How to Create An App For Esports: Must-have Features And Monetization?

The trend of fantasy eSports app development is on the rise, and consumers are always looking for new ways to engage with their favorite games. As an app developer or an organization, consider creating an app for the eSports industry. There are many factors to consider when building an app to achieve success in the eSports industry, including must-have features and monetization options.

This article covers all eSports app development aspects, from idea to implementation. We will discuss the essential features that must be included in your eSports app and analyze monetization strategies. But before diving into the details, let’s look at some statistics.

Statistics Of The eSports App Market

According to reports, the eSports and video game industry is expected to grow with a CAGR of around 6% till 2025. Beyond that, it can even grow with a much higher CAGR value. Other segments that will grow significantly are virtual reality and cinema.

As per reports, the eSports revenue will reach around $516 million in the US alone by the end of 2024. Moreover, the major factors that will bring revenue will be E-consumer and sports tournament tickets.

The largest individual tournament prize pool was around $15.2 million for the best player of the Fortnite World Cup Finals 2019. Moreover, the players that had secured top positions got prize money of $3 million each.

The League of Legends Worlds was the highest-watched eSports event, where the total watch time was around 664 million hours.

Individuals aged between 20 and 24 perform the best in all-category eSports tournaments. Moreover, the highest number of monetary prizes were also won by people of this age group.

Looking at the statistics, let’s clear that eSports app development in 2024 and beyond will be huge! So if you’re planning to create a successful eSports app, below is the complete development cycle that you need to know.

The Development Cycle Of An eSports App

As there are different types of eSports apps, the development cycle of every app type may vary. However, there are some basic steps that you must cover to ensure successful development:

1. In-depth Market Research

Before starting the development process, it is essential to do in-depth market research. This will help you understand the current eSports trends and figure out what features could be effective for your particular app. Start your research with competitor analysis, user reviews, and feedback on existing eSports apps.

Once you pick a theme for the app, create a plan for the features, user interface (UI), and user experience (UX) design. This will help you determine which platforms your app should support and what development tools you should use. While doing the research, also make sure to check the legal compliance of your app.

For example, if you are developing an app with a specific game from a brand, you should get permission from the game developers to use their content. In addition to this, also research the ongoing top tournaments and learn about the monetization options.

2. Wireframing The Complete Concept

The next important step to building a successful eSports tournament app development services is to wireframe the complete concept. A wireframe will help you visualize how different elements of the app should be organized and interact with each other. It’s the process of laying down the architecture of your app and creating a blueprint.

Start by making sketches of the basic layout, navigation paths, user interface elements such as buttons and search bars, and other features. During the wireframing process, you should also create a detailed list of all the features that your app should include.

When you hire a professional app development company, they will help you create a sophisticated wireframing design. As the eSports market is highly competitive, having a fully detailed wireframe will ensure that your app stands out from others.

3. UI/UX Conceptualization And Implementation

UI/UX is the real challenge when it comes to the development of an eSports app. It is important to create a pleasant user experience and engaging interface for people who will use your app.

Start your eSports & gaming tournament app design process by creating mock-up designs. This will help you understand how the various elements of your app will look on different screens and devices.

When it comes to the UX, create a clear navigation flow. Make sure that people can easily search and find their desired content with minimal effort. Additionally, keep in mind that a good UX design should also be visually appealing, as this will increase user engagement.

Developers can also use VR and AR technology to create a more interactive user experience. Additionally, use animations and transitions to provide a smooth navigation flow throughout the app.

Whether you’re an eSports tournament service provider or an agency looking to create an innovative eSports app, it’s important to consider a seamless gaming experience.

4. eSports Platform Development:

Once you have finalized the design and features, it’s time to start developing your eSports platform. This includes programming, setting up servers, creating databases, and integrating APIs.

As there are various types of eSports apps, the development process may vary based on the functionalities that you want to include in your app. Generally speaking, most developers will use JavaScript, HTML5, and CSS to create the front end of the app.

For programming the back end of your eSports platform, you can use Node.js, Python, or any other programming language that you feel comfortable with. Additionally, many developers prefer to use databases such as MongoDB, Firebase, or AWS to store user data and content.

It’s important to note that an eSports app should also be secured from cyber threats. Make sure to add an extra layer of security and encryption so that your users’ data is safe and secure. For security, you can implement OAuth, SAML, or other authentication protocols.

