eSports, also known as electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where players or teams play against each other in organized competitions. It has gained immense popularity in recent years, with millions of people tuning in to watch professional gamers compete in various games.
The pandemic, which hit the world in early 2020, brought about significant changes to the gaming industry, and eSports was no exception. With the cancellation of physical events and restrictions on travel, many traditional sports and entertainment options were no longer available. As a result, people turned to gaming and eSports as a way to stay entertained and connected with others while staying safe at home.
In Australia, eSports has been growing rapidly over the past few years, with the industry estimated to be worth over $1 billion. The pandemic accelerated this growth, with more people than ever before turning to gaming and eSports as a way to stay engaged and entertained during lockdowns and social distancing measures. As the world begins to emerge from the pandemic, it’s important to understand how the Australian eSports industry has developed over the past year and what the future holds.
Before the pandemic, the eSports industry in Australia was already seeing significant growth. The industry was estimated to be worth over $4 billion globally, and Australia was not left behind with an estimated worth of over $100 million. The growth in the industry was attributed to the increased accessibility of gaming and the rise of competitive gaming culture. There were several organizations in Australia dedicated to promoting and organizing eSports events, including the Australian Esports Association, Australian Cyber League, and Gfinity Esports Australia.
There were several major events and tournaments held in Australia before the pandemic. The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) held annually in Sydney was one of the biggest international eSports tournaments in Australia, featuring top players from around the world competing in games such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, StarCraft II, and League of Legends. The Melbourne Esports Open, held in the Melbourne Olympic Park, was another significant event that brought together thousands of gaming enthusiasts to compete and watch games such as Overwatch, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six Siege.
Several games were popular in Australia’s eSports scene, with some of the most popular ones including League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six Siege. These games were popular due to their competitive nature and the size of their player base. Many of these games had established leagues and tournaments with significant prize pools and sponsorships, attracting players from all over the world to compete in Australia.
Overall, before the pandemic, the Australian eSports industry was thriving, with a growing number of players and spectators, significant investments from sponsors, and an increasing number of events and tournaments being held each year.
The pandemic had a significant impact on the Australian eSports industry, resulting in the cancellation or postponement of several major events and tournaments, including the Intel Extreme Masters, the Melbourne Esports Open, and the Overwatch League. These cancellations left players and organizations in a difficult position, with many losing out on significant revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships.
With the cancellation of physical events and restrictions on travel, many gamers turned to online gaming as a way to stay engaged and compete. This resulted in a surge in online gaming, with platforms such as Twitch and YouTube seeing a significant increase in viewership. Additionally, many traditional sportsbooks and Australian casinos began offering betting options on eSports, further boosting the industry’s popularity. As people stayed home due to lockdowns and social distancing measures, the online viewership of eSports increased dramatically. Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube saw a surge in viewership, with many people tuning in to watch their favorite players compete in various games. The increased viewership also led to increased sponsorships and investment in the industry, with brands recognizing the potential of eSports to reach a younger and more engaged audience. However, the rise of gambling on eSports, including at Australian online casinos, has raised concerns about the potential risks of addiction and corruption in the industry. Some organizations have called for increased regulation of eSports gambling to prevent match-fixing and protect vulnerable players. It is important to ensure that measures are put in place to ensure the integrity of the games and protect players from the potential harm of excessive gambling.
In conclusion, while the pandemic had a significant impact on the Australian eSports industry, it also led to the rise of online gaming and increased viewership. The industry has adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic and is well-positioned for continued growth. However, it is important to ensure that the rise of gambling on eSports is carefully monitored and regulated to protect the integrity of the games and the players involved.
The growth of online gaming and the increased viewership of eSports has created new opportunities for players in Australia. With physical events and tournaments still limited due to ongoing restrictions, many players have turned to online competitions as a way to continue playing and competing. This has resulted in an increase in online tournaments and leagues, with some offering significant prize pools and opportunities for players to establish themselves in the industry.
