Korea’s E-Sports Industry Trends in 2020

Published in

AJ Marketing Blog

8 min readJan 20, 2021

The world of E-sports is on fire right now! It’s not just a local phenomenon; it’s a global sensation that has even earned a spot in the prestigious 2022 Olympic Games as a medal event. We all know about legendary athletes like Lionel Messi and LeBron James, but let me introduce you to a whole new breed of superstars: Faker and Bengi.

Now, when it comes to professional E-sports players, no country does it better than South Korea. These gaming prodigies have reached such incredible heights that they’ve achieved celebrity status in their own right. Faker, in particular, is a name that sends shockwaves through the gaming community. He shattered records and made history by becoming the first E-sports player to rake in over $1 million. Talk about a game-changer!

But the E-sports fever doesn’t stop there. In South Korea, the industry is booming like never before. In 2019 alone, it was valued at a staggering 139.8 billion Won, which is roughly around $127 million. And get this: that number has been climbing steadily for the past six years. The growth of E-sports in Korea is off the charts!

So, why is this industry such a big deal? Well, it’s not just about the thrill of the games; it’s a titan industry that’s making a significant impact on South Korea’s GDP. Keep reading to delve deeper into the exciting world of E-sports and discover just how much it means to this incredible country.

1. An Upward Trend of Korea’s E-Sports

Hold onto your seats because I’ve got some mind-blowing stats for you! Brace yourself for the jaw-dropping growth of the E-Sports Industry. Since 2015, this industry has gone from being worth a respectable $65.8 million to an astonishing $127.2 million in 2019. That’s right, folks, we’re talking about a whopping doubling of size and value in just four years. It’s like the E-Sports industry hit the turbo button and never looked back!

Data from KOCCA, Chart Made by | www.ajmarketing.io

But it’s not just about the numbers. The expansion of this industry has been nothing short of remarkable. And guess where a huge chunk of that investment is going? Broadcasting sales and funding for E-Sports teams. That’s right, they’re going all-in to make sure you don’t miss a second of the heart-pounding action.

Now, let’s talk about Korea, the land where E-Sports dreams come true. You know a country is serious about E-Sports when major corporations start fielding their very own teams. Take a look at powerhouses like SK Telecom T1 and Samsung Galaxy. These aren’t your average gaming clans; they’re fully-fledged E-Sports teams backed by top-tier corporations. It’s like the Avengers of the gaming world, assembling to dominate the competition.

2. Investment in E-Sports

Get ready to have your mind blown by the skyrocketing investments pouring into the E-Sports industry! It’s like a tidal wave of cash crashing into this booming phenomenon driven by its ever-growing popularity. Let’s dive into the numbers, shall we?

Back in 2016, the industry spent a respectable $29.4 million on investments. Fast forward to 2019, and brace yourself for this jaw-dropping figure: a whopping $55 million! That’s right, my friend, we’re talking about a surge in investments that would make even the most seasoned investor do a double-take. The E-Sports industry is like a magnet for funds, and it’s only getting stronger.

Now, let’s break down where all that money went in 2019. Out of the $55 million, a staggering 61.7% was allocated to Broadcasting/Tournaments. They’re pulling out all the stops to bring you the most epic battles and nail-biting competitions right at the comfort of your own screen.

But that’s not all. They’re also investing in infrastructure, ensuring that the E-Sports experience reaches its full potential. With 17.4% of the investments directed towards building a solid foundation, they’re making sure every aspect of the industry is primed for success.

Of course, let’s not forget the real stars of the show: the players and teams. They make up an essential part of the E-Sports ecosystem, and 12.2% of the investments in 2019 were dedicated to their development, training, and support. They’re the heart and soul of this electrifying industry.

Now, you might be wondering, what about the remaining 8.7%? Well, that goes into the mysterious category of “other.” It’s like the secret sauce that adds that extra dash of excitement and innovation to keep things fresh and unexpected.

So, my friend, it’s crystal clear that investments are flowing into the E-Sports industry like never before. The numbers speak for themselves, and they’re screaming one thing: this industry is here to stay, and it’s only going to get bigger and better.

3. Age Distribution of the Professional Players

When it comes to age, it’s no surprise that the “20–21” and “22–24” age groups dominate the scene. These young guns are the powerhouse of the gaming world, bringing their skills and passion to the virtual battlegrounds.

