Unleashing the Power of MENA eSports: Navigating Uncharted Challenges | SiGMA Eurasia 2024

Summary

In a panel discussion titled 'Unleashing the Power of Mina Esports: Navigating Uncharted Challenges,' industry experts explore the unique opportunities and challenges of the Mina region's Esports growth. They discuss the impact of government investment, cultural perceptions, and the importance of analytics in measuring sponsorship success. Panelists emphasize the need for a diverse and inclusive Esports community and the potential of cloud gaming to democratize access to the industry.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The panel discussion, moderated by Aravind 'ex Ari' Farat, revolves around the potential and challenges of Esports in the Mina region.
• 🌐 Benedict, from Shenzo Analytics, describes his company as the 'Google Analytics of Esports,' focusing on brand exposure detection across various media.
• 🎉 Aravind, co-founder of CIX, highlights the company's role in organizing Esports tournaments and content creation, emphasizing the partnership with Shenzo Analytics.
• 💡 Paul, from Hollow Deck Ventures, discusses his belief in gaming as the future of entertainment and his involvement in the industry, including hosting a show on CNBC Arabia.
• 🔑 The panelists identify unique opportunities in the Mina region, such as the influx of investment and the potential to attract a Gen Z audience, which is difficult for traditional brands to reach.
• 📉 Paul expresses skepticism about the sustainability of Esports without substantial financial backing, suggesting that the industry's profitability is often overlooked.
• 👀 Aravind points out the low viewership of Esports events in the audience, indicating a need for greater awareness and interest in Esports among the public.
• 🚧 The panel discusses the challenges faced by the Esports industry in the Mina region, including cultural perceptions, societal norms, and the need for education about Esports.
• 🤝 Aravind shares his personal experience of transitioning from Dentistry to Esports, facing initial resistance and highlighting the struggle for acceptance in the field.
• 💰 Aravan from CIX talks about the difficulty of securing sponsors due to a lack of understanding of Esports, emphasizing the need for industry education among brands.
• 🏆 The panel acknowledges the importance of government involvement in Esports, with examples like the Dubai Police Esports tournament, and the potential impact on legitimizing gaming and fostering investment.

Q & A

What is the panel discussion titled and what is its main focus?

The panel discussion is titled 'Unleashing the Power of Mina Esports: Navigating Uncharted Challenges' and focuses on discussing the unique opportunities and challenges that the Mina region presents for the growth and development of Esports.

What is the role of Aravind in the panel discussion?

Aravind is one of the co-founders of CIX, an esports and gaming company based in the UAE, and he is discussing the opportunities and challenges of the esports industry in the Mina region from his perspective as an industry insider.

What does Shenzo Analytics do according to Benedict's introduction?

Shenzo Analytics serves as a form of Google Analytics for the esports industry, detecting and capturing brand exposure in pictures, videos, streams, and social media, and sharing this information with their clients.

What is Paul's view on the importance of the Mina region for the future of professional esports?

Paul believes that the Mina region is the last bastion of hope for professional esports, highlighting the significant investments being made in the region as a key factor for its potential growth.

What is the main challenge Aravind faced when starting out in the esports industry?

Aravind faced the challenge of educating sponsors about what esports is, as many brands did not understand the concept or the value of esports when he started out.

What does Paul think about the sustainability of esports in the Mina region without government investment?

Paul is skeptical about the long-term sustainability of esports in the Mina region without continued government investment, suggesting that the industry might disappear if the financial support is withdrawn.

What is the role of cultural perception in the acceptance and participation of esports in the Mina region?

Cultural perception and societal norms have hindered the full acceptance and participation of esports in the Mina region, as noted from personal experiences shared during the panel discussion.

How does the government's involvement in esports legitimize the industry in the public eye?

Government involvement in esports, such as hosting tournaments and investing in the industry, helps legitimize gaming and esports as a recognized and respectable industry in the public eye.

What is the significance of the Esports World Cup in Saudi and Gamers 8 in terms of marketing and perception change?

The Esports World Cup in Saudi and Gamers 8 are significant as they serve as marketing exercises to change global perceptions about the region, attracting international attention and showcasing the region's commitment to esports.

What are the key metrics to measure sponsorship success in esports according to Benedict?

Key metrics to measure sponsorship success in esports include viewership numbers, brand visibility during streams, audience demographics, brand sentiment in chat, and changes in brand perception and sales traffic on websites.

What is the future outlook for Mina esports in the next 10 years according to the panelists?

The panelists have mixed views; Paul is skeptical but sees potential in the 'future of fun' beyond esports, Aravind foresees major esports events being hosted in the Mina region, and Benedict highlights the potential of cloud gaming to increase accessibility and interest in esports.