Dean Takahashi
Showing 1–2 of 2 transcripts.
- Milken Institute1h 1m
eSports: Will Competitive Gaming Be the Next Major Sport?
Dean Takahashi, Steven Cohen, Ann Hand, Ramon Hermann, Nate Nanzer, Kent Wakeford
The esports industry is transitioning from a grassroots activity to a structured, franchise-based model driven by a 1,125% surge in 2017 investment and the entry of traditional sports owners and entertainment corporations. Major leagues like the Overwatch League are pioneering high-salary player contracts and city-based home-and-away schedules to replicate the infrastructure of traditional professional sports while expanding the global audience to 550 million by 2021. Despite challenges regarding lower average revenue per user compared to traditional sports, the sector is securing its future through diverse revenue streams, mobile gaming expansion, and a robust collegiate pipeline that attracts STEM-focused demographics.
- Milken Institute58 min
Gaming Breaks Into the Mainstream
Dean Takahashi, Kathee Chimowitz, Emily Greer, Peter Levin, Frank Soqui
Industry leaders and investors convened to analyze the global video game market's projected growth to $180 billion, highlighting mobile gaming's dominance in emerging markets and the strategic shift toward long-term "Games as a Service" models. Key figures from Intel, Lionsgate, and Epic Games discussed the transformative potential of VR and AR technologies while addressing critical challenges regarding accessibility, online toxicity, and the complex dynamics between industry centralization and democratization. The event concluded with a consensus that gaming is evolving into a universal cultural force extending into education and healthcare, driven by advancements in mobile infrastructure and inclusive design initiatives.