Chinese eSports market to grow US$3 billion by 2020

Having recently added eSports as a profession, the Chinese Government has predicted that eSports and the online gaming market is expected to grow to US$3 billion by 2020.

According to a report from China’s state television broadcaster, China Central Television (CCTV), the nations eSports market is projected to double within two years, following a market estimate of US$1.25 billion in 2018.

The report also found that there are more than 50,000 people working in the Chinese eSports industry, with that number expected to surpass 250,000 by 2020.

Commenting on the growth, Bang Xu, Vice President of Tomorrowland Esports told CCTV “the number of eSports leagues in 2016 was just less than 10 (but now) the number of eSports leagues has exceeded 100.”

In an effort to try and keep pace with the influx of gamers, many Chinese colleges are opening up state-funded eSports related programs focused on supporting and cultivating talents, as well as management, event operation and broadcasting.

Image: The recently opened Cyber Games Arena in Hong Kong is the largest eSports facility in Asia.