Esports is a profitable and prospective career path. It is a growing industry that attracts players and spectators. Esports will shape the future of entertainment.
Let’s see how.
Traditional Media in the Era of Esports
The growing popularity of esports has driven traditional media companies to include the major esports events in their lineups. As esports mainly attracts a younger audience, one way for traditional media to draw new generations’ attention was to bring esports events from the online space to TV.
Well-known media outlets, including ESPN and BBC, broadcast major esports competitions by partnering with streaming platforms like Twitch. They also invite famous sports commentators and celebrities to infuse traditional sports coverage style into innovative sports events.
If you are wondering whether that’s a good idea, the 2019 League of Legends Championship attracted over 100 million viewers, comparable to the Super Bowl. A similar thing happened in 2022 when the League of Legends Championships attracted more views than the NBA finals.
Esports Has Created a Diverse Job Market
As a growing market, esports offers career opportunities beyond gaming. Like traditional sports, esports needs coaches, game analysts, and event organizers.
For example, esports teams need a coach to train them and develop strategy like any traditional football or baseball team. Event planners manage esports events, both online and in physical venues—a role that requires one to master the skills of logistics and marketing.
The growth of online streaming has opened doors for streamers and content creators. They can earn revenue through subscriptions, sponsorships, and ads. Finally, support roles are in demand. Gamers need social media experts, managers, and marketing staff to promote the events and improve players’ public image.
Esports: Shifting Cultural Views on Gaming
Esports has already established itself as a prospective form of entertainment, even a career path, that is attractive to women and men. Additionally, esports is not a closed circle reserved solely for gamers. On the contrary, the industry invites supporters worldwide to attend onsite tournaments or watch them online.
It takes devotion, skills, and strategy to become an esports master. Esports enthusiasts who have become professional gamers participate in the most reputable tournaments, “fighting” for prizes that rival or exceed those offered to traditional sports players and teams. For instance, the Fortnite World Cup 2019 awarded its top 16-year-old player a $3 million prize.
It is safe to say that esports is rebuilding its reputation leaving behind the bad image video gaming was forced to carry for so long. What’s more, schools and universities recognize esports’ importance and perspective. As a result, many of them offer scholarships and form professional teams to attract more prospective students.
The qGlobal Impact of Esports
Like traditional sports, esports doesn’t recognize borders. It’s so powerful because it unites people from all around the world, creating a global community of like-minded individuals brought together by one passion. According to Statista, there are expected to be over 318 million eSports enthusiasts worldwide by 2025.
Its international nature, paired with technological advancements and the increased use of the Internet, has made a space where collaboration and competition between diverse teams from different cultures is possible. Think of tournaments like International for Dota 2 and the League of Legends World Championship.
Thanks to esports, the public’s perception of gaming, its complexity, and its impact has changed. South Korea, for instance, has embraced esports, supporting players through various initiatives, such as establishing training centers and professional leagues. As a result, fans celebrate esports players like traditional sports stars, filling arenas whenever major tournaments are held.
Esports and online streaming are another powerful and mutually valuable bond. Thanks to available streaming solutions, fans can watch their favorite players in real-time, regardless of location.
Esports has not only impacted players’ lives. It also serves as proof of how “just” a hobby can turn into a cultural phenomenon and legitimate career as long as the people who saw its value in the first place have the energy and enthusiasm to share it with the rest of the world.