The latest report from GameSquare Holdings’ Stream Hatchet, a leader in gaming and esports analytics, reveals a striking surge in esports viewership for 2023, painting a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of digital entertainment.
A Staggering 2.76 Billion Hours Consumed
Esports enthusiasts around the globe consumed a colossal 2.76 billion hours of content in 2023, a notable 75% increase from 2020 and a slight uptick from the previous year’s 2.65 billion. This milestone underscores the rapidly growing appeal of esports across diverse demographics and regions.
The Rise of Co-Streaming and Creator-Led Content
A standout observation from the report is the substantial impact of co-streaming channels. In 2023, a remarkable one-third of all esports content was watched through these platforms, highlighting a shift towards creator-driven content and events. Co-streamers such as Nix (Dota 2), Tarik (VALORANT), and Scump (Call of Duty) have played pivotal roles in elevating their respective games, contributing to a 10% increase in co-streaming viewership since 2020.
League of Legends: The Reigning Champion of Live Streams
League of Legends, after breaking the record for the most-watched esports event last year, continued its dominance as the most live-streamed game with an impressive 1.6 billion hours watched. This achievement further cements its position as a flagship title in the esports domain.
Highlighting Individual Streaming Success
The report also sheds light on individual streaming milestones. Ibai ‘ibai’ Llanos achieved the highest average viewership in 2023, captivating 77,000 viewers on average. In the female streaming arena, Samy Rivera (rivers_gg) led the pack with an average viewership of 23,000.
Consistent Growth in Co-Streaming and Creator-Driven Content
Echoing the findings from Stream Hatchet’s Esports Live-Streaming Trends Report for the first quarter of 2023, the latest data continues to emphasize the escalating trend of co-streaming and creator-driven content. Notably, these creator-led events have begun registering higher average viewerships than some top-tier esports events.
Insights from GameSquare’s CEO
Justin Kenna, CEO of GameSquare, weighed in on the findings: “Live streaming is a powerful driving force in the evolution of the creator economy. Our data shines a light on today’s most impactful audiences, changing the landscape of the way brands should be interacting with their consumers. Creator-driven events have had a meteoric rise, signifying the gaming and esports community’s desire for more immersive and personalized experiences.”
The Stream Hatchet report for 2023 is more than just a collection of statistics; it’s a testament to the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of esports and live streaming.
As the lines between traditional esports events and creator-driven content continue to blur, one thing is clear: the appetite for engaging, interactive, and community-centric content in the gaming and esports universe is greater than ever.
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