Latest news with #esports
The Verge
15 hours ago
- Business
- The Verge
Riot turns to sports betting to help fund its esports leagues
As the esports industry searches for new sources of revenue, Riot Games has opened up its League of Legends and Valorant esports leagues to sports betting sponsorships. The decision will permit tier one organizations – or the highest level of professional players – in the North and South America and European esports leagues of Valorant and LoL to secure paid sponsorships from sports betting companies, a previously prohibited category of sponsor. According to Riot, the reason for this change is because it's what the players and esports organizations have been asking for. 'We agreed it was time to open up this category to create more revenue opportunities for teams,' wrote John Needham, president of publishing and esports at Riot Games. There was a time in esports history when sponsorship dollars flowed in, generating lots of revenue for game publishers and enabling organizations to pay players salaries in the millions of dollars. Esports was seen as an investment vehicle, with media corporations and even traditional sports companies investing their dollars in hopes of capitalizing on what was then an untapped but steadily growing market. One of the most famous examples, Activision Blizzard's Overwatch League, sold franchise slots for tens of millions of dollars to investors like New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Comcast. But the comparatively small revenue these leagues generate in conjunction with the high costs to run them, combined with the general economic downturn of the covid-19 pandemic, meant that companies could not get a return on their investments and began pulling their money out. It's forced esports organizations and esports game publishers alike to find new ways to pay players and staff or risk shuttering entirely, as the Overwatch League has. Over the last few years, Riot has changed how its esports leagues have worked to better weather what's being called the 'esports winter' or general contraction of the esports industry. The LoL league ecosystem has gotten smaller, thereby eliminating some teams' financial burden of participating (it costs $10 million dollars to have a slot) while also reducing Riot's financial responsibilities via its revenue sharing agreement with partnered teams. The addition of new categories of sponsors is the company's latest attempt to bring sustainability to its corner of the struggling esports scene. And sports betting companies are well-poised to fill that funding gap. While gambling sites aren't the only game in town if your esport needs money, they are some of the best paying. (Even The Verge is not immune with Vox Media displaying ads for gambling companies on its sites and podcasts.) Stake is an infamously known quantity in the video game streaming ecosystem, throwing eye-watering sums of cash at the most popular streamers to either make content on their own platform (Stake owns livestreaming site and Twitch competitor Kick) or to gamble on stream to their millions of viewers. Until now, Riot has prohibited its esports partner organizations from taking sponsorships from gambling companies. But the publisher says its guidelines can help implement the new type of sponsorship in a 'responsible' way with guidelines for teams and Riot to follow. These guidelines include Riot vetting all potential betting sponsors, teams adhering to an integrity program, and the prohibition of gambling ads on team jerseys or official Riot broadcasts. The formal inclusion of sports betting comes with significant risk to both competitive and moral integrity. Kids and young adults watch these streams, as well as the media around them. While Riot is not letting gambling companies put their logos on jerseys or the official broadcasts, the media around its esport is likely to become even more inundated with offers for gambling. This is what we've already seen with programming and podcasts focused on traditional sports like the NBA and NFL in the years since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was overturned in 2018. There have also already been allegations of and investigations into match fixing in both League of Legends and Valorant esports, with Riot recently banning two players from Riot competitions for three years. The addition of sports betting sponsorship – which could become a significant if not main source of revenue for many teams – has the potential to exacerbate existing competitive integrity issues as well as open up a potential avenue of harassment for players. With esports revenues still comparatively low, the industry has been getting increasingly desperate for any new sources of funding. Riot has already faced criticism for participating in events funded by Saudi Arabia as a part of the country's longstanding sportswashing strategy. Riot's inclusion of sports betting for League of Legends and Valorant will likely be no less controversial.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mobile Gaming Market Trends Analysis Report with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030: In-App Purchases Fuel Mobile Gaming Economy with Personalized Offerings
