Esports has been gaining popularity around the world, and Hong Kong is no exception. Despite a lack of resources, the city has a lot of quality players who are passionate about competitive gaming. According to a recent statement, esports and players in Hong Kong mainly rely on their own resources to train and develop their skills. This self-reliance has led to some impressive results, with a Hong Kong esports team winning silver at the Asian Games last September.
In an effort to support the growing esports industry, the Hong Kong government injected HK$100 million into esports in 2018. This funding was used to renovate part of the Arcade shopping centre at the Cyberport tech hub into a competition venue and to support organizing local and regional competitions, mega events, training, and promotion. The investment proved to be beneficial, as many esports start-ups emerged in the following years, and more than 100 competitions were organized annually at its peak.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow to the esports sector in Hong Kong. With fewer than 10 competitions organized annually and more than 90% of companies shutting down, the industry faced a challenging period. According to industry insiders, the funding allocated in 2018 was all used up within five years of its launch, highlighting the need for continued support from the government.
Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, there is optimism for the future of esports in Hong Kong. Industry experts are calling on the government to consider allocating another round of resources in the upcoming policy address. Suggestions include mobilizing the private sector to support esports events through matching funds and using esports as a new economic impetus for the city.
One area of concern is the lack of funding for local players to participate in international competitions. Sam Cheung Lok-hang, who managed the team of Hong Kong representatives at the Pokemon World Championships, highlighted the challenges faced by players who qualified for prestigious events but were unable to participate due to financial constraints. Cheung emphasized the importance of providing support to players who represent Hong Kong on the global stage, ensuring that they are not deterred from taking part in competitions due to a lack of funding.
While most players in Hong Kong are working professionals in their twenties and thirties who cannot afford to be full-time gamers, there is still potential for success in the industry. Cheung singled out Cheng as a player with significant potential, showcasing the talent and dedication present in the Hong Kong esports community.
In conclusion, despite the challenges faced by the esports industry in Hong Kong, there is a strong belief in the potential for growth and success. With continued support from the government and private sector, the city’s esports scene can thrive and produce top-tier players who can compete on the global stage. By investing in resources and providing funding for players, Hong Kong can establish itself as a hub for esports excellence in the region.