Wellplayed

GLOE Inc., formerly known as Wellplayed.jp and later Wellplayed Rizest, operates as a comprehensive business at the forefront of Japan's esports sector. The company was originally founded as Wellplayed Inc. in November 2015 by Yuya Tanida, who previously worked as a producer for IP digital contents at Kadokawa Contents Gate Inc. Tanida's vision was to create a world where skilled gamers are celebrated, a goal that propelled the company to become a pioneering force in the Japanese esports industry. In a significant strategic move, Wellplayed merged with its competitor, RIZeST Co., Ltd., in February 2021, forming Wellplayed Rizest to consolidate their expertise and market presence. This merger brought together Wellplayed's proficiency in event planning and operations with RIZeST's advanced broadcasting and production technologies. The company achieved a major milestone by becoming the first esports-dedicated company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Growth Market in November 2022. The firm rebranded to GLOE Inc. on February 1, 2024, to reflect its expanding vision beyond esports into the broader gaming lifestyle market.

GLOE's business model is multifaceted, structured around three core services: Client Work, Partner Solutions, and Business Design. The primary revenue stream, Client Work, involves planning and managing esports events for corporate clients, such as game developers. The Partner Solutions service focuses on creating earning opportunities for esports athletes, commentators, and influencers through management and agency services. The Business Design service aims to develop new services and content by combining esports with other fields, such as regional revitalization projects. The company serves a diverse client base that includes game makers, corporate sponsors, and government entities, providing end-to-end solutions from event conception and marketing to live broadcasting and facility management. GLOE operates its own production studios and the "e-sports SQUARE" facility in Akihabara, which is equipped for hosting tournaments and broadcasts.

The company's offerings are designed to nurture and expand the esports ecosystem. They provide comprehensive event management, from community gatherings to large-scale professional tournaments, ensuring fair and smooth operations. For individual talents, GLOE offers influencer marketing, casting, and career support, including managing contracts and monetization strategies. A key aspect of their strategy is fostering community engagement through various initiatives, including corporate recreational events and collaborations with traditional sports. By developing educational programs and supporting content creators, GLOE aims to solidify the cultural and economic foundations of esports, positioning itself as a key enabler of the gaming lifestyle.

Keywords: GLOE Inc., Wellplayed Rizest, esports Japan, gaming lifestyle, esports events, esports broadcasting, esports marketing, player management, influencer agency, esports consulting, game tournament organization, live production, esports facility, Yuya Tanida, Tokyo Stock Exchange, e-sports SQUARE, corporate esports, regional revitalization, esports business, content creation, creator support