Esports has reached critical mass.
Growth is happening an explosive pace for the industry, due to the content being free to access online via YouTube or Twitch and its inherent accessibility.
Anybody at any age can get involved in these games if they have a console, and everybody can learn the basics of most games fairly easily.
Plus, a global pandemic has kept people away from being physically close making gaming an attractive way to connect with others and stave off boredom. But besides the connection of friends and family and the satisfaction of beating a top-ranked opponent, there is something else to be gained: Money.
In part, this growth can be contributed to increased awareness of esports in general.
But now advertisers are beginning to understand the value of connecting with gamers. Sponsoring a tournament or a content creator is a great way to grab the attention of millions. But how do these views translate to increased sales?
This is what Guild Esports must prove to investors and potential sponsors alike. Their listing on the London Stock Exchange will only be successful if they can make the connection. It also presents a massive opportunity for those not already involved in the esports ecosystem. Some may view it with more confidence than other teams because David Beckham, retired soccer player and current co-owner of Major Leauge Soccer Team Inter Miami CF, is a part-owner of the company.
The whole goal of his involvement is to bridge the gap for consumers between the two forms of competition. This means creating and cultivating current viewership for esports teams and matches like there currently are for FIFA, NBA, or NFL. To do this, the experience must be just as if not more engaging.
That’s why Guild needs the money, to create an experience and instill fandom. With that level of international recognition comes an economic benefit. The sales from tickets to and advertising dollars can be high, but the potential for merchandise is limitless.
Esports are steadily becoming more mainstream and with the success of multiple professional teams, there will be more college teams and scholarships. In the coming years, there could be scholarships for esports teams the way there is for football or basketball.
If Guild is successful, investing in esports will be seen as far less risky an endeavor. There will be more recognition of the buying power of the gaming community. We could even see more universities create more esports focused degrees like the University of California Irvine or Ohio State.
Esports is accessible, and it will continue to grow. If we as gamers continue to foster that growth then there will be jobs, degrees, sponsorships, and more available. These things ultimately enable more people to live the dream of playing, writing about, and designing video games. Guild Esport’s success will bring these opportunities much closer.
