First documented in June 2020 on Twitch. Currently active and in regular use across social platforms since 2020.
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...
#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
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
> Addictive browser puzzle game where you combine numbered tiles to reach 2048
Chinese gaming slang 666, pronounced "liu liu liu" (溜溜溜), became the universal Mandarin expression for praising skill, smooth execution, or impressive plays