Gone are the days when there was a craze for traditional sports, which we used to play or watch in stadiums. Now, a new type of sport has been arriving on the scene. We all know this by the name of – eSports.
According to Wikipedia, “Esports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. Esports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams.”
The hype of eSports these days is highly phenomenal. With the rise in the number of smartphone users and the old love for video games, the craze for eSports has risen exponentially. Let us look at some recent statistics to get an idea of the popularity of eSports.
eSports Recent Statistics – Some Jaw-dropping Numbers
Source: Statista
- The esports industry is predicted to be worth USD 5.74 billion by 2030, with a 21.9% CAGR.
- According to industry projections, the overall number of online gaming enthusiasts will rise from 481 million in 2022 to more than 657 million by 2025.
- The revenue of the global esports market is expected to grow at an exponential rate reaching $1.87 billion by 2025.
- As of the end of 2023, there are 532.1 million e-sports fans globally.
- Throughout 2020 and 2025, video games and e-sports are expected to increase by 6%.
- Asia and North America are now the largest Esports markets. According to the most recent data, the e-sports market in the United States of America made $243 million in revenue.
- According to Insider Intelligence, esports viewership is expected, to grow to 34.8 million in 2026 in the USA alone.
Now, let’s have a look at the latest trends in the world of eSports.
Latest Trends In The World Of eSports
In the coming time, we are going to witness the trends that will be transforming the current eSports scenario. Some of these trends are:
01- Mobile Esports
These days it is not necessary that people to own a PC or a gaming console, but on the other hand, we can clearly see that every individual has a smartphone with him. This scenario has fueled the mobile eSports trend. Mobile gaming allows mobile app development company to access a hitherto untapped audience segment. As a result, they are now developing games that go well beyond conventional simple smartphone games.
Despite being mostly a PC-dominated sector, mobile esports has experienced a significant surge in recent years. The emphasis today is on consolidating everything on a smaller screen. Some of today’s most popular games have entered the mobile gaming market to become the most prominent mobile esports games.
Mobile gaming as a platform rules the gaming industry with its unrivaled user base. Every day, mobile game technology advances. Mobiles have now opened up the world of gaming to millions of people worldwide, thanks to the development of relatively low-cost yet high-end specifications.
02- eSports Betting
Betting and Sports are old mutual friends. And now this friendship has reached the world of eSports. Just like traditional sports, eSports is also competitive gaming. It’s similar to traditional sports in many respects, with supporters following teams, enjoying matches, and betting on who will win.
And now with the live streaming of eSports tournaments, the eSports industry has become a billion-dollar industry. Millions of spectators watch the games live on their screens remotely. Thus, with this much popularity, eSports has also attracted the practice of betting. In simple terms, betting is the gambling of money on the result of an unpredicted event.
One can bet their money on the outcome of the match in eSports. Typically, there are several types of betting in eSports. Let’s understand them one by one.
- Real-money, fixed-odds betting via the online betting site – Many online betting platforms allow individuals to bet on eSports live games.
- Social betting between individuals arranged privately– This type of betting is done by a group of people in a private environment.
- Skins gambling and loot boxes – This type of betting done during the game plays. People bet on a particular event such as which player uses which skin for his gun.
Some esports bets, such as League of Legends, CSGO, DOTA 2, and FIFA, are game-specific. For example, someone may bet on who gets the ‘first kill’ in a specific match.
Some more types of bets can be –
- Bet on the winner of the match
- Bet on the winner of the tournament
- Bet on the final score
- Odd/Evens bets – In this, you have to predict whether there will be an odd or even number of games won, players killed, or rounds played.
03- API Integrations
APIs are simply software interface that allows communication between two applications. There are several APIs available in the gaming industry. Some connect to game servers and output data that allows for game and user statistics study. Others provide extensive customization of settings and content and allow users to share these rules and changes.
Also Read: How eSports App is Transforming The Gaming Market
Types of APIs in the gaming industry are:-
Graphics APIs: These APIs are used to connect with a computer’s or game console’s graphics hardware in order to render 2D and 3D visuals on the screen. DirectX, OpenGL, and Vulkan are some common graphics APIs used in gaming.
