The gaming industry brings in billions worldwide every year. Of course, there’s the major players (no pun intended) who fare well from big releases—software developers like Rockstar Games, EA, and Ubisoft. But there are also some lesser-known creators and enterprises that are claiming their share of the limelight.
As gamers wait with bated breath for 2020’s most-hyped releases, including the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, check out these five genius concepts that are profiting from the gaming industry.
1. Free-to-play games
In theory, free games seem like a lose-lose—not only do the creators miss out on profit, but also surely something created for free can’t be that great, right?
Wrong. Free-to-play gaming is a highly profitable industry that includes a number of high-profile video games such as League of Legends, Fortnite, and Counter Strike.
While these games are all free to download and play, they do feature paid aspects. But unlike the freemium ‘pay-to-win’ elements you find in games like Candy Crush, these games might also feature microtransactions that don’t significantly impact gameplay, like skins or lootboxes.
2. Sponsors
The gaming world is surprisingly full of sponsorship opportunities. Pretty much all gaming events, including conventions and tournaments, are opportunities for sponsors and advertisers to sneak in marketing ploys here and there.
As you can imagine, these events are highly popular with gaming equipment companies, and it’s not uncommon to see pro players sporting a Corsair or Razr logo, or using one of their products during a match.
Energy drink companies are also popularly spotted at these events, with Red Bull, Monster and Mountain Dew all frequent sponsors of individual players and pro teams.
3. Merchandising
Speaking of professional teams, don’t underestimate the followings these can gather.
Not unlike football teams, hardcore gamers like to back their favorite teams and just like football, these teams need to make money.
Merchandising is a great opportunity to do this, and themed clothing and accessories featuring team logos and slogans are a regular hit with avid supporters. Just like football, really.
4. Gaming TV channels
There’s a channel for just about everything nowadays, and that includes gaming. GinX Esports TV is a channel that aims to bring gaming to the mainstream just like any other sport, and it’s growing in popularity.
Their programming includes industry news, gameplay, and ‘Best Of’ shows, and is available on TV, PC and mobile.
5. Streamers
Live gaming makes for some of the widely viewed streaming on the internet, a surprising amount of which consists of pro players in their early teens streaming gameplay from their bedrooms.
In these cases, the players usually make their money from sponsors and advertising, and with a strong enough following, some of them can even make money using sites like Patreon (although this is less common).
Streaming is also a great way for players to get noticed by pro teams, who are notoriously selective about the skill level and quality of their players, many of whom will practice for up to 16 hours per day.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of five genius concepts that capitalize on the gaming industry.
