Esports is no longer a fad but has solidified its position in the video game sector. 2022 will be when its growth process continues to gain momentum and speed up. According to statistics from Spain’s Video Games Association, a record number of gamers was recorded in Spain in 2021, with more than 18 million video game players.
ORDB research results show us how many projects are way better, and crypto betting platforms will have a billion-euro business in 2022. So, the sector of sports betting is going through a fast renewal phase, which will soon become apparent. And the union of cutting-edge technologies and excellent connectivity is responsible for this growth spurt since they are the tools that will define how to improve the user experience and set trends.
1. Boosted Cybersecurity
Cybercriminals are dangerous to anyone with money or resources, but they may be especially dangerous to esports. With its growing infrastructure and high expansion rate, betting is at risk of becoming targeted by hackers. More investors and cash influx can attract bad guys looking for immediate financial benefits due to increased growth. DDoS assaults, software cheating, ransomware, and hacking into systems to steal sensitive data are some ways that cybercriminals may target professionals, sponsors, games, and tournament organizers.
Following two-factor authentication measures strongly bolsters security for any individual or company. Yet, the crypto betting system makes it even easier. Allowing 100% transparency, adding another protection layer, and fixing all data, it does not let a cracker/hacker steal your winnings.
2. Responsible Gaming
With casino gambling, people have coined the term “responsible gambling” due to its addictive nature. Some video games show similar addiction effects where people spend more time online instead of living their regular lives.
China, the world’s most populous country, has drastically changed its laws regarding minors playing video games. As a result, children cannot play video games for more than three hours per week. That could impact China’s ability to produce future esports professionals.
3. Betting eSports on Mobile
Mobile esports is increasingly prominent, and mobile-friendly gambling websites are not a rarity anymore — gladly. While we still see regular esports being dominant in western regions, their mobile counterparts have taken over in other parts of the world. For example, the most popular esports event, Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore, enjoyed a record-breaking 5,4 million viewers.
4. Integrity in Competition
The esports industry is booming, with many young people getting involved as players or fans. Most of the funding for esports comes from different sponsors and partners who see it as a growth sector. However, these companies don’t want their brands to be associated with unsportsmanlike behavior or crime.
Unfortunately, numerous accusations of cheating and match-fixing against players, teams, and coaches in all levels of competition over the years have been made. Even though the worst occurrences are typically limited to lower-tier leagues, there have been a few allegations involving well-known individuals.
Cheating and match-fixing are integrity issues that threaten the future of esports. To combat these problems, different leagues need to work together. Some joint initiatives could be a governing body such as ESIC or working together between tournament organizers, teams, and players.
5. Rapid Changes
Although the esports betting market hasn’t caught up to sports yet, there’s a lot of room for improvement in both the product and the fan base. However, whereas sportsbooks have significant experience with football, basketball, and hockey, esports can appear intimidating to someone who doesn’t know much about it. That is because things like tournament structures change quickly, as do game patches and popularity, requiring detailed knowledge to understand fully.
6. The Indian Market’s Potential
Although India still needs to improve in some areas, such as regulation and governing bodies for esports, the country will grow 31.79% YoY in PC and mobile game revenue in 2021. Also, gaming consumers are expected to make up 56% of the Asia-10 market. Therefore, India is a force that cannot be ignored in the esports industry.
7. Virtual Reality (VR) Experience
The metaverse is a revolutionary and unprecedented trend in the gaming industry that allows players to immerse themselves in realistic (albeit not real) environments. That technology promises much for both the gaming industry and brands, so much so that the development of conventional consoles has begun to slow down.
The best example in our country is the UCAM eSports team at Universidad Católica de Murcia. The Universidad Catóolica de Murcia has built a video game universe that may be explored using VR headsets. It’s so detailed that it includes its playing field to interact with other gamers during downtime, and it’s even got its playing area!
Final Words
The world of eSports is set to experience some significant changes. Developers, technology firms, gamers, and spectators are all preparing for what’s ahead. These already excellent statistics are projected to break even more records owing to their unwavering commitment to innovation.
