Policy Positions

Esports

Competitive video gaming is growing. This form of digital competition—known as esports— presents a major opportunity to create new jobs, spur economic growth and encourage tourism.

Over the past 20 years, esports has grown from a small, underground hobby to a massive, billion-dollar ecosystem. This high-growth industry sector is revolutionizing how consumers watch, follow and engage in the video game ecosystem.

Esports generate significant public engagement with worldwide viewership in the hundreds of millions, often exceeding the viewership of traditional sports. Professional teams and leagues in the U.S. and throughout the world offer sponsorship and endorsement opportunities, as well as exclusive programming deals with traditional mainstream media and online streaming platforms. The esports sector presents a major opportunity to create new jobs, spur economic growth and encourage tourism.

Esports is made possible by compelling video games. The Entertainment Software Association’s member publishers are the intellectual property owners of some of the world’s most popular esports games. Video game publishers combine storytelling, design, graphics, music and sound to attract players and viewers from all over the world to watch elite esports athletes compete at the highest levels.

In 2019, ESA and its international counterparts released guiding principles for esports as part of the industry’s ongoing efforts to promote a safe, fair and welcoming esports environment.

More From The ESA

Report: The Guide to Esports
The Growing World of Esports Esports, also known as competitive gaming, is revolutionizing how consumers watch, follow and engage with video games. The Guide to Esports is a comprehensive, global competitive gaming primer supported by video game trade...
The Entertainment Software Association Statement on Tennessee Law Designed to Attract More Interactive Entertainment Investment to the Volunteer State
“The ESA applauds everyone in Tennessee who supported the expanded program to attract creative industries—especially esports and video game production and development—that will help drive innovation and economic growth, while advancing Tennessee’s reputation...
The ESA Applauds Winners of 2020 FCC Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility
On October 8, 2020, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai recognized the contributions of three remarkable individuals who have helped make the world more accessible. The ESA applauds all three recipients of the 2020 Chairman’s Awards for Advancements in Accessibility....
ESA Statement on Sony E3 2020 Announcement
"E3 is a signature event celebrating the video game industry and showcasing the people, brands and innovations redefining entertainment loved by billions of people around the world."
Senate Hearing on "Exploring Augmented Reality": Testimony of ESA SVP & General Counsel Stan Pierre-Louis
On November 16, 2016, ESA SVP & General Counsel Stan Pierre-Louis testified at the Senate Hearing on "Exploring Augmented Reality".