Esports has been on a meteoric rise in recent years, and Asia has been leading the charge in terms of growth and development. The region has seen significant investment in infrastructure, talent, and technology, positioning it as a key player in the global Esports landscape. Following two years of lockdown, we are seeing Esports return to its pre-pandemic conditions. With the return of more offline and physical events, Esports should remain relevant for many years to come. As we head into 2023, what can we expect for the future of the sport in Asia?
Growing Popularity and Awareness: Esports continues to gain traction among younger generations in Asia, and is increasingly seen as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition, on par with its traditional counterparts. This trend is only expected to grow in the coming year, as more people discover the excitement and thrill of watching or participating in Esports events.
Increased Investment: The Esports industry in Asia is attracting more investment from both domestic and international investors. This includes investment in teams, tournaments, and gaming hardware and software companies. The influx of investment is expected to drive growth and innovation in the industry, and provide opportunities for more people to get involved.
Expansion of Tournaments: With the growing popularity of Esports in Asia, we can expect to see an increase in the number of tournaments and events being held in the region. These events range from small local competitions to large-scale international tournaments, and will provide opportunities for players to showcase their skills and compete for big prizes and national pride. This year alone, AESF will oversee Esports’ inclusion in several major events, including the Southeast Asian Games, (SEA), East Asian Youth Games (EAYG, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG), and of course, the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Rise of Mobile Gaming: Mobile games still dominate the games-sphere, accounting to more than half of the total forecasted estimate at $92.2 billion in 2022. Mobile gaming has been a huge driver of growth in the Asian esports market, and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. The rise of 5G technology and the increasing number of mobile gamers in the region is expected to bring new opportunities for mobile Esports tournaments and events.
In conclusion, the future of Esports in Asia looks bright, with projections for continued growth and development in 2023. The increasing popularity and investment in the industry will provide new opportunities for players and fans, and drive innovation in the industry as a whole. It is an exciting time for Esports in Asia, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.