Mobile gaming has become a prominent feature of the gaming market and is projected to generate $77.2 billion in 2020, almost half of the global gaming market. Mobile esports has become increasingly popular as games like Clash Royale and Arena of Valor have attracted huge crowds at major tournaments around the world. Virtual sports, computer-generated simulations of real-life sports, have also become increasingly popular, as they provide a different kind of competition from traditional esports games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. As technology continues to advance, esports will continue to evolve, with the use of augmented reality and virtual reality in esports holding particular potential.
The Latest Trends in Esports: Mobile Gaming and Virtual Sports
The Rise of Mobile Gaming
In recent years, mobile gaming has seen a tremendous increase in popularity. According to a report from Newzoo, mobile gaming is set to generate $77.2 billion in revenue in 2020, making up almost half of the global gaming market.
Mobile esports is also taking center stage. Games like Clash Royale, PUBG Mobile, and Arena of Valor have all gained huge followings and are being played competitively at major tournaments around the world. Major esports organizations like Team Liquid and FNATIC have even started recruiting mobile esports players.
One of the reasons for this trend is the accessibility of mobile devices. Everyone has a phone, and many of these devices are capable of running high-quality games. Mobile gaming also allows players to compete with anyone, anywhere, at any time. This 24/7 accessibility has made mobile gaming a global phenomenon.
The Emergence of Virtual Sports
Virtual sports, which are computer-generated simulations of real-life sports, have been around for a while. However, they have only recently started gaining traction in the esports world.
Virtual sports offer a different kind of competition from traditional esports games. While games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive require quick reflexes and strategic thinking, virtual sports like FIFA and NBA 2K require players to have a deep understanding of the sport they are playing. This makes virtual sports a great option for players who may not excel in the fast-paced world of traditional esports.
Virtual sports also offer a unique viewing experience. Because they are based on real-life sports, viewers are more likely to understand what is happening on the screen, making it easier to follow along. Additionally, the use of professional players and commentators from the sports world add a certain level of legitimacy to the competitions.
The Future of Esports
The rise of mobile gaming and virtual sports is just the beginning of the evolution of esports. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative changes in the industry.
One potential area for growth is the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in esports. AR and VR have the potential to create immersive gaming experiences that blur the line between the virtual and real world. Additionally, the growth of esports betting is expected to continue, with estimates indicating that the global esports betting market will reach $12.9 billion by 2020.
As esports continues to grow, it is also becoming increasingly mainstream. Traditional sports teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Sacramento Kings have already entered the esports world by investing in or creating their own esports franchises. Major broadcasting companies like ESPN and Turner Sports have also started airing esports events on their networks.
Conclusion
The latest trends in esports demonstrate the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. Mobile gaming and virtual sports have both gained significant traction in recent years, and the use of AR, VR, and esports betting is likely to become more prevalent in the future. Additionally, as esports gains more mainstream recognition, we can expect to see even more athletes, broadcasters, and investors entering the industry.