The PlayVS software is used by high school administrations to build esports leagues for students. Integrating directly into partnered games, the all-in-onestats. PlayVS is the exclusiveof State High School Associations , the body that sets the rules for most U.S. high school sports. Parents or schools pay $64 for each student participating in a semester of league play.
The new funding will go toward accelerating its growth—the company plans to double its head count of 41 by the end of the year—and expanding the offerings of the PlayVS app beyond the seasonal leagues. The company is also eyeing the amateur esports space beyond high schools. “Our business vision has evolved,” Parnell says. “Initially, we were all about: How do we build out the best infrastructure for high school esports? We’re now thinking about how to build a 100 million-plus user subscription service around esports.”
PlayVS was used in five state associations in its inaugural season last fall. During this fall semester, 15 states will compete in sanctioned esports leagues, culminating in state championships, after eight states competed in the spring. In addition, the company announced that beyond the state-sanctioned competitions, all U.S. states can use the platform, although schools will need to compete regionally based on time zone.