Blizzard offering $100K to each 'Heroes of the Storm' team just for playing

LOS ANGELES -- Blizzard says it will pay each team competing in one of its Heroes of the Storm tournaments at least $100,000 no matter where they place, possibly the largest guaranteed minimum in esports.

The minimum prize money could set a precedent for future events -- and not just Blizzard's. Though other events have offered base pay, they weren't close to this amount.

Blizzard's head of esports Tweeted this on Wednesday kicking off annoucments for BlizzCon opening week:

Though it was known Blizzard planned to compensate each team regardless of place, what we didn't know was how much. Between prize purses and team bonuses Blizzard is investing up to $3.2 million into the HotS scene.

The most recent HotS tournament is starting this week and concluding at BlizzCon 2016 on November 5. The Heroes of the Storm Global Championship will feature a $1,000,000 prize pool.

Team minimums are in addition to winnings, a bold and strategic move: Minimums incentivize teams to continue playing the developer's game. In the past Call of Duty and League of Legends tournaments have offered compensation, but only around $10,000 per player. With $100,000 per team split five ways you're doubling that.

The HotS HGC finals will be held at BlizzCon in Anaheim, California, from November 4-5.