# Engaged eSports Networks help gaming fans connect with each other and find nearby events. By [Joey Haar](https://www.trendhunter.com/joeyisa), Research Writer | Published Nov 8, 2017 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/engaged-esports ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Engaged eSports trend? **Engaged eSports:** As esports continue the transition into the mainstream, the droves of fans and followers who connect to the competitions need ways to connect with one another. Platforms and networks have thus arisen to satisfy this need, giving fans resources for finding nearby pro and amateur events, learning the ropes of competitive gaming, and connecting with one another. In this way, brands that find methods for serving a preexisting, passionate fan base can channel some of that passion towards their own cause. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 2, 2017 to Apr 14, 2018 - Published: Nov 8, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Engaged eSports trend ### Esports Networking Platforms Platforms and networks have arisen to connect esports fans with one another, finding nearby pro and amateur events while learning the ropes of competitive gaming. ### Professional Esports Bootcamps As it becomes apparent to a growing number of people that pursuing a career in eSports is not only possible, but lucrative as well, opportunities in professional esports bootcamps are increasing. ### Esports Industry Events Esports Academy Events aims to educate and instruct up-and-comers in the industry beyond playing better by featuring speeches from important figures within the esports industry. ## What the Engaged eSports trend means for industry ### For eSports & Online Gaming These trends reflect the ongoing growth of the esports and online gaming industry, presenting opportunities for businesses to tap into this passionate and lucrative market. ### For Education & Training Professional esports bootcamps reflect the rise of education and training programs for esports gamers and athletes, creating opportunities for edu-tech and training companies. ### For Event Planning Esports networking platforms and industry events present new and unique event planning opportunities that cater to a passionate and growing fanbase. ## Workshop question Identify a niche group of passionate consumers that your brand could serve. How would you do so? ## Trend signals for Engaged eSports Trend score 2.2 out of 10, from popularity 28%, activity 29%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 28% - Activity: 29% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Engaged eSports trend 4 featured examples from Mar 2, 2017 to Apr 14, 2018. - [eSports Industry Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esports-academy): The Esports Academy Will Help New Players Enter the Competitive World (Category: Tech) Implication: Integrating gaming technology and software within the esports academy for the optimal learning experience - [Online Gamer Event Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/event-discovery): 'Victus.gg' Acts as an Event Discovery and Management Platform (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Esports organizations and leagues can benefit from working with event discovery and management platforms like Victus.gg to increase visibility and participation in their events. - [Professional eSports Bootcamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/academy-of-esports): The Academy of eSports is Launching an Educational Dota 2 Intensive (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for educational institutions to offer eSports training programs. - [Expansive Gaming Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaming-network): The 'Gizer' Global Gaming Network Connects Gamers and Hosts Together (Category: Tech) Implication: The 'Gizer' global gaming network disrupts the gaming industry by creating a comprehensive and organized platform for gamers to connect and find businesses and services. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)