While esports are not sports, they do generate revenue from sponsors and are an international industry. It also faces numerous challenges. This article explores the key elements of this new industry. Before we look at the challenges, let us first understand what esports are. Esports are video games, not sports.
esports is a game, not a sport
Despite the massive popularity of esports, the International Olympics Committee has had a difficult time approving esports as an Olympic sport. The committee has spent time at conferences and has sought to understand the competitive gaming industry. Olympic athletes have long been revered for their peak physical performance, but professional video game players don’t pedal or jump off dirt piles. Rather, they use extreme hand-eye coordination to compete in a competitive format.
While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may have some reservations about esports, they should not dismiss them entirely. The IOC is correct to object to the use of violence and other forms of discrimination in video games. While the IOC does not recognize esports as a sport, it has not ruled out the possibility of approving them in the future. In addition, the players of esports should be paid.
It is a global industry
Esports is a rapidly-growing industry in which video gamers compete to win money. This global industry features professional leagues, mass spectatorship, and significant sponsorships. The growth of esports is attributed to its innovative technologies, rich data analytics, and interactive, immersive ecosystem. Although the future of esports is unclear, the industry is already experiencing significant growth and disruption.
In North America, the industry is dominated by the U.S. and Canada. In South America, Brazil and Argentina represent the largest market. Other regions include the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
It generates revenue from sponsors
Esports generate revenue from sponsors in a variety of ways. The most common of these revenue streams is multi-year partnerships. These deals can either be one-time or recurring and last anywhere from six months to three years. Sponsors are often based in different industries and help esports teams cover the costs of a competition. Some sponsors will sponsor an entire tournament and others will simply sponsor one team for a particular event.
Sponsorships from mainstream brands are another popular way to support the Esports industry. Major non-endemic brands are getting involved in esports at an accelerated rate. Almost all eSports teams are partnered with one or more brands. Some of these partnerships revolve around specific events, such as the Intel Extreme Masters or the Dreamhack competition. Some sponsorships involve a single brand, such as a keyboard or a mouse.
It is growing
Esports is a fast-growing industry, and collegiate programs are gaining popularity. In the United States, more than 2,500 students are involved in collegiate esports, and that number is growing every year. In fact, the state university of New York expects that more than 2,000 students will take part in esports in the fall of 2021. That growth is not limited to collegiate programs, though.
There are a variety of advantages for collegiate esports programs. First, they can prepare students for a variety of careers. Second, they can help students find their niche in the esports industry. And third, collegiate esports programs can be an excellent way to engage diverse groups of students. Moreover, esports programs should be well managed and staffed with coaches and mentors. Lastly, esports should stand for inclusion. The larger gaming industry is fraught with toxic behaviors, so students and coaches must take a proactive stance to avoid these.
