How is developing games for esports different from developing games for other purposes?

1 Balance and fairness

One of the most important factors for esports games is balance and fairness. Esports games need to ensure that all players have equal opportunities and chances to win, regardless of their skill level, character choice, or strategy. Balance and fairness require careful tuning and testing of the game mechanics, rules, and systems, as well as constant feedback and updates from the community and the professional scene. Esports game developers need to balance the game for both casual and competitive players, and avoid creating situations that are too easy, too hard, or too random.

2 Spectator mode and replay

Another key feature for esports games is spectator mode and replay. Esports games need to provide ways for the audience to watch and enjoy the matches, either live or recorded. Spectator mode and replay allow the viewers to see the game from different perspectives, angles, and speeds, and to access information and statistics that are relevant and interesting. Esports game developers need to create spectator mode and replay that are user-friendly, engaging, and informative, and that can support various platforms and formats, such as streaming, broadcasting, or video-on-demand.

3 Performance and optimization

A third essential aspect for esports games is performance and optimization. Esports games need to run smoothly and reliably on different devices and systems, and to minimize any technical issues or glitches that could affect the gameplay or the user experience. Performance and optimization require optimizing the game code, graphics, sound, and network, as well as testing the game under different conditions and scenarios. Esports game developers need to ensure that the game can handle high levels of stress, load, and traffic, and that it can adapt to different settings and preferences.

5 Innovation and variety

A fifth important factor for esports games is innovation and variety. Esports games need to offer something new and different, that can attract and retain the players' interest and attention, and that can challenge and surprise them. Innovation and variety require creating and experimenting with new game modes, genres, mechanics, features, and content, as well as updating and expanding the existing ones. Esports game developers need to balance innovation and variety with consistency and familiarity, and to avoid making changes that are too drastic or too frequent.

6 Monetization and sustainability

A sixth and final aspect for esports games is monetization and sustainability. Esports games need to generate revenue and profit, that can support the game's development and maintenance, as well as the esports ecosystem and industry. Monetization and sustainability require designing and implementing business models and strategies, that can generate income from various sources, such as game sales, subscriptions, microtransactions, advertising, sponsorship, or merchandise. Esports game developers need to monetize and sustain the game in a way that is fair, ethical, and transparent, and that does not compromise the game's quality or integrity.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?