Rising to the Top
Rising to the Top: The Growth and Positive Impact of Esports in SEA
?Esports has been rapidly growing in popularity in recent years. With the increasing accessibility of technology, more and more people can participate in competitive gaming, and competitions are being held on a global scale.
Southeast Asia, in particular, has seen significant growth in the esports industry, with a growing number of young, tech-savvy individuals in the region and increasing investment in the industry. In this report, we will explore the growth of esports in Southeast Asia, its accessibility and opportunities it provides for people from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities, the positive impact of esports on mental health and how it compares to traditional sports.
The Growth of Esports in Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions for esports in the world. According to a report by Statista (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1130507/southeast-asia-esports-market-size/), the esports market in Southeast Asia is projected to reach $1.1 billion by 2025. This is due to several factors, including a growing number of young, tech-savvy individuals in the region, a rise in mobile gaming, and increasing investment in the esports industry.
One example of this growth is the popularity of mobile gaming in Southeast Asia. According to a report by Newzoo (https://newzoo.com/insights/articles/the-state-of-the-southeast-asian-games-market-2020/), mobile gaming accounted for 72% of the gaming market in Southeast Asia in 2020.
This has led to a rise in mobile esports tournaments, such as the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) in Indonesia has a prize pool of $100,000. The MPL has also expanded to other Southeast Asian countries, such as the Philippines and Thailand.
Accessibility and Opportunities in Esports in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia's rapidly growing economy and increasing access to technology have led to a rise in esports opportunities for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities in the region. Additionally, esports tournaments and competitions are being held online, providing a level playing field for players from all over Southeast Asia.
For example, in the Philippines, "The Nationals" is an esports league for Filipino players; the league is open to all Filipino players regardless of location and physical abilities (https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/09/07/1949829/esports-new-path-filipino-gamers-stardom).
This league provides an opportunity for talented players from all over the country to showcase their skills and potentially earn a living from esports.?
In addition to providing opportunities for players, the esports industry in Southeast Asia also provides opportunities for people to work in the industry as coaches, managers, commentators, and more. This is significant in a region where the unemployment rate is high (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112077/unemployment-rate-in-southeast-asia/).?
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Esports vs Traditional Sports in Southeast Asia
While esports is growing rapidly in Southeast Asia, traditional sports such as football, basketball, and martial arts are still extremely popular and have a long history in the region.
However, esports has the potential to reach a wider audience due to its accessibility, especially to those who may not have the resources to participate in traditional sports (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1130507/southeast-asia-esports-market-size/).
Additionally, esports can provide a sense of inclusion and belonging for people with disabilities who may have previously felt excluded.
Positive Impact of Esports on Mental Health?
Esports not only provide opportunities for players to showcase their skills and potentially earn a living but also bring people together in real life and online, fostering social connections and a sense of community.
This socialization can positively impact mental health by reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. In addition, studies have shown that socializing in virtual worlds, such as online gaming, can positively impact mental health (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5888978/).
Esports tournaments and leagues, both online and offline, provide a platform for players and viewers to connect and socialize with others who share their interests. This can be beneficial for people who may have difficulty forming social connections in real life and can help reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.
In conclusion, esports is a rapidly growing industry in Southeast Asia; it is becoming increasingly popular among both players and spectators.
Its accessibility, affordability, and online nature make it a viable option for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities, providing them with opportunities to participate in competitive sports and potentially earn a living from it.
Additionally, esports positively impact mental health by fostering social connections and reducing feelings of loneliness and depression. Policymakers and stakeholders need to recognize and support the positive impact of esports on mental health and help make it accessible for everyone.
Traditional sports will always have their unique benefits and fans. However, esports is rising as a new alternative for people with different preferences. Therefore, it's essential to understand and appreciate the unique benefits that each of them can offer.