Most Pro Gaming news focuses on the Pro Gamers. But this one is different.

Amazon, Dropbox, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Yelp, and Zynga are all locked in a deadly battle to see who are the best gamers when it comes to Starcraft II. You read that right, instead of the regular Pro Gamers, we have companies facing off each other in the After Hours Gaming League, for charity of course. So why the corporate deathmatch? The site’s about page puts it best:

“The idea for the After Hours Gaming League (AHGL) came from an in-house StarCraft II tournament at Facebook which Sean ‘Day[9]‘ Plott, a StarCraft shout-caster, was invited to host. The Facebook audience had such a good time that Facebook suggested the tournament be expanded to include other companies.

Day[9] then recruited eight teams from among the most prestigious high tech companies in the world – Amazon, Dropbox, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Twitter, Yelp and Zynga – to compete in the ultimate gamer showdown.”

You can compare it to events that companies hold, such as paintball matches or conventions to increase workplace productivity; encouraging teamwork, fun, and friendly competition between employees and different companies. A more modern version of those events, suitable for the 21st century. And it makes sense, a majority of adults nowadays are gamers who were raised in the age of gaming. The kicker is that there are prizes for the winners, although those cash prizes are more for charity than for the employees themselves.

The league tournament is already in motion, as it’s already in it’s second week or matches, but it runs for 7 weeks, ending on August 17th (Week 7). A great idea, hopefully your favorite corporation will win for thier charity of choice. I place my choice on Amazon, as they’re leading with 3 points (Wins 1, Losses 0).

More info located [HERE]