GTL: Rise of Esports Continues to Evolve the Video Game Industry

The rise of the esports industry has pushed many developers to look to perfect the competitive nature of their existing titles, while others are working to create the next big esport to take over the industry. Also, esports league like the H1Z1 Pro League and Overwatch League are at the forefront of allowing fans to show off their team pride and creating an environment that developes life long fans. On this episode of Game Talk Live, these subjects and more are discussed by host Mandie Roman, joined by an expert panel of guests including esports commentator Chris "Panky" Pankhurst, Daybreak Games lead systems and combat designer Tony Morton, and Activision Editorial Manager Kevin Kelly. 

With the rise of esports adding a whole new element to the video game industry, the panel dives into how the new industry has affected how game development is approached. Each panelists gives their thoughts and opinions on how games that have the goal of becoming an esport must be developed with an entertaining spectating experience, alongside being an enjoyable game to play. Due to this rise of a game's spectating experience needing to be of a high quality, many developers are adding in-game tools that allow for anyone from a casual player to a professional commentator to control what action themselves and the fans are seeing at any given moment. 

Discussion also covers the affect that cost has on the success of an title becoming an esport, the challenge that Call of Duty and its competitive scene faces with the release of a brand new game every year, how team pride has given fans a strong sense of community and how livestreaming has helped to grow the industry by allowing fans to interact with their favorite players on a personal level. 

“You can watch players when the #games aren’t even happening. Imagine being able to watch Tom Brady practice in his backyard and have casual commentary with the fans.” -@kevinkelly, on Livestreaming's impact on #gaming

Watch Live: https://t.co/gxXXu4AP93#videogames pic.twitter.com/QRhujH6Tw8

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 20, 2018

Game Talk Live then moves onto the passionate fanbases that many esports teams and leagues have been able to develop and how these organizations work to reward viewers for their support. From in-game reward drops for watching broadcasts, in-game and physical gear that players can wear to support their favorite team and All-Access passes that provide the most hardcore fans eclusive content, the panel discusses how these practices have helped to build the industry, as well as sharing future outlooks on how these practices will continue. 

The panel also considers how the system of city based teams introduced by the Overwatch League and large brands from the likes of traditional professional sports and other industries have fueled the growth of esports, in addition to the influence they will have on the industry, as it continues to evolve. 

"We got the gear in-game and in real life...I can't wait to see some of these hoodies walking around." -@Game_Dev_Carto, on #H1Z1Pro #skins

Watch Live: https://t.co/gxXXu4AP93 #esports pic.twitter.com/4z8RRwPGxZ

— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 20, 2018

Game Talk Live has wrapped up for today, but you can see it in its entirety in the embedded video above. Catch up on the previous Game Talk Live as well where a panel of experts discusses Valve's new restrictions on its skin ecosystem and the rise of the esports scene in Las Vegas.