Is Rocket League Esports Growing? A Deep Dive into Its Current State
The question of whether Rocket League esports is growing is a complex one, with data pointing in multiple directions. While it’s not experiencing a straightforward, upward trajectory across all metrics, the answer is nuanced. In short, Rocket League esports is experiencing growth in some areas, particularly viewership of major events, but faces challenges in others, notably player base numbers and overall mainstream recognition. The ecosystem is far from stagnant; rather, it’s evolving, showing both promising highs and areas that need strategic improvement. While not a “Tier 1” esport in the sense of League of Legends or CS:GO, it maintains a strong presence and considerable potential.
Rocket League Esports: A Mixed Bag of Growth and Challenges
Viewership Gains in Major Tournaments
One of the clearest indicators of growth is the viewership of the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS). The RLCS 2022-23 World Championship achieved record-breaking peak viewership, surpassing the previous year’s event by a substantial 27%. This positions it as the most popular Rocket League tournament ever in terms of peak viewership. Moreover, the game climbed to become the 16th most popular esports discipline by viewership of all time. This demonstrates that when the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce, a large audience is eager to tune in. The fact that popular community casters like Kamet0 and Moist Cr1tiKaL are also attracting new viewers to these majors further underscores this positive trend.
Player Base Concerns
Despite these viewership gains, a more concerning trend lies in the game’s player base. The article highlighted that Rocket League is at its lowest interest point since 2019. Furthermore, the player count for October 2023 was the lowest recorded since October 2015 on Steam. This significant drop in active players suggests that while competitive events draw substantial crowds, maintaining a consistently engaged player base is a challenge. In September 2023, the peak concurrent player count on Steam was 43.99 thousand, a far cry from the all-time high of 146.9 thousand in September 2020.
The Tier 2 E-sports Status
While achieving impressive viewership numbers, Rocket League is still largely considered a Tier 2 esport. This categorization is influenced by several factors, including its relatively small player base compared to other major esports titles, limited marketing and promotional efforts, and a lack of mainstream recognition. The game’s move to free-to-play in 2020 certainly boosted its reach and the initial audience for its esports ecosystem, but sustaining that momentum remains an ongoing process. The game has successfully created a unique niche in the esports world, but there are still barriers to overcome to reach the levels of popularity and recognition seen by other Tier 1 titles.
Economic Aspects
The financial aspect of Rocket League esports also presents a mixed picture. While Esports Gamers can earn more than the average Rocket League professional player, overall salaries may not match those seen in other, more established esports. The data suggests that Esports Gamers jobs pay 15.5% ($20,834) more than the average Rocket League salary of $134,080. This hints that while talent is being recognized, the financial incentives and infrastructure around the game may require some development. Additionally, the overall value of the esports industry is growing rapidly, but this broader trend may not have an equal impact across all esports titles.
Community Engagement and Player Demographics
One positive note is the game’s accessibility. Rocket League has a PEGI 3 rating, making it suitable for all age groups. The median average age of a professional Rocket League player is around 21, indicating a relatively young player base. This broad appeal, combined with the game’s engaging and competitive nature, creates a solid foundation for sustained growth. However, the need to keep that player base consistently active and competitive remains a challenge. The casual play aspect is often highlighted as a reason for its popularity, yet transitioning that into a deep and lasting competitive drive is crucial for esports longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Rocket League still popular in 2023?
Yes, in the sense that major esports events still draw significant viewership. However, the player base has declined since 2020, reaching its lowest point since 2019.
2. Is Rocket League a Tier 1 esport?
No, Rocket League is generally considered a Tier 2 esport due to its smaller player base, limited mainstream recognition, and less intensive marketing compared to Tier 1 esports.
3. Why isn’t Rocket League a Tier 1 esport?
Reasons include its relatively smaller player base, limited marketing and promotion, and a lack of widespread mainstream awareness.
4. How much do Rocket League esports players make?
On average, Rocket League esports players make around $134,080 per year, although some Esports Gamers can earn significantly more.
5. Is RLCS still popular?
Yes, the RLCS 2022-23 World Championship was the most popular Rocket League tournament ever, demonstrating continued strong interest in professional competitions.
6. Is Rocket League still worth it?
Yes, for players seeking casual fun or competitive play, Rocket League is a free and engaging game, offering a variety of gameplay options.
7. What is the average age of Rocket League players?
The median average age of a professional Rocket League player is 21 years old, lower than that of some other major esports.
8. What age is Rocket League aimed at?
Rocket League is rated PEGI 3, making it suitable for all age groups. It is considered E for everyone by Google Play.
9. Is Rocket League competitive?
Yes, Rocket League has a dedicated competitive mode with various playlists like 3v3, 2v2, and 1v1, providing ample opportunities for competitive play.
10. What tier esports is Rocket League?
Rocket League is generally regarded as a Tier 2 esport, having established a unique position in the competitive scene.
11. Who has won the most RLCS championships?
Turbopolsa is the player with the most RLCS championships, having won four titles.
12. Is Diamond 1 a good rank in Rocket League?
Yes, Diamond 1 ranks are among the top 5-10% of players, indicating a high level of skill.
13. Is Platinum good in Rocket League?
Platinum is an average rank but also known for being a toxic rank due to players thinking they are better than they are without understanding strategy and teamwork.
14. What does SIZZ being banned from RLCS mean?
Sizz was banned from RLCS for violating the player code of conduct by berating and harassing Psyonix and its employees.
15. Are there any female players in RLCS?
Yes, Jaime “Karma” Bickford was the first and only woman to compete in the Rocket League Championship Series.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the state of Rocket League esports is a mixture of significant highs and notable challenges. While the game has a strong esports presence, with major events attracting large viewership, sustaining player engagement and achieving a Tier 1 status remain key hurdles. The game’s unique blend of casual fun and competitive depth provides a solid foundation for growth, but addressing the issues surrounding the player base and market presence is necessary for long-term success. The future of Rocket League esports will likely depend on how well it can navigate these complexities and continue to innovate within the competitive gaming landscape.