The Esports Edition

Storytelling and Sports: Narratives & Microtransactions in Gaming & Esports

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2458564/open_sms] This week on The Esports Edition, Mohawk College Esports Administration Coordinator Andrew Fedurko is joined by Taylor Crook and Harrison Myers for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges fantasy storytelling, esports content, and the evolution of sports video games. Taylor Crook is a fantasy novelist and member of the Mohawk Student Association. His published work Path of the Eternal Sun and his current project Ashes of the Ascended on Substack reflect his deep world-building style and indie publishing approach. We talk with Taylor about how narrative shapes competitive gaming, the importance of storytelling in esports education, and how streamers, casters, and organizers all use story to connect with fans and build community. Harrison Myers, Mohawk Esports student and returning guest, joins to talk about sports games past and present. We dig into the golden age of single-player franchise modes, compare that to today’s online-focused, microtransaction-heavy systems, and run through the big titles like NBA 2K, NHL, Madden, FIFA/FC, and MLB The Show. Topics include: * The overlap between traditional storytelling and esports branding * The shift from story-driven franchise modes to monetized multiplayer systems * Why microtransactions and player packs dominate the modern model * What’s been lost, what still works, and what we want to see return * Harrison’s preview of the REMATCH beta, and why he’s excited for it next week Follow Taylor’s work: * Substack: Ashes of the Ascended [https://substack.com/@taylorcrook] * Instagram: @taylorcrookwrites [https://www.instagram.com/taylorcrookwrites/] Whether you’re into fantasy fiction, esports content creation, or grew up managing a franchise in NHL 2004, this episode blends story, sports, and strategy with a human lens.

Call of Duty Championship, ComboBreaker 2025 and When Sponsors Walk Away

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2458564/open_sms] Andrew Fedurko and Vince Hui break down three massive stories that shook the esports world this month. From the upcoming COMBO BREAKER 2025 to the historic Call of Duty League Championship coming to Kitchener, Ontario, plus the costly social media mistake that ended Team Liquid's six-year Honda partnership. COMBO BREAKER 2025 is happening this weekend (May 23-25) at the Schaumburg Convention Center (Illinois), bringing together the world's best fighting game players. The hosts preview what to expect from this year's tournament, the games to watch including Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, and why the FGC continues to be one of esports' most passionate communities. Then shift to the groundbreaking news that the Call of Duty League Championship is heading to Canada for the first time ever. Taking place June 26-29 at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, this marks a huge moment for Canadian esports. Our hosts explore what this means for the scene, why Toronto Ultra chose Kitchener over Toronto, and the economic impact of bringing 20,000 fans to Waterloo Region. Finally, they tackle the controversy that cost Team Liquid millions. Their Rainbow Six player's ill-advised social media post about nuclear bombs after losing to a Japanese team led Honda to immediately terminate their six-year sponsorship deal. They break down what happened, the fallout, and what this teaches us about social media responsibility in professional esports.

Xbox Launches, YouTube Money, and Making Esports Legit with Ross Tom

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2458564/open_sms] Ross Tom joins us to talk about the business side of gaming most people never see. From launching Xbox One in Canada (and dealing with the "always online" chaos) to breaking down YouTube's new 60% revenue share for Shorts, Ross brings insider perspective from Microsoft, Intel, YouTube/Google, and now Mohawk College. Plus stories about working with Linus Tech Tips, navigating Canada's unique gaming market, and what it actually takes to make esports legitimate in higher education. We dive into why esports has struggled financially despite the hype, what creators are getting wrong about platform strategy in 2025, and how colleges are building sustainable esports programs that create real career paths beyond just tournament glory.

Breaking the Game: Big Money Local Events and a Youth Esports Academy

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2458564/open_sms] The Gamebreakers are back! In this episode, Andrew welcomes returning guests David Finlay and Mary-Lynn Brownlee to dive into some massive announcements shaking up the local esports scene. * WDBA 3x3 Championship & Street Fighter 6 Tournament Happening August 29–31, this multi-day community event features a $50,000 FIBA 3x3 basketball tournament at T.B. McQuesten Park, and a $10,000 Street Fighter 6 esports tournament hosted at Mohawk College. 🔗 Event Info & Registration: WDBA 3x3 Championship [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-wentworth-district-3x3-championship-tickets-1270620733819?aff=erelexpmlt] * GTA 6: Delay, Trailer Drop, & Our Hot Takes We break down Rockstar’s surprise trailer drop, the new Bonnie-and-Clyde-style protagonists, and what this delay means for the industry. Plus, we debate our favourite GTA game of all time—and draw some hilarious parallels between the GTA duo and Dave & Mary’s own working dynamic. * Youth Esports Academy Launch (Under 18) In partnership with The Gamebreakers and Mohawk College’s Esports Administration program, we’re proud to announce a new Youth Esports Academy for Hamilton and surrounding areas. This initiative will provide skills training, competition opportunities, and academic pathways for under-18 players, helping to build the next generation of Canadian esports talent. Follow us, subscribe, and get ready. Season 2 is just getting started.

Season 1 Finale - One Chunk Challenge, Elder Scrolls, Esports

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2458564/open_sms] The final episode of Season 1 brings together everything The Esports Edition stands for, including industry insights, cultural commentary, and original content created at the intersection of gaming, education, and entertainment. Andrew Fedurko is joined by new co-host Vince Hui, faculty in Mohawk College’s Esports Administration program. Together, they reflect on Season 1 highlights, from the success of Patch Notes to the integration of student voices, crossover episodes, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from Canada’s most innovative collegiate esports program. They also look ahead to Season 2 and introduce the show’s new format. Regular themed segments will include food reviews, community content reactions, esports analysis, and guest features. Patch Notes will return in Fall 2025 with an upgraded structure and a stronger research foundation. This episode also features a live review of the One Chunk Challenge by Maritime Madness, a Prince Edward Island-based hot sauce company known for quality Canadian-made products. This is the first example of the food-focused segments that will appear in every episode of Season 2. Also discussed are the Elder Scrolls community, Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda’s evolving strategy, and what makes the franchise so enduring for players and modders alike. The show will return in the next episode with a new format and production style for Season 2, expanding the boundaries of what a college-run podcast can deliver.