Whether it’s showcasing video game tournaments on your WordPress website with our free Tournament Seeker WordPress Plugin, tapping into this powerful platform to showcase tournament data in a more customized way, mobile app development, or something you’ve always wanted to build with clean tournament event data, we think developers will appreciate the well-documented and flexible API platform we’ve now completed.

Curios to see how we’ve used the API to ignite market expansion? Check out www.GolfTournamentSeeker.com!

When you or your organization is ready to discuss creative collaboration, we cordially invite you to visit www.TournamentSeeker.com/API to share your ideas and potentially be granted access to this world of unlimited potential.

As Jet Set Studio shared in this recent news article, our team has been back in the lab creating something magical.  This next generation of Tournament Seeker will be more powerful, more flexible, and even easier to use as we improve what this tool can mean for the world of eSports, but also different competitive sports and hobbies around the world.

All-New API Structure

With an all-new API foundation built to drive your tournament listings across the web in a whole new way, Tournament Seeker will redefine how you can showcase your event.  This flexible and powerful new way of connecting, sharing, and showcasing tournaments with a click of a button…will change the game.

Quick simply, answer this.  How does a free, one-click WordPress widget or a simple embed code to quickly showcase select events on your own website, blog, or forum sound?  Yep…that’s what we thought.

Got Smartphone?

Along with opening the flood gates by allowing developers access to easily implement listings on Tournament Seeker into their websites, this all-new API structure will introduce new ways for Tournament Seeker to be used within the mobile environment.

Calling all you code monkeys out there, stay tuned as we’ll have more details on how to get your hands on our all-new, easy-to-use API soon.  We have some plans of our own, but we truly can not wait to see what YOU build.

Market Expansion

We can’t give it all away quite yet, but be ready for serious market expansion outside of just competitive video gaming.  The video game community and competitive eSports scene has been an amazing sandbox for us to play in, but in 2014 Tournament Seeker will be disrupting other competitive sporting markets.

Whether it’s soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, chess, arm wrestling, or the endless amounts of markets that bring people together to enjoy competitive tournaments…the next generation of Tournament Seeker will soon give the gift of visibility to a dramatically expanding collection of markets.

“This market expansion is what we’re perhaps most excited about.  It truly represents our long-term vision of this concept and I’m passionately excited about introducing the innovative resources throughout Tournament Seeker to exponentially more people around the world.”

- Ben McDougal | Co-Founder & CEO | Jet Set Studio

The Time Is Now

Inspired yet?  If you are reading this and feel the innovative energy, we invite you to get involved.  At this time we are actively talking with leaders within different communities who may be able to introduce Tournament Seeker to event organizers and the competitive community they serve.

If you’re active in a specific market (basketball, football, hockey, whatever!) and you’re ready to experience a once in a lifetime opportunity, we invite you to contact us today, as it is time to change the world.

Many of you who were at recent UMG Gaming events at Game Pazzo, would recognize this unique venue just outside of downtown Chicago.  In additional to that, all of us who’ve enjoyed an entertaining production from Kona’s Korner will appreciate the stream quality.  The obvious highlight for this specific event, is the PS3 platform/game being showcased and the very healthy $15,000 up for grabs between outstanding Call of Duty players.

Since Tournament Seeker enjoys positively showcasing our premium listing-partners who host great eSports events all around the world, Ben McDougal of Jet Set Studio took the opportunity to chat with Urgent Fury organizer and Texas native, Shane Bell, just a few days before their big LAN event.

Here’s a transcript for proof…

BEN: Shane, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you and we’re excited about your LAN event in Chicago this weekend.  Why don’t we begin with quick overview on the Urgent Fury community?
[Shane Bell]:  Urgent Fury was created back in the PS2 days for SOCOM.  Since the beginning UF has always been about respectful gaming and sportsmanship which you will find inspired our motto of “Win with Honor, Lose with Dignity”.  We offer a wide variety of Leagues and Scenario Based TacMap tournaments generally on PlayStation.

