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Launching a new weapon in a game as competitive and community-driven as Valorant is never simple. It has to feel authentic, not forced. So when Riot Games prepared to release the Outlaw sniper rifle, they weren’t just announcing a product—they wanted to create a moment. A live, shareable, high-energy moment both fans on the ground and online could experience.
That’s what the Valorant: Outlaw Showmatch set out to achieve.
Behind the scenes, the production had to overcome real-world challenges. The team was working within a tight timeline, with multiple approval layers across WSP (PR agency), Riot Games Philippines, and Riot Games Singapore. More than just pulling off a showmatch, the task was to generate excitement through well-executed strategy, despite the constraints.
The goal was to create a launch event that brought the Outlaw to life in a way that felt immersive. Two all-star teams, Ego and Prism, made up of top-tier players from various Philippine squads, went head-to-head in a best-of-three match designed to highlight gameplay intensity, fan involvement, and in-game storytelling.
With just weeks to prepare, the team transformed Highgrounds Café, a community-favorite venue, into a pop-up arena. It was outfitted to reflect the tactical feel of Valorant, while ensuring broadcast-quality visuals for viewers watching online. Every detail—from lighting to stream overlays—was crafted to align with the Outlaw and the Kuronami skin bundle aesthetic.
On January 21, 2024, the showmatch went live. The venue filled with excited fans, while thousands more joined the stream to watch Ego and Prism face off in a fast-paced showdown. The event mixed live competition with community-first storytelling, complete with caster commentary, cinematic team intros, and in-game showcases of the Outlaw’s key features.
It wasn’t just a match. It became part launch event, part community celebration, and part strategic content push—executed with regional insight and global brand alignment.
In the end, the effort paid off. Despite limited prep time and budget, the Outlaw Showmatch generated strong online engagement, positive feedback, and community buzz. More importantly, it resonated with Filipino fans, who recognized how grounded the event was in their gaming culture.
For the Stratminds team, it was another proof point that when creative intent meets careful execution, even a small window of opportunity can lead to something memorable.
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