Esports, or competitive video gaming, have become a global phenomenon in recent years. Millions of people play, watch, and participate in esports events across different games and genres. According to a report by Newzoo, the global esports market is all set to hit the $1.6 billion mark in 2023, and the esports community having an audience of 646 million.
The main sources of revenue for the esports industry are media rights, sponsorship, merchandise, and tickets. In this article, we will explore how big the esports community is in 2023 and what factors contribute to its growth and popularity.
5 Factors That Contribute to the Growth of the Esports Community
Let’s take a deeper look at five pivotal factors that have played a pivotal role in fostering this remarkable growth in the industry:
1. The Emergence of New Games and Genres
These types of games offer exciting and immersive gameplay experiences that appeal to a wide range of players and spectators. Some examples of popular titles and tournaments in these genres are PUBG Mobile, League of Legends, and Fortnite.
Fortnite is a battle royale game that features building mechanics and a colorful aesthetic. Fortnite player count at any given moment is over 3 million and it has over 350 million registered players all over the globe.
PUBG Mobile is a mobile version of the hit battle royale game PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which has over 1 billion downloads and 50 million daily active users worldwide
2. Increased Accessibility and Affordability of Gaming Devices and Platforms
With advancements in technology, gaming devices have become more powerful and cost-effective, enabling a wider range of individuals to participate in esports. Moreover, the easy availability of streaming services allows you to play games without downloading them with the help of cloud technology.
Some well-known streaming services include GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Plus, Shadow, and Amazon Luna.
The surge in the popularity of mobile gaming has been a particularly noteworthy aspect of this trend. The ubiquity of smartphones and tablets has transformed these devices into capable gaming platforms.
As a result, a new segment of players has emerged, bringing in individuals who might not have previously engaged in traditional PC or console gaming. The convenience of mobile gaming has made it easier for casual players to dip their toes into the world of esports, contributing to the overall growth of the community.
3. Expansion of Media and Content
Esports media and content have grown widely in the last couple of years, including live streams, podcasts, documentaries, and social media. These channels raise awareness, keep the community engaged, and build loyalty. Live streams are real-time video broadcasts of esports events or gameplay, where viewers can interact.
Familiar platforms are Twitch, YouTube, Facebook Gaming, and Huya. Podcasts are audio shows discussing esports news, interviews, and more. Popular podcasts include The Pylon Show, The Dive, The Crackdown, The Four Wards Podcast, and The Center Ring.
Documentaries explore esports history, culture, and stories, like Free to Play, League of Legends Origins, Breaking Point, True Sight, and All Work All Play. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, and Discord let users share esports-related content like photos, videos, memes, and posts.
Also Read: Can gaming be your side gig?
4. The Development of Professional Esports Leagues and Teams
Esports leagues have transitioned from scattered tournaments to structured, organized competitions that mirror traditional sports leagues. These leagues provide a consistent schedule of matches, creating anticipation and engagement among fans.
The franchising model, where teams buy slots in the league, has provided stability and long-term investment opportunities, ensuring that teams and players have a secure platform to showcase their skills.
The establishment of leagues like the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), Overwatch League (OWL), and Call of Duty League (CDL) has brought a sense of professionalism to esports. These leagues offer lucrative prize pools, salaries, and benefits to players, making esports a viable career choice.
Moreover, the involvement of traditional sports organizations, celebrities, and corporate giants has injected mainstream credibility into the industry, driving its growth.
5. Global Community Engagement
Esports transcends geographical boundaries, connecting players from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion. Online forums, social media platforms, and streaming communities have provided spaces for gamers to connect, discuss strategies, and share experiences.
The Bottom Line
Esports is a dynamic and diverse industry that offers many opportunities for entertainment, education, and empowerment for players, fans, and sponsors alike. Esports is not just a hobby or a sport; it is a lifestyle and a culture that connects people from all over the world.
