ggCircuit
About the Company
ggCircuit is a business that provides advanced software and consulting services to esports arenas. Its key product, ggLeap, is a cloud-based management tool for gaming centers, simplifying operations like time tracking, game launching, and licensing. Another product, ggRock, helps streamline game updates and enhances arena efficiency. Beyond software, ggCircuit offers consulting, on-site installations, and maintenance services to ensure arenas run smoothly. They have grown to serve over 700 locations worldwide, including universities and entertainment centers.
Zack's esports experience began with the launch of eBash Gaming Center, an esports venue he started in 2004. His understanding of the industry and connections in the gaming community helped him see the need for improved management software, leading to the founding of ggCircuit. The company targets gaming centers with tools to enhance efficiency and improve user experience, leveraging Johnson’s deep knowledge of esports operations.
Idea Behind Company
Zack Johnson first came up with the idea for ggCircuit while running eBash Gaming Center. His experience with outdated management software made him realize that there was a gap in the market for cloud-based solutions. Seeing that existing software had poor customer engagement and lacked updates, Zack aimed to create a forward-thinking platform that could handle tournaments, events, and player incentives more efficiently.
The idea behind ggCircuit was to offer an innovative solution to an industry largely ignored by software developers. ggCircuit’s competitors had outdated code bases, and none were pushing toward the future of cloud computing. Zack's background as an esports arena owner gave him unique insight into what was needed in a management platform, especially when it came to simplifying day-to-day operations and engaging players.
Creating the Company
Zack started developing ggCircuit in 2014 by gathering a talented team of programmers and industry veterans. Together, they began building ggLeap, a cloud-based esports management software designed to improve efficiency and customer engagement. The team had a shared vision of revolutionizing how esports arenas operated. They also had expertise across various fields, including programming, project management, and marketing, which played a vital role in the company's early development.
In its initial stages, ggCircuit relied on funding from Zack's earlier business, eBash Gaming Center, and outside investors. One of the main investors provided $90k, which went toward developing ggLeap’s core functionality. The early prototype of ggLeap was designed to lock down desktops, track user time, and manage game licenses, which gave arena owners greater control and flexibility in running their businesses. Through careful planning, Zack and his team were able to launch ggLeap and start attracting customers.
Launching the Business
To launch ggCircuit, Zack leveraged his existing connections in the esports community. The company reached out to LAN centers and gaming arenas, offering long-term discounts through a pioneer program in exchange for early investment. The pioneer program was essential for raising the funds needed to continue the software’s development. In the first year, ggCircuit signed up 100 pioneers, which financed the development to its first beta release.
Although the exclusivity agreements from the pioneer program helped fund ggLeap, it eventually posed challenges as ggCircuit expanded. With over 700 global locations now using its software, the company had to renegotiate exclusivity agreements to allow for growth. Marketing efforts, like weekly YouTube shows, also helped boost visibility. These shows covered everything from esports business advice to updates on ggCircuit’s software, attracting thousands of subscribers and new customers.
Earnings
ggCircuit's revenue has grown consistently, reaching $4 million in the past 12 months. The company continues to develop new products and services, including ggRock and consulting for new esports arenas, which helps venues reduce operational costs by 50%. Additionally, the launch of ggCrypto, a system that generates revenue for arenas through idle PCs, has contributed significantly to their earnings. This program alone has returned over $1.5 million to customers.
The acquisition of ggCircuit by Esports Entertainment Group in 2021 has further expanded its reach and resources. ggCircuit's diversified offerings, including new software tools like OMEGA for family entertainment centers, have positioned the company for even more growth in the future. The business is now a major player in the esports and entertainment industry, providing cutting-edge tools and services for gaming arenas worldwide.
