Intellectual Property (IP) Owners: The Linchpins of Esports
IP owners, primarily game publishers and developers, are central to the esports industry. Unlike traditional sports, where organising bodies can independently create and manage leagues, esports relies heavily on the consent and participation of these IP owners. Their control over the games extends to event authorisation, rule setting, revenue generation, and even game meta and integrity, positioning them as the primary decision-makers in the ecosystem.
Impact of IP Ownership:

• Autonomy over Events: IP owners can approve or deny any esports event, shaping the competitive calendar.
• Revenue Dominance: Most of the industry's revenue flows directly to IP owners through in-game purchases and licensing fees.
• Regulatory Authority: Game updates and competitive integrity fall under the purview of IP owners, affecting the gameplay and tournament outcomes.

Major Esports Games IP Owners:

Bandai Namco: Main esports title - Tekken
Blizzard Entertainment: Main esports titles - Hearthstone, Overwatch 2, Starcraft 2
Capcom: Main esports title - Street Fighter
Electronic Arts: Main esports titles - EA SPORTS FC™, EA SPORTS™ F1®
Epic Games: Main esports titles - Fortnite, Rocket League
iRacing: Main esports title - iRacing
Konami: Main esports title - eFootball
Krafton: Main esports titles - PUBG, PUBG Mobile
Kunos Simulazioni: Main esports title - Asseto Corsa
Moontoon: Main esports title - Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)
Riot Games: Main esports titles - Valorant, League of Legends
Ubisoft: Main esports titles - Rainbow Six Siege, Just Dance
Valve: Main esports titles - Counter-Strike, Dota 2

Segments Within Esports: A Spectrum of Engagement
To appreciate the diversity within esports, one can draw parallels with physical sports, such as running, where activities range from casual jogs to professional marathons. Similarly, esports encompasses:

• Casual Gaming: The entry point for many, focusing on the joy of play rather than competition.
• Amateur Competitive Gaming: Informal contests among friends or local communities, which may or may not include rewards.
• Grassroots Esports: Organized, small-scale competitions that cater to budding talent.
• Semi-Pro and Collegiate Esports: More structured tournaments with broader audiences and, sometimes, educational institution backing.
• Professional Esports: The pinnacle of esports, featuring large-scale events, significant prize pools, and global viewership.

Government and Institutional Structures: Shaping the Framework
Government and institutional entities can significantly influence esports, from financial regulation to game accessibility and data control. Their involvement can catalyse or hinder the industry's growth, making their stance and policies pivotal for the development of esports.
Governmental Influence:

• Regulatory Impact: Financial regulations, game bans, and data control laws can shape the market.
• Support and Restrictions: Governments may offer incentives or impose restrictions, affecting the industry's operational dynamics.

Major Organizers: The Architects of Competition
Esports boasts a variety of organisers, from IP owners to commercial and institutional bodies, each playing a distinct role in crafting the competitive scene. The diversity of organisers contributes to a rich tapestry of events, catering to a wide array of audiences and participants.
Types of Organizers:

• Game IP Owners: Often dictate the structure and monetisation of premier events.
• Commercial Organizers: Focus on profit through sponsorships, ticket sales, and media rights, driving the professional esports economy.
• Institutional Organizers: Aimed at promoting esports among youth and national representation, often not for profit.

Sponsors: Fueling the Ecosystem
Sponsors, both endemic and non-endemic, are vital for the financial sustainability of esports. Their engagement with teams, events, and streamers fuels the industry's growth and enhances its legitimacy and appeal to a broader audience.
Sponsorship Dynamics:

• Endemic Brands: Directly related to gaming, providing hardware and services.
• Non-endemic Brands: Diverse industries looking to tap into the esports demographic for brand exposure and engagement.

Broadcasting and Streaming: The Visibility Engine
The transition from traditional broadcasting to digital streaming platforms like Twitch has revolutionised how esports content is consumed, making it accessible worldwide. This shift has democratised content creation, allowing players, teams, and independent streamers to connect with a global audience.
Broadcasting Evolution:

• From Linear TV to Digital Streaming: Reflects the changing consumption patterns and the global reach of esports.
• Platform Diversity: Despite Twitch's dominance, regional platforms and innovations in content delivery continue to evolve.