eSports
United States In-Game Advertising Market Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2028
The “United States In-Game Advertising Market Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2028” report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The United States in-game advertising market has experienced rapid growth and is projected to reach a value of $13.09 billion by 2028 from $7.45 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 10.2% fueled by various factors such as the increasing popularity of esports among gaming audiences and the integration of native and non-disruptive ad formats.
United States In-Game Advertising Market Scope
In-game advertising includes a wide range of formats and strategies. One of the most common methods is integrating static or dynamic ads into the game environment. These formats can be billboards, posters, or even virtual product placements within the game. Such layouts are carefully designed to blend seamlessly with the game’s aesthetics, ensuring they don’t break the player’s immersion.
The growing interest in social and mobile games is expected to positively impact the expansion of the in-game advertising market share. Advertisements can be integrated into desktop and mobile games through in-game advertising through advertisements, clip art, billboards, and background screens.
United States In-Game Advertising Market Overview
United States in-game advertising market share will benefit from growing social and mobile gaming. Ads, cutscenes, billboards, and background graphics can be used to add ads to desktop and mobile games. Since these ads are not intrusive, players can experience the game smoothly. In-game ads are expected to have a stronger audiovisual impact and leave viewers with a positive and lasting product impression.
United States in-game advertising is driven by several factors, including lower ad costs, increased reach and ROI, fast integration, and clear ad setup in social games. In addition, the inclusion of trusted gaming payment methods will reduce fraud, which may drive the market during the forecast period. Market growth is fueled by a growing selection of free-to-play smartphone games that monetize through in-game ads.
Increasing time and the cost to develop new games and shorter product life cycles are expected to impede market growth. The growing reluctance of video game companies as a result of declining advertising revenues is expected to challenge the growth of the in-game advertising market. In addition, market growth can be hindered by the need to limit poorly designed advertisements with low consumer impact. The increase in irrelevant and intrusive advertisements related to online and social gaming is expected to adversely affect the United States in-game advertising market growth.
United States In-Game Advertising Market Drivers
The United States in-game advertising market is driven by various key factors such as the rising popularity of console gaming and esports. The game has come to become an accepted form of distraction, which draws a wide and diverse audience.
The United States in-game advertising market growth is likely to be boosted by the rising availability of high-speed internet connections and the significant increase in the number of smartphone users in the country. Additionally, a surging number of gamers in the country is expected to contribute to the expansion of the United States in-game advertising market during the forecast period.
In addition, the adoption of various gambling payment mechanisms will reduce fraud, which may increase the expansion of the United States in-game advertising market during the forecast period. In-game advertising is growing portions of free-to-play mobile games and is expected to boost industry growth. This service can earn extra money for game creators, which helps in the expansion of the industry.
The surging popularity of online and mobile games drives the expansion of the United States in-game advertising market during the forecast period. Game advertisers are using in-game advertisements to reach their target audience as more people are using online and mobile games for their entertainment.
United States In-Game Advertising Market Trends
A major trend in the United States in-game advertising market is the integration of native and non-disruptive ad formats which drives the industry’s growth during the forecast period. Advertisers are moving away from intrusive and disruptive ad placements that can negatively impact the gaming experience. Instead, they implement strategies to seamlessly incorporate advertising into the game environment, such as in-game billboards, product placements, and branded virtual products. This approach allows advertisers to capture players’ attention without causing significant disruption, improving both user experience and advertising effectiveness.
Additionally, the rise in influencer marketing collaborations fuels the growth of the United States in-game advertising market during the forecast period. Influencers and creators in the gaming community have gained significant influence and followers, making them valuable partners for advertisers. Brands are increasingly partnering with gaming influencers to promote their products or services through sponsored gameplay, branded content, or product reviews. This collaboration helps advertisers leverage the trust and loyalty built by influencers, which increases brand visibility and engagement with their target audience.
Furthermore, there is more emphasis on metrics and measurement in the United States in-game advertising market which drives the industry’s growth during the forecast period.
United States In-Game Advertising Market Challenges
A major challenge in the United States in-game advertising market is increasing competition among companies for the consumer’s attention in games may hinder the growth of the market during the forecast period.
