eSports has long been a growing industry, and the UK is looking to capitalise on the fast-growth and changing technologies. With the UK Gambling Commission supporting some of the latest eSports and betting companies to help those looking for the latest tournaments and best CSGO odds, FIFA events, and Fortnite tournaments to place their wagers on, we can only see further growth in this particular industry across the UK. Here, we’re looking at how eSports has grown in the UK and what the future holds.
eSports Growth
According to the value of Esports in the UK report, the industry in the UK has grown at an average rate of 8.5% annually between 2016 and 2019, contributing to just under 8% of the global market value in 2019. Since the pandemic, eSports has seen even further growth, with the number of users expected to reach 17.1m users by 2027 in the United Kingdom. In addition, lockdowns led to increasing numbers of people seeking alternative forms of entertainment, and eSports saw a spike due to this – and this has only continued.
It was only in 2020 that the games industry established universal eSports principles, and the industry has only continued to grow globally since this was introduced. The UK is looking to become the pinnacle of this growth, while China and the United States currently drive the most revenue through eSports currently. The support of trade associations such as Ukie in the UK will only continue to progress this.
Ukie eSports & Their Impact
Ukie is the trade association for games and interactive entertainment in the UK. As a not-for-profit, they offer support for all forms of gaming and those involved, including players, developers, studios, and more, across all forms of gaming. Ukie have identified the strong opportunity within the eSports industry as one of the fastest growing and most exciting forms of gaming and recognise the UK’s potential to be the hub of eSports in the future.
Ukie currently represents over 60 of the UK’s biggest and best eSports companies and aims to be a voice in the sector. They support eSports members through the promotion of opportunities, policy influencing, research and insights, networking, and access to talent.
How The UK eSports Industry Could Grow Further
The industry as a whole has significant potential for future growth, particularly in the UK. Government engagement could be core in preventing potential barriers for development, and drawing from expertise from the UK could help to support the growth and export of eSports products across the globe.
Some of the current sticking points for the industry in the UK is for visas, particularly for those seeking employment in eSports as full or part-time work (both the gamers and those behind the scenes with the platforms, etc.). More visibility and clearer guidance on the state of visas for players and talent in the industry could help to make the industry even more encompassing.
With so much potential, particularly in the UK as one of the fastest-growing countries for the industry, eSports in the UK will continue to develop and grow.