4 reasons why esports are increasing in popularity
Esports 🎮 are increasing in popularity at such a fast pace, that now it seems like it’s always been like this. But esports championships and leagues weren’t always that popular. Let’s look at the 4 reasons, why esports became such tremendously vogue.
Streaming đź’»
Streaming websites (such as Twitch CIS) have been getting popularity, and thus made esports accessible for everyone. The population of video games got an opportunity to easily follow their favorite stars. It’s like being connected with Lionel Messi (if you’re a football fan) for 24\7 and being able to watch what he’s up to for free! Such an increase in accessibility allowed video game fans to become tremendously close to the streamers, while the streamers can make millions a year from advertisement revenue and sponsorships.
Media đź“°
Popular sports websites (such as ESPN) also have put an increased effort into creating esports related content. Media gave esports fans a possibility to get higher quality and quantity content whenever they’d like. And it’s no wonder, that esports niche specific sites are now in the growing need for esports news and content, and major traditional broadcasters are signing on to air esports.
Billionaire Investors đź’¶
Did you know that just recently Overwatch League added 8 new franchises? And these 8 franchises reportedly each paid over $35.000.000 to join the league. As for the owner’s of these teams, they happen to be the owners of the NFL’s Patriots, Rams, and the MLB’s Mets. So it’s quite obvious, that such investments give game developers an opportunity to increase the spendings on producing esports events, and developing esports focused games. Thus, what seems to be a developer’s support, leads to filling of massive stadiums and an increase in video game sales.
Prize Pools 🏆
No secret that esports prize pools are growing at incredible pace and are creating multi-millionaires. E.g. the recent International 8 had a prize pool of over $24.000.000 (and the winning team of the tournament took over $11.000.000 of those). This type of money is that of the salaries of major traditional athletes. No wonder, that such an increase in prize pools has even led parents to invest in video game tutors for their children. Esports became a trend that will continue to grow as esports are still in its early stages, and still has a great potential to go.
🤖 More posts are coming. Follow Esgs to stay connected and know what esports will be presented at the biggest esports summit. Berlin, April 2019.