BEN: Excellent.  Now that we know a bit more on Urgent Futy overall, let’s chat about this weekend’s big event.  We know the basics thanks to what you’ve shared on your Tournament Seeker event listing, but tell us more about what you’re excited most about as this big PS3 Black Ops 2 tournament approaches.
[Shane Bell]:  This is the first time we have been able to get out our tournament out in the field per say.  Thanks to our generous sponsors we are able to bring some true cash to the PlayStation players’ pockets with our $15,000 prize pool.  We feel that PlayStation players have not really had their opportunities to get in on the bigger prize pools.

BEN: Has it been challenging to connect with players who only play CoD on the PS3?
[Shane Bell]:  Somewhat yes, there are still many who do not know about the event even though we’ve worked hard to get the word out.  Going back to what I said earlier as the PS3 players are not accustomed to having these opportunities for Black Ops 2, so we want to make sure they do.  This is only the first event of many to come to PlayStation!

BEN: That’s excellent.  So, does the gameplay within a PS3 LAN experience, differ from an Xbox 360 LAN?  If so, how?
[Shane Bell]: Honestly the actual gameplay is not much different, but Urgent Fury’s rule set and game settings are what makes us different.  One of the most criticized setting is random hard points.  We receive constant feedback that we should use rules similar to MLG and other sites out there, but we are different.  We want to be unique as well, not just a copycat riding the wave.  These are the same rules we have been using since day one on Black Ops 2 and what our community is accustomed to.  It also is just a bit more challenging.

BEN: That said, how do you think Xbox 360 players would fair at this weekend’s event?  Do you have any controller converters or would they be required to use PS3 controllers?
[Shane Bell]:  It will definitely be a challenge for an Xbox player.  To ensure a level playing field, as well as avoiding modded controllers slipping in, we are providing all of the equipment, including the system, controllers, and even headsets.  With that being said, yes they will have to use a PS3 controller.

BEN: When we discuss the Xbox 360 vs. the PS3, what are your thoughts on the next generation consoles?  Also, with your connectivity to Sony and Playstation, how do you think they are planning to support eSports enthusiasts as they launch the PS4 this holiday?
[Shane Bell]:  So, I had the pleasure of seeing both at E3 this year.  I, of course, am pretty partial to PS4, but when it comes to eSports, I think both consoles will have their place.  I am not sure how it is going to play out for the Xbox One though.  It will be interesting to see if MLG will use it.  We have future plans to support both PS3 and PS4, in both online and live events.

BEN: Speaking of connectivity with Sony and their Playstation community, let’s talk about that for a moment.  How long have you collaborated with the folks at Sony, what type of relationship have you been able to build, and what have you done to keep momentum moving forward with such a notable partner?
[Shane Bell]:  We have been a community partner with PlayStation for quite some time now.  They are great to work with and are all about the community and the gamers.  Really we are about giving the PlayStation community a platform to compete in, and we are not the only ones out there.

BEN: A lot of people misunderstand how involved it can be to maintain a meaningful relationship like that, so thanks for sharing.  I suppose as we close, I’m curious to hear what you plan to next?  Specifically, do you have any future video game events you’d like to share?
[Shane Bell]:  We are coming to Houston next, and our tour is planned to hit both the east and west coasts as well.  For all of you guys out there that like Dust514, we have an online video game event getting started right now, head over to www.urgentfury.com for more info.

BEN: Cool.  Lastly, where can folks learn more about you, Urgent Fury, and this weekend’s LAN event?
[Shane Bell]:  Go to our Tournament Seeker event listing of course.  We have all the #UFonTour details right there!  You can also watch the event live this Saturday (August 3, 2013) on www.twitch.tv/urgentfury, as Kona’s Korner Productions will be running the show and we’ll be giving away prizes to our online viewers as we enjoy the exciting CoD competition!

