking us through each of the features of the platform at the STC Play Gaming Hall, a massive area dedicated to the up-and-coming gamers and enthusiasts to put their skills to the test. "The app provided real-time updates on match standings, team leaderboards, and live predictions." 

 

The app's unique prediction feature not only heightened engagement by allowing users to forecast match outcomes but also offered the chance to win enticing prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement.

 

stc tv: Comprehensive Coverage of EWC

Meanwhile, stc tv took the EWC experience to the next level, with five live channels dedicated to broadcasting every aspect of the tournament. From high-stakes matches to thrilling stage events, stc tv brought comprehensive coverage to audiences who could not attend in person. This extensive coverage expanded the tournament’s reach, offering insights into the world of esports and attracting a diverse viewer base.

 

Innovations and strategic partnerships

stc play’s role as the exclusive digital sales partner for EWC merchandise further underscored its commitment to the event. Leveraging robust infrastructure, stc play ensured a seamless shopping experience for fans eager to support their favourite teams. Integrating stc’s loyalty programme into the EWC experience allowed attendees to redeem rewards when purchasing tickets or participating in event activities, enhancing the overall fan experience.

 

Reflecting on the success of stc’s involvement, Almarshoud emphasised that the group’s innovative approach to fan engagement and comprehensive coverage had set a new standard for esports events. "By combining state-of-the-art technology with a deep understanding of the gaming community, stc is shaping the future of gaming," he asserted.

 

 

Digital backbone of gaming sector

Almarshoud said: “Our journey into gaming began four years ago with the launch of our gaming strategy. A key element of this strategy was enhancing our network to better support gaming activities. 

 

“To achieve this, we set up a dedicated operational centre to monitor and improve the digital experiences of our users. By analysing the most popular games on our network, we ensure that our infrastructure delivers minimal latency and optimal performance - both crucial for a superior gaming experience,” he added.

 

stc has also formed strategic partnerships with key entities like the Saudi Esports Federation to strengthen its gaming infrastructure. Before the EWC, stc gained invaluable insights from its involvement in two seasons of Gamers 8, an event similar to the EWC. These experiences helped stc fine-tune its network and operational standards, enabling it to support high-demand gaming events effectively.

 

During the EWC, stc set up a dedicated war room within its Digital Network Operations Center. Staffed by over 45 professionals, this facility was responsible for monitoring the network and preemptively addressing potential issues. 

 

Almarshoud emphasised that stc is always prepared to handle challenges. "For instance, stc play had to align its platform with the EWC. Despite having its own roadmap, we prioritised the EWC and focused our resources on creating a dedicated landing page before the event started. This strategic decision ensured that the updated stc play was ready just in time for the World Cup."

 

Impact on community

Almarshoud highlighted the substantial impact of stc’s efforts on the youth and the broader gaming community in Saudi Arabia. “Before the launch of the national gaming strategy and the establishment of the Esports Federation, gamers were fragmented across various platforms. stc’s initiatives, including the launch of stc play and support for major events, have brought these communities together, creating a more cohesive gaming environment.”

 

He added: “Our involvement in the national gaming strategy and the EWC supports Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global gaming hub. With world-class prizes and support structures, the kingdom is setting a new standard for the industry. 

 

"There is no other place in the world with an esports prize pool like ours or the level of support we provide to esports teams and gaming content creators," he proudly declared.

 

Supporting Vision 2030 

Meanwhile, stc’s involvement as an Elite and Founding Partner of the EWC underscores its commitment to enabling high-profile events, Almarshoud said. This commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, as stc’s investments in infrastructure and technology play a crucial role in advancing the gaming sector and achieving the kingdom’s ambitious goals.

 

A significant part of the national gaming strategy is the development of an Esports city within Qiddiya, an entertainment and tourism megaproject in Riyadh. stc as one of the main enablers, will play a crucial role in this initiative. "If you want to be involved in gaming and esports, you have to be there," he said.

 

stc is also taking proactive steps to nurture talent within the gaming industry. Recently, 78 gamers completed a free esports training programme that taught them how to become skilled players or esports coaches. Almarshoud sees this as a positive outcome and encourages parents to support their children's interest in gaming by guiding them towards education and certification programmes. "If you have a child who is a creator or a player, help her/him study this and understand it better. There are academies and certificates that can be provided. Let them go in the right direction," he advised.

 

By leading with innovation and a customer-first approach, stc is not only enhancing the esports experience, but also contributing to Saudi Arabia's emergence as a global leader in the gaming industry, he concluded. -TradeArabia News Service