ASL: Keeping StarCraft 1 Esports Alive

In an interview with Inven, Wee Young-kwang, Head of Content Production, and Lim Il-bin, Head of Esports Content Business at SOOP, addressed the challenges facing the modern StarCraft scene. A primary concern for the industry is how to maintain engagement as the core audience ages and the influx of new players slows down.

According to Wee Young-kwang, while the game is objectively past its prime, the content itself retains significant power. The current viewership consists largely of fans who were in their teens and 20s during the game's heyday and are now in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. Despite the difficulty in attracting newcomers, there remains potential through the participation of streamers and ambitious amateurs competing alongside former professionals.

The business strategy regarding broadcasting rights has also evolved. Lim Il-bin noted that when acquiring rights for major events like LCK or Demacia Cup, SOOP prioritizes ecosystem benefits and synergy with platform streamers over simple acquisition. The goal is to leverage their position as a platform company to integrate streamer engagement with high-quality production.

For Wee Young-kwang, who has been involved in production since the OGN Starleague era, the philosophy of broadcasting has shifted. While traditional broadcasting focused on grand concepts and commercial success, the current era demands a sense of duty to maintain a sustainable environment for the scene. This includes modernizing the league's visual identity to shed an outdated feel and fostering a space where veteran players can enjoy the game alongside a new generation.

Looking ahead, SOOP plans to expand physical venues for fan gatherings and is preparing new StarCraft 1-based content for next year. The organizers aim to build a league that reflects direct fan feedback and maintains connections with international partners.