eSports
Online Game Streaming, A Game Changer With 3.24 Billion Gamers

-
Global gaming market is expected to grow to an estimated value of $268.8 billion by 2025.
-
In 2021 UK gamers spent an average of 7.17 hours a week on video games in January.
-
With a global network of 3.24 billion gamers in 2021, 715 million came from Europe, where the UK has the largest numbers of gamers – 46.7 million.
In the early 2010s, live streaming video content for games saw a rise in prominence with the launch of Twitch.tv, this trend then grew to include Facebook, YouTube and other services. The concept works in that, game streaming services allow players to stream their gaming session to a wide audience. Each service may work differently to the next but the core theme lies in that they allow users to stream to an audience while they play video games.
Statista reported that in 2021 UK gamers spent an average of 7.17 hours a week on video games in January. With a global network of 3.24 billion gamers in 2021, 715 million came from Europe, where the UK has the largest numbers of gamers accounting for 46.7 million.
A high number of people are spending their time online, it is not hard to see how this is becoming a growing trend, not only for entertainment purposes, but also the monetary incentive that this unique opportunity brings. The global gaming market is expected to grow to an estimated value of $268.8 billion by 2025 which is up from $178 billion in 2021.
While the online streamers are urged by the possible revenue that they could make from this lucrative business model, viewers also account for a large majority and boom in popularity for online game streaming.
In a 2019 survey, 44 percent of internet users worldwide aged between 16 and 24, stated that they watched live streams. The growth in online game viewership increased significantly with a staggering 1.2 billion watchers recorded in 2020. Accessing live game streams has been made easier not only through internet technologies, but also streaming services that cater specifically to this market of online gamers.
Online game watchers are just as important to the success of online game streamers, Statista reported that more than half of UK gamers use YouTube Gaming as opposed to 42% who use Twitch. On the other hand, 31% stated that they used Facebook Gaming, while 16% and 14% of respondents streamed games on Caffeine and Dailymotion Games.
The global esports audience will reach 532 million by the end of 2022. The number of esports enthusiasts is set to reach 261.2 million, while occasional viewers will make up 270.9 million. The esports audience will reach 640.8 million by the end of 2025, with a 2020-2025 CAGR of +8%.
David Winter from PartyCasino adds that, “The gambling sector has long been at the forefront of pioneering new technologies. Particularly as far as online casino sites are concerned, there’s a competitive pressure to stay ahead of the field. With bitcoin taking center stage the online gambling world is open to new markets of operation.”
-
Africa7 days ago
New Governing Board of the Gaming Commission of Ghana Sworn in
-
Asia7 days ago
Macau Government Extends Lottery Concession of Macau Slot Until 5 June 2026
-
Latest News7 days ago
Week 26/2025 slot games releases
-
Africa7 days ago
QTech Games hires Ekaterina Mayorova as sales lead for Africa & Eastern Europe
-
Industry News6 days ago
CHIPS confirmed as Clarion Gaming charity partner ahead of appearance at iGB Affiliate Awards
-
Central Europe7 days ago
German Federal Government Significantly Increases the Budget for Games Funding
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Nick Rust to Step Down as Chair of UKGC’s Industry Forum
-
Conference7 days ago
Amatic Industries Showcased its Latest Innovations at Peru Gaming Show 2025