The High-Quality Development of the Esports Industry in the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Xu Kai 
Published: June 2024

eSports, as an active branch of the digital economy, has generated widespread influence globally and is exhibiting rapid development momentum in the Yangtze River Delta region. Based on an in-depth study of the eSports industry in this region, this paper analyzes the macro trends and micro mechanisms of the industry's development. Through empirical data and case studies, a systematic exploration of the development of the eSports industry in the Yangtze River Delta region is conducted. The research first clarifies the support policies for the eSports industry development by the governments of the three provinces and one city in the Yangtze River Delta and examines their effects. It reveals the positive role these policies play in promoting the formation and expansion of the regional game industry clusters. Secondly, it provides a detailed analysis of the evolution of internal enterprise cooperation and innovation models within the industry and uses models to predict main future trends of industry ecological changes. The paper also offers a rigorous assessment of the challenges, potential risks, and the impacts on the economic and cultural aspects faced by the industry's sustainable development, proposing strategies and recommendations to achieve ongoing advantages in global competition. Specifically, the research delves into how the eSports industry can leverage new information technologies, such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, as well as explores the potential for cross-integration with other industries, including education, tourism, and retail. The research also analyzes the region's global strategic layout of the eSports industry from an international perspective, focusing on the positive impact of international competitions on local economic development and brand image enhancement. In addition, through detailed studies of the eSports user group, it analyses how users' needs, consumer behavior, and market dynamics can promote the industry's healthy development. The paper also critically reflects on the social responsibility and ethical issues of quality development in the eSports industry, examining its potential effects on promoting social harmony and cultural dissemination, as well as its impact on the healthy growth of adolescents. By employing comprehensive research methods, this paper not only explores beneficial growth paths and models for the eSports industry in the Yangtze River Delta region but also provides strategic decision-making support for local businesses and government departments. It contributes to the mutual development and cooperation within and beyond the region's eSports industry chain. Towards the end of the study, the paper forecasts new opportunities and challenges for the Yangtze River Delta region in the global eSports industry due to the introduction of new technologies and changes in the international competitive landscape. It emphasizes the need to develop long-term plans and enhance the regional industrial support system. In conclusion, this research defines the position and role of the Yangtze River Delta region in the global eSports industry, analyzes key points for high-quality development strategies, and offers profound theoretical insights and practical guidance for promoting innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth within the regional eSports industry.