THE EVOLUTION OF GAMING & EMERGENCE OF ESPORTS
First created in the 1950s as academic training tools, it wasn’t until after the 1970s that video games really took off. Starting with the development of Commodore 64 in 1982, the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985, and the first handheld Gameboy in 1989 all the way to today with iPhones, the PlayStation 4, and XBox One, there’s no doubt that the development of cutting-edge graphics, consoles, and computer processors have led to the accessibility and popularity of games.
From LAN parties in the 1990s to arenas packed with thousands of eager fans in early 2018, with a bit of luck and the creation of ‘game-changing’ technological advancements, gaming has gone from a casual hobby to a revolutionary multi-million dollar modern entertainment industry in just a few decades’ time.
According to the Pew Research Center, 49% of American adults play video games either on a computer, console, TV or a mobile device, so naturally, esports served as a way to transform gaming (something people were already spending their time doing) into a spectator sport.
An unrecognized benefit of esports global popularity for brands is the accessibility and relatability of its professionals. Whereas in traditional sports, the competitors are fine-tuned athletes with, oftentimes, unfathomable and glamorous lifestyles, esports athletes come from all backgrounds and in all shapes and sizes. Furthermore, and thanks to the digital, fast-paced nature of gaming platforms, players and their fans are online all the time.
Whether they’re streaming their gameplay to an online audience via Twitch or showing off highlight reels via social platforms, gamers are digital natives, highly relatable, and cognizant of their online influence and how to wield it for the benefit of the gaming and larger online community. These are passionate people who love gaming, tech, and supporting others who share their same interests. The democratization of the players and the games they play contributes to esports’ allure and the loyalty of its 300+ million fans around the globe.
As societal influencers like investors, celebrities, and media companies like ESPN claim their seat at the table, now is the perfect time for brands to discover how they can be apart of esports rise to dominance in mainstream entertainment.
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