Our final chart this week compares engagement with eSports tournaments across the world regions.
APAC leads the way for watching live-streams; 1 in 4 Gamers there have watched one in the last month, compared to 1 in 5 for North America. But this lead widens considerably when it comes to watching eSports tournaments; 22% in APAC have done so in the last month, versus only 7% in North America.
The leading role that China and South Korea have played in the development of eSports is evident in these figures. Even so, that 12% of 16-24 Gamers in North America are watching eSports gives some indication that initiatives in this region – from Blizzard’s dedicated eSports arena to the increased monetization in the North American League of Legends Championship Series – will not go un-supported.
With major title Call Of Duty: WWII due to be released early next month, we can place a spotlight on Call Of Duty players’ engagement with eSports – particularly important given the game’s publisher, Activision Blizzard, has previously acquired Major League Gaming (dubbed the ‘ESPN of eSports’). Again, APAC leads the way but that a fifth of Call Of Duty players in Europe are watching eSports bodes well for Activision Blizzard’s growth in this area.
