esports in 2021: Where does Northamptonshire fit in?

Chris Rivett, Managing Director, Final Third

An introduction to the billion-dollar world of esports and the opportunities it presents for Northamptonshire’s business professionals.

With a global audience approaching 500 million and brand spend increasing as a percentage of revenue every year, now is the time to consider the commercial benefits for your business.

Northampton-based marketing and communications expert Chris Rivett, who co-owns an esports team in America, gives an overview of the gaming industry as we contemplate what role the county could play over the next three to five years.

Industry-ready graduates - Taking esports to the next level

Scott Bradley, Head of Department - Sport and Exercise, University of Northampton
Cameron Vanloo, Associate Lecturer in esports, University of Northampton

BSc esports: How the University of Northampton is producing graduates ready to work in, and grow, the thriving esports sector.

The presentation outlines how the University of Northampton has developed a new BSc (Hons) esports degree to meet the needs of employers in the rapidly growing esports sector.

Through this future-focused degree, students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience to break into the esports industry; supporting the rise of esports in popular culture, and playing a key role in challenging the existing status quo and dominance of conventional sport.

The importance of input from industry specialists, bespoke facilities, and creating a ‘real-world’ digitally-enabled experience in producing industry-ready graduates will also be discussed.

Teaming Up with esports

Tony Davison, Commercial Director, Northampton Saints RFC

What options are open for traditional sports clubs to gain a foothold in the esports industry?

A host of traditional sports clubs have forged relationships with esports organisations with a host of different models.

How might a club like Northampton Saints approach the esports market?

What is in it for Saints? What can Saints offer esports?

Digital and Virtual Worlds Combined

Caroline Lucy, Commercial Director, Northampton Town FC

Embracing the digital world into the new virtual world at newly-promoted League One club Northampton Town.

The digital sports world has exploded and the opportunities to embrace a whole new sector are immense.

Football clubs both large and small can now reach people all over the world with FIFA whilst engaging fans using digital platforms.

Now with the virtual world and playing behind closed doors, this has opened up even more opportunities to create fan engagement and build loyalty to the brand.