The Pandemic Is Increasing Gaming But Will Esports Benefit?
Exploring the impact of a quarantined world on professional video gaming
A pandemic lockdown today is much more pleasant than it would have been 15 years ago. Before the days of prime shipping, on-demand food delivery, and highspeed mobile internet, the world had fewer options to stay connected and maintain high standards of living. During that same window of time, a boom in connected gaming has taken place. Now more than ever, gaming has provided a way to remain socially connected despite being physically isolated.
As governments opted to lockdown their populations in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people fled to technology for entertainment and comfort. In that time, people have found ways to connect virtually using games like Animal Crossing and Call of Duty’s Warzone. The data shows that online gaming participation has increased since the lockdowns began. What remains unclear at this time is whether it’s driving new value for the Esports industry.
The Business of Esports
Esports is an industry projected to generate a market value of over $1 billion in 2020. It’s also expected to have a global audience of 500 million people this year. But what exactly is it?
