What comes to your mind when you hear the word “Esports”? A billion-dollar empire being built? Causes of addiction and violence? Having come a long way from video gaming, Esports has evolved into a global phenomenon even though controversies persist.

Research shows that 65% of 8-12 years old teenagers play video games for more than 2 hours per day. About 41% of boys think they have spent too much time on video games. Being addicted to video games is only one of many reasons that people are against Esports. From many adults’ perspective, violent, bloody elements in video games are likely to negatively affect teenagers. Hence, Esports is an industry bearing prejudice and stereotypes.

However, as a burgeoning industry, Esports is gaining massive popularity across the globe in recent years. According to Newzoo, revenues of the global Esports industry exceeded $1.1 billion in 2019, which is an increase of 26.7% over the previous year. Asia-Pacific sees the highest proportion of Esports viewership (57%) and the major growth is being witnessed in China. North America is once again the largest Esports market where the major share is contributed by the United States. With more investors, favorable policies, and the potential access to the Olympics, Esports, a new era “gold rush” is redefining the world of games.

From game development, to corporate social responsibility, to higher education, how should Esports navigate the controversies? What factors have contributed to the rise of Esports? What is the future of this industry? Come join us at the Esports panel discussion with Professor Katherine Babiak, Professor Austin Yarger, Ph.D. student Luis Velazquez, Arbor eSports’ president Alexander Ball, and UM Esports program manager Cybbi Barton.