Table of Contents
Esports Market Overview
Esports, or competitive video gaming, is a booming global industry with professional players and teams competing in popular video games. Major tournaments are broadcast on platforms like Twitch, and fans worldwide support their favorites.
Esports has attracted significant investments and offers various career paths, but it also faces challenges such as player well-being concerns. Its future looks promising with continued growth and innovation.
Market Drivers
The global esports market’s rapid growth is fueled by factors like its increasing popularity, major investments from traditional sports and corporate sectors, broadcasting deals, lucrative sponsorships, new game releases, dedicated esports facilities, and its global appeal.
Online streaming accessibility, youth engagement, and the emergence of esports betting. These elements have combined to make esports a prominent and financially promising industry on a global scale.
Market Size
The worldwide esports market had an estimated revenue of USD 1,641.2 million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 10,905.1 million by 2032, with a projected annual growth rate of 20.9% from 2023 to 2032.
List of Major Companies
These are the top ten companies operating in the Esports Market:
- Twitch-Interactive
- Activision-Blizzard
- Tencent-Holdings
- Riot-Games
- Gfinity
- Gameloft
- Sony-Group
- Valve-Corporation
- Electronic-Arts
- HTC
Twitch-Interactive
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 2011 |
| Headquarter | San Francisco, California, United States, |
| Key Management | Dan Clancy (CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 2.8 Billion (2022) |
| Headcount | ~ 1200 (2022) |
| Website | https://www.twitch.tv/p/en/company/ |
About Twitch Interactive
Twitch Interactive, Inc. is a significant presence in esports, recognized for its live streaming platform, Twitch. Tv. This platform is the hub for esports enthusiasts, enabling professional and amateur gamers to stream their gameplay live, engage with viewers in real-time, and establish devoted fan communities. It has evolved into an integral component of the esports landscape.
It is the primary destination for fans to witness live esports events, connect with their favorite players, and uncover emerging talent. Additionally, Twitch hosts esports tournaments, nurturing the competitive gaming scene. The company is pivotal in advancing esports, bringing together gamers, teams, and fans globally.
Geographical Presence
Twitch Interactive, Inc. is a globally accessible live-streaming platform with a widespread presence in North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. It has gained popularity among gamers, streamers, and viewers worldwide.
Its localization in multiple languages ensures accessibility for diverse audiences. Twitch also hosts global events, adding to its international prominence in live streaming and online content creation.
Recent Developments
- In June 2023, Twitch introduced a set of new advertising guidelines that have raised worries among streamers of various sizes. These guidelines are particularly focused on how creators integrate sponsored content into their streams, and this type of content is an essential income source for many content creators.
Activision-Blizzard
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 2008 |
| Headquarter | Santa Monica, California, US |
| Key Management | Bobby Kotick (CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 7.5 B (2022) |
| Headcount | ~ 17,000 (2023) |
| Website | https://www.activisionblizzard.com/ |
About Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard, Inc. holds a significant position in esports, known for developing competitive video games like “Call of Duty” and “Overwatch.” Their esports division, Blizzard Esports, has introduced leagues such as the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty League, featuring professional teams linked to cities or regions.
They host major esports events, draw global audiences, and invest in prize pools. Beyond that, Activision Blizzard leverages esports for player engagement by tying in-game content to esports events. In essence, the company is a major force in esports, fostering competitive gaming worldwide.
Geographical Presence
Their headquarters in Santa Monica, California, anchors their North American operations, while additional offices in cities like Irvine and Austin solidify their prominence in the North American gaming landscape. Across the Atlantic.
They maintain a robust European presence, with offices in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, actively involved in game development, publishing, and esports activities. Activision Blizzard has made its mark in Asia, notably in China and South Korea, and their reach extends to Australia and beyond.
Recent Developments
- In October 2023, Microsoft Corp. successfully finalized its purchase of Activision Blizzard Inc., marking the culmination of a deal initially announced nearly two years ago with a price tag of $68.7 billion for the video game company.
Tencent-Holdings
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 1998 |
| Headquarter | Guangdong, China |
| Key Management | Pony Ma (Chairman and CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 86.8 Billion (2021) |
| Headcount | ~ 112,771 (2021) |
| Website | https://www.experian.com/ |
About Tencent Holdings
Tencent Holdings Ltd. is a major player in esports, with significant influence on the global competitive gaming scene. As one of the world’s largest technology and gaming conglomerates, Tencent owns Riot Games, the creator of “League of Legends,” a top esports title.
