The esports industry has experienced substantial growth in recent years, with events attracting large crowds and selling out stadiums. However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, it has become increasingly difficult to hold large-scale events or competitions due to restrictions on gatherings and the need to maintain social distancing and safety protocols.
Many major esports tournaments and leagues have been postponed or cancelled, including the League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational, the Overwatch League, and the Fortnite World Cup. The cancellation of these events has resulted in significant financial losses for both organizers and participants. For instance, the revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorship deals have been impacted along with the prize money that is earned by participants.
Fortunately, remote gaming has emerged as a crucial component of the esports industry since it allowed players to connect from anywhere in the world without risking their health. In turn, remote gaming has helped many esports tournaments and leagues continue by providing an online platform for players and fans.
Many of the biggest events, such as the League of Legends Championship Series, the Dota 2 International, and the Call of Duty League, have since shifted to an online format. The remote approach has been well received by players, fans and organizers, as it passes the benefits of flexibility and progressiveness. Fans also find the opportunity to witness the matches and games without incurring additional expenses and be able to witness all of their favorite players, globally.
Furthermore, some esports games have seen a rise in popularity during the pandemic, as people search for new ways to stay entertained while being stuck at home. Prominent titles such as Fortnite and Overwatch have seen an increase in player activity since the pandemic’s arrival, making gaming a more prominent form of entertainment than ever before.
The pandemic has also forced the esports industry to experiment with new ideas, such as virtual reality events, and esports education programs created to give more insight into the esports industry to students and interested enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the esports industry, with many events being cancelled or postponed. Nonetheless, the outbreak has also accelerated the industry’s evolution with remote gaming leading the way. As Esports continue to grow, the industry will have the opportunity to explore new ideas and embrace new technologies to provide even more innovative experiences to fans, players, and organizers alike.
