Mobile esports has experienced a meteoric rise in 2024, buoyed by significant investments from Saudi Arabia and strategic initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of competitive gaming. This surge in interest and activity within the mobile esports sector reflects a broader trend of mobile gaming’s increasing prominence and influence in the gaming industry as a whole.
 |
| Image Credit: Mid-day |
The year 2024 has been pivotal for mobile esports, witnessing a flurry of developments that have elevated the profile and potential of competitive gaming on mobile devices. One of the key drivers behind this surge is the substantial investment from Saudi Arabia, particularly through the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PIF’s acquisition of ESL/FACEIT Group in January 2022 marked a strategic entry into the esports arena, with a focus on mobile gaming, which has seen exponential growth globally and particularly in regions like Asia and the Middle East.
One of the notable manifestations of this investment is the Snapdragon Pro Series (SPS), a global mobile esports league operated by ESL/FACEIT Group. The SPS has emerged as a premier platform for competitive mobile gaming, attracting top players and teams from around the world. Its official partnership with Moonton Games, the publisher of “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang” (MLBB), underscores the collaborative efforts to expand the reach and impact of mobile esports. The infusion of investment has not only bolstered prize pools but also enhanced the overall infrastructure and ecosystem for mobile esports competitions.
Also Read:- Esports World Cup 2024: Record Prizes
Tencent’s $15 million investment to develop “Honor of Kings” into an esport further underscores the growing recognition of mobile games as legitimate competitive platforms. Similarly, Riot Games’ exploration of a mobile version of “Valorant” signals a strategic move to tap into the mobile gaming market, which has a massive player base globally.
The inaugural Esports World Cup in 2024 stands as a testament to the rapid growth and diversification of mobile esports. With competitions in popular titles like “MLBB,” “PUBG Mobile,” and “Free Fire,” the Esports World Cup has become a marquee event, attracting top talent and substantial sponsorships. The announcement of a $60 million prize pool for the event highlights the financial stakes and opportunities within the mobile esports landscape.
The Middle East region, in particular, has emerged as a hotbed for mobile esports activity, with Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role in driving this momentum. The presence of 14 dedicated “MLBB” teams in the Middle East underscores the region’s enthusiasm and engagement with competitive mobile gaming. The alignment of regional interests and global investments has created a conducive environment for mobile esports to thrive and expand its reach.
From an organizational standpoint, esports teams are increasingly recognizing the potential of mobile gaming as a lucrative and competitive space. NRG’s sponsorship of a “PUBG Mobile” team, supported by Samsung, represents a strategic move to tap into the growing mobile esports market. This diversification of portfolios by established esports organizations signals a broader shift in the industry’s focus and priorities.
Also Read:- Riot’s Mulhall: Esports Leadership
Financial incentives play a crucial role in driving participation and investment in mobile esports. The Esports World Cup’s Club Program, offering substantial financial rewards to participating teams, has incentivized orgs to invest in and prioritize mobile gaming. This model of incentivizing teams and organizations aligns with traditional sports leagues’ practices and underscores the maturation of esports as a professional and lucrative industry.
Moreover, the growing interest from non-endemic brands and commercial sponsors further validates mobile esports’ appeal and potential. Partnerships with companies like Monster, DHL, and Samsung demonstrate the increasing commercial viability and visibility of mobile esports events. This influx of non-endemic sponsors brings new revenue streams and opportunities for growth, enhancing the overall sustainability and competitiveness of mobile esports.
In conclusion, 2024 has been a transformative year for mobile esports, driven by substantial investments, strategic partnerships, and growing interest from players, teams, and sponsors. The convergence of these factors has propelled mobile gaming into the mainstream of competitive gaming, paving the way for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.
Table of Contents
Q: What has contributed to the rapid growth of mobile esports in 2024?
A: The growth of mobile esports in 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including significant investments from Saudi Arabia, strategic partnerships between esports organizations and game developers, the emergence of high-profile tournaments like the Esports World Cup, and increasing interest from non-endemic sponsors and commercial partners.
Q: What are some notable investments in mobile esports in 2024?
A: In 2024, notable investments in mobile esports include Tencent’s $15 million investment to develop “Honor of Kings” into an esport, Riot Games’ exploration of a mobile version of “Valorant,” and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund’s acquisition of ESL/FACEIT Group, leading to the establishment of the Snapdragon Pro Series (SPS) as a premier global mobile esports league.
Q: How is the Middle East region contributing to the growth of mobile esports?
A: The Middle East region, particularly Saudi Arabia, has become a key player in the growth of mobile esports. With dedicated teams and a growing fan base for games like “MLBB,” the region’s engagement and enthusiasm have attracted investments and partnerships, contributing significantly to the expansion and diversification of mobile esports activities.
Also Read:- G2 vs Fnatic: LEC Spring 2024 Showdown
Q: What role do financial incentives play in driving participation in mobile esports?
A: Financial incentives, such as prize pools, sponsorship deals, and investment programs like the Esports World Cup’s Club Program, play a crucial role in motivating esports organizations, players, and teams to participate actively in mobile esports. These incentives not only attract top talent but also contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the mobile esports ecosystem.
Q: How are non-endemic brands and commercial sponsors contributing to mobile esports?
A: Non-endemic brands and commercial sponsors are increasingly recognizing the potential of mobile esports as a lucrative marketing and engagement platform. Partnerships with companies like Monster, DHL, and Samsung bring new revenue streams, enhance the visibility of mobile esports events, and support the professionalization of the industry, creating a win-win scenario for stakeholders involved.