The mobile gaming market is projected to skyrocket from USD 139.38 billion in 2024 to USD 256.19 billion by 2030, driven by growing smartphone use and the free-to-play model. Key trends include increased mobile esports, especially in Latin America, and strategic movements by industry giants like Tencent. Mobile Gaming Market Dublin, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Mobile Gaming Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Platform, Device, Game Genre, Distribution Channel, Monetization Model, Age Group, and Region with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030" report has been added to Mobile Gaming Market was valued at USD 139.38 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 256.19 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 10.20%. The rapid global increase in smartphone usage is the cornerstone of the mobile gaming industry exponential growth. Affordable smartphones, coupled with enhanced processing power, are democratizing gaming and making it accessible to a wider audience than ever before. In many emerging markets, where access to traditional gaming consoles and PCs may be limited, mobile devices often serve as the primary or sole gaming platform. This widespread accessibility has led to a surge in game downloads, higher user engagement, and more frequent in-game purchases, fostering a robust monetization ecosystem. As smartphone adoption continues to expand, especially in developing regions, the user base for mobile gaming is poised to grow even further, ensuring the industry remains a dominant force in the global entertainment free-to-play model has revolutionized mobile gaming by removing the upfront cost barrier, significantly broadening its audience. By offering full access without initial payment, developers attract massive install rates and build large user communities. Monetization is skillfully integrated through in-app purchases, ads, and gated premium features that enhance user experience without compromising core gameplay. Successful titles like Clash Royale and Genshin Impact exemplify how compelling content and monetization can coexist. The continued dominance of F2P is reshaping development priorities, placing greater emphasis on long-term user retention, engagement loops, and recurring revenue purchases have become the cornerstone of mobile gaming monetization, enabling developers to generate revenue while keeping the core experience free. Players readily spend on cosmetic items, exclusive skins, character boosts, and in-game currency, often driven by personalization and status within the game. Developers strategically implement psychological triggers like scarcity, urgency, and social proof to boost IAP conversion rates. These microtransactions offer a non-intrusive way to support ongoing game development and content updates. As a result, IAPs have turned mobile games into scalable digital economies with dynamic pricing esports are rapidly maturing into a global competitive ecosystem, drawing millions of players and spectators. Games such as PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Mobile Legends host high-profile tournaments with multi-million-dollar prize pools and sponsorship deals. The accessibility of smartphones eliminates traditional hardware barriers, allowing broader participation from emerging markets and younger demographics. Spectator platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok amplify visibility, creating new entertainment formats and monetization channels. This explosive growth is redefining mobile gaming from a casual pastime to a professional, spectator-driven America is experiencing rapid growth in the mobile gaming industry, driven by increasing internet penetration and the affordability of smartphones. Countries like Brazil and Mexico are leading the charge, with a growing middle class and increasing disposable incomes. Mobile games that cater to local tastes, like soccer-themed games or culturally relevant narratives, are attracting large audiences. The region is also witnessing the rise of mobile esports and live streaming platforms that are fueling community engagement. With more players coming online, Latin America is set to become a key market for mobile gaming in the coming is a prominent player in the mobile gaming industry, with ownership stakes in some of the biggest game studios, including Riot Games and Epic Games. Tencent's mobile gaming titles, such as Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile, are among the most successful globally. The company's ability to dominate both domestic and international markets through strategic partnerships and investments is a key driver of its success. Tencent also invests heavily in cloud gaming and esports, further cementing its position in the global market. The company's diversified approach continues to influence mobile gaming trends Mobile Gaming Market Report SegmentationThis report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, the analyst has segmented the global mobile gaming market report based on platform, device, game genre, distribution channel, monetization model, age group, and region. This report addresses: Market intelligence to enable effective decision-making Market estimates and forecasts from 2018 to 2030 Growth opportunities and trend analyses Segment and regional revenue forecasts for market assessment Competition strategy and market share analysis Product innovation listings for you to stay ahead of the curve Companies Featured The major companies featured in this Mobile Gaming market report include: Tencent Holdings Limited Apple Inc. Google LLC NetEase Inc. Activision Blizzard Inc. Electronic Arts Inc. Nintendo Co, Ltd. Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (includes Zynga Inc.) Roblox Corporation Supercell Oy Playrix Holding Ltd Niantic Inc. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 140 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $139.38 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $256.19 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and ScopeChapter 2. Executive Summary2.1. Market Outlook2.2. Segment Outlook2.3. Competitive InsightsChapter 3. Mobile Gaming Market Variables, Trends, & Scope3.1. Market Lineage Outlook3.2. Market Value Chain Analysis3.3. Market Dynamics3.4. Mobile Gaming Market Analysis Tools3.4.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's3.4.2. PESTEL Analysis3.5. Market Technology TrendsChapter 4. Mobile Gaming Market: Platform Estimates & Trend Analysis4.1. Segment Dashboard4.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Platform Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)4.3. Android4.4. iOS4.5. Hybrid/Cross-Platform4.6. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)Chapter 5. Mobile Gaming Market: Device Estimates & Trend Analysis5.1. Segment Dashboard5.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Device Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)5.3. Smartphones5.4. TabletsChapter 6. Mobile Gaming Market: Game Genre Estimates & Trend Analysis6.1. Segment Dashboard6.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Game Genre Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)6.3. Action & Adventure6.4. Puzzle6.5. Role-Playing (RPG)6.6. Strategy & Simulation6.7. Sports & Racing6.8. Others6.8.1. Others Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018-2030 (USD Billion)Chapter 7. Mobile Gaming Market: Distribution Channel Estimates & Trend Analysis7.1. Segment Dashboard7.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Distribution Channel Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)7.3. App Stores7.4. Cloud Gaming Platforms7.5. Web-Based (Instant Play)Chapter 8. Mobile Gaming Market: Monetization Model Estimates & Trend Analysis8.1. Segment Dashboard8.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Monetization Model Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)8.3. Free-to-Play (F2P)8.4. In-App Purchases8.5. Premium (Paid Games)8.6. Play-to-Earn (P2E)8.7. Subscription-BasedChapter 9. Mobile Gaming Market: Age Group Estimates & Trend Analysis9.1. Segment Dashboard9.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Age Group Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)9.3. Gen Z9.4. Millennials / Gen Y9.5. Gen X9.6. Baby BoomersChapter 10. Mobile Gaming Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis10.1. Mobile Gaming Market Share, By Region, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)Chapter 11. Competitive Landscape11.1. Company Categorization11.2. Company Market Positioning11.3. Company Heat Map Analysis11.4. Company Profiles For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Mobile Gaming Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Arab News
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Twisted Minds top cross-game leaderboard after 19 Saudi eLeague tournaments
RIYADH: Twisted Minds are top of the Saudi eLeagues, the Kingdom's premier esports league, following 19 tournaments in the season so far. Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City, the league brings together Saudi Arabia's top esports clubs competing across multiple games and divisions. So far, more than 40 clubs have competed across a total of 19 tournaments — 14 in the Elite category and five in the Women's division — in the race for points on the coveted Clubs Cross-Game Leaderboard. These points will also determine which teams secure spots in the championship, the league's marquee event where the best teams will clash for the ultimate title and a share of the SR7 million ($1.87 million) prize pool. As the dust settles on the first phase of the season, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape: For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Each tournament has added its own narrative to the Saudi eLeague, from Overwatch 2, VALORANT and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to EA SPORTS FC 25 and battleground drama in PUBG and PUBG MOBILE. Meanwhile, the Women's division has delivered some of the league's most inspiring moments, highlighting the rising skill level and growing depth of talent in Saudi Arabia's esports scene. With the league now at its halfway point, every point earned is a step closer to final success. Twisted Minds may sit top for now, but with Team Falcons and Al-Qadsiah Esports breathing down their necks, the race will continue apace. 'The halfway point of this year's Saudi eLeagues highlights just how extraordinary and competitive this season has been,' said Abdullah Alnasser, head of esports products at the Saudi Esports Federation. 'What sets this year apart from previous seasons is the sheer intensity and depth of competition across all categories. From the Elite tournaments to the Women's division, we've witnessed remarkable growth — not just in the number of clubs participating, but in the level of skill, strategy and determination on display. 'The race for the top is far from over, and every match continues to push the boundaries of what our players and teams can achieve. This season is shaping up to be something truly special, a milestone moment for Saudi esports that reflects the incredible progress of our scene.'