But here’s the thing: the journey to becoming a pro gamer starts way before they reach their twenties. Most of these gaming prodigies start training as teenagers, dedicating countless hours to hone their skills. You see, being a pro gamer requires a level of commitment that often leaves little room for other activities. It’s all about pouring their heart and soul into the game, because that’s the only way to climb to the top.

Now, you might be wondering why other students in Korea don’t follow the same path. Well, it’s because they have a different set of priorities. In Korea, many students are focused on studying for the national college entry exam, also known as Suneung. It’s a make-or-break test that determines their future educational prospects. With so much pressure and limited time, playing games professionally takes a backseat for most students. They simply don’t have the luxury to pursue gaming at such a competitive level.

And here’s something interesting: opting out of studying to pursue gaming instead can sometimes be viewed negatively in Korean society. There’s a prevailing belief that prioritizing games over academics is a deviation from the norm. However, with the rise of E-Sports and its growing recognition, this perception is gradually shifting. As the industry gains more traction and success stories emerge, people are starting to appreciate the dedication and talent required to excel in the world of gaming.

4. Salary Distribution of Professional Players

Let’s take a deep dive into the world of salaries in Korea’s E-Sports scene. Brace yourself, because we’re about to uncover some eye-opening figures. When it comes to pro-gamers’ earnings, the truth is that the majority of them make less than $18,200 per year. Yep, you heard that right. It’s below what we would consider an average livable salary.

Now, let’s take a look at this fascinating chart that reveals the competitive landscape of the E-Sports industry. Prepare to be amazed! Only a tiny fraction, a mere 0.7%, of pro-gamers earn more than $455,000. That’s like hitting the jackpot in the gaming world. So, for those aspiring to attain celebrity gamer status, buckle up, because the road to success is long and challenging.

Becoming a renowned figure in the gaming universe isn’t a walk in the park. It takes an incredible amount of dedication, skill, and perseverance. These aspiring superstars face intense competition, with thousands vying for a limited number of top-tier spots. It’s like a battle royale in the quest for recognition and fame.

5. Viewing Trends of Korean E-Sports

This data comes from a nationwide survey of game-playing men and women over the age of 18. Are you excited? I know I am!

First up, let’s talk about the dedicated fans who just can’t get enough of E-Sports. A solid 10.5% of respondents watch E-Sports almost every single day. These folks are true enthusiasts, fueling their passion for gaming by devouring the thrilling competitions on a daily basis. On the flip side, we have 24.8% of respondents who catch E-Sports action less frequently, watching it less than once a month. They might be more casual viewers, but their interest in the E-Sports world is undeniable.

Now, let’s dig into the time spent watching E-Sports. When it comes to both weekdays and weekends, the most common duration was “one hour.” It seems like many fans like to dip their toes into the excitement of E-Sports for a quick dose of adrenaline. But hold onto your seats because here’s the interesting part: a significant percentage of viewers actually spend over 5 hours watching E-Sports every day! That’s some serious dedication right there. These fans are fully immersed in the action, not wanting to miss a single moment of the gaming extravaganza.

Speaking of timing, let’s talk about when Koreans prefer to watch E-Sports. Whether it’s the weekdays or the weekends, the evening time between 9 PM to 12 AM emerged as the prime viewing slot. It’s like a thrilling nighttime ritual, settling in to witness the epic battles unfold on the screen. But don’t count out the early birds! A considerable portion of the surveyed individuals also enjoy watching E-Sports between 6 PM to 9 PM. It’s like a primetime showdown, where fans gather to witness the clash of gaming titans.

Conclusion

The E-Sports industry in Korea is continuing in a seemingly unstoppable upward trend — viewership time is increasing, and the audience are getting larger and more diverse. Top players are becoming well-known celebrities earning millions of dollars.

Due to growing popularity, e-sports has a powerful impact to brands’ visibility. Therefore, it has caught the eyes of many corporations and buyers alike. Korea’s top brands have made considerable contributions to various e-sports teams.

If you are interested in playing some of the most popular e-sports games in Korea, check out: Battlegrounds, League of Legends, Overwatch and Fortnite.

To know more about Korea’s industry trends and marketing techniques, go to the AJ Marketing Blog.

Contact Us
info@ajmarketing.io

AJ Marketing | Unlock the Power of Influence
Newsletter🎭 | LinkedIn 🤝 | Twitter 💡 | Instagram 🎨