That “4,000 ads a day” figure? It’s closer to a low-ball estimate. Recent research pegs it closer to 10,000, maybe even higher depending on your daily digital diet. Think of it like this: you’re playing a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) where everyone is vying for your attention – your “click.” The sheer number of ads is like a relentless wave of level-grinding mobs constantly swarming you. Your e-commerce ad is just one character amongst thousands fighting for that loot – a conversion.
Standing out requires strategic gameplay. Forget spamming generic ads. That’s like using a level 1 weapon against end-game bosses. Focus on highly targeted campaigns. Identify your player base (your ideal customer) with laser precision. Understand their quests (their needs and desires). Craft compelling narratives that resonate with them, like compelling storylines in a AAA game.
Level up your visuals and mechanics. In this MMO, your visuals are everything. High-quality images and videos are essential. They’re the equivalent of stunning graphics and smooth frame rates. Think cinematic trailers, not blurry screenshots. Make your ad intuitive and easy to engage with – your UI should be as user-friendly as a well-designed game interface.
Master the meta. Analyze your performance like a pro gamer reviews their gameplay. A/B test different ad creatives and targeting strategies. Continuously adjust your approach based on the data – it’s like analyzing replays to improve your skills. Don’t just throw ads at the wall and hope something sticks.
Form alliances. Think partnerships and influencer marketing – teaming up with other players (influencers) to expand your reach and credibility. It’s like joining a guild to gain access to better resources and opportunities.
Focus on rewarding engagement. In-game rewards incentivize player behavior. Similarly, offer discounts, early access, or exclusive content to draw in and retain your customer base. It’s the ultimate endgame: building a loyal community of players.
Why are there so many advertisements now?
It’s a simple supply and demand thing, really. More companies mean more competition, which means a brutal fight for your eyeballs. Every ad you see is a company desperately trying to grab a piece of the market. Billboards, digital ads, influencers – it’s all part of a massive, multi-billion dollar ecosystem designed to get you to buy stuff.
Think about it: the cost of advertising is huge, so companies only do it if they expect a return. That means the ads you see are carefully targeted, using data and algorithms to reach *you* specifically. They’re not just randomly slapping ads everywhere – there’s a whole science behind it. And with the rise of digital advertising, that targeting gets even more precise and insidious.
Furthermore, the increasing cost of things like media buying (space on websites, time on TV) forces companies to spend more to maintain visibility. It’s a continuous arms race for attention. It’s a vicious cycle: more competition leads to more advertising, which leads to more advertising costs, which requires even more aggressive advertising strategies. The end result? You’re bombarded with ads everywhere you look.
Why is everything adding ads?
The prevalence of ads across online platforms boils down to a simple economic model: advertising revenue.
Many online services, from social media to email providers and even seemingly free games, rely heavily on advertising as their primary income stream. This is because:
- Ad revenue fuels platform operation: The money generated from ads covers the substantial costs associated with running these platforms – server maintenance, software development, customer support, and more.
- Free or low-cost services for users: Advertising allows these platforms to offer their services for free or at a significantly reduced price. Without ads, users would likely face steep subscription fees or pay-per-use models.
- Content creation and innovation: Advertising revenue also funds the creation of original content, whether it’s videos, articles, or interactive features. This constant influx of new material keeps users engaged and coming back for more.
Consider this breakdown:
- User engagement generates ad impressions: More users = more views = more ad impressions.
- Ad impressions generate revenue: Advertisers pay based on the number of times their ads are displayed (impressions) or clicked (clicks).
- Revenue funds the platform: The money earned from ads is then reinvested back into the platform, creating a cycle of growth and improvement.
In short: The “free” services you enjoy often come at the cost of viewing advertisements. It’s a trade-off that sustains the vast ecosystem of free online platforms.
Why are so many ads sexualized?
The pervasiveness of sexualized advertising stems from its proven effectiveness in grabbing and retaining consumer attention. This addresses the core challenge in advertising: ensuring the target audience sees and remembers the ad. The human brain is wired to respond to sexually suggestive imagery, triggering a primal response that significantly boosts memorability compared to non-sexualized content.
However, this effectiveness isn’t solely based on shock value. Strategic use of sexuality can subtly connect a product or service with desired feelings of confidence, desirability, or empowerment. Think aspirational imagery, not necessarily explicit content. The key is aligning the sexualized elements with the brand’s identity and target audience for a coherent and impactful message.
It’s crucial to understand that the effectiveness of sexualized advertising is a double-edged sword. While attention-grabbing, it can also alienate potential customers, generate negative publicity, and even be legally problematic depending on the context and target audience. Consider the cultural sensitivities and potential for backlash when employing this strategy. A poorly executed campaign can damage brand reputation significantly faster than a neutral one.
Effective sexualized advertising requires careful consideration of the following:
• Target Audience: What resonates with them? What are their sensitivities? A campaign that works for one demographic might backfire spectacularly on another.
• Brand Identity: Does the sexualized element align with the overall brand image and messaging? Inconsistency can lead to confusion and distrust.
• Subtlety vs. Explicitness: A subtle hint can be far more effective and less offensive than blatant sexual imagery.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Stay within legal boundaries and adhere to ethical standards to avoid controversy and potential legal repercussions.
Ultimately, successful use of sexuality in advertising hinges on a thoughtful and strategic approach. It’s about creating a connection, not just generating shock.
Are ads becoming more annoying?
The answer’s simple: yes, ads are getting exponentially more annoying. The relentless pursuit of younger demographics fuels this arms race of increasingly intrusive advertising. It’s a zero-sum game; the more sites utilize flashy, attention-grabbing tactics, the more they erode user experience.
