Gaming
Revealed: The Most Popular Gaming Streamers of 2021
Anyone looking to upgrade their gaming set-up or find the perfect Christmas gift for a gaming fan will benefit from a little inspiration. To highlight all the most popular gaming accessories of the moment, Currys has released new data looking at the best-sellers, the most searched-for gadgets, and the gaming accessories used by the world’s top streamers.
The top gaming streamers and their gadgets
- The top 10 streamers are all PC gamers, with PewDiePie, Ninja and Markiplier topping the list for having the most followers
- The top gaming mouse used by streamers is the Logitech G Pro Wireless, used by tommyinnit, jacksepticeye, ibai and bugha
With millions of followers to their names, the top gaming streamers know a thing or two about gaming tech – so, they’re a good place to look for inspiration about what to add to your gaming setup. The top gaming keyboards used by streamers are the Logitech G Pro mechanical keyboard (used by shroud and ibai), the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL mechanical keyboard (used by bugha and Mongraal) and the Corsair RapidFire K70 Low Profile MK.2 mechanical keyboard (used by Ninja and DanTDM).
The top 10 streamers | |||
Rank | Top streamers | Monthly search volume | Total social followers |
1 | PewDiePie | 1.2m | 133m |
2 | Ninja | 1.4m | 54.5m |
3 | Markiplier | 535.6k | 41.4m |
4 | VEGETTA777 | 279k | 39.4m |
5 | AuronPlay | 471.9k | 39m |
6 | jacksepticeye | 406.1k | 37.6m |
7 | DanTDM | 385.8k | 30.4m |
8 | Mikecrack | 694.1k | 29.2m |
9 | Willyrex | 256k | 27.8m |
10 | Tfue | 202k | 27.5m |
The most searched-for gaming accessories
- The most searched-for types of gaming accessories are VR headsets, gaming keyboards and gaming headsets
- The most searched-for brand-specific gaming accessories are Razer headsets, Playseat gaming chairs and SteelSeries headsets
Trends in searches for certain products can reflect purchase habits, what’s being spoken about the most, and rises and falls in the popularity of certain gadgets. It appears that VR (virtual reality) has captured the public’s attention over the past year – topping the list of most searched-for types of accessories and making it into the top 10 of product-specific searches. It’s gaming headsets and gaming chairs that crop up the most across both categories, however.
Top 10 most searched-for types of gaming accessories and branded accessories | |||
Type of accessory | Monthly searches | Product specific accessory | Monthly searches |
VR headsets | 476,900 | Razer headsets | 128,000 |
Gaming keyboards | 387,000 | Playseat gaming chairs | 117,500 |
Gaming headsets | 385,200 | SteelSeries headsets | 86,300 |
Gaming chairs | 301,000 | LOGITECH gaming mouse | 66,700 |
Gaming controllers | 95,400 | Corsair headsets | 61,800 |
Gaming mice | 15,200 | X Rocker gaming chairs | 53,100 |
VR accessories | 3,300 | LOGITECH gaming keyboard | 43,100 |
Headset amplifiers | 1,700 | Thunder X3 gaming chairs | 42,300 |
Gaming chair accessories | 1,100 | Noble gaming chairs | 25,000 |
Gaming streaming equipment | 340 | Oculus VR headsets | 20,900 |
The best-selling gaming accessories
- Wired headsets and mice are more popular than wireless models, in terms of sales last year
- Based on Currys sales figures, PC gaming accessories are higher in demand than console gaming gadgets
With wired gaming headsets and mice topping the list of the best-selling gaming accessories of 2020, it’s apparent that the wired editions are more popular than wireless devices. This is likely because gamers feel the USB provides a more stable and responsive connection. On the other hand, wireless models can offer more freedom of movement without tangled wires in the way. PC gaming gadgets are also in higher demand than console accessories, potentially due to the more customisable nature of a PC gaming setup.
Top 10 best-selling gaming accessories | |
Type of accessory | Total orders in 2020 |
Wired Gaming Headsets | 57,848 |
Wired Gaming Mice | 37,333 |
PC Gaming Chairs | 22,655 |
Gaming Keyboards | 21,083 |
Mechanical Gaming Keyboards | 19,103 |
Wireless Gaming Headsets | 17,907 |
Gaming Wheels | 13,583 |
Console Headsets | 12,435 |
Wireless Gaming Mice | 8,833 |
Xbox Console Headsets | 7,800 |
Gaming
Speechless Announces Hybrid License, Giving Actors Greater Control Over Their AI-Generated Voices
New platform will enable voice actors to gain commission on their AI-generated counterparts while also streamlining the development process for studios
Today, Speechless, the voice actor database and asset tool for the games industry, has announced its new Hybrid AI License, combining real voice talent and generative artificial intelligence (AI). This new license will enable game developers to utilize all aspects of modern voice-over production while providing more equitable opportunities for the actors themselves. With the current games landscape increasingly experimenting with the potential of AI, Speechless is offering a solution that takes a greater ethical approach to this technology.
