Esports – The Latest Online Craze

The video game industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It gains hundreds of millions in revenue on a yearly basis. From the basic 32-bit programs in the 80s’ to the HD games we play today, the industry has come a long way to establish itself as a lucrative business.

Alongside the development of the gaming industry, the equally rapid rise of esports has been just as astonishing. They have gone from just another form of gaming to one of the most sought-after forms of entertainment worldwide in just a few years.

Our friends at NJGames composed the infographic below that shows just how much esports have grown over the last few years. The enterprise went from 124 million viewers to 335 million between 2012 and 2017, almost triple the amount over a 5-year period.

The rise in popularity has coincided with the release of fan-favorite titles like Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Halo. The growth of esports has also seen a spike in sales of Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox, and the hugely popular Nintendo Switch. Gamers are purchasing consoles more than ever to join the latest online leagues and competitions.

The enterprise no longer appeals only to console owners. eSports is becoming very much a spectator sport. This is evident by the sell-out crowds at competitions. Research shows that about 40% of spectators have not played video games they watch.

Competitions have gotten bigger over the years, with events now being held at 50,000+ sitter indoor stadiums. The online streaming community has played a large part in developing and marketing the enterprise, with online gamers forming forums and online communities to support and advertise the games they love.

Check out the infographic below for more numbers and facts behind the meteoric rise of esports.