Esports is rapidly becoming one of the biggest entertainment industries, with the global market expected to grow to a value of $1.08bn in 2021, more than 600 million people worldwide are watching esports events. While esports organizations and sponsors are investing large sums of money in the industry, the power of esports communities is one of the major factors driving growth. These groups of individuals help create engagement and loyalty from fans, playing a key role in attracting and retaining sponsors. Esports communities also promote live events and help to expand the esports industry through content creation.
The Power of Esports Communities: How Fans are Driving the Growth of Competitive Gaming
Esports – competitive video gaming – is rapidly becoming one of the biggest entertainment industries in the world. According to a report by Newzoo, the global esports industry will be worth $1.08 billion in 2021, with more than 600 million people across the world watching esports events. While esports organizations and sponsors are investing large sums of money in the industry, the power of esports communities is one of the major factors driving the growth of competitive gaming.
The Role of Esports Communities
Esports communities are groups of like-minded individuals who share a passion for competitive gaming. They come together online and offline to discuss strategies, share tips, and connect with other gamers. Some of the most popular esports communities include Reddit’s /r/leagueoflegends, Twitch, and Discord.
These communities are essential to the growth of esports because they create engagement and loyalty among fans. Esports organizations and sponsors recognize this and are increasingly investing in building and maintaining strong relationships with these communities.
Esports Communities and Sponsorship
Sponsorship is a major revenue stream for esports organizations, and esports communities play a key role in attracting and retaining sponsors. The more engaged and loyal a community is, the more value it can bring to sponsorships.
Sponsors leverage the passion and enthusiasm of esports communities to promote their brands and products. For example, Red Bull sponsors many esports events and teams and has built a large following among gamers, thanks to its partnerships with esports communities.
Esports Communities and Live Events
Live events are a crucial part of the esports experience. They offer fans the opportunity to see their favorite teams and players in person, meet other fans, and share their passion for the game.
Esports communities play a significant role in the success of live events. They help to promote events, generate hype, and encourage fans to attend. The passion and enthusiasm of esports communities can turn a small, local event into a massive, international success.
Esports Communities and Content Creation
Esports communities are also driving the growth of content creation in the industry. From live streaming and podcasts to blog posts and social media, esports fans are creating and sharing a wide range of content that is helping to build the industry.
Esports organizations are recognizing the importance of content creation and are investing in it accordingly. For example, Blizzard Entertainment, the company behind games like Overwatch and World of Warcraft, launched their own esports production studio in 2017, Blizzard Arena, to create compelling content for fans.
Conclusion
The power of esports communities is undeniable. From creating engagement and loyalty to driving sponsorships and content creation, esports fans are playing a vital role in the growth of competitive gaming. Esports organizations and sponsors need to continue investing in building and maintaining strong relationships with these communities, to ensure the continued success of the industry.