The Virtual Bundesliga (VBL) by bevestor enters into a partnership with PlayStation, the focus is to be “on being close to the community and on the VBL Open. “
As one of two consoles on which the VBL competitions are played, PlayStation has always played a big role in German FIFA eSports. Now this role is getting an official touch: Sony is becoming a partner of the national elite league – the focus is on the community and the VBL Open.
“PlayStation is the new partner of the national elite league.
“With PlayStation, a top international brand that is already closely associated with eFootball has committed itself to the VBL,” VBL boss Jörg Höflich is quoted as saying in a statement. “This cooperation is also coherent in terms of content, because for PlayStation as well as for us as organisers of the competition, there is a strong focus on the community. “
VBL on the trail of the FGS?
Even this season, two new Community Cups will be held on PlayStation and with the PS4 version of FIFA 22, offering two spots in the play-offs – in addition to the VBL Open. The Xbox editions of this tournament innovation were already won by Lennard ‘xLennyy’ Peters and Sören ‘Kiwi0025’ Ibsch in February.
This could also mean a PlayStation exclusivity for the future of the VBL. The FIFA 22 Global Series (FGS), of which the VBL is a part, will be played exclusively on the Sony console for the most part this season – a similar move could follow for the German championship.
No DFL statement for now
Politely had already commented on the console issue to eSport in the run-up to the current VBL season: “We looked together with the clubs at which players we have in Germany. And have seen that the Xbox continues to play a role in the console distribution.”
However, the VBL boss also added at the time that “we will have to wait and see how this develops in the next gen”. When asked again about eSports, the DFL did not want to make a statement – it was still too early to talk about the next season.
