The Ever-Evolving Landscape of the Video Game Industry
August 14, 2024
As someone who has been immersed in the video game industry for over 20 years, I've had the privilege of witnessing its incredible evolution firsthand. Today, the video game industry stands as a $200 billion powerhouse in the global entertainment sector. A significant part of this thriving ecosystem is esports, which represents $2Bn to $3Bn of the total industry revenue and has established its own dynamic and thriving world-wide presence.
Esports, known for its competitive gaming and vibrant community, has always been an international phenomenon. Its global reach has fostered a unique environment that supports various stakeholders, including players, teams, event organizers, and sponsors.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with - and for - some amazing organizations within this industry from Paramount Pictures to Warner Brothers Games as well as Turner Sports, where I focused on esports and video games, and had the honor of bringing esports to television with ELEAGUE, which was the first ever esports programming to be nominated for a Sports Emmy.
Recently, the announcement of the first-ever Olympic Games for esports, in partnership with the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee, marked a significant milestone.
Having been deeply involved in the industry since its early days, I've witnessed its evolution and the challenges it continues to face. While Olympic recognition could offer validation and elevate esports, we must be very thoughtful in how we integrate esports into the Olympics. Without careful consideration, it risks becoming a "one and done" situation, similar to what we saw with breakdancing in the Paris Games, where it didn’t have the chance to fully showcase its true potential.
Esports are distinct from traditional sports in that they encompass a variety of games, each controlled by publishers who set the rules and create environments. This fluid nature makes it difficult to classify esports under a single umbrella, much like the Olympics themselves comprise multiple, distinct sports. Additionally, the exclusion of major titles like Counter-Strike and Call of Duty, possibly due to their first-person shooter content, highlights a selective recognition that doesn’t fully represent the esports landscape.
Hosting the event in Saudi Arabia, a country with controversial views on LGBTQ+ issues, adds another layer of complexity. This move has sparked concerns about "sportswashing," where large investments in esports might be used to improve the country's global image.
Here at Lasell, I discuss these complexities daily to help my students understand the nuances of the esports industry. In class, we examine the implications of publisher control, the nature of sport, and the ethical considerations of global partnerships. The experiences that I have been fortunate enough to have, help provide a deeper perspective, encouraging students to think critically about the industry's responsibilities, its future and their place within this sector.
The Olympic Esports Games represent a step towards broader recognition, but they also prompt a critical examination of the values and narratives being promoted. This moment is pivotal for the industry and requires thoughtful consideration and dialogue. I’m proud that Lasell students are participating in this global conversation.