Ireland’s booming digital gaming industry is poised for another level up.
The government’s recent introduction of a tax credit for developers has been hailed as a game-changer with the potential to propel the country to the forefront of the global gaming industry.
The exciting development came after years of steady growth in the Irish gaming sector, with studios such as Dreamfeel establishing Ireland as a hotbed for creative game development.
The focus is now shifting towards attracting even more talent and investment. The tax credit incentive is aimed at encouraging investment and job creation to stimulate economic activity and solidify Ireland’s position as a global game development hub.
It has already started bearing fruit, drawing the attention of both domestic and international developers and investors, who see Ireland as a prime location for their operations.
The gaming industry’s increasing popularity has also impacted the burgeoning eSports scene and the growth of the game development industry will only fuel this trend.
Gaming Industry Boom Continues Apace in Ireland
The eSports market is growing at a rapid pace, and the ongoing digitalisation wave is a key driver.
The growth of the gaming sector, coupled with the increased usage of smartphones, has created a massive pool of potential players and viewers.
Faster internet speed and cutting-edge hardware ensure smooth gameplay experiences, creating a fertile ground for competitive gaming to thrive.
The COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently served as a catalyst for the eSports industry, with lockdowns forcing people to online gaming for entertainment and connection.
That surge in interest translated to higher viewership for eSports tournaments, further propelling the sector’s growth. But it doesn’t stop there.
With more teams and tournaments entering the fray, sponsorship and advertising opportunities are multiplying. As the audience grows, live stream viewership translates to increased profitability, attracting further investment into teams and prize money for tournaments.
Ireland’s eSports scene is mirroring this global trend. Recent industry consolidation has further magnified the already thriving market, which is now expected to hit double-digit growth in the coming years.
Experts forecast a market size of a whopping $24.9 million by the end of 2024 – a figure which has inevitably sparked significant interest from the sports betting sector.
Many of the operators listed on betyou.ie now offered dedicated betting odds on eSports leagues and tournaments, further raising the profile of professional gaming.
Experts predict the market will reach a staggering $32.6m by 2028, reflecting a healthy annual growth rate of 6.97%.
The number of eSports enthusiasts in Ireland is expected to skyrocket, reaching an estimated 1.9m by 2028, which translates to a user penetration rate rising from 31.1% in 2024 to 36.5% by 2028.
With an average revenue per user (ARPU) estimated at $15.75, the potential for monetisation within the eSports market is clear.
The increased popularity of the Irish gaming industry has fuelled the growth of eSports. But the nation’s thriving technology industry and already passionate gaming community are bound to take it to the next level.
Ireland to be Represented at eSports Championship 2024 Qualifiers
Ireland is poised to showcase its growing prominence in the world of eSports, with the nation set to participate in the Online Qualifiers for the IESF World eSports Championship 2024.
The announcement signals Ireland’s determination to make its mark on the global eSports stage, with the tournament scheduled to kick off in July.
Despite falling short in last year’s qualifiers, the core of Ireland’s team is largely unchanged and has been bolstered by two new additions.
Adam ‘AdamJC’ Colwell will lead the charge, supported by long-time teammates and trusted allies William ‘Wiiam’ O’Shea and Jamie ‘Tree60’ Callan.
The trio will be joined by Tom ‘arTisT’ Clarke and Ciaran ‘biscu’ King, who were the first Irishmen to qualify for a major RMR last year.
Matas ‘Extinct’ Strumila is the final member of the Irish team, rounding off a line-up poised to make waves in the upcoming qualifiers.
Gaming Companies are Riding the Wave of Positivity
With billions in revenue generated annually and thousands of professionals employed across top-notch studios, Ireland’s gaming sector is making significant strides.
Leading the pack is Playrix, a household name behind beloved titles like Township, Fishdom and Gardenscapes.
These free-to-download games have captivated millions of players worldwide, showcasing the creativity of Irish game development.
Another major player is eRepublik Labs, who have garnered five million players with their popular multiplayer strategy games such as eRepublik The New World since 2007.
DIGIT Game Studios is further amplifying Ireland’s gaming prowess with their free-to-play mobile strategy titles.
These engaging experiences have garnered a global following, proving that Irish developers are adept at crafting games that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Vela Games takes a different approach, specialising in multiplayer online cooperative games, while WarDucks are renowned for their diverse portfolio.
They cater to mobile gamers on Android and Apple devices while simultaneously pushing boundaries with their virtual reality experiences on PlayStation consoles.