They also invest in other leading game developers and operate popular streaming platforms in China, where esports content thrives. Tencent actively sponsors esports leagues and tournaments, particularly in Asia, further boosting the industry’s growth. Their extensive involvement in game development and esports investments solidifies their key role in the global esports landscape.
Geographical Presence
Headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Tencent is a major player in the Chinese technology and gaming industries, and its influence extends across the Asia-Pacific region. It has made strategic investments in Southeast Asia and India, contributing to the growth of technology and gaming in these areas.
In North America, Tencent’s ownership of Riot Games, the developer of “League of Legends,” solidifies its presence. At the same time, its strategic investments in European gaming and technology companies expand its reach into Europe.
Recent Development
- In September 2023, Tencent Holdings Ltd. secured the authorization to create and launch the mobile adaptation of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc.’s much-anticipated multiplayer game, Blue Protocol. This decision by Tencent is viewed as a strategic move aimed at enhancing its worldwide expansion endeavors, banking on the game’s potential success.
- In March 2023, Tencent Holdings Ltd. submitted a request to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange for a dual currency listing, enabling investors to trade its shares using the yuan and the Hong Kong dollar.
Riot-Games
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 2006 |
| Headquarter | Los Angeles, US |
| Key Management | Dylan Jadeja (CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $1.5 Billion (2023) |
| Headcount | ~ 4500 (2023) |
| Website | https://www.riotgames.com/en |
About Riot Games
Riot Games, Inc. is a major player in esports, celebrated for its influential role in competitive gaming. Widely known for “League of Legends,” Riot Games has built a massive esports ecosystem with leagues like LCS, LEC, and LPL. Their annual League of Legends World Championship stands among the most prestigious esports events globally.
Beyond LoL, Riot Games has introduced titles like “Valorant” into the esports scene and supports grassroots gaming through initiatives like Riot Forge. Their dedication to competitive integrity and player well-being cements their status as a driving force in esports, connecting gamers, teams, and fans worldwide.
Geographical Presence
Riot Games anchors its North American operations and oversees the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) with professional teams representing cities. They have established offices in Dublin and Berlin in Europe and manage the League of Legends European Championship (LEC).
Riot Games’ presence in Asia is particularly pronounced, with a significant foothold in China, where the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is a major esports league. They also maintain offices in South Korea and Japan. Additionally, Riot Games extends its reach to regions like Latin America, Brazil, and Turkey, where they host regional esports competitions.
Recent Developments
- In September 2023, ESE Entertainment Inc., a prominent player in gaming entertainment worldwide, confirmed its organization of a major gaming competition, specifically a tournament for Teamfight Tactics.
- In August 2023, Riot Games and the nonprofit group DonorsChoose teamed up to assist middle and high school educators who motivate the future generation of game developers, designers, and esports professionals.
Gfinity
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 2012 |
| Headquarter | London, England, UK |
| Key Management | David Halley (CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $5.3 M (2022) |
| Headcount | ~ 62 (2020) |
| Website | https://www.gfinityplc.com/ |
About Gfinity
Gfinity PLC is a notable presence in esports, specializing in various aspects of competitive gaming. They organize tournaments, provide technology solutions, and excel in broadcasting and event production. Collaborations with partners and sponsors bolster the esports industry’s financial growth while their community engagement efforts promote grassroots gaming.
Additionally, Gfinity offers consulting services, making it a key contributor to the esports landscape by fostering growth, professionalism, and inclusivity in competitive gaming.
Geographical Presence
Gfinity PLC has a notable geographical presence, primarily in the United Kingdom. They are headquartered in London, which serves as a hub for their esports activities and operations.
While their primary presence is in the UK, Gfinity’s global reach extends through their esports events and online content, attracting viewers and participants from various regions worldwide.
Recent Developments
- In November 2023, Gfinity PLC sold its remaining share in Athlos Game Technologies Limited to Tourbillon Group UK Limited for £260,000 as part of Tourbillon’s ongoing restructuring efforts initiated with their initial investment in Athlos back in June.
