EPIC Global | gaming and esports agency

Instagram, Facebook, and X are some of the most deleted apps of 2024 Gen Z and Gen Alpha are no longer just casually scrolling through social media; they're diving headfirst into immersive gaming worlds. According to a recent report from @GEEIQ, 2024 has seen Instagram, Facebook, and X top the list of most deleted apps. Meanwhile, brands making their debut on Roblox experienced a jaw-dropping 90% growth in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. 💡 Why Should Brands Pay Attention? The digital landscape is shifting, and the future of brand engagement is rooted in virtual gaming spaces. Gaming is evolving from mere entertainment into the new social epicenter. With younger audiences spending more time in these immersive environments than on traditional social media, the opportunities for impactful brand interactions have never been greater. 🎯 Key Takeaways: 🚀 Massive User Migration: As social media usage declines, gaming platforms are booming. This trend signifies a shift in how younger audiences choose to connect, socialize, and engage with content. 📈 Roblox's Explosive Growth: A 90% increase in new brands on Roblox within just six months underscores the platform's untapped potential. Brands entering this space are capturing the attention of an active and highly engaged audience. 🎮 Higher Engagement and Interaction: Gaming environments offer unparalleled engagement rates. Players aren’t just passive viewers—they’re active participants, leading to deeper and more meaningful brand interactions. In-game ads, particularly rewarded video ads, achieve a 100% on-screen impression rate, proving their effectiveness. 🌐 Cultural and Social Hub: Gaming has become the central hub for social interaction among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These platforms are where they connect, chat, shop, and consume entertainment, making them essential for brands aiming to engage with these demographics. The time to explore this dynamic space is now. Early adopters are already reaping the rewards. Ready to lead in this new frontier? Let’s chat about how we can help you take the first step. 🎮

Did you know that gaming has a higher penetration rate in Ireland (53%) than in the United States? 🎮 Our team at Epic Global is thrilled to have contributed to TBWA\Ireland recent report, which dives into the incredible opportunities gaming offers for brands in Ireland. This report highlights how gaming has evolved into a cultural and economic powerhouse, creating new avenues for brands to connect with a diverse, engaged audience. A special shoutout to our Epic Global contributors: 🎤 Sinéad Hosey shares some invaluable insights on authentic brand engagement within the gaming community. 🎤 Trev Keane chats the vast commercial potential in gaming and esports. 🎤Ben F. highlights the importance of understanding the competitive landscape of esports. Kudos to TBWA\Ireland for shining a light on the vital role gaming plays in modern marketing. It’s clear that gaming is a vital part of our cultural landscape moving forward and a golden opportunity for brands to make their mark. If you’re thinking of taking the first steps into gaming with your brand then drop us a message and we can chat 💪 #Gaming #Ireland #BrandStrategy #Esports #Marketing

I couldn't get out of bed, I couldn't go to the gym, but what I could do was play Elden Ring." - WWE Star Randy Orton. Gaming sometimes gets a bad rap when it comes to mental health, but the truth is, it can be a powerful tool for coping, especially during tough times. Take WWE superstar Randy Orton, for example. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery, he turned to gaming as a key part of his recovery. Randy spent over 600 hours playing Elden Ring while he was healing. As he put it, "I couldn't get out of bed, I couldn't go to the gym, but what I could do was play Elden Ring." This speaks volumes about how gaming can offer a vital mental escape when mobility is limited or pain is overwhelming. At its core, gaming is more than just entertainment. It’s about finding achievement, connection, and distraction when you need it most. Randy’s experience shows that we can find strength and resilience in unexpected places—even in the worlds of our favorite games. #MentalHealth #Gaming #Recovery #CopingSkills #EldenRing #WWE

We have had a busy day at Dublin Comic Con so far with our client MyWaste Ireland's Official Guide to Waste. Cosplay is the perfect vehicle to demonstrate the benefits of reusing and repairing. So many amazing costumes on display all lovingly handcrafted using an array of everyday materials Mywaste is an official sponsor of Dublin Comic Con this year and we have set up a Cosplay repair station to engage with cosplay enthusiasts of all ages to help them repair their costumes, and provide fun tips on how to reuse everyday items to create amazing cosplay costumes. Tomorrow Mywaste will be sponsoring the Cosplay Competition and the new category 'Most Sustainable Cosplay'. We look forward to judging the amazing entries.

