eSports set for significant growth

Research specialist SuperData has issued a bullish forecast for the eSport vertical, predicting that annual revenues will soar from the current $748 million to $1.9 billion by 2018, with significant growth in Europe and the United States.

The Asian region leads the market at present and is still growing, but is reportedly reaching saturation point, the firm observes.

The company points to the massive popularity of the genre and the rapid progress and growth of operators like AlphaDraft and Vulcun.

Stephanie Llamas, director of research and consumer insights at SuperData, revealed in a recent interview with Fortune.com:

“With live-streaming channels like Twitch and YouTube, we’re seeing a lot of Western companies investing in eSports and there’s a lot of room to grow in those markets.”

She added that major corporates are seeing the value in the genre, noting that Red Bull and Coca Cola are both increasing budgets specifically for eSports in the United States. Such sponsorships will increase going forward, boosting the industry through marketing and promotions, she predicts.

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