- In August 2023, Gfinity launched a dedicated website, Starfield Portal, to cover the highly anticipated game Starfield, developed by Bethesda Game Studios. Starfield has generated significant excitement and speculation since its announcement, promising to revolutionize the sci-fi RPG genre with its immersive space exploration set in a vast and intricate universe.
Gameloft
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 1999 |
| Headquarter | Paris, France |
| Key Management | Stéphane Roussel (Chairman and CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 321 Million (2022) |
| Headcount | ~ 3600 (2021) |
| Website | https://www.gameloft.com/ |
About Gameloft SE
Gameloft SE, a leading mobile game developer, has made its mark in esports by developing and publishing esports-friendly mobile titles. While not as prominent as PC or console esports, mobile esports have gained popularity, and Gameloft has played a role in their growth.
The company has produced competitive mobile games like “Asphalt 9: Legends” and “Modern Combat Versus,” hosting esports tournaments and events. Gameloft’s efforts in mobile esports have contributed to the broader esports landscape, offering accessible competitive gaming experiences to a wider audience through smartphones and tablets.
Geographical Presence
They maintain strong footholds in cities like Paris, Barcelona, and Bucharest in Europe, central to their game development and publishing endeavors. Across the Atlantic, their offices in North America, including New York and San Francisco, tap into the North American gaming landscape.
Gameloft extends its reach into the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific market with offices in Singapore and Tokyo. Moreover, they have established a presence in Latin America, notably in Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and the Middle East and Africa, with offices in Dubai and Johannesburg.
Recent Developments
- In July 2023, Gameloft introduced COMBO! Kids, a gaming media network tailored for brands to connect with Generation Alpha and their parents. Gameloft’s brand portfolio expansion follows the achievements of COMBO!, the largest in-game advertising network featuring popular games from well-known publishers.
- In June 2023, Gameloft revealed a major content update, “The Remembering,” for Disney Dreamlight Valley’s Early Access players. This update invites players to venture into the Forgotten Lands Biome to discover the real cause of the Forgetting. It also introduces the Wonder of Pixar Star Path, featuring treasures from beloved and upcoming Pixar movies.
Sony-Group
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 1946 |
| Headquarter | Tokyo, Japan |
| Key Management | Kenichiro Yoshida (Chairman and CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 88.4 Billion (2022) |
| Headcount | ~ 113,000 (2023) |
| Website | https://www.sony.com/en/ |
About Sony Group Corporation
Sony Group Corporation, through its gaming division Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), is a prominent player in esports. Recognized for the PlayStation console, SIE hosts esports tournaments, partners with leading organizations like ESL and FACEIT, and operates regional PlayStation Leagues.
Gamers can stream their gameplay via PlayStation consoles on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Sony’s gaming studios have developed esports-friendly titles, while PlayStation VR contributes to the emerging field of VR esports. Their investments in esports companies underscore their commitment to the industry, showcasing Sony’s significant role in the landscape.
Geographical Presence
Sony, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, boasts a strong presence in its home country, featuring R&D facilities, manufacturing plants, and corporate offices. In North America, it holds a substantial footprint with key operations in the United States and Canada, notably Sony Interactive Entertainment overseeing PlayStation.
Europe is another vital market with offices in the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. They also extend their reach to Asia-Pacific, including China, South Korea, India, and Australia. Latin American countries like Brazil and Mexico host Sony’s presence, while operations in the Middle East and Africa are focused on countries such as the United Arab Emirates and South Africa.
Recent Developments
- In November 2023, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) released the IMX992 SWIR image sensor designed for industrial use, featuring the industry’s highest pixel count at 5.32 effective megapixels.
- In June 2023, Sony Corporation entered into a multi-year global partnership with Fnatic Ltd, a London-based professional esports team. The collaboration includes co-creating gaming
Valve-Corporation
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 1996 |
| Headquarter | Bellevue, Washington, US |
| Key Management | Gabe Newell (President) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 13 Billion (2022) |
| Headcount | ~ 523 (2023) |
| Website | https://www.valvesoftware.com/ |
About Valve Corporation
Valve Corporation holds a significant position in esports. It is renowned for its contributions to competitive gaming, with iconic titles like “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” and “Dota 2,” Valve hosts and sponsors major tournaments, offering substantial prizes and global viewership. “The International” for Dota 2 is a highlight known for its record-breaking prize pools.
