If you’ve ever watched a game and cheered for the top team, you have probably heard of esports. This organized competition in video games has become a huge industry and has attracted a cult-like following. But what exactly is esports? Here are the basics:
esports is an organized competitive video gaming
Esports is a popular form of competitive video gaming that does not require physical contact. Players compete in tournaments held by esports organizations that sign professional players and develop fan bases. In the early 2000s, internet cafes began popping up around the world, where fans could play multi-player games on high-powered PCs. At the same time, home computers became more powerful and more affordable, allowing more people to get involved in esports.
It is a spectator sport
Increasingly, people are watching esports matches on television and on the internet. According to NJ Games, forty percent of spectators have never played the games being contested. That is a big part of the reason why esports is being viewed as a spectator sport. Additionally, the number of streaming services like Twitch is growing at an exponential rate, accounting for nearly one percent of all Internet traffic and 43 percent of all live video streaming. Twitch is a popular choice among viewers and is rapidly outpacing YouTube in terms of live video streaming.
It is a growing industry
The world of esports is gaining momentum. The young, tech-savvy Generation Z are now purchasing power. The LA Kings NHL club and the National Football League have recently partnered with a gaming team. These trends are only likely to grow in the years to come, as more millennials become involved in the industry. This new generation of gamers is also eager to engage with other young people through technology platforms.
It has a cult-like following
The sport of esports has become so popular that professional leagues are being franchised and teams are building cult-like followings. While esports are similar to traditional sports, they are played in a virtual environment with high-level athletes competing for the top spot. Major leagues, esports tournaments, and fantasy leagues have all resulted in huge followings for esports teams and their players. Many major television networks are broadcasting these events, as well as international sports competitions. Colleges and universities have also added varsity teams and scholarship programs for players to pursue a career in esports.
It is popular with younger viewers
Unlike traditional sports, esports are attracting a younger audience. Recent research has shown that nearly half of young consumers prefer to watch esports competitions over traditional sports. The study also shows that young viewers have a higher affluence than any other demographic and are willing to try out different brands if they see the brands supporting esports. Here are some ways to reach these viewers:
It has a large prize pool
Usually, a tournament will have a prize pool of thousands of dollars, but that doesn’t mean that it’s worth a lot. Prize pools are not fixed by the tournament’s organizer, as most of them are funded by sponsors and fan donations. A large prize pool will attract solid competitors in esports. In addition, the extra money generated by the tournament will enable the organizers to spend the money on marketing campaigns and servicing the teams directly.
