The COVID-19 pandemic has had both positive and negative impacts on the esports industry. Among the pros are increased viewership, new partnerships and sponsors, and new opportunities for players and teams. However, the cancellation of live events, lack of opportunities for new players, and increased competition and burnout are significant challenges. The future of esports depends on how well the industry adapts to changes in the global landscape, but it is likely to continue to attract new fans, players, and sponsors.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Esports: A Look at the Pros and Cons
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost every industry, including the world of esports. As the world adjusts to a new normal, so do esports game developers, esports teams, players, and fans. Some of the changes have been good for the industry, while others have been negative.
The Pros
Increased Viewership
One of the biggest pros for the esports industry during the pandemic has been the surge in viewership. With live sports events cancelled or heavily restricted, sports fans have turned to esports as an alternative form of entertainment. In April 2020, Twitch, the most popular streaming platform for esports, reported a 23% increase in viewership compared to the previous year.
New Partnerships and Sponsors
The increase in viewership has also attracted new partnerships and sponsors for esports teams and tournaments. For example, BMW sponsored the online League of Legends European Championship (LEC) in July 2020. This was a significant milestone for the esports industry, as it marked the first time a car manufacturer had sponsored an esports tournament. As esports becomes more popular, it is likely that more companies will invest in the industry.
New Opportunities for Players and Teams
The COVID-19 pandemic has also opened up new opportunities for esports players and teams. With traditional sports cancelled or postponed, professional athletes have started to enter the esports world. For example, NBA players participated in a virtual basketball tournament, and professional footballers participated in a FIFA 20 tournament. These events have helped to increase the visibility of esports and attract more people to the industry.
The Cons
Cancellation of Live Events
The cancellation of live esports events has been one of the biggest challenges for the industry during the pandemic. Live events are a crucial part of the esports experience, as they bring together players, teams, and fans in one place. However, due to the pandemic, most events have been cancelled or moved online. While online events have ensured that the esports industry continues to thrive, they lack the same atmosphere and community as live events.
Lack of Opportunities for New Players
The COVID-19 pandemic has also made it difficult for new players to enter the esports industry. With live events cancelled, new players have limited opportunities to showcase their skills and gain exposure. This has made it harder for amateur players to break into the industry, as there are fewer opportunities to be scouted by esports teams.
Increased Competition and Burnout
The increase in esports viewership during the pandemic has led to an influx of new players and teams. This has created greater competition, as more people compete for a limited number of spots on esports teams. Additionally, the pandemic has led to a rise in burnout among esports players, who are spending more time than ever practicing and competing. This has led some players to take breaks from the industry, which can hurt their performance and long-term prospects.
The Future of Esports
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the esports industry, with both pros and cons. While the increase in viewership and new partnerships are positive developments, the cancellation of live events and lack of opportunities for new players are significant challenges. However, as the world continues to adjust to a new normal, the esports industry is likely to continue to attract new fans, players, and sponsors. Ultimately, the future of esports depends on how well the industry is able to adapt to changes in the global landscape.