Unpacking Esports Ecosystems: The Key Stakeholders

The esports industry, characterized by diverse stakeholders, can be viewed as a collaborative network where partners rely on each other for growth and success. The business model prioritizes value integration, emphasizing cooperation for collective advancement. Figure 1 illustrates the structure of the esports ecosystem. A simplified explanation of how the system operates is as follows:

The Esports Ecosystem

1) Esports teams assemble a team of pro gamers, participate in games organized by event organizers and broadcasted on streaming platforms to fans/viewers

2) Investors and sponsors provide funding to teams for marketing opportunities

3) Esports teams and gamers engage with fans/viewers through streaming platforms and social media

4) Game publishers not only develop the games but also function as event organizers for league tournaments on a global scale.

The ecosystem continues to evolve around a specific esports title as the stakeholder interacts with each other During the process. We will delve into the stakeholders in more details in the next session.