If we look at the revenue figures generated by the eSports market in 2023, United States comes top of the pile with $870 million in revenue. However, the other two countries making up the two three are China, with $445 million and South Korea with $274 million in revenue. This underlines the popularity of eSports in Asia but why is Asia’s eSports scene thriving?
The Asian Games
One of the reasons why eSports is thriving in Asia is due to the acceptance of eSports events as true sporting events. The 2022 Asian Games (which took place in 2023) is the perfect example and in addition to the regular sports featured at the games over the years, including swimming, diving, athletics, boxing, gymnastics, rowing, table tennis, and weightlifting, there was a new sport in the lineup. The eSports competition was the first time eSports was added as a medal event in the Asian Games, having previously been used as a demonstration event. Several games were used at the 2022 Asian Games, including Arena of Valor, Dota 2, EA Sports FC Online, League of Legends, and Street Fighter V. It was even possible to bet on the outcome of the event at the laman judi terbaik, and that added an extra layer of excitement for spectators. With eSports making its debut at the Asian Games, it enjoyed plenty of coverage, and led to more people wanting to participate in eSports across the continent.
National Pride
Every country takes pride in specific sports and activities, with horse racing being a good example in the United Kingdom and baseball in the United States. If we take South Korea as an example of an Asian country, there are only a handful of professions that can result in a military service exemption, such as highly talented musicians, artists, and sports people. Recently, South Korean pro-gamer Lee “Faker” Sang Hyeok and his team were given a military service exemption and it was the first time an eSports team received this exemption. That shows how prestigious eSports has become in South Korea and it is a profession that is taken very seriously in the country. It is hard to imagine something similar happening in the UK, but eSports has become more mainstream in South Korea and the Asian continent, which is why it continues to thrive.
Government Support
In addition to national service exemptions, Asian governments have been keen to support the growth of eSports. Several countries across the continent have given eSports the same platform as traditional sports, with Indonesia being a fine example. In Indonesia, eSports is recognized as an official sport and the government have created the Indonesian Esports Central Board (PB ESI) to further promote eSports in the country. Singapore is another country that has taken big steps in the eSports industry, including hosting The International in 2022, which is arguably the biggest Dota 2 gaming event in the world. Singapore became the first Southeast Asian nation to host The International and the eSports industry revenue has grown to over $2 billion in the country.
Improved Technology
It is impossible for anyone to get involved in eSports without access to the required technology and that is one area where Asia excels. The rollout of 5G networks across the continent means eSports players can enjoy competing online without having to worry about lag ruining their gaming experience. Knowing games will flow smoothly, at fast speeds and without disruption encourages new players to get involved. There are also many smartphone brands available in Asia that make affordable devices capable of playing eSports games and that provides opportunities for more gamers to play games competitively online.
