# eSports Mainstream Competitive online gaming moves toward the realm of spectator sport. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published May 12, 2016 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/esports-mainstream ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.3/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the eSports Mainstream trend? **eSports Mainstream:** As the audience for competitive online gaming grows, a number of innovative platforms have emerged to serve to connect this fast-growing community. Related to the proliferation of accessible streaming services and a new demand for competitive gaming news, this progression demonstrates the role of Prosumerism in transforming a form of personal entertainment into a spectator sport. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 15 to Aug 8, 2016 - Published: May 12, 2016 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the eSports Mainstream trend ### Growing Demand for Competitive Gaming News and Streaming As the popularity of competitive online gaming grows, there is a corresponding need for convenient and reliable streaming services and news platforms to serve the gaming community. ### Partnerships to Bring E-Sports to the Mainstream Partnerships between e-sports companies and social media platforms such as Facebook have the power to introduce the world to the concept of e-sports and broaden the audience for competitive gaming. ### Innovations in E-Sports Consumer Experiences From e-sports gaming laundromats to massive e-sports bars, new and innovative ways of experiencing competitive gaming are emerging to make the spectator experience even more engaging. ## What the eSports Mainstream trend means for industry ### For Online Gaming Platforms As online gaming continues to grow in popularity, competitive gaming platforms that serve the community with reliable streaming and news will remain critical to the industry. ### For Streaming and Social Media Platforms Social media platforms and streaming services such as Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube are important partners in the e-sports industry, helping to grow the audience for gaming events and making them more accessible. ### For Entertainment and Hospitality Industry E-sports bars, laundromats, and other innovative venues are introducing gaming experiences to new audiences and offer new opportunities for companies in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. ## Workshop question What part of your industry sees the most passivity from consumers and how can you encourage more active engagement? ## Trend signals for eSports Mainstream Trend score 3.3 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 34%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 34% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the eSports Mainstream trend 6 featured examples from Apr 15 to Aug 8, 2016. - [Massive E-Sports Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raiders-esports-centre): 'Raiders E-Sports Centre' Has Over 30 HD TVs and 7,000 Square Feet of Space (Category: Tech) Implication: The hospitality industry can take advantage of the trend of e-sports bars by creating new experiences for patrons. - [Competitive Gaming News Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yahoo-esports): The Yahoo Esports App is Designed to Keep Gamers in the Loop (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity to become the leading news source for the emerging competitive gaming industry. - [eSports Broadcasting Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esports-gaming): The YouTube Gaming Covers eSports Gaming Live and On-Demand (Category: Tech) Implication: Streaming platforms like YouTube Gaming can serve as a centralized hub for eSports content and live coverage. - [eSports Gaming Laundromats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cleaning-laundromat): Samsung's 'LANdry' Cleaning Laundromat Appeals to Teens (Category: Marketing) Implication: Creating gamified experiences in everyday tasks like laundry can revolutionize the entertainment industry with new offerings that consumers haven't seen before. - [Chinese eSports Streaming Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/longzhu-tv): 'Longzhu TV' is an Alternative Streaming Service for Gamers (Category: Tech) Implication: The increasing demand for eSports streaming in China provides opportunities for disruptive innovation in the development of new platforms like Longzhu TV. - [Social Media eSports Broadcasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/activision-blizzard): Activision Blizzard Will Now Stream eSports Events Via Facebook (Category: Tech) Implication: The growing eSports industry is set to benefit from the broadcasting partnership between Activision Blizzard and Facebook, presenting a disruptive innovation opportunity for compa… ## 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)