Valve’s gaming platform, Steam, is a hub for esports titles and communities. Their active engagement with the esports community and innovative approaches, like the Dota Pro Circuit, have solidified Valve’s role in advancing competitive gaming globally.
Geographical Presence
Valve Corporation’s geographical presence primarily centers around its Bellevue, Washington, USA headquarters. While the company’s core operations and development are based in Bellevue, Valve’s influence extends globally through its digital distribution platform, Steam, which connects gamers worldwide.
Recent Developments
- In November 2023, Valve marked the 25th anniversary of Half-Life with a substantial update. This update includes the revival of multiplayer support, the introduction of new maps, and the restoration of beloved nostalgic content.
- In October 2023, Valve Corp. announced the launch of SteamVR 2.0, the next significant update for its PC virtual reality interface. This release comes just one month after the company surprised users with a preview version, bringing many enhancements and improvements.
Electronic-Arts
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 1982 |
| Headquarter | Redwood City, California, US |
| Key Management | Andrew Wilson (CEO and Chairman) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 7.4 Billion (2022) |
| Headcount | ~ 12,900 (2022) |
| Website | http://ea.com/ |
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (EA) is a major player in esports, with a strong focus on its EA Sports titles like FIFA, Madden NFL, and NHL. These franchises host official esports leagues and tournaments, attracting top talent. EA also operates the EA Competitive Gaming (EA CG) division, overseeing esports programs for its games and managing events such as the FIFA World Cup.
EA’s presence extends to titles like Apex Legends, with the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) for battle royale esports. They actively engage with the esports community, prioritize broadcasting, and continuously develop and enhance their esports-friendly games, contributing significantly to competition.
Geographical Presence
Headquartered in Redwood City, California, USA, EA’s robust North American footprint extends to cities like Vancouver, Austin, and Orlando. They maintain an extensive European network, with offices in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Sweden, and more, and development studios and publishing operations.
In the Asia-Pacific region, EA has offices in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, actively engaging with their gaming communities. Latin America also hosts EA’s presence, with localized operations catering to gamers and fans. Additionally, EA reaches out to players and fans in other regions, including the Middle East and Africa.
Recent Developments
- In November 2023, Electronic Arts (EA) and Skyesports teamed up to bring the mobile football game EA Sports FC Mobile to college campuses nationwide. This exciting initiative, the EA Sports FC Mobile Campus Tour, kicked off in November and is scheduled to run through December 2023. The tour will visit six colleges in different cities nationwide, allowing students to enjoy and engage with the game on campus.
- In September 2023, Electronic Arts (EA) introduced its inaugural football Esports game, notably without the FIFA branding. With the release of “FC 24,” EA aims to sustain the momentum of its highly successful franchise and fortify itself against any potential industry downturn.
HTC
Company Overview
| Establishment Year | 1997 |
| Headquarter | Xindian, New Taipei, Taiwan |
| Key Management | Cher Wang (Chairperson & CEO) |
| Revenue (US$ Bn) | $ 5.2 Billion (2021) |
| Headcount | ~ 2,174 (2022) |
| Website | https://www.htc.com/in/ |
About HTC Corporation
HTC Corporation has notably impacted esports through its innovative virtual reality (VR) division and products. Renowned for the HTC Vive VR headset, the company has fostered the growth of VR esports, with titles like “Beat Saber” gaining popularity in this domain.
HTC’s Viveport platform has also featured esports-related content and tournaments, while partnerships with esports organizations and events, such as the VR League, have further solidified their presence. HTC’s contributions extend to VR esports, where their technology has propelled the development of competitive VR gaming experiences and tournaments.
Geographical Presence
HTC Corporation, based in Taiwan, has a significant geographical presence with a global reach. While its headquarters are in New Taipei City, Taiwan, the company’s products and services are available and distributed worldwide.
HTC has established offices, partnerships, and retail channels in various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Recent Developments
- In May 2023, Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC Corp. revealed its HTC U23 series, which includes smartphones featuring metaverse capabilities. This marks the company’s return to launching new smartphone models with metaverse features since the HTC Desire 22 Pro release in June 2022.
- In January 2023, HTC VIVE introduced its latest consumer flagship all-in-one device, the VIVE XR Elite. This headset merges the functionalities of mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) into a single, compact, lightweight, potent, and exceptionally adaptable device. It’s ideal for various purposes, including gaming, fitness, productivity, and beyond.
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