The first complete management system for the games industry, Speechless’ Hybrid AI License easily allows developers to use the full range of voice-over options in one place; from text-to-speech, speech-to-speech and conventional voice recording. Unlike other text-to-speech providers, Speechless’ integrated approach allows developers to access the voice actors behind the AI-generated, text-to-speech options. This license not only enables developers to gain greater creative control over voice production but also gives actors control over their AI-generated voice.
Voice actors will benefit from this license by having their AI-generated voice earn a commission when it is licensed by developers. In addition, developers can utilize text-to-speech options to refine their scripts before bringing on the voice actor for the full recording. Developers can then adjust the voice actor’s recording with its AI counterpart at the later stages of development, removing the need for reshoots and allowing voice actors to move on to new projects.
The potential of Speechless’ License also enables a greater depth of content for side characters and NPCs and streamlines localization in new markets while keeping voice talent involved. With the rise of generative AI in game development, Speechless is establishing the best practice for utilizing the advantages of this technology without excluding the creative talent of voice actors.
This new license is available immediately and follows Speechless’ recent collaboration with audio middleware leader Audiokinetic Wwise.
“We can’t ignore the potential AI has for the games industry but we need to approach this technology ethically; that’s what we aim to achieve when it comes to voice-acting,” the Chief Executive Officer for Speechless, Peo Drangert (pictured), said. “By offering a hybrid license, developers can streamline their processes and experiment with different voice actors at a lower cost. At the same time, voice actors are compensated for their work and the work of their AI-generated voice, have greater opportunities to collaborate with studios and can work more flexibly. AI will continue to grow in the games sector, so we must use it responsibly to ensure a fairer industry.”
Gaming
G2 Gozen crowned inaugural Red Bull Instalock Champions with Grand Finals sweep
G2 Gozen crowned inaugural Red Bull Instalock Champions with Grand Finals sweep
- G2 Gozen were crowned inaugural champions of Red Bull Instalock in 3-1 win against VCT Game Changers 2023 champions Shopify Rebellion
- The invitational tournament ran from 20-21 April at the UK’s premier esports and gaming venue, the Red Bull Gaming Sphere in London
- Red Bull Instalock brought together some of the best women’s VALORANT GC teams from around the world including G2 Gozen, GIANTX, Shopify Rebellion and Karmine Corp
- The tournament was hosted by Yinsu Collins, with insights from Kieran “Kairo” Tulloch, Billie “BillieIDK” Purdie, Matt “Twiggy” Twigg, and Harry “Hazza” Chapman and an appearance from Megan “Megsoundslikeegg” Garner
- AGON by AOC was the official Monitor Partner for Red Bull Instalock, providing cutting-edge AGON PRO AG254FG monitors, featuring a 360 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time, for the best in-game experience.
G2 Gozen have been crowned the inaugural Red Bull Instalock champions, claiming the victory across a weekend packed with exhilarating VALORANT matches and tactical plays. Streamed live from London’s premier esports and gaming venue, the Red Bull Gaming Sphere, Red Bull Instalock marked the UK’s first professional women’s VALORANT tournament of 2024.
Red Bull Instalock brought together four of the world’s best professional women’s VALORANT teams for a spectacle tournament, G2 Gozen, GIANTX, Karmine Crop, and 2023 VALORANT Champions Tour: Game Changers Championship winners Shopify Rebellion. Putting a unique twist on the traditional team composition, the competing teams were required to implement three of the game’s offensive class, duelists.
Red Bull Instalock quickly established itself as a high-stakes competition, with teams racing to dominate maps across a best-of-three format across the Upper Semi-Finals. The first game of the tournament saw powerhouse G2 Gozen battle it out against underdogs GIANTX, with GIANTX securing their position in the Upper Finals with a tiebreaker victory against G2 Gozen (2-1).
The second match featured North America’s Shopify Rebellion, who swiftly relegated the French force of Karmine Corp to the Lower Bracket (2-0). Facing off once again, G2 Gozen vanquished GIANTX in a Lower Bracket match underdog victory, securing themselves a position in the Grand Final to compete against Shopify Rebellion (2-0).
This Lower Bracket victory marked a turning point for G2 Gozen, who delivered a flawless masterclass in VALORANT against the North American titans Shopify Rebellion. The Grand Final was an intense showdown, pivoting to a best-of-five format in a battle for the crown. Shopify Rebellion started off strong, with a one-map lead, a reward following their success in the Semi-Finals, but G2 Gozen quickly closed in on that lead as they took the first and second maps. In a gripping third and final map, G2 Gozen swiftly closed out the tournament, claiming the win over the tournament frontrunners and Game Changers 2023 champions Shopify Rebellion (3-1).
