Esports, or competitive video games, are a growing industry. They have the potential to reach $1.5 billion by 2020. The field is growing at a fast rate and is drawing a huge amount of interest from major investors. It has also carved out an impressive presence on college campuses.
Esports are played on computer platforms and include games ranging from popular MOBAs like League of Legends to survival battle royales like Apex Legends. These games are played either solo or with team-based players. Usually, teams play many games throughout the course of a season to earn spots in higher leagues and tournaments. Some tournaments are regional or global.
Many of the world’s most successful esports titles are professionally designed from the ground up. This can be a good thing for gamers who want to make a living as professional players. However, they may have a learning curve as they adjust to the new tactics and strategies in the game. In some cases, the game can be updated to include dedicated esports features.
Players can compete for prizes, fame, or even fortune. A player can sign a contract with an esports organization and be given a share of their prize money. Some organizations have several teams devoted to different video games.
As a result, players can build relationships and gain invaluable social skills. They can also learn to adapt to a new strategy, or they can take advantage of mentorships. Esports can also be a fulfilling hobby. Especially as more people discover the joy of competitive gaming.
Esports events are often live-streamed on YouTube and Twitch. This allows viewers to watch the action from home, without having to pay for monthly subscriptions. Also, many of these events are sponsored by corporations. Companies like Intel, which hosted an exhibition esports event prior to the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
In the 90s, arcades and internet cafes hosted local tournaments. Now, the esports industry is expanding to colleges and K-12 schools. While the growth of esports has been explosive, it is still very young. Currently, the demographic for esports consumers is teens and young adults. That means that there aren’t a lot of adults who are interested in paying a subscription fee to enjoy esports.
Esports leagues vary in terms of the way they are arranged and the amount of money they require. The most popular leagues, such as the League of Legends Championship Series, attract millions of fans. But in order to play in an esports league, you must have a certain level of skill and be willing to work hard to get noticed.
Most esports leagues will require you to make a minimum salary. You can sign a contract with a team, or you can choose to be a free agent. If you don’t meet the minimum salary requirements, you can be dropped from the team and allowed to go on your own. Alternatively, you can be signed up with another esports team, and share in the winnings.
