Brand partnerships have emerged as a winning strategy for companies and brands due to the fact that esports has become a billion-dollar industry in recent years and has captured the hearts and screens of millions worldwide. Brands are now increasingly trying to build partnerships with esports organizations for various purposes, with the top one being increased visibility and exposure. In this post, we will take a look at some of the benefits of brand partnerships in esports.
Enhanced Visibility and Exposure
As mentioned, this is the biggest advantage that brands get by sponsoring different esports organizations. The esports audience has become diverse and global. There are esports fans who come from different cultures and walks of life, making it an ideal platform for brands like Starbucks that are looking to reach a wide demographic and have a global presence.
In addition, partnerships in esports can increase brand exposure. Having logos on team jerseys, banners in virtual arenas, and in-game sponsorships can increase the visibility of a brand. Millions of people tune in to watch esports tournaments and their favorite teams play. This provides an unparalleled way for brands to increase their exposure in front of a highly engaged audience.
Access to a Highly Engaged Audience
Every brand wants to get its message out to as engaged an audience as possible. So the next benefit of partnerships for brands is that they get access to a highly engaged audience. Esports fans are famous for their passion and dedication to the sport. They form tightly-knit communities on the internet around their favorite games, teams, and players. This is a highly increased level of engagement that is preferred by brands, as engaged and passionate fans are more likely to interact with the sponsors.
Opportunities for Product Integration
Brands can also enjoy the benefit of smooth and seamless product integration through sponsorships and partnerships. Be it energy drinks or gaming accessories, brands have been introducing their products into the world of esports in a very subtle way. Gamers have strong preferences for the gear they use, which makes partnerships with hardware companies particularly effective.
Moreover, brands have also started co-branding merchandise with esports organizations and launching limited-edition products associated with an esports team to create buzz among the esports community. This has provided so many benefits to brands that now more and more are interested in sponsoring top esports teams and organizations.
Supporting Player Development
Esports partnerships and sponsorships are beneficial not only for the brands but also for the players and the team. Behind every successful esports team are dedicated players who work day and night to excel at the game and compete at the highest level. By sponsoring and partnering with different teams, brands like Travelodge can contribute to player development.
Additionally, brands can also invest in esports scholarships and educational programs to encourage more youngsters to join the world of esports. By doing so, brands can create a positive brand image for themselves, show their dedication to the esports community, and encourage healthy gaming habits among esports enthusiasts.