BEN: Thanks Shane and we’ll be watching.  Now, wanna conclude this with your short testimonial for Tournament Seeker?
[Shane Bell]: I’d love to: www.TournamentSeeker.com/testimonial-view/urgent-fury

Special thanks to Urgent Fury for sharing some great insight, right as they prepare to host their a large-scale LAN.

How excited, nervous, hyped, and terrified are those guys, haha!

We hope you enjoyed that short interview with a video game community manager and now a LAN event organizer.  Although we can’t showcase all our Premium Listing like this, if you think you’re up for it and understand the promotional value of something like this, please feel free to reach out in the email form below.

In the meantime, please enjoy this Next Generation Consoles article and good luck to the Urgent Fury gaming community!

The Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii, along with the ever-expanding PC platform, opened new doors for competitive gaming.  While many video game platforms of the past groomed gamers who are eager to compete, the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and maybe even the Wii, presented more powerful and meaningful ways for players to connect.  These outstanding video game consoles provided accessible tools for event organizers to host live and online video game tournaments.

This bring us to an interesting and important discussion surround LAN event organizers.

Few people understand the time, money, and ongoing commitment that event organizers commit to making live video game tournaments successful all around the world.  With large investments required to gear up with all new video game consoles, games, and accessories, could LAN organizers we know and love now, soon be replaced by a new generation of event organizers who are able to offer new consoles first?

This is obviously a bit concerning, as today’s event organizers have worked tirelessly to build their communities and perfect the art of video game event management.  Wouldn’t it be great to see the most inspired LAN organizers from this generation of consoles, be rewarded with discounted, even free gaming equipment from companies like Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo, which they help build through the eSports community?  Assuming this wish doesn’t come true for the majority of event organizers, we would curious to hear if and how YOU are planning for the next generation consoles.

Despite this looming question for live video game event organizers, many questions still remain on how the next generation consoles will expand (or decline) the world of competitive video game events.

If you’re reading this, you believe that eSports has become a phenomenon too exciting for game developers to ignore.  If that’s true, what was Microsoft thinking when they announced the Xbox One would not allow games to be replayed and that an online connection was required at all times?  Does that not kill the LAN experience?!  Fortunately, those LAN-killing ideas were replaced with eSports-friendly features on the Xbox One, but if developers aren’t planning for eSports to expand, it’s fair to say a lot of committed players and event organizers are worried.

With the release of these new video game consoles not coming until late 2013, there will surely be more discussion on how eSports will be embraced (or forgotten) in the next generation consoles.  While we patiently wait for the first pre-orders to be filled, then watch the community scramble to understand the future of competitive video game tournaments, let’s take a look at the next generation consoles side-by-side as we chant together – ESPORTS FOREVER!

Whether it’s a small gathering at a local LAN center, a large-scale video game event, a weekly recurring event within an existing community, or various online tournaments throughout all platforms…we’ve been amazed at the positive feedback from those who have fully utilized this unique resource for event organizers around the world.

With our enhanced organization that has optimized the user experience, we’re excited to see what the future brings.  This small milestone proves our formula is working for event organizers over in the Organizer HQ, and also providing competitive gaming enthusiasts with an experience that is helping them find more meaningful events within the eSports universe, over in the dedicated Player Portal.

In short, we realize that 500 competitive gaming tournament listings is only the beginning, but we’re excited by the organic growth within the community and invite you to get engaged.  List your next event today!

Last month we announced new features for players and video game event organizers.  One key enhancement was a new referral program.  As you share Tournament Seeker within your network and around the web, we are able to track that activity and reward you for your efforts.  With that in mind, we’re excited to announce our first contest here on Tournament Seeker!

Contest Dates:
February 10, 2013 – August 1, 2013

How To Win:
Referrals, which can be reviewed in your Referral Tracking Tool in the Player Portal, are the fastest way to earn the most points.  There are other methods of earning points, but the person with the most confirmed points on August 1st, will win!