Additionally, the difficulty of companies in targeting the right audience impedes the United States in-game advertising market expansion during the forecast period. Advertisers must ensure that their ads reach the targeted demographic of the gaming community. However, targeting a precise audience can be difficult due to the diversity and segmentation of the gaming market. Different types, platforms, and gaming habits require tailored approaches that can be difficult to achieve effectively.
Furthermore, the issue of advertisement intrusiveness may hinder the growth of the United States in-game advertisement market during the forecast period. The intrusiveness of advertisements is a major concern of the companies. It is very important to balance the integration of ads into games without compromising the user experience. Intrusive ads that interfere with gameplay or with immersion can cause players to react negatively and may create lack of interest for the game.
United States In-Game Advertising Market Opportunities
The United States in-game advertising market provides various opportunities to the companies to have a competitive edge in the market. Esports has grown significantly in the United States, with widespread recognition of professional games and attracting millions of viewers. This phenomenon offers advertisers a great opportunity to target their brand to popular eSports events, teams, or individual players. In-game advertising can take the form of sponsorship, branded content, or product placement within games, allowing companies to gain exposure and build brand loyalty among the passionate sports community.
The advantage of in-game advertising is that it offers different advertising options for brands to reach their target audience and increase engagement. While in-game and in-field billboards are frequently explored by many developers and publishers, they represent only a fraction of the ad formats available. There are 3 formats of in-game advertising: static ads, dynamic ads, and advergaming. Each format offers several different options to help businesses build and maintain brand awareness without disrupting the users’ experience.
Furthermore, robust infrastructure and technological upgradation provide opportunities to companies in the United States in-game advertising market. Advertisers are able to monetize in-game advertising due to the availability of high-speed internet connections and the rising penetration of streaming platforms in the country.
Key Attributes:
| Report Attribute | Details |
| No. of Pages | 77 |
| Forecast Period | 2022 – 2028 |
| Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 | $7.45 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 | $13.09 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 10.2% |
| Regions Covered | United States |
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the United States in-game advertising market.
- Activision Blizzard, Inc.
- AppsFlyer Inc.
- Frameplay Corporation
- Pubfinity LLC
- Super League Gaming, Inc.
- Motive Interactive, Inc.
- MediaSpike, Inc.
- Electronic Arts Inc.
- Playwire LLC
- Bidstack Group PLC
Market Dynamics
Drivers
- Proliferation of mobile devices
- Increasing internet penetration
- Rising gaming audience
Market Trends & Developments
- Rising popularity of esports
- Growing influencer marketing collaborations
- Increasing popularity of console gaming
- Integration of native and non-disruptive ad format
- Growing popularity of video games
Challenges
- Increasing competition
- Difficulty in targeting the right audience
Impact of COVID-19 on United States In-Game Advertising Market
- Impact Assessment Model
- Key Segments Impacted
- Key Regions Impacted
Report Scope:
United States In-Game Advertising Market, By Type:
- Static Ads
- Dynamic Ads
- Advergaming
United States In-Game Advertising Market, By Platform:
- Smartphone/Tablet
- PC/Laptop
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/x022xb
eSports
Esports World Cup Foundation Launches Global “Road to EWC” Program, Unveiling Qualification Pathways for the Esports World Cup 2025
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has unveiled the full scope of the qualification system for the Esports World Cup 2025 with the launch of the global “Road to EWC” program. Featuring over 200 tournaments spanning grassroots leagues to elite international circuits, the Road to EWC offers opportunities for players at every level to compete on the world’s biggest stage, the Esports World Cup, set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 through August 24.
“Road to EWC is a platform for every player, Club, and community whose journey defines the spirit of competition,” said Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer, of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “By connecting hundreds of tournaments across the world, we are creating life-changing opportunities for players at every level, bringing the world’s best talent to Riyadh. This is how we grow the sport – by growing our partnerships, investing in competitions and laying the foundation for sustainable growth across the industry.”
