3.1.1 Supported by National Policies
Receiving national policy support means that the esports industry is valued within the country’s overall development strategy. The government may introduce policy measures conducive to the development of the esports industry, such as formulating relevant regulations and policies to provide a clearer and more stable business environment. This can reduce uncertainties in the operation process and enhance competitiveness. National policy support is often accompanied by the allocation of funds and resources. The government may establish special funds to support the development of the esports industry, providing financial support for esports events to expand brand influence, drive R&D innovation, and strengthen team building. In addition, the government may encourage other institutions or enterprises to participate in the esports industry, offering more opportunities for resource cooperation. To encourage the development of the esports industry, the government may introduce preferential tax policies, such as reducing corporate income tax for esports events and exempting taxes related to the industry. This will directly reduce operational costs and increase profitability. For groups with more traditional or conservative perceptions, national policy support can help improve recognition of the esports industry. Government endorsement enables esports events to gain greater social acceptance, helping remove misunderstandings and prejudices while promoting the integration and transmission of esports culture. Esports events supported by national policies demonstrate their positive value in multiple aspects, including a healthy development environment, financial and resource support, tax incentives, international communication and cooperation, as well as improved social recognition. Such support lays a solid foundation for the steady development of esports events while enabling the esports industry to play a more active role in national development.
3.1.2 Driving the Development of Related Industries
The rapid rise of esports events is actively boosting the prosperity of related industries. An outstanding esports event, while continuously expanding its influence, also drives surrounding industries to gradually form a complete esports ecosystem. First is the gaming industry. Esports events serve as a major driving force for game development. Close cooperation between event organizers and game developers not only greatly enhances game popularity but also motivates companies to invest more in R&D, continuously optimizing game quality and user experience. Second, esports events create more commercial opportunities for event organizers and venue providers. The hosting of large-scale tournaments allows organizers to launch more high-quality events, while venues, hotels, and tourism-related industries gain increased economic benefits from esports activities. Third is livestreaming platforms and content creators. Exciting esports broadcasts attract large numbers of viewers, generating significant commercial value — platforms acquire higher traffic and user stickiness, while creators gain more fans by producing related content. Lastly, esports media and information platforms benefit as well. As tournaments become a major focus of media coverage, esports media can provide richer content, and brand marketing fuels the growth of information platforms, drawing broader attention. Excellent esports events, by hosting tournaments, promoting livestreaming, and expanding influence, collectively drive the prosperity of gaming, event organization, broadcasting, media, and other industries. Their positive spillover effects push the entire esports industry chain forward together.
3.1.3 Increasing Employment Opportunities
The development of esports events not only advances various segments of the industry chain but also creates a large number of job opportunities. A successful esports brand requires a professional operational team. First are esports athletes and coaches — the core of the ecosystem — who must undergo long-term and systematic training to become top professionals. Esports brands provide them with career development platforms and enable more young people to pursue their esports dreams. Next are operations and management roles, including brand managers, marketing personnel, financial staff, and others who provide comprehensive support for brand growth. Additionally, livestreaming and commentary teams bring viewers exciting and interactive experiences through professional broadcasts. Creative and design teams also play important roles in product design and promotional campaigns. According to relevant surveys by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, currently less than 15% of esports-related positions are sufficiently staffed, and there is a talent gap of 1.5 million in mid-to-upper-stream professional roles. Demand for specialized talent within the esports industry will remain high over the next five years. In recent years, with the booming growth of esports, professions such as esports athletes have been officially recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Following this initiative, local authorities in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Zhejiang, and other regions have begun to conduct vocational qualification certifications. Esports brands also actively support athletes and related personnel in obtaining professional credentials. While promoting industrial upgrading, esports events are also creating employment opportunities and contributing to greater opportunities for social development.