How hours spent playing Tomb Raider in the 90s became due diligence for investments today
- LiHT Capital
- Jan 13, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 27, 2023
My brother and I spent hours playing computer games in the dawn of the genre; from the 8-bit masterpiece that was Karateka to the grandaddy of todays FPS games, Wolfenstein. At the time, it was cutting edge technology, exciting and enormously fun.
Today, e-Sports is a $1.4bn industry and is expected grow to $6bn (4.3x growth) by the end of this decade.
Global tournaments attract millions of fans both virtually and in arenas to cheer on teams with half time shows that rival the NFLs Superbowl extravaganza. Teams today are fast evolving from disorganised groups of teens playing at home to professionally managed outfits with a team of chefs, trainers and agents to manage their merchandise and fanbase growth.
The business model mimics the trajectory of traditional sports teams, where the most successful money makers, are prize winners with big personalities and a dedicated fanbase who are willing to buy into the players via endorsements and other merchandise. However e-Sports has the natural Gen Z based advantage with added earnings kickers of NFTs and Web3 services. Star players are born, becoming influencers to millions of their young, passionate fanbase, enabling substantial income generation.
At LiHT, we have been an early believer in the industry and have leveraged our conviction and passion via holdings in companies like Ampverse, a market leading e-Sports company in Asia.
Looking back at the long afternoons spent agonizing over how to get past the gate to save Princess Mariko, I am grateful for the lessons I gained in that time and appreciate how childhood passions can be investments we make in ourselves for years to come.
Sources:
Comments