The world of eSports has grown exponentially, with different games taking various approaches to engage their audiences and create competitive scenes. League of Legends (LoL) by Riot Games has set a high standard in this regard, especially with LoL betting that deepen fan engagement.
Here are some lessons that EA Sports FC can draw from LoL to further enhance its eSports ecosystem.
1. Esports Content Variety
One of the standout elements of LoL is its storytelling. Riot has mastered the art of creating compelling narratives around players and teams. High-quality documentaries and feature pieces that dive into the personal lives of players help fans form strong emotional connections.
Impact just made history! 🎉
Congratulations to @Impact on beating the record for most #LCS games played in a career at 630. pic.twitter.com/ANkquxEKcn
— LCS (@LCSOfficial) July 28, 2024
EA Sports FC can learn from this by producing similar in-depth content that highlights the journeys, struggles, and triumphs of its FC Pro eSports athletes, making the competitive scene more relatable and engaging for fans.
2. Community-Driven Content Creation
LoL’s success is partly due to its strong community engagement. Riot involves its fanbase by featuring fan-made content, running contests, and incorporating community suggestions into the game.
EA Sports FC can benefit from this approach by hosting design contests for custom kits, organizing community commentary competitions, and integrating popular fan suggestions into game updates. This will keep the community actively involved and invested in the game’s development.
3. Amateur Tournaments
The pathway to professional play in LoL is well-defined, thanks to Riot’s extensive amateur and collegiate leagues. EA Sports FC could expand its grassroots initiatives by establishing more localized amateur tournaments and collegiate leagues.
By creating clear pathways for new talent to rise through the ranks, EA can ensure a steady influx of fresh players into the competitive scene, much like Riot does with its regional leagues.
4. Integral Player Development Programs
Taking care of players goes beyond just their performance in-game. Riot has set up comprehensive resources for player health, including mental health support, nutrition, and physical fitness programs.
EA Sports FC can adopt a similar approach by developing player development programs that offer competitive training along with support for mental health, nutrition, career coaching, and post-career planning. This ensures players are well-prepared for life both inside and outside the game.
5. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Experiences
Creating immersive experiences is another area where LoL excels. Riot has experimented with augmented reality (AR) during live events, adding a new dimension to how fans experience the game.
EA Sports FC can explore AR and VR technologies to enhance live events and broadcasts. Imagine being able to see virtual player stats in real-time or take a virtual tour of a stadium during halftime. These innovations can make viewing experiences more interactive and engaging.
6. Expanding the Women’s Esports Scene
Riot Games has been actively promoting diversity and inclusion within the eSports community.
EA can place a stronger emphasis on promoting women’s eSports. While they did make an attempt two years ago with the Fame Her Game campaign, no dedicated women tournaments have been held since. Promoting diversity not only enriches the community but also opens up the game to a broader audience.
7. Innovative Marketing and Branding
Marketing in the eSports world requires creativity, and Riot has set the bar high with innovative strategies such as music videos, animated shorts, and crossover events.
EA Sports FC can take inspiration from these tactics by creating engaging multimedia content, like animated shorts of iconic football moments or collaborations with popular musicians to create theme songs for tournaments. These marketing efforts can capture the imagination of fans and generate excitement around the game.
By adopting these strategies, EA Sports FC can enhance its eSports ecosystem, creating a more engaging, inclusive, and dynamic competitive scene. The success of League of Legends offers a roadmap that, if followed, could see EA Sports FC reach new heights in the world of eSports.