The Technological Revolution of Esports session at CES® 2021 featured key thought and technology leaders who discussed tech trends that are helping the ever-growing gaming industry. A common theme brought up throughout the session was the growing accessibility of gaming and esports.

Access to Technology and a Constant Connection

To kick off the session, moderator Travis Mynard, Esports agent at United Talent Agency, challenged the panelist to pin down the greatest advancement or invention in esports in the last five years. Responses pointed to different ways that barriers to entry have been removed, allowing for the rapid growth of the industry. The discussion ranged from streaming to increased access to internet and devices.

Seth Schneider, GeForce Esports product manager, NVIDIA, highlighted the access to streaming as a way to inspire, saying, “[We are using] better technology for better quality streams, easier-to-access streaming platforms. [Gamers are] inspiring people to play. They are inspiring people to be part of this community.”

Echoing the thoughts of his fellow panelists, Darren Yan, head of talent management at FaZe Clan took the accessibility discussion to another level. Yan pointed out that, while technology has continued to improve, it has also opened new markets through reduced pricing.

“Accessibility and the cheapening barrier to entry is a huge game changer,” Yan said.

Heather Garozzo, VP of talent at Dignitas, talked about the increasing number of analytics tools available. Players today have more access to data analytics to understand their own play as well as that of their opponents. This takes pressure off players who once had to watch hours of game tapes to prepare. While these are mostly still paid tools, Garozzo predicts that we will see them become more available to amateur players.

Doing More with Less

While increased access to internet, devices and streaming have helped expand the field for esports, the belief in doing more with less has really leveled the playing field.

“What FaZe Clan will always be about is going back to the kid with the camera, editing videos, doing the most with the least,” Yan said. “No matter how big we get, keep with the ethos and culture so that the kids feel like they can do anything even with nothing. That's the relatability and accessibility that matters to us."

From more affordable systems and increased access to analytics to creating space for the amateur gamer, esports continues to grow in a way that allows the passive viewers to join in on the action.