The Road to EWC qualification program marks a major milestone for the Esports World Cup and is a core component of EWCF’s commitment to the sustainable growth of esports, supporting the professional ecosystem and advancing the sport on a global scale. With 25 tournaments in 24 games, including four new games – Chess, Crossfire, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves and VALORANT – the EWC 2025 will bring together more than 2,000 elite esports players and 200 top Clubs to compete for a prize pool of more than $70 million, the largest in esports history.
For League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch 2, and Apex Legends, official publisher circuits such as the LEC, VCT, OWCS, and ALGS serve as the primary route to qualification. Other games, including Dota 2, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, Teamfight Tactics, and StarCraft II, are holding open online qualifiers, while fighting games, including Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Fatal Fury are qualifying players through community-driven tournaments such as EVO Japan, Combo Breaker, and CEO.
In mobile titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Free Fire, PUBG MOBILE, and Honor of Kings, region-specific leagues across Southeast Asia, MENA, and LATAM are producing national champions who will represent their respective nations in Riyadh. Finally, for titles such as Chess, EA SPORTS FC 25, and Overwatch 2, a final wave of Last Chance Qualifiers will be staged in July, giving one last opportunity for breakout players and rising stars to earn their spot in Riyadh.
Additional information about the Road to EWC, including events and dates for specific titles, can be found at esportsworldcup.com.
As anticipation builds for the Esports World Cup, the Road to EWC also features a multi-channel marketing campaign with a calendar of original content from selected qualifier events and partner leagues around the world. Player interviews and behind-the-scenes access will bring to life the stakes, talent, dedication and human interest stories behind the competition, alongside tournament and game explainers to introduce EWC games to broader audiences and bring fans closer to the action.
The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports’ best teams, players and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.
The post Esports World Cup Foundation Launches Global “Road to EWC” Program, Unveiling Qualification Pathways for the Esports World Cup 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
S8UL strengthens its EWC roster following the announcement of their participation in multiple titles, including Chess, EAFC 25, Tekken 8, Call of Duty (COD): Warzone, and Apex Legends Mumbai, May 8, 2025: S8UL, a global force in esports and gaming content, is proud to announce its entry into the legendary world of StarCraft II with the signing of veteran South Korean player Pyung Jae Koh, better known by his iconic gamer tag GuMiho, a.k.a. “The Towel Terran.”
This marks S8UL’s first foray into the real-time strategy (RTS) genre and signals its continued commitment to global expansion across esports titles that have defined competitive gaming history.
A fan-favorite and master tactician, GuMiho is recognised across the global StarCraft community for his creative playstyle, unorthodox strategies, and trailblazing use of mech-based unit compositions. A staple of the Global StarCraft II League (GSL) since the Wings of Liberty era, GuMiho rose to global prominence after winning the GSL Code S
Championship in 2017, defeating soO in a 4–2 final that etched his name in StarCraft history. His unique style of playing with a towel draped over his hands to absorb sweat and maintain precision earned him the moniker “The Towel Terran,” while his dominance with mechanical Terran builds gave rise to another title: “The Mech God.”
GuMiho’s recent achievements reaffirm his elite status in the competitive StarCraft II scene. In December 2024, he edged out Protoss standout Clem in a tense 3–2 series at HomeStory Cup XXVI, building on the momentum of his nail-biting 4–3 grand final victory over ShoWTimE (also Protoss) at HomeStory Cup XXV just months earlier. Earlier in the year, he delivered a commanding run to the finals of WardiTV 2023, ultimately finishing second after a hard-fought series against Zerg titan Dark. These standout results reinforce GuMiho’s reputation as one of the scene’s most resilient and inventive players, proving that even after years at the top, he continues to evolve and compete at the highest level.
Speaking about his new journey with S8UL, GuMiho said: “Joining S8UL feels like stepping onto a new playing field with the same hunger to win. Their drive to break barriers in esports matches my own competitive spirit. I’m ready to give it my all and compete at the highest level again, this time with S8UL by my side.”
