eSports Evolution-SXSWi
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Evolution of eSports How a Niche Past Time Is Taking the World By Storm
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Competitive gaming originated in the classic arcades of the 80s, but as gamers shifted to the Internet to connect and be entertained, a new generation has embraced eSports as a form of spectator entertainment. Following the trajectory of poker from being a niche pastime for players to a primetime sport for viewers, eSports represents a burgeoning market. The emergence of live streaming technology, in-game chat functionality and ways to monetize content enable players and spectators to connect in real time, contributing to the growth of a multibillion dollar industry. In addition, the ability to connect around gaming has driven the growth of a strong community, similar to that of sports enthusiast communities. With millions frequenting live video game streaming sites, the movement shows no signs of slowing. Join industry insiders from Twitch and eSports community leaders to explore and discuss the evolution of video games from pastime to spectator entertainment.
Transcript of eSports Evolution-SXSWi
Evolution of eSportsHow a Niche Past Time Is Taking the World By Storm
Foundation of eSports
eSports’ growing popularity is mirroring the rise of poker; 20 years ago few imagined Poker would become a spectator sport, but it did because of the following elements reflected in eSports’ current trajectory: 1. Poker had a massive base of players already
enjoying it online2. Invention of the hole cam enabled viewers to
see player’s hands; eSports use the spectator mode
3. Commentators narrating on-screen action to educate novices and to add a dramatic narrative
4. Distribution in the form of ESPN; Twitch is the ESPN of eSports
eSports Now
• 170 Million gamers in the US• 100’s of events around the world with prize
pools in the millions of dollars• Gaming is YouTube’s #2 category reaching
150 million UVPM; 3x growth since 2011• Number two “sport” in South Korea
$65 billion spent on gaming in 2011; expected to reach $115 billion by 2015
Further expansion of eSports popularity from Asia and Europe to N. America
Future of the Movement
