From anchoring BlizzCon to delivering esports news to covering groundbreaking tournaments to voicing the likes of Hearthstone’s Alleria Windrunner and beyond, esports personality/pillar Michele Morrow continues to serve as a media pioneer as gaming culture flows into the mainstream highway. Morrow’s newest project sees her join Jesse Cox as co-creator/executive producer and actor for a new upcoming esports-based series in production for YouTube Red. The show, set for six half-hour episodes, is being produced with Dan Harmon’s Starburns Industries and features YouTube stars Dan Avidan and Arin Hanson (of Game Grumps) as a newly formed team of eSports players “trying to make it to the top in the cutthroat world of competitive gaming.”
Cynopsis Esports asked Morrow a finalist for the Cynopsis Ambassador Award as esports personality of the year – about the evolution of esports, her new show and her passion for gaming culture.
Morrow on the evolution of esports: I think there’s been tons of improvement since I first entered the scene. Much credit is owed to the esports industry veterans who have been around far longer than myself; those who have consistently served to keep their respective communities authentic and safe. But these communities have grown significantly.
One of the biggest issues with esports in general, is that it isn’t localized. Mainstream audiences like to cheer for a home team. It doesn’t matter what the sport or esport it is. For instance, my family might not be able to tell you everything about baseball or football, but they sure as hell cheer for Washington based teams. Following that logic, Blizzard made a significant impact with Dorm 2015, and surpassed everyone’s expectations by making it mainstream collegiate. I’ll never forget the ASU team’s faces backstage when they discovered that the Quarterback of their football team had tweeted out, “I have no idea what I’m watching on ESPN2 right now… But GO DEVILS!!”
On the next level: For esports to hit the next level of mainstream connection though, we need to address confusions surrounding all the different types of competitive gaming that live under each team brand. We also need to better communicate tournament structures, and organizers. And, in order for this industry to truly thrive, we need a governing body. It’s complicated, but I think we’re heading in the right direction.
On the personal impact of gaming: I’ve been playing games since as far back as I can remember. My parents were really cool about gaming. But, I didn’t compete or anything like that. When I moved to LA I took a break for several years, but after suffering a severe neck injury on a film set in 2007, I started gaming again as a way to pass the time. I fell in love with Blizzard games — they saved my life. I had fallen into severe depression, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be right now if I didn’t have that outlet. So, I played and watched a bunch of WoW arena, and spent time writing, reviewing and eventually hosting shows about gaming. Although I casually watched League, it wasn’t until 2014 when I co-anchored Blizzcon, that I was thrust into the detailed world of esports. Over the last few years, my role has grown to reporting esports news, interviewing players, and making this crazy world digestible for mainstream audiences.
On the new series: My series with YouTube Originals was originally inspired by my experience at Dorm 2015. I’ve been working on it for over two years, collecting stories, and collaborating with my co-creator, and esports ex-team owner, Jesse Cox. I’m actually sitting on set right now! Words can’t express how happy I am with this project. I get to work with an incredible team of people, including Dan Harmon, and our hilarious writing team, Sarah Carbiener and Erica Rosbe of Rick & Morty. I feel very lucky. We’ve made sure to include several endemic esports brands and figures in the series to set the stage for a brilliant character driven comedy. I’m starring in the series alongside Arin Hanson and Dan Avidan of the Game Grumps. I can’t tell you much more, but it will air in late 2017.
On mentors: Chris Hardwick has always given me incredible hosting advice, and I deeply respect how hardworking he is. I’ve also found words of wisdom from many game developers, like Chris Metzen and Randy Pitchford. And, Matt Armstrong has mentored me for a video game I’m developing. As far as mentoring others, I can only hope I’m good enough at my job to inspire anyone else. People have reached out to me, and that always feels good.
