The Significant Impact of Esports Events on Culture and Economy

This series examines the intersection of video games and the wider world, exploring design, technology, people, and theory. The arrival of a major esports event in a city has far-reaching consequences, extending beyond the venue to contribute significantly to the local economy and culture. Bobby Hare, Director of Host City Partnerships & Hospitality at ESL FaceIt Group, highlights the immediate economic impact, citing examples such as the $29 million generated by the IEM Cologne tournament and the $40 million generated by IEM Rio 2022. However, the influence of esports events is growing beyond mere economic contributions, playing a crucial role in contemporary digital culture and youth culture. Hare emphasizes the importance of community engagement and cultural legacy, inspiring local communities and providing opportunities for education and career development. The potential for esports to leave a lasting legacy, much like traditional sports, is vast, with opportunities for grassroots development, engaging local community groups, and connecting global audiences to local cultures. As the ecosystem of esports continues to evolve, it may become an integral part of city infrastructure, with permanent facilities and venues dedicated to esports and gaming. The future holds significant opportunities, but also challenges, including raising awareness of esports and its potential impacts among city managers and decision-makers. Looking ahead, esports may shape not only competitive gaming but also the broader sports and entertainment landscape, with the potential to integrate real-time visuals, technological advancements, and AI, ultimately becoming an integral part of daily life in digital, remote, and virtual cities.