If you need the technical know-how or resources to create an eSports app, then it’s best to hire eSports tournament app experts who can do it for you.

5. Testing And Quality Assurance:

Quality assurance should cover the entire development process from start to finish. It’s important to identify and eliminate any potential bugs or errors before launching your eSports platform.

Testing is a key component when it comes to developing an effective app. Whether you’re using automated testing tools or manual testing, there should be no room for error in your app.

In terms of testing, it’s important to test the app on a range of devices and platforms. This will ensure that your app is compatible with various devices and operating systems. Additionally, you should also perform usability tests to check if people can find their way around the app easily.

The key features of your eSports app should also be tested thoroughly. This includes ensuring that the app is able to handle high traffic and large data sets with minimal latency.

6. Launch And Deployment

Once the design, development, and testing process is complete, it’s time to deploy your eSports app. Depending on the platform you choose for launching your app, the deployment process may vary.

For iOS apps, you have to submit your app to the App Store for review before it can be launched. Similarly, if you’re launching an Android app, you have to upload your app to the Google Play store.

Once your eSports app is approved, you can officially launch it. Make sure to have a marketing plan ready so that people know about your product and its unique features. Additionally, create various promotional campaigns and offers to ensure that more users download your app.

On this note, let’s look at some of the must-have features for your eSports app. The list of features can vary based on your app idea, but more or less, these features remain the same.

Must-have Features Of An eSports App

1. Seamless Login And Signup Feature:

Ask your eSports app solution provider to include a secure login and signup feature. This will enable users to access their accounts quickly and create new ones without any hassle. There should also be options for social media logins, as many users prefer this option.

Look for other apps to understand what type of login process they offer, and make sure to create a similar one for your eSports platform. Moreover, make sure to allow users to delete their accounts with a few clicks.

2. Onboarding:

Onboarding is an essential feature that your eSports app must have. It should include a tutorial or a series of instructions to help users get accustomed to the platform more easily. This way, people can understand how to use your app and its features without any confusion. You can also create custom onboarding journeys based on user profiles and preferences.

Apart from the onboarding process, make sure to include push notifications and other engagement tools to encourage more people to use your app. The onboarding should not be very long and boring but instead should be short and to the point.

3. Personal Profiles Creation And Modification:

It’s essential to allow users to create personal profiles for themselves. This should include adding their profile pictures, contact details, and other basic information. Additionally, the profile page must be customizable so that users can modify it according to their preferences.

To make sure your eSports app is engaging, you can also include leaderboards or rankings where people can compete with others. This will motivate users to do better and will also give an idea of who the top players are on your platform.

You can also give the option to create avatars and digital characters to users. As the trend of using avatars has become very popular in eSports, offering this feature will be beneficial.

4. Real-time Push Notifications:

Push notifications are a great way to keep users updated and engaged with your app. These real-time updates will inform them of events, promotions, and other activities related to the platform. You can also push notifications to remind people about tournaments or game updates.

Make sure that you include the option of opting out from these notifications, as users may find them annoying. Additionally, you can customize the notifications according to user preferences and interests. In addition, you can also include different types of notifications, such as in-app, email, and SMS.

To improve the open rate of your push notifications, make sure to craft them smartly and use attractive images. Give previews of what users can expect and include a call to action with the notifications.

5. Tournament Calendar And Status:

Your eSports app should include a tournament calendar and status feature. This will give players an idea of all the tournaments that are upcoming or active at the moment. The calendar should be easy to use and should highlight the most important details like the date, location, entry fee, and prize money.

Also, make sure to allow users to join or register for tournaments right from the app. This will help you make sure that all the progress is tracked and managed efficiently. Make sure to include a tournament status page so that users can check the current standings and updates.

In addition, you can include a few small games like trivia or puzzles for users to play. This will not only help you engage more people but will also give them an opportunity to win rewards or participate in tournaments.

6. Intuitive Chat Rooms:

A chatroom is a must-have feature for any eSports app. It provides users with an opportunity to socialize, interact and compete with each other in real-time. The chatroom should be designed intuitively and include features like private and group chats, voice calls, video conferencing, etc.