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mobile Gaming Market Trends Analysis Report with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030: In-App Purchases Fuel Mobile Gaming Economy with Personalized Offerings
The mobile gaming market is projected to skyrocket from USD 139.38 billion in 2024 to USD 256.19 billion by 2030, driven by growing smartphone use and the free-to-play model. Key trends include increased mobile esports, especially in Latin America, and strategic movements by industry giants like Tencent. Mobile Gaming Market Dublin, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Mobile Gaming Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Platform, Device, Game Genre, Distribution Channel, Monetization Model, Age Group, and Region with Growth Forecasts, 2025-2030" report has been added to Mobile Gaming Market was valued at USD 139.38 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 256.19 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 10.20%. The rapid global increase in smartphone usage is the cornerstone of the mobile gaming industry exponential growth. Affordable smartphones, coupled with enhanced processing power, are democratizing gaming and making it accessible to a wider audience than ever before. In many emerging markets, where access to traditional gaming consoles and PCs may be limited, mobile devices often serve as the primary or sole gaming platform. This widespread accessibility has led to a surge in game downloads, higher user engagement, and more frequent in-game purchases, fostering a robust monetization ecosystem. As smartphone adoption continues to expand, especially in developing regions, the user base for mobile gaming is poised to grow even further, ensuring the industry remains a dominant force in the global entertainment free-to-play model has revolutionized mobile gaming by removing the upfront cost barrier, significantly broadening its audience. By offering full access without initial payment, developers attract massive install rates and build large user communities. Monetization is skillfully integrated through in-app purchases, ads, and gated premium features that enhance user experience without compromising core gameplay. Successful titles like Clash Royale and Genshin Impact exemplify how compelling content and monetization can coexist. The continued dominance of F2P is reshaping development priorities, placing greater emphasis on long-term user retention, engagement loops, and recurring revenue purchases have become the cornerstone of mobile gaming monetization, enabling developers to generate revenue while keeping the core experience free. Players readily spend on cosmetic items, exclusive skins, character boosts, and in-game currency, often driven by personalization and status within the game. Developers strategically implement psychological triggers like scarcity, urgency, and social proof to boost IAP conversion rates. These microtransactions offer a non-intrusive way to support ongoing game development and content updates. As a result, IAPs have turned mobile games into scalable digital economies with dynamic pricing esports are rapidly maturing into a global competitive ecosystem, drawing millions of players and spectators. Games such as PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Mobile Legends host high-profile tournaments with multi-million-dollar prize pools and sponsorship deals. The accessibility of smartphones eliminates traditional hardware barriers, allowing broader participation from emerging markets and younger demographics. Spectator platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok amplify visibility, creating new entertainment formats and monetization channels. This explosive growth is redefining mobile gaming from a casual pastime to a professional, spectator-driven America is experiencing rapid growth in the mobile gaming industry, driven by increasing internet penetration and the affordability of smartphones. Countries like Brazil and Mexico are leading the charge, with a growing middle class and increasing disposable incomes. Mobile games that cater to local tastes, like soccer-themed games or culturally relevant narratives, are attracting large audiences. The region is also witnessing the rise of mobile esports and live streaming platforms that are fueling community engagement. With more players coming online, Latin America is set to become a key market for mobile gaming in the coming is a prominent player in the mobile gaming industry, with ownership stakes in some of the biggest game studios, including Riot Games and Epic Games. Tencent's mobile gaming titles, such as Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile, are among the most successful globally. The company's ability to dominate both domestic and international markets through strategic partnerships and investments is a key driver of its success. Tencent also invests heavily in cloud gaming and esports, further cementing its position in the global market. The company's diversified approach continues to influence mobile gaming trends Mobile Gaming Market Report SegmentationThis report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, the analyst has segmented the global mobile gaming market report based on platform, device, game genre, distribution channel, monetization model, age group, and region. This report addresses: Market intelligence to enable effective decision-making Market estimates and forecasts from 2018 to 2030 Growth opportunities and trend analyses Segment and regional revenue forecasts for market assessment Competition strategy and market share analysis Product innovation listings for you to stay ahead of the curve Companies Featured The major companies featured in this Mobile Gaming market report include: Tencent Holdings Limited Apple Inc. Google LLC NetEase Inc. Activision Blizzard Inc. Electronic Arts Inc. Nintendo Co, Ltd. Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (includes Zynga Inc.) Roblox Corporation Supercell Oy Playrix Holding Ltd Niantic Inc. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 140 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $139.38 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $256.19 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.2% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Methodology and ScopeChapter 2. Executive Summary2.1. Market Outlook2.2. Segment Outlook2.3. Competitive InsightsChapter 3. Mobile Gaming Market Variables, Trends, & Scope3.1. Market Lineage Outlook3.2. Market Value Chain Analysis3.3. Market Dynamics3.4. Mobile Gaming Market Analysis Tools3.4.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's3.4.2. PESTEL Analysis3.5. Market Technology TrendsChapter 4. Mobile Gaming Market: Platform Estimates & Trend Analysis4.1. Segment Dashboard4.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Platform Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)4.3. Android4.4. iOS4.5. Hybrid/Cross-Platform4.6. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)Chapter 5. Mobile Gaming Market: Device Estimates & Trend Analysis5.1. Segment Dashboard5.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Device Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)5.3. Smartphones5.4. TabletsChapter 6. Mobile Gaming Market: Game Genre Estimates & Trend Analysis6.1. Segment Dashboard6.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Game Genre Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)6.3. Action & Adventure6.4. Puzzle6.5. Role-Playing (RPG)6.6. Strategy & Simulation6.7. Sports & Racing6.8. Others6.8.1. Others Market Revenue Estimates and Forecasts, 2018-2030 (USD Billion)Chapter 7. Mobile Gaming Market: Distribution Channel Estimates & Trend Analysis7.1. Segment Dashboard7.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Distribution Channel Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)7.3. App Stores7.4. Cloud Gaming Platforms7.5. Web-Based (Instant Play)Chapter 8. Mobile Gaming Market: Monetization Model Estimates & Trend Analysis8.1. Segment Dashboard8.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Monetization Model Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)8.3. Free-to-Play (F2P)8.4. In-App Purchases8.5. Premium (Paid Games)8.6. Play-to-Earn (P2E)8.7. Subscription-BasedChapter 9. Mobile Gaming Market: Age Group Estimates & Trend Analysis9.1. Segment Dashboard9.2. Mobile Gaming Market: Age Group Movement Analysis, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)9.3. Gen Z9.4. Millennials / Gen Y9.5. Gen X9.6. Baby BoomersChapter 10. Mobile Gaming Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis10.1. Mobile Gaming Market Share, By Region, 2024 & 2030 (USD Billion)Chapter 11. Competitive Landscape11.1. Company Categorization11.2. Company Market Positioning11.3. Company Heat Map Analysis11.4. Company Profiles For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Mobile Gaming Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Call of Duty championships come to Canada for 1st time
For the first time ever, the Call of Duty League World Championship is being held outside the United States, and it's happening in Kitchener, Ont. Miles Ross, esports commentator from the United Kingdom, discusses the tournament and the business of esports.
