PPB August 2019

Campaign Collateral Gamers play an average of seven hours and seven minutes each week, which is up nearly 20 percent from last year, according to the 2019 State of Online Gaming report. Video games play such an important role in today’s culture that there are even holidays to celebrate them: Video Game Day on July 8 and National Video Game Day on September 12. When gamers want to get in on the action, it’s easier than ever to play. Smart TVs often come bundled with games that can be played without a console and game- streaming services allow gamers to play without needing to purchase expensive gaming equipment. Whether they’re playing on a console, TV, PC or smartphone, or watching others play, gamers and spectators alike are part of a massive market that’s becoming ever more mainstream. The next time you see fans pouring into a stadium, there’s a good chance they’re not there for a traditional sporting event. Instead, they might be there to watch teams battle it out in digital combat. Esports—the art of ultra-competitive gaming between two or more professional gamers—often commands fan attention that rivals that of some of the country’s largest sporting events. According to research firm SuperData, esports drew 258 million unique viewers last year. Compare that to the 204 million unique viewers who tuned into NFL regular season games in the U.S., according to Nielsen data. Marketers looking to reach gaming enthusiasts can take their campaigns to the next level with promotional products. More than half (59 percent) of esports fans say they tend to buy brands they see advertised, according to a report fromGlobalWebIndex, and nearly half (48 percent) would buy a product or service just for the experience of being part of a community. From gamer gear to spectator giveaways, companies can put their brands in play with promotional products. Read on for trends and ideas to help your clients reach new high scores in the gaming industry. Available in red, royal, black and white, the tech kit features a long, braided cable and a textile pen wrapped up in a cord organizer with a snap closure. Crown Products, Inc. / PPAI 113430 / www.crownprod.com Give gamers an apparel item they’ll be proud to wear. This sublimated short-sleeve jersey can be customized with logos, graphics, text and colors. Champro / PPAI 669316 www.champrosports.com Gamers can grab the award- winning core gaming backpack and go. This checkpoint-friendly backpack features an external USB 3.0 quick-charge compatible port and a built-in charging cable. Mobile Edge / PPAI 314937 www.mobileedge.com | AUGUST 2019 | 43 GROW