Humans are wired for competition, creating a big opportunity for game developers. With the rise of eSports and competitive mobile gaming, developers can leverage this innate need for competition to create vibrant communities that help extend the lifespan of a game and fuel a more compelling experience for players.

The good news is that the eSports industry shows no signs of stopping, according to the 2018 Global Esports Market Report by Newzoo, a global leader in eSports, games, and mobile intelligence. This is the fourth edition of Newzoo's annual report, which provides an in-depth look at the eSports economy - globally and per region - and showcases the future potential in terms of trends, viewers, franchises, and revenue streams. 

Here are some key takeaways from the report:

• Global eSports revenue will reach $906 million in 2018, a year-on-year growth of 38.2%.
• Brands will invest $694 million in the eSports industry; 77% of the total market. This will grow to $1.4 billion by 2021, representing 84% of total eSports revenue.
• The number of eSports enthusiasts worldwide will reach 165 million in 2018, a year-on-year growth of 15.2%. 
• The global average annual revenue per eSports enthusiast will be $5.49 this year, up 20% from 2017.
• In 2017, there were 588 major eSports events that generated an estimated $59 million in ticket revenue, up from $32 million in 2016.

To learn more and read all the high-level takeways, download the Newzoo report for free.
 

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