Services dedicated to eSports streaming, like Twitch, have been around for some time, but their appeal has been limited to relatively niche audiences. But with eSports increasing in popularity worldwide -- and thus becoming more lucrative -- major media sites like Twitter are taking notice. The mainstream social media outlet is set to stream a 'Counter-Strike: Global Offensive' match.
Twitter has recently gotten into old-fashioned, live human sports streaming, offering Wimbledon 2016 coverage and inking a deal with the NFL to stream Thursday Night Football for the 2016-2017 season, but this is its first foray into eSports streaming. Considering that certain eSports events have reportedly garnered more viewership online than the TV viewership for the Superbowl, a venture into eSports streaming seems crucial to cement the viewer base for Twitter's streaming service.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Rise of Esports Streaming
- The increasing popularity of eSports worldwide is leading to the rise of dedicated streaming services like Twitch and Twitter, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation.
- Mainstream Adoption of Esports
- Major media sites like Twitter are recognizing the lucrative potential of eSports and are venturing into streaming eSports events, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovations in content delivery and audience engagement.
- Integration of Traditional and Esports Streaming
- Twitter's expansion into both traditional live sports streaming and eSports streaming demonstrates a trend towards integrating different types of sports entertainment, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovations in cross-platform streaming experiences.
Where This Applies
- Esports Streaming Services
- As eSports gain popularity, dedicated streaming services like Twitch and Twitter's streaming service will continue to develop and disrupt the traditional sports broadcasting industry.
- Social Media
- Major social media platforms like Twitter are capitalizing on the growing eSports market by entering into streaming, presenting opportunities for disruptive innovations in social media content and engagement.
- Traditional Sports Broadcasting
- The increasing popularity of eSports streaming services poses a challenge and opportunity for the traditional sports broadcasting industry, requiring disruptive innovations to retain and engage viewers.