The tournament also featured a show match featuring some of the UK’s most beloved VALORANT creators going head-to-head, including Talia Mar, Shan “ThePizzaWaffle” Hadden, Ella “Tenshi” Merry and Alexandra “LexieMariex” Butterfill. Hosted by British FNATIC content creator and partnered streamer Megan “Megsoundslikeegg” Garner, the nail biting creator show match saw Team Jupi take the win after a surprise comeback from Team Tenshi forced the match into overtime.
Kieran “Kairo” Tulloch, Billie “BillieIDK” Purdie, Matt “Twiggy” Twigg, and Harry “Hazza” Chapman were also part of the broadcast, providing live commentary and analysis.
Following the gripping grand finals, recently crowned Red Bull Instalock champion, G2 Gozen Pro and Red Bull Player Michaela “Mimi” Lintrup said: “We learned so much playing in this new format at Red Bull Instalock, how undisciplined people can be when playing something so chaotic. In the chaos, the thing that helped us to secure the win was to chill.”
Red Bull Instalock host Yinsu Collins also commented: “I loved my experience at the first ever Red Bull Instalock! The invited teams were incredibly competitive and tackled the format in a really unique way. Throughout the tournament, as the player’s normal game plan was out the window, we saw a lot of creativity, pros thinking on their feet, adaptation and some new approaches to how the game can be played.”
AGON by AOC, a global leader in gaming monitors, returned to join the Red Bull Gaming universe once again as the official Monitor Partner for Red Bull Instalock. Bringing the event to life and providing cutting-edge hardware for the esports tournament, AGON by AOC equipped the event with the AGON PRO AG254FG monitors, featuring a 360 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms response time for the best in-game experience.
Check out redbull.com/gaming for more information.
More Gaming from Red Bull UK
- Free content for editorial use: redbullcontentpool.com/
- Web: redbull.com/gaming
- Twitter: redbulluk
- Instagram: redbullgamingsphereldn
- Tiktok: redbullgamingsphereldn
Gaming
Flexion and Kabam Team Up to Bring Marvel Contest of Champions to the Alternative App Stores
Flexion, the games marketing company, and Kabam, one of the world’s leading game developers, announced a new partnership to bring Marvel Contest of Champions to alternative app stores. Flexion will distribute the game on the Amazon Appstore, Aptoide, ONE store, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Digital Turbine Hubs in 2024.
“We are excited to partner with Flexion to bring Marvel Contest of Champions to even more players. Flexion’s expertise, experience and technology make them the ideal partner for us. This collaboration will help us reach new audiences by making Marvel Contest of Champions available on even more app stores. This is especially exciting ahead of the game’s upcoming 10-year anniversary,” SeungWon Lee, CEO of Kabam, said.
“We are delighted to partner with Kabam, one of the world’s leading game developers, to bring their hit game to more players around the globe. This partnership is a win for Kabam and the app stores, which we will connect to drive audience engagement,” Jens Lauritzson, CEO of Flexion, said.
Marvel Contest of Champions is an epic fighting RPG with over 260 iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains in the ultimate cosmic showdown. Players can collect and build a competitive team of Champions, compete against the world’s top Summoners, battle through an epic and deep Marvel story, and team up with powerful Summoners in alliances to become the Ultimate Marvel Champion.
“We’re delighted to add such a well-known and successful game like Marvel Contest of Champions to our portfolio. I am very positive about the growth potential of these alternative stores in 2024. There is no better time to expand to more audiences,” Jens added.
Marvel Contest of Champions will be available on the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Aptoide, and ONEstore Korea starting on April 29, 2024, with Samsung Gaming Hub, OneStore Global, and DT Games Hub following in the near future.
-
Industry News6 days ago
Leading online slot developer announces launch of Snoop’s High Rollers which will go live exclusively with popular crypto sportsbook and casino
-
Australia7 days ago
VGCCC Fines BlueBet AU$50,000 for Gambling Advertising Breaches
-
Latest News7 days ago
Booming Games Establishes Strategic Partnership with Danske Spil
-
Industry News7 days ago
IDnow Bridges the AI-human Divide with New Expert-led Video Verification Solution
-
Latest News5 days ago
Evoplay strikes distribution agreement with Light & Wonder
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
MGA: Updated Non-Profit Tombola and Lottery Application Requirements
-
Asia6 days ago
Maharashtra Government rewards state’s Asian Games 2022 Esports athletes with INR 10 lakhs; marks historic moment for Indian Esports
-
Industry News6 days ago
Europe Sports Betting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2024-2030 Featuring Bet365, William Hill, Betfair, Paddy Power, 888sport, Bwin, Unibet, Ladbrokes, MGM, and Betsson