1 Referral = 10 POINTS
1 Event Listing = 5 POINTS

1st Place Prize:
- The All-New Xbox One on Release Date! (Value Unknown!)

2nd Place Prize:
– 1 Pair of GUNNAR Optiks ($100 Value)
– TIPGC Team Pass ($200 Value)

Bonus Prize:
- Awarded to the person with the most influential social media activity.
– Care Package from Squid Grip
– Sponsor Development Package from Jet Set Studio

Contest Rules:
Must be citizen of the United States or Canada to win.
Winner must already LIKE these Facebook pages:
Tournament Seeker Jet Set Studio
Winner must be following these Twitter accounts:
@TourneySeeker @JetSetStudio @GUNNAROptiks @SquidGrip @UGCNiagara @TIPGC

Contest FAQ:
Q: Are contest prizes set in stone?
A: Yes, but we may collaborate with our network of affiliate companies to boost the prize packages even more!

Q: Remind me how to get referrals again?
A: Login in by connecting through Facebook or Twitter, then go to: www.TournamentSeeker.com/REFERRALS.  You’ll find your own personalized URL and can track all your confirmed referrals.

Q: What’s the best way to get referrals?
A: Mention @TourneySeeker and your referral link in tweets (we may RT!),  connect people to the Tournament Seeker page on Facebook, and even email your friends.  In short, make your personalized referral link taste like candy around the web!

Q: Is the Xbox One confirmed?
A: Yes!

Q: Our company would like to support this contest with prizes.  How can we get involved?
A: Please use the contact form below and let us know how you’d like to contribute.  Thanks in advance!

Q: What is the objective of this contest?
A: This contest is meant to dramatically boost the video game community’s awareness of Tournament Seeker.  Added connectivity with Tournament Seeker’s social media outlets is also important.  HFGL!

Have additional questions?  Comment below!

Optimized Search

It’s easy to find any video game tournaments on Tournament Seeker, but to make it even easier, you can now access search tools in the slider under the main header navigation.  The slider is minimized on interior pages, but maximize it anytime to search by location, game titles, etc….and our optimized algorithm will return all upcoming events that have been listed.

Simplified Navigation

We’ve killed the drop-down menus and made Tournament Seeker even easier to navigate on any device!  If you’re a player, the Player Portal is for you.  If you’re an event organizer, the Organizer HQ is where you’ll want to be.  We also optimized the social media login elements that give you access to the more involved features within each area.  Let’s learn a bit more…

Player Portal vs. Organizer HQ

Another big enhancement we have made, is in an effort to quickly guide people into the areas they’re most interested in.  Although a simple sign-in gives you access to both areas, players are able to quickly access their resources in the all-new Player Portal, while the new area for event developers can be access in the all-new Organizer HQ.  We’ve relocated resources, such as Listing An Event, to make everything more convenient, but here are a few the all-new features in each new section dedicated to those who make eSports great…YOU!

1. Track YOUR Favorite Events

Players can now track any event listing, simply by adding it to their collection of favorites!  Login with Facebook or Twitter to track and access your favorite upcoming events and don’t worry, an archive feature let’s you revisit past events as well.  Organizers, promote your listing URL and enjoy watching the amount of people who have “favored” and shared your events increase!

2. Rewards for Referrals

Another big new feature in the Player Portal is the ability to share a personalized referral link and automatically be awarded points for each friend you bring over to check out Tournament Seeker!  Want to have more contests?  Well, now we can!  Start collecting those referral points as you share Tournament Seeker with your entire network, and watch for our Rewards Program to launch soon.

1. Event Listing Analytics

Organizer HQ is being enhanced in very powerful ways.  Tournament Seeker already makes it easy (and free) to showcase your online and live gaming events, but we’re now tracking more statistics for all event listings on Tournament Seeker.  Tracking analytics is important, so we’re excited to have these enhanced data tracking available as a Premium Resource very soon.

