3Asian phenomenon in eSports — is it a reality or an assumption?

Why would it be wise to pay attention to the Asian eSport market?

Asia is the largest market in the world with exciting challenges. It combines unique cultures, high technology, and endless possibilities. If you can win your place in the Asian market, then you are capable of everything. This modern philosophy applies to eSports. 27 Nerds accepts this challenge.

Just look at the data presented by Newzoo. The largest share of the eSports market is in the Asia-Pacific region. Not only China and Japan but also SEA countries are showing rapid growth trends.

If you are interested in a dynamic eSports market, follow the main trends in Asia. It reflects all the global processes of the industry.

5 main eSports trends in Asia

The Asian eSports market is volatile and highly competitive. However, it is increasingly attracting the attention of investors, developers, and analysts. The reason is high demand and openness to change. Let’s talk about the main trends in the industry.

Sponsorship is becoming more common in the eSports industries

Asian eSports is a source of entertainment for millions of gamers and fans. The line between eSports and classic sports like football or basketball is gradually blurring. Brands cannot afford to lose the attention of a huge audience. Therefore, sponsorship is already the main share of cyber market revenues according to statistics for 2021. Forecasts for 2022 indicate further growth.

In turn, content creators also influence the gaming industry. They produce content that interests and entertains the target audience. Brands often enter Asian markets through local influencers.

Many well-known companies also include content for eSports viewers in their marketing plans. This is especially true for the development of communication channels via YouTube or Twitch, where millions of gamers, fans, and viewers spend their time.

The eSports is developing global tourism

The Asian region is attractive to tourists from many parts of the world for various reasons. Some go to see amazing landscapes, some are interested in a new culture, innovation, or gastronomy. Asia is hosting more and more diverse world events. Offline eSports tournaments also attract tourists from different countries.

Such tournaments are an important part of the gaming industry. Travel companies are happy to work with tournament organizers to promote additional events. Such collaboration is mutually beneficial not only for business development. The tourism sector in Asia generally benefits from the influx of tourists.

With the easing of quarantine restrictions in the world, the demand for live communication and travel is expected to grow. Therefore, it is worth following the announcements of events. Live meetings of gamers with fans are back again. And it’s great!

We also missed live communication. 27 Nerds was planning a trip to Tokyo to present its experience in the Asian eSports market. Unfortunately, the war in Ukraine interfered with our plans. We did not abandon this idea. Ukraine will definitely win this war. We will return to our dreams and plans. 27 Nerds will present its skills in the Asian eSports market. We believe in it!

The eSports is through a vertical diversification process

The eSports ecosystem is constantly changing. What started as individual games and tournaments is now growing into something more. Creating IT products for the industry 27 Nerds can already name several separate areas:

• competitive teams;
• content creators;
• offline tournaments;
• consumer goods;
• music for gamers;
• the lifestyle of gamers;
• communication channels.

People are no longer just playing games in their own rooms. Gamers, fans, and viewers want to communicate and share emotions. The Asian market is very flexible in responding to these demands and creating such opportunities.

A clear example is the role of women in eSports. In countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the proportion of women gamers a few years ago was almost 50%.

The development of new market segments will only contribute to this trend. We are already seeing how gaming goes beyond entertainment for the closed community. On the contrary, the eSports market is becoming more diverse and interesting for new audiences.

Mobile gaming interfaces are in growing demand

The game becomes a part of life. Therefore, the demand for mobility of access to eSports products around the world is growing. According to statistics 2.8 billion of the world’s gamers will play on a mobile device, 1.4 billion on a PC, and 0.9 billion on a console.

SEA countries are showing the greatest demand for mobile gaming. This trend is especially noticeable in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines. As mobile technology develops rapidly, the trend of mobile gaming will attract more and more participants in the process.

At the same time, there is another interesting trend. Most consumers play on several gaming platforms (mobile, console, and PC). New technological solutions allow such a combination and gamers like it. Reliable SaaS platforms are in demand because here the gamer not only plays and communicates but also receives interesting and necessary content. Such a platform is also on the list of 27 Nerds products.

The gaming industry expresses itself through the Metaverse

The Metaverse is expanding the horizons of the gaming industry. Virtual reality covers more and more areas. If there is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the process at the level of real sensations, it is new challenges and new opportunities for eSports.

• At first, gamers get a virtual world that practically gives a sense of reality. Such a deep immersion will promote user engagement and growth.
• Second, brands get a new opportunity to showcase their products through gaming. Marketing strategies will include access of potential users to the virtual experience of using the product. Gaming will grow into a part of marketing and sales.

Although the tendency to plunge into the Metaverse sounds a bit futuristic, we are already seeing some processes. And it is the Asian market that demonstrates its flexibility and openness here.

How to find your place in the Asian eSports market?

Market trends are incredibly steep. If you want to find your place in this fast-paced modern world, meet its basic principles:

• focus on key values for players;
• mutual respect as the basis of relations between participants in the gaming market;
• wide choice of ways to participate and win;
• the innovative technologies and the most effective solutions

For the 27 Nerds, expanding its presence in the Asian region is a strategic milestone. Our experience of successful cooperation with Asian companies gives us confidence. In the list of implemented cases and finished products, you can find a successful technological solution for your idea. Or come up with a completely new incredible idea for which our experts will find the best technological solution.