Esports

Without video games, there would be no esports.

The thrill and immersive nature of gaming are essential for the rise of esports. Undoubtedly, the millions of viewers and players participating in esports are reshaping the landscape of entertainment.

Developing games that capture competitive attention requires creativity and technical expertise. It also requires significant investments.

Today’s major video games often cost as much as blockbuster movies to develop and produce and can take years to launch. Published estimates suggest production costs have increased between 200 and 300% in the last 15 years alone.

ESA member companies are the IP owners of some of the world’s most popular esports games. These games are at the center of the esports phenomenon. Without video games, there would be no esports. Unlike traditional sports, each game is the unique creation of a specific publisher, which owns the underlying IP to that game. As creators and owners of the games driving global esports growth, video game publishers are uniquely positioned to define the parameters of how their games are best used in the marketplace.

Colleges and universities and local communities invest in esports.

Esports has transformed not only the player experience at home, but also in educational and local settings across the globe. More than 300 colleges and universities in the U.S. alone now have varsity esports programs. 

Some schools offer courses in esports management and business—a recognition that the esports ecosystem provides strong career opportunities. Participation in esports also helps students learn team-building skills, interpersonal communication skills, fluency in technology and strategy development. 

Players gather to watch and cheer on teams in physical stadiums dedicated to esports, as well as in malls and movie theaters. Cities around the nation also compete to become new sporting hubs for esports competitions, with local officials recognizing the benefits of partnering with the video game industry and welcoming the opportunity for economic growth.

The video game industry supports a fun, fair and inclusive esports environment.

In 2019, the major U.S. video game publishers and their international counterparts worked together to develop a set of four guiding principles for esports.

Safety and Well-Being: All esports community members deserve to enjoy esports in safe spaces, free from threatening or harassing language or behavior.

Integrity and Fair Play: Cheating, hacking or other dishonest behavior detracts from the experience of others, unfairly advantages teams and players and tarnishes the legitimacy of esports.

Respect and Diversity: An open, inclusive and welcoming environment is essential. Esports brings together players from all backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. The diverse player base contributes to the overall success of esports. Everyone deserves respect and courtesy from others.

Positive and Enriching Gameplay: Esports builds self-confidence, interpersonal communication and teamwork. They bring people together through strategic play to collaborate and think critically and they lead to lasting friendships among teammates, competitors and the broader esports community.

Simplifying visa rules will advance the growth of esports.

Because esports includes global competitors, U.S. travel visa policies should be simplified for esports athletes to train and compete internationally and for companies to host major international tournaments. Reforms should include: 

Streamlined and efficient application procedures with reasonable turnaround times and increased government support, including appeal support and fast-tracking

Expanding visa eligibility beyond esports athletes to include those who support or work closely with esports competitors, such as coaches, team managers, commentators and technical operational staff
Permitting the use of P-1 (athlete) and B-1 (business worker) visas for esports athletes.

Simplifying visa rules will advance the growth of esports.

Because esports includes global competitors, U.S. travel visa policies should be simplified for esports athletes to train and compete internationally and for companies to host major international tournaments. Reforms should include: 

Streamlined and efficient application procedures with reasonable turnaround times and increased government support, including appeal support and fast-tracking

Expanding visa eligibility beyond esports athletes to include those who support or work closely with esports competitors, such as coaches, team managers, commentators and technical operational staff

Permitting the use of P-1 (athlete) and B-1 (business worker) visas for esports athletes.

Latest News