Input APIs: These APIs process user input, such as keyboard and mouse input, and convert it into game actions. XInput for Xbox controllers and DirectInput for other controllers are two popular input APIs.
Networking APIs: These APIs enable games to interact over the internet with servers and other players.
Platform-specific APIs: These APIs are specific to a particular gaming platform, such as PlayStation or Nintendo. They provide access to platform-specific features and hardware.
Millions of people like playing video games to relax from the rigors of everyday life. Gaming APIs connect to the massive databases and servers that power the games, providing all of the information required to pique a gamer’s interest in the statistical data of their favorite games.
Similarly, game APIs enable developers to improve upon these games’ entertainment and keep the players coming back for more by incorporating new features and enhancements not seen in existing versions.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare, RAWG Video Games Database, Apex Legends, and Pokemon Go is popular Gaming APIs.
04- Blockchain In eSports
Blockchain-enabled video games have changed the landscape by transforming gaming into an industry with several exploring possibilities. To prevent hackers from changing or deleting an online transaction, blockchains leverage sophisticated data encryption methods.
This technology has the potential to boost gaming by making in-game transactions more secure. Aside from opening up safer and newer territory for developers, blockchains will provide gamers more autonomy, allowing them to shift from play-to-win to play-to-earn. Furthermore, blockchain is a new platform for creating and storing in-game assets.
Until now, blockchain has enhanced the possibilities of every platform. Blockchain Technology in Esports has incentivized engagement to improve fan loyalty and experiences.
It creates new income models by utilizing tokenized teams and better loyalty programs. With the assistance of blockchain technology, new marketplaces for sports betting and collectibles trade are emerging, letting players crowdfund their performances through revenue-sharing agreements or loyalty rewards.
Get a Consultation
05- Real-Time Data Analytics
Data analytics in ESports is a hybrid of software development and the gaming industry. To make the stream more entertaining for the spectators, AI-assisted data analytics is used to raw gaming feeds, on both LIVE and historical data.
Real-Time data analytics is preferably statistics, timings of the player’s reaction to in-game events, and other non-visual information. Special tools are developed to take raw data and turn it into a graphical format that viewers can readily consume, hence improving the watching experience.
With real-time data analytics in eSports, participants can determine which tactics and methods the opposing side frequently employs and how they might counter them. The information obtained through real-time data analytics allows them to readily examine their performance, strengths, and flaws and gives them an advantage over their competition. Besides providing advantages to the participants, real-time data analytics also helps sponsors have a better understanding of the value of the content created by the gamers.
Twitch, an American video live streaming service, monitors conversations, video frames, and audio of streams to determine correct participation and stream impact on viewers. With all of this information at their disposal, sponsors can make an informed decision about where to invest their funds.
Also, Read: How esports Betting Business is Growing at a Rapid Pace
06- Screen Recording/Playback
Screen recording is an excellent technique to capture unforgettable moments and occasions while gaming with your pals. Regardless of the game, catching the correct moment is always vital.
While it may appear crucial to record such moments, having the correct tools for recording such moments is equally critical. You don’t want to utilize a software program that is half-baked, or even one that lacks essential features and usefulness.
Many participants in the eSports events want to capture their in-game moments with screen recording programs. Screen recordings of games can be used as content to cater the help the eSports audiences who missed the live events of their favorite eSports and also can be used as tutorials and even as a game walkthrough.
07- Live Commentary
No sport is anymore engaging without live commentary. The same applies to the case of eSports. With live commentary, the game plays can become more engaging for the spectators. Commentary in an eSports game can serve several purposes.
It informs and analyses the audience, allowing them to better understand and appreciate the game. This can contain information about the teams, players, strategies, and regulations, as well as insights into the present status and prospective outcomes of the game.
Another goal of live commentary is to bring drama and excitement to the game by spotlighting critical events and developing tension. The audience is kept interested and immersed in the game as a result, even if they are unfamiliar with the sport or the teams involved.
