5 Reasons Why Esports Will Overtake Cricket Industry
The growth of esports on a global scale is not a secret anymore. The global audience for esports is continually growing. Besides, esports is also being pulled under the umbrella of mainstream sports which also explains how rapidly the space is growing.
As the esports sector gains its long-standing recognition and credit, it is slowly and steadily also overtaking several other actual sports. The accessibility, affordability, excitement, and global reach of esports as compared to traditional sports is unmatched.
Let’s look at a simple example. Remember the popular video game “Mario”? The popular character of a carpenter is etched in the heart and minds of all not only Indian video game lovers, but also an entire generation of video game lovers across the globe. The game is close to every kid who grew up at a time when mobile phones were rare and video games were a new phenomenon.
Even if you are someone who is not completely interested in Esports, Mario is one game you will relate to irrespective. That is because Mario was more than just a game, it is an emotion. Now the question that arises is that the growing popularity of esport in the Indian sporting landscape is still at an early stage. Not to forget it has the potential to overpower the mainstream games including Cricket in popularity in times to come. Let’s explore those reasons in detail:
5 Reasons Why Esports Will Overtake Cricket Industry
Accessibility:
Esports are far more accessible than cricket. Literally, anyone with a computer or a mobile device can easily play video games. And with the onset of technology almost everyone owns a mobile device. This makes esports more accessible to a wider range of audience than traditional sports, such as cricket. Cricket requires specialized equipment and training. Cricket also needs commitment and time, as against esports games that can be played at one’s own pace and time.
Affordability
Cricket does require one to invest heavily in training, professional equipment, expert coaches and more. On the other hand, we all know, there are several esports games out there that are free-to-play. ALl that is required is a device and an internet connection, both of which can be procured at nominal rates due to the penetration of technology and the internet.
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Better reach
Currently, Cricket is only played by 12-16 member nations while Esports is far spread having the presence of distinct teams from all over the world. Esports tournaments and leagues are held all over the world, which allows players from different cultures and countries to compete against each other. This makes esports more global than traditional sports, which are often limited to a specific region or country. Thus the footprints of Esports are immense. The esports phenomena is quite big in the sporting landscape. Besides due to a larger audience the visibility of esports athletes also increases.
Support
Eventually, bigger corporate and brands are realizing the potential that esports has and are coming forward to support esports. This has majorly helped pave a new way for Esports. Besides the reach and support for esports on social media has also managed to change the gaming landscape in the global community.
Growth of esports
In 2021, the global esports audience was estimated to be around 495 million. This number is expected to grow to 646 million by 2025. This unprecedented growth is being driven heavily by the increasing popularity of video games, the rising availability of high-speed internet, and the growing number of esports tournaments and leagues. Similarly, a huge chunk of the global population are the teenages and youth, falling in age group of below 25 years old. Esport is more lucrative to these audiences, and thus they are more likely to engagein Esports rather than cricket.
