SINGAPORE/DALIAN, China/TOKYO -- Competitive video gaming has become a serious business in Asia, home to half the world's esports audience. Now, the boom is giving rise to unlikely partnerships and new industries, as companies jump into a global market expected to expand by 75% to $1.6 billion within the next three years.
In Singapore last week, Asia's largest sports media company teamed up with Japan's biggest ad agency to bring virtual battles on par with physical combat. ONE Championship, a mixed martial arts promoter backed by Temasek Holdings and Sequoia Capital, will from next year hold esports matches alongside its tournaments in a new venture with Dentsu, the first of its kind according to ONE.
