The "Esports Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Esports Market was valued at USD 1.97 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach USD 5.18 billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 17.48%

Companies like Microsoft, Electronic Arts, and Take-Two Interactive Software, among others, have for many years brought to gamers some of the most detailed, deep, and competitive multiplayer games available in the eSports market. These publishers set the standard and create experiences that are brimming with competitiveness. Microsoft is well-experienced in the world of professional gaming. Games such as Starcraft, Warcraft, and now Overwatch make for good entertainment and are popular and lucrative pro-gaming scenes.

In 2024, Electronic Arts will invest heavily in its flagship franchises, such as FIFA, Madden NFL, and The Sims, continuously updating and expanding them to retain and grow their user base. Microsoft focuses on industry mergers and acquisitions. In 2022, the organization acquired Activision Blizzard, Inc. to expand its product portfolio and gain a competitive advantage in the market.

Furthermore, six major companies in the global esports market lead the industry: Sony Group Corporation, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, ESL FACEIT Group, Take-Two Interactive Software, and Tencent. Sony Group Corporation is also one of the major vendors in the esports market due to its strategic investments and robust PlayStation ecosystem. For example, in 2022, the company acquired esports platform Repeat.gg and a stake in the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), one of the biggest fighting game tournaments globally. These moves bolstered Sony's influence in the competitive gaming scene.

North America dominated the global esports market share, accounting for over 44% in 2023. The region's dominance can be attributed to the high internet penetration rate and technological advancements. The U.S. contributed the highest revenue share globally in this sector, driven by top companies' presence and growing popularity among young audiences.

The growing integration of esports into Native American education and culture highlights a significant shift in how the esports market is evolving. As Native American schools embrace esports, they are creating new opportunities for students and adding rich cultural dimensions to the gaming industry. For instance, games like Never Alone, which incorporate Indigenous narratives and collaboration with Alaska Native elders, reflect a broader trend where gaming is becoming a platform for cultural representation and storytelling.

Furthermore, in the APAC region, revenue generated majorly from China, South Korea, and Japan is the dominant force in the esports market, mainly due to a deep-rooted gaming culture, advanced technological infrastructure, and substantial investment from private and public sectors. The region's preference for mobile gaming has fueled the popularity of mobile esports titles like "Mobile Legends" and "PUBG Mobile."

Moreover, while somewhat fragmented due to language and cultural diversity, Europe has a strong esports market in countries like Germany, Sweden, and the UK, focusing on community-driven events and grassroots tournaments. According to the global esports market report, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets driven by a young, tech-savvy population and increasing internet penetration. These regions are seeing rapid growth in viewership and participation, although they still lag in terms of infrastructure and investment.

ESPORTS MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Growing Popularity Among Gen Z and Millennials

The world of competitive video gaming has rapidly increased in popularity and acceptance over the past decade. This growth can be attributed largely to two demographic cohorts: Generation Z and Millennials. In 2023, events like the League of Legends World Championships draw millions of viewers and feature performances by artists like Imagine Dragons and Lil Nas X in packed stadiums.

Marketers are eager to reach its valuable audience, which consists mainly of tech-savvy Gen Z and millennials, who are difficult to target through traditional advertising methods due to adblock and ad-blindness. Furthermore, the regular online consumption of esports in European countries reveals the success of the esports market. Italian and Spanish people regularly visit relevant online platforms. The popularity of esports in Spain and Italy is due to the higher adoption of new digital trends. The growing media presence and public coverage of esports are leading to a higher general awareness.

Adoption of Digitization

The adoption of digitization has primarily changed the esports market net worth, driving its rapid growth and expanding its reach. From the early days of competitive gaming, where tournaments were modest and localized, the shift to digital platforms has enabled esports to become a global trend. The booming digital economy, driven by the rapid growth in smartphone shipments, is fueling the expansion of the eSports industry.

As more people access advanced devices and stay connected, the industry is poised to benefit from increased viewership, engagement, and participation. The convergence of technology and gaming, supported by this digital growth, is set to propel eSports into a mainstream entertainment giant, attracting both new players and larger audiences globally.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Fraudulent Activity

Data monetization will lead to privacy issues as esports continue to grow; personal data, including players' names, nicknames, likenesses, and player performance data, have become very valuable. In 2024, E-Nugget online gaming fraud in Kolkata (India) has generated a shadow over the burgeoning eSports market, shaking investor confidence and user trust.

The incident highlights the vulnerabilities within the digital gaming space with ₹90 crore ($10.9 million) frozen across 70 accounts and ₹19 crore ($2.28 million) seized from 2,500 bank accounts. The app's deceitful promise of high returns before its abrupt shutdown has left many users financially stranded, potentially stalling the growth of eSports as regulators tighten scrutiny and potential players and investors grow wary of future investments in the sector.

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED

• What is the growth rate of the global esports market?
• Which region dominates the global esports market share?
• How big is the global esports market?
• What are the significant trends in the global esports market?
• Who are the key players in the global esports market?

Key Attributes:

Market Opportunities & Trends

• Growth in Adoption of AR and VR in Esports
• Growth in Outlook of Mobile Esports
• Growth in Popularity of Esports Among Gen Z and Millennials

Market Growth Enablers

• Adoption of Digitization
• Government Investment in Esports
• Esports as a Growing Career Option

Market Restraints

• Regulation and Governance
• Increase in Fraudulent Activities
• Health Hazards of Gaming

Premium Insights

• Opportunity Pockets
• Market Maturity Indicator
• Regional Insights
• Market Definition
• Report Overview
• Opportunities & Challenge Analysis
• Segment Analysis
• Regional Analysis
• Competitive Landscape
• Esports Evolution
• Investment from Brands in Esports Industry
• Merger and Acquisitions
• Value Chain Analysis
• Esports Ecosystem

Key Company Profiles

• Electronic Arts Inc.
• ESL FACEIT Group
• Microsoft
• Sony Group Corporation
• Take-Two Interactive Software
• Tencent

Other Prominent Vendors

• 100 Thieves
• Aksys Games
• Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Capcom
• Cloud9 Esports
• Crytek
• Deep Silver
• Fnatic Ltd
• Frenzy Arena
• G ESPORTS HOLDING
• GAIMIN GLADIATORS
• Gameforge
• Com2uS Holdings
• Gen.G Esports
• Hi-Rez Studios
• HUYA Inc.
• Kabam
• Karmine Corp
• Kinguin.net
• Konami Holdings Corporation
• NCSoft
• Neowiz Games
• Nintendo
• Nival
• NRG
• Sega
• SK Telecom CS T1 Co
• Space Station Gaming
• Super Evil Megacorp
• Talon Esports
• Twitch Interactive
• Valve Corporation
• Wargaming Group Limited

Segmentation by Revenue

• Sponsorships
• Advertisements
• Media Rights
• Game Publisher Fee
• Merchandise & Tickets

Segmentation by Game

• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
• Player versus Player (PvP)
• First-person shooter (FPS)
• Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
• Massive Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)

Segmentation by Platform

• Console
• PC
• Mobile & Tablets

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cpld71

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