Founded in 2017, Spacestation Gaming has grown rapidly from a single team into a massive esports and streaming organisation; one with online social media reach now close to 50 million people. The organisation is the brainchild of Shaun McBride, better known as “Shonduras“; whose widespread online renown began on Snapchat before quickly spreading to YouTube and other platforms. Spacestation Gaming now competes in a wide variety of major esports titles, including Fortnite, PUBG, and Rainbow Six Siege, to name but a few. In addition to esports teams, the organisation also includes affiliated streamers and influencers who help to spread their online reach.
With a focus on multi-faceted social media influence, marketing and cross promotion; Spacestation Gaming has seen a dramatic rise since its founding. The organisation currently includes brands like HyperX, Uber Eats, and Vertagear among their partners. We recently had the opportunity to speak with Shonduras about Spacestation Gaming, its recent growth, and the organisation’s plans for 2019.
Shaun “Shonduras” McBride on the Foundation and Goals of Spacestation Gaming
What prompted the move into esports marketing from your previous online content, and the founding of Spacestation Gaming?
“My personal brand is fun and will always be something i enjoy. Creating and sharing my story with one of the most positive audiences ever; I love it! From there I wanted to build something that was more scale-able as a business. Having my eye on Twitch and seeing the potential with gaming on social media, I wanted to get involved. Spacestation Gaming was the vision of creating unique and creative content for a community on social that would appreciate the effort and support our competitive teams!”
Coming from a position with a size able existing audience and online presence, has it been much easier to build up Spacestation Gaming as a result?
“Yes. I have definitely seen my audience following the SSG hype, which is awesome! Beyond community what really set Spacestation Gaming apart was a unique approach to esports. Our small team brings years of experience in social and is producing a new style of esports content. We are always working as hard as possible to evolve and push the standard!”
How many professional eSports players are currently involved with the organisation?
“38. Isn’t that insane?! 65 people just grinding to accomplish something big! Spacestation Gaming players are some of the hardest working people I know; you can see the passion. They realise they have a rad career and take it very serious!”
What have been the biggest hurdles which you’ve overcome as the organisation has grown?
“Everything, lol; we had no idea what we were getting into. We just cared so much that we refused to fail. But yeah, I really mean it, we overcome a hurdle everyday, it’s about sharing a common vision and going hard.”
From your perspective, which esports titles currently have the biggest influence on your online content?
“All games that have a current season or tournament influence content most. Currently we are running the story of our Rainbow 6 team competing for a world championship at the R6 invitational.”
Spacestation Gaming is involved in esports in addition to more general game streaming. Do you find that the two areas are natural partners, or are they largely separate?
“They definitely go together. A professional esports player that also streams and engages with their community sets themselves up for much more long-term success. Likewise streamers have a huge opportunity to join an organisation, which will bring them new opportunities and expand their network. Our streamers and competitive teams have a super symbiotic relationship.”
Looking into 2019, are there any major goals that you’re aiming towards as Spacestation Gaming continues to grow?
“Definitely! This will be a very big year for us. We’ll be building a new training facility near the Spacestation Gaming team house with intent to offer boot camps and support for our competitive teams! We also have a new agency within Spacestation Gaming that offers partnerships and opportunities to our streamers and interested players. Excited to see this part of the organisation start to explode!”