The rise of esports has created a lot of discussions among people. These topics include the origins of esports, the advantages and disadvantages, and the integration into the traditional sports world.
Origins
Esports is a crowded field, but it’s also one of the most lucrative industries in the world. The top prize for a major esports event is usually in the 100 million dollar range. It’s not uncommon for an amateur to turn professional. There are several professional esports leagues in North America.
As a result, it’s not surprising that esports is growing in popularity. For starters, a plethora of live-streaming sites has made it possible to watch any number of esports matches from anywhere in the world. Likewise, the advent of high-speed internet has made it easier than ever to participate in esports competitions from the comfort of your own home. Hence, it’s not surprising that esports has become a multi-billion dollar business.
Comparisons to traditional sports
When comparing eSports to traditional sports, there are many different aspects to consider. Whether you’re a fan of both or one, in particular, there are some differences to note.
Traditional sports involve more physical activity and require a team of players. Some rules are specific to each sport, such as age limits and bodyweight restrictions. They also have a higher rate of injuries and psychological disorders.
In eSports, the players are typically self-coached. This is one of the reasons for its popularity. It isn’t as hard to get involved as in traditional sports. Regardless of your location, you can find a local league or play online.
Unlike traditional sports, esports is more international. There are many fans around the world. Moreover, esports has evolved beyond its television debut. A growing number of companies have invested in esports organizations.
Discovery of new challenges and benefits
Esports is a form of competitive video gaming. It has gained widespread popularity in the past decade, attracting both professionals and casual fans. This growth has created opportunities for media technology companies. But, it also presents unique challenges.
The lack of a robust governance structure creates a fragmented industry. As a result, several stakeholders are gaining prominence. For example, game publishers are now considered influential in the esports ecosystem. Several national esports (governing) bodies have emerged, but these are not business-driven.
Another challenge is that esports audiences are fragmented and have diverse cultures and affinities. Consequently, broadcasters are faced with the challenge of attracting a broad audience.
A growing number of non-endemic brands are putting the spotlight on the esports industry. These non-endemic brands have arranged sponsorship deals with global leagues. Despite the recognition of the value of esports, the media rights market is still in its infancy. Despite these challenges, there is a bright future ahead for the esports industry.
Integration into existing sports organizations
Sports organizations are increasingly embracing esports as an integral part of their strategy. Many of these organizations are leveraging their resources to support the operation of the esports industry. Others are using best practices from traditional sports to manage the property.
Despite several issues, esports has become a viable business opportunity. Its market has millions of global spectators and participants. Moreover, esports has the potential to extend distribution channels and offer a rich content experience. Esports also has the capability to revitalize traditional sports.
To make the most of esports, sports organizations need a precise strategy. In addition, they will have to seek growth opportunities beyond their core industries. They will have to compete against firms that are tangentially related to their business.
Hands-off vs. “hands-on” esports developers
Having been around for quite some time, there is a plethora of sports-related content on the interwebs. For example, we have the largest esports league in Africa: the African Esports League, or AEL for short.
With a membership of more than twenty-five countries, the league is not only a cultural event, but a sporting one as well. Likewise, the aforementioned league has made a name for itself in the competitive gaming space, with the likes of esports aficionados from all over the region. One of the biggest drawbacks, however, is a lack of dedicated regional servers to house the growing herd.