The pandemic has also led to the emergence of new leagues and tournaments in Australia, offering opportunities for players to compete and gain exposure. For example, the AFL Evolution esports league was launched during the pandemic, providing a platform for Australian Football League fans to compete in the popular video game. Similarly, the Australian Esports League launched a series of online tournaments, featuring games such as FIFA, Fortnite, and Rocket League, to keep players engaged and competing.
The growth of the Australian eSports industry has also attracted new partnerships and sponsorships from brands looking to reach the industry’s growing audience. For example, in 2021, gaming peripheral brand Razer partnered with Australian esports organization ORDER, while G2 Esports signed a sponsorship deal with Australian sports apparel brand BLK. Additionally, traditional sports teams in Australia, such as the Adelaide Crows and Essendon Football Club, have also invested in eSports teams and competitions.
As the pandemic continues to affect physical events and tournaments, the Australian eSports industry is expected to continue to grow and evolve. With the rise of online gaming and increased viewership, the industry is well-positioned for continued growth and attracting new players, leagues, and sponsorships. However, it is important to ensure that the industry is carefully monitored and regulated to ensure the integrity of the games and protect players from the potential harm of excessive gambling at Australian online casinos.
One of the biggest challenges for the Australian eSports industry post-pandemic is the availability of resources. With the cancellation of physical events and the shift to online gaming, many organizations and players are struggling to access the resources they need to compete at the highest level. This includes access to high-speed internet, gaming equipment, and training facilities. This is particularly challenging for players outside of major cities, who may not have access to the same resources as those in urban areas.
Another challenge for the Australian eSports industry is the lack of government support. While other countries such as South Korea and China have recognized the potential of eSports and invested in infrastructure and support, Australia has been slower to embrace the industry. This lack of support has made it difficult for Australian organizations and players to compete on the global stage, and has limited the growth and development of the industry in the country.
Finally, the Australian eSports industry faces significant competition in the global market. While the industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, it still lags behind countries such as South Korea, China, and the United States in terms of investment and infrastructure. This makes it difficult for Australian organizations and players to compete with their international counterparts, particularly in the most popular games such as League of Legends and Fortnite.
In order to address these challenges, it is important for the Australian government to recognize the potential of eSports and provide support for the industry. This could include investing in infrastructure such as high-speed internet and training facilities, providing funding for Australian organizations and players, and promoting the industry to a wider audience. Additionally, Australian eSports organizations and players should continue to seek out partnerships and sponsorships, both domestically and internationally, in order to access the resources they need to compete at the highest level. Overall, while the challenges for the Australian eSports industry post-pandemic are significant, there are opportunities for growth and development with the right support and resources in place.
In summary, the Australian eSports industry has experienced significant growth and development in recent years, driven in part by the pandemic and the shift to online gaming. While the cancellation of physical events and the lack of government support have presented significant challenges, the industry has adapted and continued to grow through the emergence of new leagues and tournaments, partnerships and sponsorships, and increased online viewership. However, the industry still faces significant challenges in terms of resource availability and competitiveness in the global market.
Despite these challenges, the future of eSports in Australia looks promising. With the continued growth of online gaming and increased viewership, there is potential for the industry to continue to expand and attract new players, leagues, and sponsorships. However, in order for the industry to reach its full potential, it is important for the Australian government to provide support and investment in infrastructure and resources. Additionally, it will be important for Australian organizations and players to continue to seek out opportunities for growth and development, both domestically and internationally.
Overall, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the Australian eSports industry, accelerating its growth and development while also presenting new challenges. While there is still much work to be done to ensure the industry’s continued growth and competitiveness, the potential for eSports in Australia is significant, and there are opportunities for players, organizations, and sponsors to make a significant impact in the industry. As the industry continues to evolve and adapt, it will be important for all stakeholders to work together to ensure its success and sustainability.
