eSports embraces subscription model as Covid decimates in-person events

Gamers playing video games at an eSports hotel in Osaka, Japan. The subscription offer comes as eSports continues to go through major adjustments. — Bloomberg

eSports facilities providers have long been searching for the right business model – a feat made more challenging by Covid-19. Now one eSports company is following the likes of Netflix Inc and Amazon.com Inc into subscriptions.

As the pandemic lockdowns hit, Nerd Street Gamers shut down all its eSports facilities between March and July and vastly expanded the number of online esports tournaments it offers to stay afloat. The bet has paid off, said chief executive officer John Fazio, with the company posting some year-over-year revenue growth.