Exploring How Streaming Platforms Have Changed the Landscape of Professional Esports

In the past decade, streaming platforms have been instrumental in the growth of esports, drastically changing the landscape of professional esports. From viewership to revenue to competitive participation, streaming platforms have had a significant impact on the industry, and its implications for the future are undeniable.

Viewership

One of the most notable changes in the esports industry over the past decade is the increase in viewership. Streaming platforms have made it easier than ever for people to watch esports matches, with more than 1.6 billion hours of esports content streamed in 2019 alone. This has increased the visibility of the industry, making it more accessible to a wider audience and helping to drive viewership numbers up. As a result, esports tournaments are now some of the most-watched events in the world, attracting millions of viewers from all over the globe.

Revenue

Streaming platforms have also had a significant impact on the revenue generated by the esports industry. Streaming platforms have allowed for more monetization opportunities, allowing for the introduction of in-game purchases and subscriptions, as well as allowing for sponsorships and advertising. As a result, the esports industry has seen a huge increase in revenue, with the global esports market expected to hit $1.5 billion in 2020.

Competitive Participation

Finally, streaming platforms have had a significant impact on the competitive participation in esports. With streaming platforms, amateur gamers can now easily broadcast their matches, giving them exposure and allowing them to build a following. This has made it easier for amateur gamers to break into the professional scene and compete at a higher level, increasing the competition in the industry and making it more accessible.

Implications for the Future

The implications of streaming platforms for the future of the esports industry are undeniable. As viewership continues to grow, so will the revenue generated by the industry. This will in turn lead to more investment in the industry, allowing for the growth of teams, tournaments, and players. In addition, the increased competition will lead to an even higher level of play, making esports even more exciting and popular.

Overall, streaming platforms have had a major impact on the growth of esports over the past decade, drastically changing the landscape of the industry. From viewership to revenue to competitive participation, streaming platforms have had a significant effect on the industry, with implications for the future that are undeniable.