Live commentary in eSports may also serve a social role, giving supporters a sense of community and connection. Live commentators can serve as a link between diverse fans, assisting them in understanding and appreciating each other’s points of view and excitement for the sport.
08- Live Streaming
Live streaming Esports events is an excellent alternative to attending sporting events where spectators may struggle to get good seats, deal with a raucous crowd, or drive long distances to access stadiums. With esports live video streaming, you can watch the full game without interruptions or distractions.
Live broadcasting has helped to bring gaming communities from all around the world together. Live streaming from international competitions is accessible to everyone with an internet connection.
Online streaming is available to everyone interested in eSports, from fans to inquisitive spectators, at no cost other than their monthly bandwidth price. It has been critical in bringing eSports to a wider audience outside of its core fan base.
Audiences can use various platforms such as Twitch, Facebook Gaming, Youtube, Discord, and Steam TV, to get access to live streaming of eSports events.
eSports is Going to Shape 2024- Here’s How?
Esports has been growing at a rapid pace in recent years, and it is transforming the landscape of sports and entertainment in 2024.
The popularity of esports has been on the rise, with a growing number of fans, players, and sponsors, and this trend is set to continue in 2024. Let’s look at the ways eSports shaping 2024.
#1- Increase In Mainstream Acceptance
One way esports is changing the scene is through more mainstream acceptance. Previously, esports was thought to be a niche pastime, with most people outside of the gaming community uninformed of its existence.
However, by 2024, esports will have gained traction, with more media attention and acknowledgment from conventional sports organizations. For reference, prominent sports leagues, such as the NBA and NFL, have established their own esports leagues, and prominent broadcasters, such as ESPN and Fox Sports, are airing more esports content.
#2- Collaboration With Traditional Sports
The influence of eSports on traditional sports is changing the landscape. Esports has attracted a lot of younger audience that was previously uninterested in traditional sports, encouraging traditional sports organizations to adopt features of esports into their events.
The NBA, for example, has included a video game competition in its All-Star Weekend, while Formula One has formed a virtual racing league. This fusion of esports and conventional sports is opening up new options for both spectators and athletes.
#3- Impacting The Entertainment Industry
The influence of esports on the world of entertainment is also changing how things look. Millions of fans tune in to watch their favorite players and teams participate in esports competitions, which are quickly becoming important cultural events.
This opens up new avenues for advertising and sponsors to reach a youthful, engaged audience. Esports tournaments are being sponsored by major businesses such as Coca-Cola, Intel, and Samsung, and esports players are becoming important influencers with large social media followings.
#4- eSports As A Career Option
Esports is opening up new chances for students to pursue careers in gaming and esports administration, and several colleges are already offering esports scholarships and degrees.
This is generating a new talent funnel for the esports business as well as new options for kids who may not have been involved in traditional sports or academics.
#5- eSports Promoting Innovation
eSports is propelling advancements in fields like virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.
For example, virtual and augmented reality technologies are being employed in esports events to offer immersive experiences for viewers, while AI is being used to improve player performance and strategy.
This opens up new potential for technology businesses to produce new goods and services, while also stimulating innovation in the larger technology sector.
Esports is no longer a niche activity, but a major cultural force that is shaping the future of sports and entertainment.
Summing Up
2024 will very certainly be a watershed point for esports in all of its forms. A number of outstanding collaborations are expected in the gaming business, introducing cutting-edge features and technical breakthroughs.
We can’t wait to see how these events unfold because we’re just as enthusiastic as you are! The gaming sector, like anything else in the competitive game market, will thrive. With the aforementioned esports trends, there will be a significant shift in the number of individuals who invest in Esports.
Many additional perspectives will provide numerous opportunities to develop never-before-seen platforms and game experiences, in addition to mobile eSports, Blockchain, and live broadcasting. Moreover, you can get in touch with Quytech, if you are in search of the best sports app development company for your eSports app development and turn your ideas into reality.
