The future of eSports venues

In the eSports world, gaming isn’t just a pastime – it’s a rapidly evolving industry. And with eSports growth stats skyrocketing, the growing community of gamers and fans alike is changing the landscape of event venues. Now, eSports venues are becoming not just places to play; but epicenters of a movement, drawing gamers out of their basements and into arenas where competition and camaraderie are side-by-side.

How eSports is different from traditional sports

There are many ways in which eSports differ from traditional sports, beyond the obvious such as gameplay and training routines. One of the biggest differences lies in the venue. ESports events last anywhere from a single afternoon to multiple days and rely heavily on tech, which sets eSports venue sourcing apart from other sports event venues. There are some key factors eSports event planners must consider when selecting a venue, including: 

  1. Size: Gone are the days when small teams of players gathered in a room to battle it out with the help of a single server. Now, eSports venues must be large enough to accommodate audiences without alienating them or making players feel uncomfortable. For instance, eSports Arena Orange County provides an intimate setting with 1,400 seats, creating a space where gamers and fans can watch, play, and mingle​​ without interrupting the gameplay. 
  2. Location: Esports events are taking place in all types of locations from repurposed movie theaters to malls and convention centers. Ideally, the best venues are located in easily accessible areas, preferably downtown or close to public transit. This is partly to accommodate younger gamers who rely on parental drop-offs or public transportation, and gamers who travel for competition. 
  3. Set-up: While size and location are important, the configuration of the venue, particularly its technology, is the most important factor. Esports venues demand high levels of digital experience, which means investing in visual and audio technology to create the best fan experience is critical. This includes a stable power system, high-speed broadband internet, and a layout that accommodates both players and spectators, offering clear views of the gameplay​​​​.

Ultimately, gamers are seeking variety and authenticity in eSports venues, regardless of whether the space is a pop-up or brick-and-mortar. From stadium seating to massive LED screens and chillout lounges, the winning venues are those that balance size and location while providing a truly creative entertainment experience​​.

The ePlaying field

ESports venues are unique because of the “economics” behind them. Each event employs the latest devices and cutting-edge event design so that popular eSports players and teams can perform at their best, while fans enjoy the thrill of competition. It’s this sophistication, along with massive viewership, that puts eSports into a different league than traditional sports.

Looking for the best advanced gaming device for your next eSports event? Digidome may be just what you’re looking for. With its state-of-the-art configurations, Digidome is scalable for any immersive environment and supports VR/AR/MR (and more) platforms and applications. When you level up with Digidome, you and your team will be the last ones standing.