Esports, or electronic sports, has rapidly evolved from a niche hobby into a global industry, where players compete in organized tournaments ranging from local competitions to international events with millions of viewers and significant prize pools. The industry is no longer just entertainment—it is an emerging economic powerhouse, poised to play a major role in local, national, and global economies.
According to market research, the global esports market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2025, with Canada expected to generate USD $138.9 million in revenue by 2024, growing at an annual rate of 5.92% to reach USD $185.2 million by 2029. This growth has been fueled by the increasing number of gamers, advancements in streaming technology, and the rise of esports betting and sponsorships.
In Canada, 23 million people—61% of the population—engage with video games, contributing to the broader esports economy through competing, streaming, viewing, and sponsorships. As the industry expands, it creates job opportunities in IT, event planning, marketing, and tourism, requiring skilled professionals to support its development.
Major tournaments and conventions demand expertise in logistics, digital marketing, event production, and IT infrastructure, driving job creation and economic activity in host cities. Additionally, esports events bring competitors and spectators from outside the region, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.
Southeastern New Brunswick: A Strategic Hub for Esports Growth
Southeastern New Brunswick is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this growing industry. Its strategic location beside Quebec, Nova Scotia. And Prince Edward Island combined with its bilingual workforce and strong institutional support, provides a competitive advantage for esports expansion.
Université de Moncton’s Leadership in Esports
One of the key drivers of esports development in the region is Université de Moncton (UdeM), which has actively fostered industry growth through:
- Professional esports teams competing at national levels.
- Major events and tournaments, attracting over 400 participants from Quebec,
Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island. (This is a
conservative estimate of players outside of Southeast New Brunswick, not including
family, vendors, coaches, or staff). - The student-run nonprofit TomorrowLan, which organizes regular gaming events and
provides hands-on experience in esports management. - Smaller monthly tournaments and weekly local events, creating a consistent and
engaged gaming community.
UdeM’s commitment to esports extends beyond competition—it provides training, mentorship,
and resources to support students interested in pursuing careers in the industry, whether in game
development, event planning, or professional play.
Bilingualism as an Advantage
Southeastern New Brunswick’s bilingual workforce enhances the region’s ability to accommodate both francophone and anglophone esports professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts. With Quebec as a major hub for gaming and esports, Moncton serves as a natural bridge, attracting talent and investment from both provinces.
A study by Dataslots.com ranked Moncton as the sixth-best city for esports in Canada, citing factors such as internet speeds, esports retailers, and tournament availability, making it the top esports city in Atlantic Canada. Its accessibility and affordability further strengthen its potential as an esports hub compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Challenges Facing the Esports Industry
Despite its rapid growth, the esports industry still faces several challenges, including infrastructure, sustainable partnerships, and visibility. These barriers are largely tied to the stigma surrounding video games, which can impact investment and institutional support.
- Infrastructure: Developing high-quality training facilities and dedicated esports
venues requires significant funding. Without these resources, regional teams and events
may struggle to compete at a global level. - Sustainable Partnerships: Many businesses remain hesitant to invest in esports due to
misconceptions about gaming’s long-term viability. Establishing corporate
sponsorships and industry partnerships is crucial for sustaining growth. - Visibility: While esports has gained traction, it still lacks mainstream media coverage
and governmental support in many regions, limiting its reach and potential funding
opportunities.
However, Université de Moncton is helping to address these challenges by providing resources, training, and venues that support esports growth. By establishing itself as
a leader in the sector, the university is strengthening the legitimacy and visibility of esports in
the region.
Supporting Esports Through Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship
To fully leverage esports as an economic driver, it is essential to connect industry players with
professional development and business support services. Through our Connector Program,
entrepreneurship resources, and youth services, we are well-positioned to:
- Support workforce development by helping students and professionals explore career
opportunities in esports-related industries such as IT, event management, and digital
media. - Foster entrepreneurship by guiding esports startups, gaming venues, and content
creators in business development and funding opportunities. - Attract investment by promoting esports as a viable sector for economic growth and
advocating for corporate sponsorships and government support.
Building the Future of Esports in Southeastern New Brunswick
Southeastern New Brunswick has all the elements needed to thrive in the esports industry:
a growing player base, institutional support, a bilingual workforce, and a strategic location.
By continuing to invest in infrastructure, partnerships, and workforce development, the
region can position itself as a key player in Canada’s esports ecosystem.
To accelerate this growth, we should consider partnerships with Université de Moncton to
further promote our services and resources within the esports community. Through collaboration, advocacy, and investment, we can unlock the full potential of this emerging industry and solidify Southeastern New Brunswick as an esports leader.
Sources
Grand View Research. “Esports Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Revenue Model (Sponsorship, Media Rights, Merchandise), By Age Group (Generation Z, Millennials), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030.” Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/esports-market.
Made in CA. “Video Game Industry Statistics Canada.” Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: madeinca.ca/video-game-industry-statistics-canada.
RCG Foundation. Essential Facts 2020. Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: essentialfacts2020.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/RCGEF_en.pdf.
SaltWire Network. “Moncton, Halifax, St. John’s Among Best Cities for Gamers in Canada: Study.” Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/lifestyles/moncton-halifax-st-johns-among-best-cities-for-gamers-in-canada-study-100879772/.
Start.gg. “TomorrowLAN 2023 Attendees.” Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: start.gg/tournament/tomorrowlan-2023/attendees.
Start.gg. “TomorrowLAN 2024 Attendees.” Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: https://www.start.gg/tournament/tomorrowlan-2024/attendees
Statista. “Esports in Canada.” Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: statista.com/outlook/amo/esports/canada.
Thomas, Daisy. “The Economic Impact of Esports.” LinkedIn. Accessed October 18, 2024. Available at: linkedin.com/pulse/economic-impact-esports-daisy-thomas-eg21e/.