Riot’s tactical shooter becomes esports phenomenon.
Riot Games launched “Valorant” in June 2020 after beta hype. #ValorantLaunch saw massive Twitch viewership as players sought beta access, with the tactical shooter blending CS:GO and Overwatch.
The free-to-play game built instant esports scene and gave players new competitive outlet during lockdown.
> Competitive video gaming as organized sport, encompassing professional tournaments, leagues, teams, players, and the multi-billion dollar industry built ar...
Esports exploded from niche LAN parties (2000s) to $1.4B+ industry by 2023
#VALORANT tracked Riot Games' tactical shooter phenomenon that challenged Counter-Strike's dominance, reaching 14+ million monthly players within months
100 Thieves, founded April 2017 by former Call of Duty pro Matt "Nadeshot" Haag, became esports' most successful lifestyle brand
> Addictive browser puzzle game where you combine numbered tiles to reach 2048
2048, created by Italian web developer Gabriele Cirulli in a single weekend (March 2014), became a global phenomenon with 100+ million plays in its first month