Esports' wild ride - a cautionary tale of unsustainable valuations

Esports' wild ride - a cautionary tale of unsustainable valuations

Lessons from gaming's boom and bust

Explore the thrilling and turbulent journey of the esports industry in this eye-opening presentation. From explosive growth and soaring valuations to a sharp market crash, this session delves into the factors that fueled esports' meteoric rise—and what led to its dramatic downturn.


Uncover the hidden challenges, missteps, and structural issues that contributed to the industry's fall, while also identifying the lessons that entrepreneurs, investors, and fans can take from this cautionary tale. Through detailed analysis and real-world examples, this presentation offers valuable insights into the pitfalls of rapid expansion and the importance of sustainable growth.


Whether you’re an esports enthusiast, business professional, or simply curious about the gaming industry, this session provides a compelling look at one of the most dramatic stories in modern entertainment.

Dein Experte

Expert:innen Foto

John Pierce

John Pierce is a Professor of Practice in the Department of Marketing. He joined ASU in 2016 as a Faculty Associate and has taught Fan Behavior / Sports Marketing, Business of Esports, Product and Service Innovation (MBA), and Sports Marketing Campaigns (Cronkite School of Journalism). Pierce works full-time as the co-founder and managing partner of Player 2, a consulting firm focused exclusively on the video game and esports industries.


Vier Gründe, die für das Angebot sprechen

Industry Insights:

Gain a deeper understanding of the factors behind esports' rise and fall.

Learn from Mistakes:

Discover key takeaways on avoiding unsustainable growth in any industry.

Real-World Examples:

Analyze actual cases of success and failure in the esports sector.

Future Perspectives:

Explore the potential path forward for the gaming industry and lessons for other markets.