The global esports market is projected to reach nearly $2 billion by 2025 as competitive gaming gains more popularity. While PC and console gaming currently dominate the esports scene, mobile gaming is the most popular platform for gamers. However, mobile esports is often overlooked and underreported. In this guest post, Faisal Bin Homran, the Head of esports at Saudi Esports Federation, explores the potential of mobile esports and why mobile developers should be involved.
The Rise of Mobile Esports
While PC and console games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, and Street Fighter are well-known in the esports industry, competitive mobile games such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, and Arena of Valor are gaining traction, particularly in Asia and the MENA region. In fact, these regions accounted for more than 56% of global esports revenue in 2022. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, in particular, is currently the most-watched competitive video game globally.
Market projections indicate that the mobile gaming industry will experience significant growth, with an estimated increase in revenue from $114.96 billion in 2023 to $247.07 billion in 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.60%.
Despite mobile gaming’s success, mobile esports still remains relatively unknown in the West, mainly due to underreporting by mainstream gaming publications. However, with the mobile market generating 50% of global gaming revenue in 2022 and games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang attracting more peak views than any other esports game in 2023, it’s time for mobile esports to gain the respect it deserves.
The Growing Success of Mobile Esports
Mobile esports tournaments are not small-scale events. For example, PUBG Mobile’s total prize pool for 2023 is almost $12 million, placing it second in overall esports, just behind Dota 2. Additionally, games like Arena of Valor and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang have a combined prize pool over $6 million. Super popular games like Free Fire have approximately 84 million daily active users.
Factors Driving Mobile Esports’ Rise
The success of mobile esports can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the mobile game market is growing at a much faster rate than traditional PC and console gaming, thanks to the global rollout of 5G technology and the increasing accessibility of mobile hardware. This growth is particularly significant in regions like India, which accounts for 21% of the mobile market.
In parts of Southeast Asia that lack reliable high-speed broadband, mobile platforms provide a more viable option for competitive gaming due to faster speeds and wider coverage. Moreover, mobile devices are more affordable than PCs or consoles, making them more accessible to individuals with lower incomes.
Challenges in the Mobile Esports Market
While mobile esports has gained popularity in regions like Southeast Asia, there are challenges in expanding its presence worldwide. Regional disparities exist, with games like Free Fire, Arena of Valor, PUBG Mobile, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang dominating the Southeast Asian market while trailing behind in the Western world. The concentration of talented players in Southeast Asia affects the rankings, with Eastern teams dominating the scene.
Additionally, many major mobile gaming tournaments are hosted by game developers, resulting in them being held in regions with the highest player base. To promote the growth of mobile esports, it’s crucial to involve third-party brands and expand the audience through various hosting and partnership opportunities.
Opportunities for Mobile Developers in Esports
Mobile developers have a unique opportunity to stand out by creating original esports titles specifically designed for mobile platforms. While many existing mobile games are miniature versions of PC and console games, original mobile esports titles would offer a distinct and independent experience. SuperCell’s Brawl Stars, for example, demonstrates the success and potential of such titles.
As mobile esports is still in its early stages compared to traditional esports, studios and publishers should invest in the space to ensure its continued growth. By providing a competitive environment specifically tailored for mobile gamers, the respectability and popularity of mobile esports can be further enhanced.