As esports grows its share of consumer attention and spending, especially among younger consumers, the industry presents exciting and potentially unique opportunities for brands, esports companies, leagues, publishers and media.

As a brand, how can you make the most out of esports? What commercial opportunities do esports offer? How are brands monetising their activities? How can agencies help to activate brand image in the esports industry?

The esports industry has a responsibility to create content to help gamers looking to have a positive social impact on their communities. It is about working with audiences to address issues including mental health, gender inequality, lack of diversity and bullying.

This comes at a time when the worlds of esports and education are coming together. To develop skills as a gamer requires discipline – a huge benefit for students of all subjects.  The esports industry also offers a new career path, helping to motivate and inspire students interested in esports as a career.

This topic looks at how the esports industry connects with different societal stakeholders in terms of education, fair play, inclusion, gender equality, health and environmental responsibility.

Thanks to its naturally digital devotees, the rapidly growing and evolving esports sector is one of the most influential elements in the future of the relationship between consumers and digital technology and traditional media.

Audiences have been fragmented by traditional media, such as linear broadcast TV (still a powerful presence), print media and broadcast radio, co-existing with digital media, such as social media, instant messaging, podcasts and video streaming.

What is the industry perspective on the media? The contribution by esports to the emergence of streaming media has overhauled the mass market for media distribution. How is streaming media boosting the value of the professional gaming market?