SMITE developer Hi-Rez Studio’s subsidiary Skillshot Media is partnering with an Atlanta-based hospital to launch an esports medicine program.
The program will see Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network and the production house combining resources to support the 90 players that compete professionally in SMITE and Paladins, also developed by Hi-Rez.
Northside will use its expertise to help address the growing rate of injuries in esports by educating players on healthy dietary and exercise habits, ensuring they get proper rest, and various other concepts to help improve overall performance and increase the length of their career.
In exchange, Skillshot will work closely with Northside by serving as an expert on esports to make sure the medical staff are in tune with the industry.
Orthopedic surgeon and chief of the Northside Hospital Sports Medicine Network Dr. Vonda Wright said in a press release that technology and medicine are constantly overlapping, and the accepted definitions of “athlete,” and “competition,” are now changing.
“Northside Sports Medicine is proud to step into this unique role,” Wright said. “The growth of esports is a worldwide phenomenon, and Northside is ready to provide elite sports medicine and performance therapy to the professionals of Skillshot Media.”
President of Skillshot Media Todd Harris said in the press release, “We are thrilled to partner with Northside to provide complementary injury-prevention services for our players and also share ongoing research with the broader esports community.”
Hi-Rez Studios is also headquartered in Georgia, making the partnership with Northside Hospital a logical connection.
