The UK esports sector has grown an average 8.5% annually between 2016 and 2019 according to a new report evaluating the potential growth of the competitive gaming business.
Titled “The Value of Esports in the UK”, the report assesses the economic impact of UK esports and provides an overview of the sector and its impact on regional economies. It also examines the breadth of businesses active in the sector and includes a set of recommendations from Ukie for the future growth of esports.
The report, undertaken by Olsberg•SPI with Nordicity, was commissioned by UK video game trade body Ukie. Ukie (The Association of UK Interactive Entertainment) is the not for profit trade body for the UK games and interactive entertainment industry. Its mission is to turn the UK into the best place to make, sell and play games in the world.
Economic impact headlines:
- The UK esports sector has grown at an annual average rate of 8.5% between 2016 and 2019.
- The sector supported over 1,200 jobs in 2019. The UK esports sector represents just under 8% of the global market.
- The UK esports sector supported £111.5 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2019.
- A major global esports event could generate 238 full-time equivalents (FTEs) of employment and £12 million in GVA for the UK economy.
