eSports is becoming the new big thing in video games. Not only are competitions and tournaments growing in popularity, but a number of games are also monetizing the experience through in-game purchases. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning to join a competition.
Fighting games
eSports and competitions involving fighting games are a great way to test your skills. These games are easy to pick up, but require a lot of skill to master.
Fighting games have been popular since the very beginning of video games. They are fast paced, exciting, and offer players an opportunity to settle a beef between friends. Many fighting games are played one on one, but there are many games with arena environments as well.
The first major fighting games to receive national attention were Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter. Both of these games had an established fan base and were played in many local arcades.
The popularity of these games continued throughout the mid-nineties. Then, the market began to diminish. A few new releases tried to recapture the popularity of Street Fighter, but they didn’t get the sales numbers that Street Fighter had achieved.
Racing games
Whether you’re a novice or an esports pro, racing games and competitions are an exciting part of the world of gaming. If you’re not familiar with the terms, racing games are video games that are based on real-world racing events.
The racing eSports and competitions scene has grown to the point where it has become a spectator sport in its own right. Many people who play these games are not professional athletes, but their passion and dedication have helped them build their own fan bases and become household names in the racing sim community. These games have a wide range of titles, with some focusing on the Formula One, and others on motorcycles, futuristic settings, and more.
Video game leagues
Despite the fact that the world of competitive video gaming is a nebulous concept to many people, it’s estimated that the industry is worth over a billion dollars. These days, some casual gamers are earning seven figure salaries while winning big at the same time. Streaming services have transformed the casual gaming scene and helped turn the average gamer into a superstar.
The best part of the esports experience is that the games are played in a global arena. While competitions are held around the world, there are a few that are specialized to a specific region. Some examples include the CPL (Cologne based), Cybergamer (Oceania), and the Overwatch Pro League.
The first official video game competition was held at Stanford University in 1972. The eSports industry took off in the 1990s with the proliferation of broadband internet connectivity and the advent of new games like Doom’s competitive multiplayer mode. The first Nintendo World Championship was held in 1990.
In-game monetization
eSports and competitions are becoming a larger part of consumer spending, and the money that flows from consumers to teams and publishers is steadily increasing. While the consumer portion is not as large as media rights, it is expected to reach US$254m in 2023.
The esports industry has emerged as an attractive market for companies that want to charge for their products. With increased connectivity, gamers are more engaged, and companies are looking for additional value.
As a result, gamers are willing to pay for features that enhance their experience. These features can include access to different markets, or infrastructure to make it easier for players to participate. For example, Fortnite’s “Crew” gives subscribers access to certain battle pass items.
Another area of monetization is gambling. Twitch is a social platform that allows viewers to bet on games and players. It also gives them points that they can redeem for rewards from streamers. These rewards can include cosmetic items, themed consoles, and more.
Sponsorships
Having a brand as a sponsor of eSports and competitions can be an effective marketing strategy for brands. Whether it’s a small brand looking to get noticed or a large company looking to engage hundreds of millions of esports fans, there are plenty of options for a brand looking to sponsor an esports competition.
Brands can choose to sponsor esports competitions and organizations, a specific gaming title, or even the entire industry. Sponsorships can range from a few thousand dollars to seven figures, depending on the brand’s needs. In general, eSports sponsorships are focused on younger consumers.
Among the most popular competitive esports titles are Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and Fortnite. Most of the top esports tournaments have sponsorship deals in place. The biggest of these tournaments is the League of Legends Pro League. It’s estimated that the league has 14 million viewers and is one of the largest esports tournaments in the world.
The eSports Audience
Across all age groups, the eSports audience is a highly engaged and passionate demographic. Unlike traditional sports fans, who watch games only when they are on TV, eSports viewers are more likely to engage with brands that support them.
In addition, the eSports demographic is growing faster than expected. According to Newzoo, the eSports audience will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.7% through 2025. The total eSports audience is expected to surpass 640 million by 2025.
While the eSports market has grown rapidly in recent years, it is still a relatively new industry. The majority of industry revenue is generated by brand investments and game publisher fees.
The eSports demographic is highly social, highly engaged, and has a strong willingness to spend money on passion. This demographic defies expectations and stereotypical societal norms. Approximately half of the audience watches competitive esports regularly. These viewers are also very willing to travel to see their favorite tournaments. Online live streaming is among the most popular option to follow the eSports competitions. Streaming are available with selected services, but are also an integrated part of some esports betting platforms which also offers a signup bonus like Luckbox promo code.
The majority of eSports enthusiasts are male. Although females are a rapidly growing segment, eSports is not as popular with females as it is with males. However, eSports is becoming increasingly popular with women in the United States. In fact, women are now as likely to engage with eSports as men.
The US is the second largest market for Esports. Esports enthusiasts in the US are predominantly located near military bases and tech hubs. Those who watch eSports also tend to be young.