Cisco and Riot Games have announced an expansion of their collaboration, deepening their partnership established in 2020. The global technology leader, Cisco, has been named the Official Enterprise Networking Partner of League of Legends (LoL) Esports Global Events, solidifying its position as a key player in the world of esports.
Enhanced Connectivity and Protection
Under the new agreement, Cisco assumes the role of the Official Security Partner of LoL Esports, signaling a commitment to bolstering security measures across the esports ecosystem. The collaboration aims to leverage Cisco’s cutting-edge solutions to enhance connectivity and safeguard one of the most prominent esports globally.
Leveraging Technology for Competitive Edge
Riot Games has harnessed Cisco’s networking technology to elevate the competitive experience for professional LoL players and enrich the viewing experience for millions of fans worldwide. Cisco’s private game server, “The Realm,” deployed exclusively for major global events like the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) and the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), ensures equitable play by creating a near-zero ping environment. Moreover, Riot Games’ Remote Broadcast Centers, powered by AWS and incorporating Cisco IP Fabric for Media technology, drive live esports production and delivery across various regional and global events.
Expanding Security Measures
In the expanded partnership, Riot Games and LoL Esports will explore opportunities to leverage Cisco’s robust security solutions to ensure the integrity and reliability of the esports ecosystem. Cisco’s ThousandEyes solution will play a pivotal role in monitoring and optimizing performance across the digital supply chain, preemptively identifying and resolving issues to maintain seamless digital experiences. Additionally, Cisco Duo’s identity security solution will fortify defenses against identity-based threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure and user data.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
Beyond technological collaboration, Cisco and Riot Games are committed to nurturing the next generation of technology professionals. They will continue to support initiatives such as Cisco’s Networking Academy, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry, fostering a more inclusive and representative tech landscape.
Partnership Reflections
David Mulhall, Riot Games’ Global Head of Business Development and Esports Partnerships, expressed confidence in Cisco’s pivotal role in delivering unparalleled esports experiences to fans and professionals alike. Rob McQueen, Vice President, Global Sponsorships at Cisco, reiterated the company’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and security across all facets of Riot Games’ global operations, reinforcing their shared vision for the future of esports.
Conclusion
Cisco’s expanded partnership with Riot Games underscores a shared commitment to innovation, connectivity, and security in the world of esports. As both companies continue to push boundaries and set new standards, fans and players can expect an enhanced and secure esports experience, driven by cutting-edge technology and unwavering dedication to excellence.