2. SEO-Enhanced Event Listings

We all understand the value of meaningful results on major search engines like Google, but what if gamers are searching for your event and you don’t have a website to generate this type of visibility?  Perhaps you have a website, but maybe it’s not ranking well yet?  Well, we have implemented new hooks into all our video game event listings that allow search engines to better index each listing.  The result of this update is an increased opportunity for individual event listings to generate their own identity on search engines!  Next time you list an event, wait a couple days and you’ll start seeing your listing climbing up search engines.  Now that is cool!

Additional Polishing

Other updates were made around the website as well, such as new navigation graphics and slick new way to spotlight upgraded events on the homepage, so we hope you enjoy the optimized user experience.  Plans for even more development is already in the works, which you can preview with locked buttons like the one you see below, as Premium Resources over in the Organizer HQ are some of the exciting concepts we’ve been waiting to unleash since we launched.

In the meantime, follow Tournament Seeker on Twitter, like Tournament Seeker on Facebook, grab some referral points as you share this unique eSports aggregate, and know that the team at Jet Set Studio (who has a fresh new website design for the new year!) wishes the entire video game industry and the community that drives, the very best in 2013.

We’ve had great feedback on the overall concept and user experience, but as we progress towards the long-term vision of Tournament Seeker, our team will begin “Stage 2″!

This post-launch stage of development includes a variety of enhancements.  Along with optimizing the homepage to make it even easier to search for video game tournaments, we’re excited to offer players and fans more tools for tracking/sharing their favorite events, while also greatly enhancing Resource Central for event organizers.  Many more specific features are in the works and will be announced as we release updates, so definitely stay tuned here and through our variety of social media outlets.

In addition to this website update and in case you’re wondering, here are a few of the headlines people have been talking about since we shared the REPORT: First 30 Days back in October…

First European Event Listing
Tournament Seeker Testimonials
Unveiled New iPad Kiosk at Youmacon 2012
Increased Search Engine Visibility & Overall Traffic

“This was the most helpful website ever!  I don’t really have any questions or need any help, because of how easy and responsive the site is.  Great Job!  Keep it up!”

This week we’ve showcased influential personalities on our Tournament Seeker Testimonials page, but when you receive random emails like the one above, it inspires us to keep moving forward.

We’re coming up on two months of being live around here and just like the first month, exciting and often serendipitous-feeling things are happening all around us.  We’ll showcase a more detailed “Month 2 Report” next week, but with the growing amount of encouraging testimonials, we wanted to take a moment share our appreciation for so many of you who have shared your support and excitement towards this unique project.  Also, keep it coming…we’re ALL EARS!

In fact, we would love to hear from you and we’ve made it ultra easy.  Simply use the email form below and we’ll try to highlight the best comments either right here on the website or on the Tournament Seeker Facebook Page.  Even better, maybe we’ll blast you out over the Tournament Seeker Twitter Account, which happened to pass the 500 follower milestone this week.

No matter how we extend your message within the competitive video game community, know that your opinion counts around here and Tournament Seeker has even more exciting developments to announce very soon.

As we establish meaningful affiliates around the globe, competitive gamers should look for even more worldwide competitive gaming events to be showcased in Tournament Seeker’s event listings.

For video game tournament organizers around the world, keep an eye out for new listing options such as locations, language, time zone, and currency preferences coming very soon.

In fact, after an amazing job with the London Olympics (will eSports ever be an Olympic sport by the way?), competitive FIFA being such a big title internationally, and a meaningful new connection with the European Gaming League, we’re excited to announce we have now added England locations to our unique tournament listing engine!  For folks in the UK, watch out, because video game events in your region are about to become much easier to find.

We plan to highlight South Korea next, as we know how big eSports is in that country.  Sweden will follow, because DreamHack is so amazing.  If you are interested in showcasing YOUR country’s gaming events and would like to have the options of listing tournaments in your country specifically, contact us by filling out the form below.  Cheers mates!