MLG reorganizes season structure

The Major League Gaming circuit had its strongest year to date in 2011, posting total viewership numbers of 3.5 million. That performance notwithstanding, the pro gaming league will be substantially tinkering with its formula in 2012, announcing today a new seasonal tournament structure.

The headline title for MLG's winter season will be Blizzard Entertainment's Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty. MLG will be hosting three invite-only online qualifiers for Starcraft II, broken down by region. Europeans will compete January 31-February 2, with the Korea/Taiwan qualifier taking place February 3-5 and the North American event closing things February 6-8.

MLG will also hold regional qualifiers for as-yet-unannounced console titles. The top eight qualifiers from regional play will then be invited, along with the top eight players in the 2011 season, to compete in the MLG Winter Arena. That event will take place in New York City from February 24-26, and it will be viewable online.

In addition to competing for some $26,000 in prizes, the Winter Arena event will determine pool placement for the Winter Championship, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio, from March 23-25. The public will be invited to view this event live, and it will also be streamed online.

The pro gaming organization will follow up its winter season with spring, summer, and fall events. Additional console and PC titles up for competition will be announced at a later date.