Esports is expected to continue growing in popularity in 2023 and beyond. This growth will be driven by increased investment and sponsorship, the rise of mobile esports, the use of AI in the industry, the involvement of traditional sports organisations, the emergence of VR esports, and the use of esports in education.
Here are a few key ways that we can expect esports to grow in 2023 and beyond:
- Increased Investment and Sponsorship
One of the biggest drivers of the growth of esports is the increased investment and sponsorship from major companies. As the popularity of esports continues to rise, it is likely that more companies will look to get involved and invest in the industry.
- The Growth of Mobile Esports
Mobile gaming has exploded in popularity in recent years, with billions of people around the world playing games on their smartphones and tablets. It is no surprise, then, that mobile esports is also on the rise. Mobile esports is expected to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the industry, with some estimates predicting it will be worth over $2.3 billion by 2023.
- The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Esports
AI is expected to play a big role in the future of esports. One way it could be used is in the development of AI-powered training tools and coaching systems. These systems could analyze a player’s gameplay and provide personalized training and advice to help them improve their skills. AI could also be used to create more realistic and dynamic in-game environments, as well as to power virtual reality (VR) esports experiences.
- The Growth of Esports in Traditional Sports
The lines between traditional sports and esports are starting to blur, with many traditional sports organisations getting involved in the industry. For example, the NBA has launched the NBA 2K League, a professional esports league featuring teams affiliated with NBA franchises. It is likely that we will see more traditional sports organisations getting involved in esports in the coming years.
- The Emergence of Virtual Reality (VR) Esports
While VR technology has been around for a while, it is only recently that it has started to be used in the esports industry. VR esports allows players to compete in immersive, realistic environments, giving them a more realistic and engaging gaming experience. VR esports is still in its early stages, but it is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as more and more developers create VR games and tournaments.
- The Growth of Esports in Education
Esports is not just about competitive play – it is also being used as a tool for education. Many schools and universities are starting to incorporate esports into their curriculum, using it to teach a range of subjects including computer science, business, and even physical education. Esports can provide a fun and engaging way for students to learn, and it is likely that we will see more educational institutions using it in the coming years.
