How Streaming Platforms Are Creating a New Class of High Earners
Ellen Mckeever Ellen Mckeever

How Streaming Platforms Are Creating a New Class of High Earners

Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have skyrocketed in popularity, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. These platforms offer content creators, or streamers, a stage to showcase their gaming skills, share insights, and engage with their audience directly. This interactive model has created a unique form of entertainment that captivates millions.

Read More
A bold move or necessary: Rolling Stone Integrates Gaming into Their Editorial Process
Trev Keane Trev Keane

A bold move or necessary: Rolling Stone Integrates Gaming into Their Editorial Process

By incorporating a gaming vertical in partnership with a leading, public funded backed entity, Rolling Stone will be able to provide comprehensive coverage of the gaming world. The support from ESL FaceIT means they can cover, with confidence, a range of topics across gaming and of course, esports. It will be interesting to see how deep they go, will they focus on in-depth reviews of the latest titles or root around into the culture, technology, and its socio-economic implications of gaming.

Read More
Understanding the Gaming Audience: Demographics, Preferences, and Brand Engagement Opportunities
Jake Gent Jake Gent

Understanding the Gaming Audience: Demographics, Preferences, and Brand Engagement Opportunities

The gaming industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, evolving from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon. With the global gaming market projected to surpass $400 billion in 2024, understanding the gaming audience has never been more crucial for developers, marketers, and brands looking to engage with this diverse and dynamic group. This article explores the demographics of gamers, their preferences, and the myriad opportunities for brands to connect with this audience.

Read More
Why Brands Should Sponsor the Esports World Cup: Early Bird vs. Second Mouse
Lewis Buck Lewis Buck

Why Brands Should Sponsor the Esports World Cup: Early Bird vs. Second Mouse

The evolving landscape of sports offers myriad opportunities for brand sponsorships, particularly with the advent of new assets and changing regulations. However, accurately valuing these emerging opportunities can be challenging, leading to caution among potential sponsors. A prime example is the introduction of sleeve sponsorships in football in 2017, where early adopters found significant value, while others waited to gauge the market. Similarly, the Esports World Cup presents a dynamic opportunity for brands to engage with a young, tech-savvy audience and establish a pioneering presence in the rapidly growing esports sector.

Read More
The Untapped Brand Value of Collaborating with Gaming Content Creators
Ben Finnegan Ben Finnegan

The Untapped Brand Value of Collaborating with Gaming Content Creators

In today's digital era, the landscape of marketing is constantly evolving. One of the most dynamic and influential sectors driving this change is the gaming industry, particularly through the rise of gaming content creators. Brands that recognize the immense potential of partnering with these creators can unlock significant value, driving both engagement and growth.

Read More
esports Needs More In-Game Branding Opportunities to Compete with LEDs in Traditional Sports
Michael Stafford Michael Stafford

esports Needs More In-Game Branding Opportunities to Compete with LEDs in Traditional Sports

As esports continues to grow in popularity, its potential for monetisation and branding also expands. Traditional sports have long mastered the art of in-game advertising, leveraging LED displays and strategically placed branding opportunities to maximise sponsor visibility. To truly compete with this established model, esports must innovate and expand its in-game branding opportunities. One prime example of this potential is found in the approach taken by DOTA 2, where in-game flags serve as dynamic branding assets. By adopting similar strategies, other esports titles can enhance their appeal as "made-for-broadcast" propositions.

Read More
Easter Eggs in Gaming: What Brands & Creatives Can Learn From Them
Darragh Barker Darragh Barker

Easter Eggs in Gaming: What Brands & Creatives Can Learn From Them

Easter eggs in video games have evolved from hidden credits and simple jokes to intricate, well-crafted secrets that add layers of depth to the gaming experience.

These hidden treasures not only delight players but also foster a sense of community and shared excitement. For brands and creatives, the concept of Easter eggs offers a treasure trove of opportunities to engage with audiences in innovative and memorable ways. This thought piece explores the history and significance of Easter eggs in gaming and provides actionable insights for brands and creatives to harness their potential.

Read More
Mobile Esports: Compeition On The Go
Ellen Mckeever Ellen Mckeever

Mobile Esports: Compeition On The Go

The landscape of esports has been continuously evolving, and one of the most significant trends in recent years is the rise of mobile esports.

This phenomenon has transformed competitive gaming, making it more accessible and global than ever before. This thought piece explores the dynamic world of mobile esports, delving into its growth, the key players, technological advancements, and the unique opportunities it presents for brands and advertisers.

Read More
Building a Personal Brand: A Guide for New Creators
Jake Gent Jake Gent

Building a Personal Brand: A Guide for New Creators

In today's digital age, where anyone with an internet connection can share their thoughts, talents, and creations with the world, personal branding has become essential. Whether you're a content creator, an artist, a freelancer, or an entrepreneur, building a personal brand can help you stand out in a crowded online landscape. This guide is designed to help new creators understand the importance of personal branding and provide practical steps to start building their own brand.

Read More
integrating gaming into social and professional networking sites
Trev Keane Trev Keane

integrating gaming into social and professional networking sites

In a world where everyone seems to be constantly seeking innovation and engagement with existing and new users, integrating gaming into social and professional networking sites like Spotify, LinkedIn, and Instagram marks a strategic move toward enhancing user experience and increasing user retention.

