From niche to mainstream: the advent of esports

The paper analyzes the transition from a niche activity to a mainstream market through the growth of the esports industry. It sheds light on the transformations of the market triggered by digitization on the newer segment of the video games. The combination of various levers (industrial, technological, and cultural) contributes to structure the ecosystem and the value chain of the esports, setting the role of the main players. It highlights the changing interactions among stakeholders with conflicting interests with regard to sharing of revenue. The paper portrays the structuring and professionalization of a niche market and the economic issues of a nascent field, still poorly explored in academic literature. In conclusion, it stresses the new challenges raised for public action to promote or to regulate a growing sector in the face of matters that combine cultural, economic and development concerns. The paper is based on desk research, reports from consultancies, a review of trade press, and a review of the available academic literature.