Animesh Agarwal a.k.a. 8Bit Thug, Co-founder and CEO of S8UL, commented on the signing: “GuMiho is a living legend, and we’re beyond thrilled to welcome him to the S8UL family. Our journey into StarCraft II is about paying homage to the roots of esports and competing with the best. GuMiho’s legacy of innovation, consistency, and competitive spirit embodies everything S8UL stands for. This is a proud moment for Indian esports as we strengthen our EWC aspirations with one of the game’s all-time greats.”
As S8UL prepares to compete across multiple titles at EWC 2025, including Apex Legends, EAFC 25, Call of Duty: Warzone, Tekken 8, Chess, and now StarCraft II, the organization continues to demonstrate that excellence in esports knows no borders, no genres, and no limits.
With three consecutive ‘Esports Content Group of the Year’ wins at the Esports Awards and global recognition through initiatives like the MOBIES Global Impact Award, S8UL is now writing a new chapter in the global esports story.
The post S8UL makes StarCraft II debut with the signing of veteran South Korean player GuMiho appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Skyesports Championship BGMI Set for Sixth Edition Featuring INR 40 Lakhs Prize Pool, Grand Finals on May 17–18 in Bangalore
The Skyesports Championship, India’s longest-running homegrown esports IP, is returning for its sixth edition with BGMI and a prize pool of ₹40 Lakhs, culminating in an on-ground Grand Finals on May 17 and 18 in Bangalore.
Leading brands including AMD, Red Bull, GIGABYTE, and Western Digital have partnered with Skyesports for the 2025 edition, reaffirming their commitment to India’s rapidly expanding gaming ecosystem.
Commenting on the return of the IP, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO, Skyesports, said, “The Skyesports Championship is an IP we’ve been nurturing since 2018, growing year after year into one of India’s most recognized esports tournaments with a highly engaged youth audience. We are excited to have partners like AMD, Red Bull, GIGABYTE, and Western Digital joining us for this event, allowing us to deliver a top-notch entertainment product for fans with engaging competitive esports action featuring top-tier teams and esports athletes the country has to offer. With initiatives like the new Sky Champ Rule, this tournament is set to be a standout event on the BGMI esports calendar.”
The return of the Skyesports Championship as an on-ground BGMI event builds on the success of its 2023 edition, which recorded over 32 million digital views and attracted more than 12,000 fans to the stadium.
This momentum reflects India’s position as the fastest-growing gaming market across Asia and MENA, as reported by Niko Partners. The Indian games market is expected to surpass $1 billion in 2025, reaching $1.4 billion in revenue by 2028. Mobile gaming continues to lead, accounting for nearly 78% of all revenue. With an expected 277 million new gamers by 2028, India is also on track to overtake China in the highest total number of gamers worldwide.
As the country’s leading esports tournament organizer, Skyesports continues to drive this momentum by delivering high-impact, community-driven esports experiences at scale.
The Skyesports Championship 2025 BGMI Grand Finals will feature an exciting new format:
- Day 1 (May 17) – Sky Surge: Teams will compete across six maps, aiming to accumulate points and reach the Sky Champ point goal of 66 points.
- Day 2 (May 18) – Sky Champ Rule: Once a team reaches 66 points, they must secure a Chicken Dinner to be crowned champions. If no team achieves this within eight maps, the team with the highest points will be declared the winner.
This unique format makes every match extremely crucial, as teams are not only focused on aggressively reaching the point threshold but also on strategically targeting opponents who are close to achieving it or have crossed it already.
The Skyesports Championship BGMI event schedule is as follows:
- Upper Bracket: May 6–9 (16 teams – Top 8 advance to the Grand Finals, bottom 8 fall to the Last Chance Qualifier)
- Last Chance Qualifier: May 10–12 (16 teams – 8 each from the Upper and Lower Brackets)
- Grand Finals: May 17–18 (Top 8 teams from the LCQ join the 8 qualified from the Upper Bracket to compete for the title)
The entire tournament will be livestreamed on the official Skyesports YouTube channel. Stay tuned to the Skyesports Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook handles for more information regarding the on-ground finale.
The post Skyesports Championship BGMI Set for Sixth Edition Featuring INR 40 Lakhs Prize Pool, Grand Finals on May 17–18 in Bangalore appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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