It's that time of the year again... How are we all doing after GW1? Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has turned the global love of football into an interactive, strategic experience—yet many participants don’t see themselves as gamers. They’re deeply involved, making tactical decisions and competing weekly, but because it’s rooted in the real-world dynamics of the Premier League, it’s seen as an extension of their fandom, not a separate game. For those playing, FPL is an opportunity to sharpen their analytical skills and engage with the sport on a whole new level. It's an empowering tool that enhances their connection to football, giving them control over their teams and decisions. Brands have a golden opportunity here. As FPL continues to grow, with new features and an ever-expanding content community, there’s immense potential for brands to connect with a highly engaged, tech-savvy audience. By sponsoring FPL-related content, creating branded tools, or launching interactive campaigns, brands can forge meaningful connections in a space where passion and strategy collide. FPL is another example of how consumers engage in gaming without even realising it—a dynamic and underutilised space where creativity and competition thrive. For brands ready to innovate, this is the playground you've been looking for. #FPL #FantasyFootball #BrandStrategy #Gamification #SportsMarketing

🌐 Let’s Get Phygital! Ready to take your brand into the future? In today’s fast-paced market, the line between physical and digital experiences is no longer just blurred—it’s disappearing. To stand out, brands need to blend the best of both worlds, creating a seamless, engaging, and memorable journey for their customers. Phygital marketing is the key to this transformation. Phygital combines the tactile, sensory appeal of physical interactions with the convenience and personalization of digital channels. Here’s why it’s changing the game: 🔍 Boost Customer Loyalty: By delivering consistent, personalised experiences across all touchpoints, you build trust and deepen connections. Just look at how @Starbucks uses its mobile app to offer tailored rewards and streamline in-store pickups—keeping customers coming back for more. 🚀 Amplify Brand Awareness: Phygital strategies aren’t just about being everywhere—they’re about making an impact. @Nike’s "Unlimited Stadium" in Manila, where runners raced their digital avatars, is a perfect example of creating buzz and driving engagement both online and offline. 💰 Drive Sales and Conversions: When customers have all the information they need at their fingertips, they’re more likely to buy. @Sephora’s "Virtual Artist" app allows users to try on makeup virtually and read reviews, making the decision to purchase a no-brainer. 🏆 Gain a Competitive Edge: In a crowded marketplace, phygital marketing helps your brand stand out. @IKEA’s "IKEA Place" app, which uses augmented reality to let customers visualise furniture in their homes, is a brilliant way to merge the digital with the physical and deliver a unique, memorable experience. So, what does this mean for your brand? Phygital isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy for brands looking to stay ahead. By embracing this approach, you can create integrated, engaging experiences that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Are you ready to explore how phygital can transform your customer journey? Let’s chat in the comments below! 👇 #Phygital #CustomerExperience #Marketing #Strategy #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

Some more national pride in bound! ☘ After Ireland stunning achievements at the Olympics, we can now turn our attention to the Esports World Cup Foundation, where Daire McCormack takes to the stage to compete in the ESL R1 Sim Racing finals. 🎮 We worked with the Kildare man when he drove for Munster Rugby Gaming but has since been picked up by Formula 1 outfit Williams Racing. Daire is only 1 of 2 Irish competitors to grace the stage at the worlds largest Esport Event and we will be cheering him on. With a bit of support hopefully we will see more competitors from Ireland make the trip to the EWC. Please spread the word and give Daire the support he deserves.

We're back in Cologne this week for #gamescom talking all things gaming, esports, creator and brands. Want to meet? Drop us a line.. #gamescom2024 #gamingcreators #youthmarketing #brandpartnerships

It's been another big week for us, this time at #IEMCologne. It was a very loud few days, with a 15,000 seater packed out stadium full of passionate CS2 fans. Team Vitality were the eventual victors. It was great catching up with clients and we look forward to #IEM Rio in a few months time. #esports #esl #brandpartnerships #youthmarketing

Have you ever tried to get someone's attention when they are playing a game? It’s hard, if not impossible, and one of the only media platforms where your attention directly impacts the outcome in front of you. (As much as you think cheering at the Olympics has helped an athlete get over the line!) With the amount of attention spent on both casual gaming and esports continually rising, the opportunity for advertisers to connect with this massive audience is evolving rapidly. Out of the 3 billion gamers + worldwide, approximately 64% are mobile gamers, which means over 2 billion people are accessible through mobile games. 📱🎮 For brands and advertisers, this is a game-changing opportunity. In-game ads, clickable banners, audio, and video ads are powerful tools that allow brands to engage with gamers in familiar and effective ways, using traditional CPM-based buying methods. This takes the risk out of an industry which is often less familiar to operate in, while offering unparalleled access to a highly engaged audience. If you're looking to reach a huge audience of casual players, in-game advertising is the way forward for brands looking to tap into this dynamic and ever-growing market. If you’re interested in building out your gaming strategy or simply diversifying new elements like in-game advertising into your marketing mix, get in touch and we can help you make the most of this space. #GamingIndustry #MobileGaming #InGameAdvertising #AdTech #Esports #DigitalMarketing #AdvertisingTrends