It’s essential that you provide a safe and secure environment for players. Make sure to include safety measures like blocking, flagging, and reporting inappropriate messages or users. Additionally, you can also add a feature that allows players to send personalized messages, which will help them interact better with each other.

7. Analytics

To track how well your app is doing, you need to include analytics. This will help you understand user behavior and engagement levels on your platform. You can use this data to create better features and content that will be helpful for users.

Analytics also come in handy when it comes to monetizing your app. It’s important to track the amount of money being made through advertisements, in-app purchases, and other monetization strategies. This information can help you optimize your revenue and make sure that your app is profitable.

By including these features in your eSports app, you can make sure that it stands out from the competition and provides a great experience. Now, let’s look at some of the most-efficient monetization strategies for your eSports platform.

How To Monetize Your eSports App?

Before you opt for professional game development services, it’s important to decide how you want to monetize your app. Let’s look at some of the most popular monetization strategies for eSports apps.

1. In-app Purchases

With this strategy, you can offer in-game items or features that can be purchased with real money. This could include cosmetic items like skins for characters, extra lives or levels, etc. Players who want to move ahead faster and get access to better features can opt for in-app purchases.

There is a huge market for in-app purchases, and it’s important to decide on a pricing structure that makes sense. Don’t set the prices too low or high, as this could affect your revenue. It can be among the biggest sources of income for your app, so make sure to set the prices carefully.

2. Advertising

Another popular option is to monetize your eSports app with ads. You can allow companies and brands to advertise their products on your platform in exchange for a fee. This can be done through banner or video ads that appear on the app. Players who watch these ads may get rewards like coins, extra lives, etc.

You need to ensure that they are relevant to your user base and not intrusive. Make sure to test out different ad sizes, placements, and formats to figure out which works best. Additionally, you can also opt for native ads, which feel less intrusive and more natural to users.

The ads on your platform should be value-driven and should not annoy the users. With careful optimization and the right ad network, you can make sure that you get a good return on investment.

3. Subscriptions

Subscriptions offer a great way to generate revenue for your eSports app. You can offer players an option to pay a fixed amount every month or year and get access to exclusive content, features, competitions, etc. This is a great way to encourage users to stay engaged with the platform, and you can also offer loyalty rewards or discounts if they subscribe for a longer duration.

You can also experiment with different pricing tiers to cater to different user segments. Make sure that you offer great value for the subscription and keep updating it regularly to keep users interested in your app.

After exploring the ways to monetize your eSports app, it’s time to check out the cost of developing your bespoke eSports platform.

Cost To Develop An eSports App

The cost to develop eSports varies greatly depending on your requirements and the features that you want to include in the app. On average, the cost can range between $50,000 and $150,000 based on the complexity of your app and the features you want to include.

Below are some of the key factors that will determine the cost of developing an eSports app:

1. Type Of eSports App:

The type of app you want to create plays a major role in deciding the development cost. A basic eSports platform with basic features and functionalities will cost you much less than a complex platform with high-end features.

2. The Number Of Platforms:

The cost of eSports tournament app development services also depends on the number of platforms you want to target. If you want to develop the app for iOS and Android, then it will cost more as compared to one platform. On the other hand, developing a hybrid app that works across multiple platforms will be more cost-effective.

3. The Number Of Features:

The total number of eSports features you want to include in your app will also affect the cost. For example, if you want to include features like in-app chat, leaderboards, tournaments, etc., then it will cost more. On the other hand, if you want to keep things simple and want to include only some of the features, then it can significantly reduce the cost.

So these are some of the key factors that influence the cost of an eSports app; thus, it’s important to hire the right company like AGS to get the maximum value out of your money.

Why Choose Auxano Global Services For eSports App development?

AGS is a leading and innovative game development company that specializes in creating engaging and feature-rich eSports apps. We have an experienced team of developers who understand the nuances of game development and how to create games that are tailored for different platforms.

We use cutting-edge technologies, and our teams constantly work on creating innovative solutions to push the boundaries of gaming. Our developers are well-versed in the latest technologies, and they always strive to provide our clients with the best gaming experience.

Wrapping up!

Creating an eSports app is a great way to tap into the growing competitive gaming market. With careful planning and execution, you can create a successful platform that can generate good revenue for your business. You need to make sure that you hire the right company for eSports app development services and gain an edge.