eSports and the Online Gaming — do they have a common future?

Reflections on how the interaction of the two industries can bring mutual benefits to both.

We have already explored the topic of historical development and differences between eSports and gaming here. Although both industries are involved in video games, they have different paths. If stories and sales are important for gaming, then players and competitions come first for eSports. Today we will talk about the future of both directions and their points of intersection.

The Future of the eSports

The popularity of eSports continues to grow. In the United States alone, the number of viewers is confidently approaching 30 million a year. Traditional media and celebrities talk about eSports, which fuels the public interest. Going beyond the narrow circle and transforming into popular culture. This is how you can briefly describe the future of eSports. Let’s take a closer look at the factors that contribute to this.

1. Streaming platforms as a form of socialization

Popular platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming enable gamers and fans to communicate in real-time. Pandemic restrictions have reinforced the value of such communication. And the usual social networks allow you to promote eSports faster and to a wider audience.

2. Development in related markets

The eSports organizations go beyond and capture new markets. We already see FaZe Clan’s successful experience in selling eSports-related products. Further diversification into new markets is expected in the future. The growing interests of the target audience themselves push companies to such actions.

3. The growing interest of marketers in eSports

Brands are beginning to realize that a significant proportion of potential consumers spend time watching eSports tournaments. Therefore, sponsorship and investment are considered part of the marketing strategy. Today we are witnessing the demise of classic advertising channels. But in their place come new ones. Many advertising professionals are looking at eSports in this regard.

4. Formation of the eSports ecosystem

The world of eSports is becoming a world of big money and a wide audience. This contributes to the formation of certain rules for the safety of both investors and participants. The example of increasing the share of female gamers in the Asian market to 50% is one of many positive trends. Gamers feel safe and secure. Investors too.

5. Demand for mobility

The future of the eSports mobile industry. Gamers and fans want to communicate constantly. The development of technology allows this to happen. The transition to 5G, the improvement of mobile devices, and the expansion of streaming platforms are due to rapidly evolving technologies.

6. Investment attractiveness of the market

The eSports tournaments are no different from traditional football or basketball. A clear business model with defined roles gives investors confidence. At the same time, the industry still has a huge potential for audience growth. The development of digital technologies is happening at a revolutionary pace, so investors are in a hurry to invest. This blue ocean is gradually filling up, but the time of great profits has not yet passed. We can say that the eSports industry is on the verge of the best risk-return ratio for investment.

The Future of the Gaming

The online gaming industry has already grown into a lucrative business. This is a conclusion based on statistics for 2021. Total online gaming revenue reached $ 180.3 million.

This is not the peak of achievements. With the rapid development of technology, the possibilities of online gaming are growing. Here are the prospects we can expect in the near future.

1. Acceleration thanks to 5G

5G technology provides fast and uninterrupted Internet access. Gamers from the United States, China, South Korea, and Canada have already appreciated the new opportunities. Just think about it. If the data transfer rate increases 60 times, then how much more powerful and high-quality online games will become. And the reliability of the mobile Internet will lead to even faster growth of the mobile gaming sector. In conclusion, the future is in mobile online games.

2. Full immersion in the game via VR

Virtual Reality Glasses allow gamers to be in the 3D world while playing. Therefore, VR technology is gradually gaining momentum in the field of gaming. The restraining factor is still the price of virtual reality accessories. The turning point will be the reduction caused by the development of technology. So far, the vast majority of gamers are waiting.

3. Socialization through online games

What recently sounded like something strange is becoming a new reality. The pandemic has deprived people of the opportunity to communicate in real life. This has led to a fierce demand for online communication. Social games like Bingo have become a lifeline for many gamers. Now online gaming is not just about spending time one on one with your PC. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to develop social contacts and communicate with like-minded people. Gamers are increasingly coming together to communicate on social media.

4. The rise of digital currencies

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or NFT are beginning to displace real money in online gaming. Digital currencies already have value and are increasingly being used. Gamers are willing to switch to cryptocurrency, which in turn adds even more value to coins. This is a wonderfully vicious circle.

The common future of both industries

Add to these lists the growing cloud technology, the growing quality of graphics, and the growing realism of the game. All this will contribute to the further development of the online gaming industry and the eSports industry. Tools such as sponsorship, advertising, patron participation, engagement, and subscriptions will facilitate the process.

In the future, each of these areas will develop in its own direction, but with joint synergy. Increasing the realism of the games will help attract new players. Increasing the level of players will contribute to the development of the community. With the development of communities, strong teams of gamers and active fans will grow.

ESports and online gaming will promote each other’s development. These are new markets that will grow not in competition, but in mutually beneficial cooperation.

Read us to follow the news. There will be a lot of interesting things in the eSports and the gaming world in the coming future.