Abstract

This IDC Market Perspective updates the definition of esports and focuses on revenue generated by businesses in the esports market. More specifically, it divides esports into two core segments, two adjacent segments, sizes the respective revenue going to companies in each of these segments over the 2018–2020 period, and draws some inferences about where worldwide esports revenue is likely to head in 2021 and 2022.

"It appears that significant changes are afoot in the esports market as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our research suggests that this warrants a reconsideration of what qualifies as esports, and a reorientation toward submarkets that are showing faster growth." — Lewis Ward, research director, Gaming and eSports at IDC

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