eSports and digital gaming have become mainstream. It now forms a central part of entertainment, wagering and online casino platforms around the world.
Before it represented only a part of the leisure and sports culture, it has grown from a niche into an industry in its own right. Guest author and eSports expert, Jordan Carry took a closer look at growth in the industry and shared some insights on future trends.
The Evolution
Sports competitions using video games have evolved from arcades way back in the 1980s. Las Vegas leapt and hosted the gigantic ‘Evolution Championship Series' fifteen years ago. From there, it's been on a steep upward trajectory generating vast amounts of revenue.
This firmly laid the roots for a new digital gaming ecosystem where it's taking on pop culture status. It's also opened up a brand new captive audience.
It allows access to new demographics for those in the media business and entertainment. Plus it evolved to now connect with brands selling commercial rights to premier league sponsors.
Technology and Innovation
Advances in technology and innovation like virtual and augmented reality have been and will remain critical to the rapid growth of eSports. Add to that the power of social media and live streaming platforms that amplify it to a global digital community and you have a winning combination.
Smartphones and mobile devices are enhanced continuously, and they're likely to become the preferred way to interact. Consumption of video streaming is on the rise too, and it can conveniently be accessed from almost anywhere with decent connectivity.
Online casinos are also after a slice of the pop culture status that's become synonymous with eSports. They're continually looking for new ways to attract gamers and enthusiasts with their innovative offerings.
For this very reason, they're regularly implementing new technology. It enables them to reach a more significant and previously untapped audience. Added value comes in the flexibility of virtual gaming. There are no space limitations and a constant supply of newly developed or relaunched games and software.
Besides this, eSports introduces a new social spectator component too. It's expected to continue growing across the globe — a winning combination to unlock access to an already engaged audience.
The New Playing Field
eSports players and their teams are now a brand asset. Football as an industry, in particular, reacted quickly and are reaping the benefits. Think of the potential reach for companies that sponsor football teams. Many now have opportunities to be seen beyond traditional game days, as an example.
Imagine the challenge and thrill of showcasing new skills to spectators and promoting branded merchandise, like a gambling shirt from one of the significant premier league sponsors. It's now possible to connect with your eSport heroes and celebrities and other sports stars in a virtual game.
Brand visibility for premier league shirt sponsorship deals is instantaneously associated with online betting and eSport games. Direct connections via gaming and streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube makes it all possible. This presents them with plenty of new gaming enthusiasts and fans that can turn into customers.
Online casinos can offer knowledge of eSports, online games and wagering and that can benefit potential business partners too. These companies or investors, in turn, have the capital available to let the money flow in.
This creates vast revenue opportunities in media rights and broadcasting as well as tournament sponsorship. Add to this the merchandising rights, the ticket fees and sales promotions within the games, further enhancing this profitable and evolving ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
eSports is experiencing a significant boom. The expectations on all accounts are that it will continue to grow, and do so rapidly. Technology and innovation advances will continue to fuel its rise.
The possibilities of creating and connecting global gaming communities present an exciting new playing field. It's here where online casinos and future business investors meet to turn it into a massive new revenue stream with its own ‘economy'. eSports is now a lucrative industry in its own right.