Read More
Levelling the Playing Field: Insights and Strategies for Promoting Gender Inclusivity in Esports
Ellen Mckeever Ellen Mckeever

Levelling the Playing Field: Insights and Strategies for Promoting Gender Inclusivity in Esports

This year's ESL One Grand Final, which took place in Birmingham, UK from April 26-28, attracted 15,000 gaming enthusiasts. For developers, publishers, and stakeholders, this prestigious esports event offered a prime opportunity to showcase new products and developments to a diverse audience. Yet, despite the excitement, a critical observation was the complete absence of female players competing at the event, spotlighting an ongoing issue in the industry—gender disparity in professional esports.

Read More
Creating Inclusive Gaming Communities: Best Practices for Streamers, Creators and Brands
Darragh Barker Darragh Barker

Creating Inclusive Gaming Communities: Best Practices for Streamers, Creators and Brands

This evolution is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage, enhancing player engagement and broadening market reach. For streamers, creators, and brands, creating inclusive gaming communities has become essential to achieving sustainable success in a competitive digital landscape. This thought piece delves into the best practices that can help cultivate such environments, offering actionable insights and exploring the multifaceted approach required to foster inclusivity effectively.

Read More
The Gamification of Education: Learning Through Play
Darragh Barker Darragh Barker

The Gamification of Education: Learning Through Play

The appeal of gamification lies in its ability to transform the learning environment into a dynamic and interactive space. By incorporating elements that are inherently found in games, educators can create a learning experience that not only educates but also entertains, thereby capturing the increasingly divided attention of students in a digital age. The primary goal of gamification in education is to foster a deeper and more sustained interaction with learning materials, making the educational process more effective and enjoyable.

Read More
The Evolving Gaming Industry: Opportunities for Brands and Agencies (may 2024)
Michael Stafford Michael Stafford

The Evolving Gaming Industry: Opportunities for Brands and Agencies (may 2024)

The gaming industry has continued to expand dramatically, offering substantial commercial opportunities for brands and agencies looking to engage with a diverse and growing audience. As of May 2024, several trends highlight the potential strategies for brands to effectively enter this lucrative market.

Read More
Navigating the Algorithm: Tips for Creators on Shortform Content
Jake Gent Jake Gent

Navigating the Algorithm: Tips for Creators on Shortform Content

In the digital age, where attention spans are short and scrolling is endless, short-form content has become king. Whether it's TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, creators are constantly striving to capture their audience's attention in mere seconds. However, with social media algorithms constantly evolving, navigating this landscape can be daunting. To succeed in the realm of short-form content creation, creators must understand these algorithms and tailor their content accordingly. Here are some tips to help you navigate the algorithm and maximise your impact.

Read More
Unveiling the Future: How Wearable Technology is Reshaping the Gaming Landscape
Ellen Mckeever Ellen Mckeever

Unveiling the Future: How Wearable Technology is Reshaping the Gaming Landscape

The realm of gaming is undergoing a revolutionary transformation, thanks to the rapid integration of wearable technology. As the global market for wearable tech is projected to reach a staggering $54.5 billion by 2022, its implications for the gaming industry are profound and far-reaching. With an estimated 640 million devices expected to ship worldwide by 2027, the fusion of wearables and gaming promises to create more immersive and interactive experiences than ever before.

Read More
Gamer Communities: Building and Leveraging Fan Bases for Marketing Success
Darragh Barker Darragh Barker

Gamer Communities: Building and Leveraging Fan Bases for Marketing Success

In the digital expanse where virtual worlds collide with real-world marketing strategies, gamer communities stand as pivotal arenas for brand engagement and consumer loyalty. As the digital landscape evolves, so does the approach to harnessing the communal power of gamers. This article delves into the essence of gaming communities, their marketing potentials, and the nuanced dance of integrating brand presence within these vibrant ecosystems.

Read More
The Emerging Frontier: The Convergence of Esports and Web3 Gaming | Blockchain in Esports
ESPORTS Ellen Mckeever ESPORTS Ellen Mckeever

The Emerging Frontier: The Convergence of Esports and Web3 Gaming | Blockchain in Esports

In recent years, the digital landscape, particularly within blockchain gaming and gaming innovations, has undergone transformative changes. The emergence of Web3 gaming is especially noteworthy, signifying a paradigm shift in digital interactions and asset management.

This evolution carries substantial implications for the esports industry, providing new opportunities for brands and esports agencies seeking innovative engagement and investment avenues in the future of gaming.

Read More
The Role of Esports Agencies in Nurturing New Streaming Talent
Darragh Barker Darragh Barker

The Role of Esports Agencies in Nurturing New Streaming Talent

Esports, a rapidly burgeoning industry, has not only revolutionised the way games are played and viewed but has also given rise to a new cadre of professionals: streamers. These individuals, who entertain and engage with millions globally, rely heavily on esports agencies. These agencies are crucial in transforming budding gamers into star streamers and influential esports personalities. This thought piece delves into how these agencies nurture new streaming talent, exploring their multifaceted roles and the far-reaching impact they have on the esports ecosystem.

Read More
AdTech In Gaming Is The Innovation Brands Want & Need
Darragh Barker Darragh Barker

AdTech In Gaming Is The Innovation Brands Want & Need

In recent years, the intersection of advertising technology (AdTech) and the gaming industry has emerged as a groundbreaking frontier in digital marketing. Gaming, once seen primarily as a form of entertainment, has now become a vital platform for innovative advertising strategies. This evolution is driven by AdTech's ability to create immersive and interactive ad experiences that are tailored to the dynamic and engaging environment of video games. This thought piece explores how AdTech within gaming is not just transforming how ads are delivered but redefining the very essence of interactive marketing by making advertisements a seamless part of the gaming experience.

Read More