The mechanics are brutal:
- Sensory Overload: Flashy ads, auto-playing videos, and pop-ups create a chaotic visual and auditory environment. This constant stimulation overwhelms cognitive resources, hindering focus and productivity.
- Negative Reinforcement: While initially grabbing attention, the disruptive nature of these ads rapidly leads to negative associations. Users actively try to avoid them, resulting in ad blindness and a decrease in ad effectiveness for even the most skilled advertisers.
- Algorithm Exploitation: Advanced targeting algorithms track user behavior, leading to hyper-personalized ads that feel invasive and manipulative. This reinforces the perception of ads as intrusive rather than helpful.
The meta-game:
- Ad-blocking proliferation: This isn’t just a user response; it’s a strategic counter-measure. The more annoying ads become, the more users will adopt ad-blocking software, crippling advertiser ROI.
- Shifting the battlefield: Advertisers are forced to explore increasingly creative (and sometimes ethically dubious) methods to circumvent ad blockers and capture attention. The battle is far from over.
- The long-term cost: This escalation of aggressive advertising strategies is eroding user trust, driving consumers towards ad-free platforms and services. This isn’t a temporary setback; it’s a fundamental shift in the power dynamic.
Which generation watches the most TV?
Boomers? Yeah, those guys are the ultimate TV bosses. Think of them as the end-game raid bosses of television consumption. 82% engagement? That’s a near-perfect raid clear rate. 5 hours a day? That’s more playtime than most MMO addicts. They’ve conquered linear TV, and now they’ve learned to chain-pull the streaming services too – nearly two-thirds are rocking Netflix and Hulu, dismantling the “tech-averse” stereotype. Consider them the veterans who’ve mastered all the television content, grinding through hours of shows, achieving the ultimate achievement: maximum screen time. They’ve explored every channel, every genre, they’re the high-level players, having conquered the television landscape. This isn’t just casual viewing; this is hardcore dedication. Their dedication and playtime makes the average gamer look like a casual player.
Are TV ads declining?
The decline of traditional TV advertising is a complex issue, impacting the gaming industry in several ways. While overall TV ad spend (linear and streaming combined) is projected to see modest growth (a mere 2.4% CAGR from 2024-2029 according to GroupM), the reality is nuanced.
Linear TV, the mainstay for decades, is facing a significant downturn. GroupM forecasts a 3.4% revenue drop in 2025 alone. This is crucial because linear TV has historically been a key channel for AAA game launches, leveraging its broad reach to create massive hype.
- Reduced viewership: Younger demographics are increasingly migrating to streaming platforms, reducing the effectiveness of traditional TV advertising for games targeting these audiences.
- Increased competition: The rise of digital advertising channels, including social media, streaming platform ads, and influencer marketing, provides developers with more targeted, yet often fragmented, alternatives.
- Measurement challenges: Accurately measuring the ROI of traditional TV ads is becoming more difficult, making it harder to justify large budgets in the face of declining effectiveness.
Streaming services offer a potential lifeline, but it’s not a guaranteed win. While streaming TV ad revenue is included in the projected growth, the competitive landscape here is fierce, with numerous platforms vying for viewers and ad dollars. This translates to higher CPMs (Cost Per Mille) and the necessity for highly targeted, creative campaigns to stand out.
- Programmatic advertising: This technology is allowing for greater targeting precision, ensuring ads are shown to the most receptive audiences. This is crucial for optimizing ad spend in the streaming environment.
- In-game advertising: Games themselves are becoming increasingly important advertising platforms. Smartly integrating ads within gaming environments can deliver high engagement, if executed carefully.
- Strategic diversification: The shift necessitates diversification. Developers and publishers are increasingly relying on a mix of marketing strategies, including influencer collaborations, esports sponsorships, and content marketing, to complement (or replace) dwindling TV ad budgets.
The bottom line: While total TV advertising isn’t collapsing, the linear TV segment’s decline is undeniable and has significant implications for game marketing. Adaptation and diversification are essential for navigating this evolving landscape.
Is there any TV without commercials?
Forget those pesky commercial breaks! For a truly ad-free viewing experience, the Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV bundle is your key. This unlocks a massive library of on-demand content, completely commercial-free, alongside the live TV channels you crave. Think of it as your own personal, curated cable network, but without the interruptions. While Disney+ (No Ads) offers a fantastic selection of movies and shows without ads, and ESPN+ (With Ads) provides sports coverage (note the ads here), the real power lies in the Hulu + Live TV component. We’re talking 90+ channels of live and on-demand programming, all seamlessly integrated into one powerful streaming experience. This eliminates the channel-hopping frustration common with traditional cable, allowing for effortless access to a broad range of entertainment. To unlock this ultimate viewing freedom, consider the cost-effectiveness of this combined subscription – it often surpasses traditional cable packages in value, especially when you factor in the time saved avoiding ads and the superior content control. Remember: the key here is the Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV offering. Disney+ and ESPN+ enhance the experience, but the ad-free core comes from Hulu. Think of this as Level 3 Ad-Free Streaming Mastery: you’ve ascended beyond basic subscription tiers!
How can I stop all ads?
Noob question, but I’ll humor you. Completely stopping *all* ads on Android is a myth. Think of it like a raid boss – you can weaken it, but you can’t fully kill it. That guide you found is child’s play; it only tackles app-suggested ads, a minor annoyance in the grand scheme.
To truly minimize the plague, you need a multi-pronged attack. First, the obvious: a good ad blocker. Look into apps like AdGuard or Blokada. These act as shields, intercepting ads before they even reach your eyes. They’re not foolproof; some ads are sneaky bastards, but they significantly reduce the bombardment.
Second, understand that many “free” apps are actually ad farms. They’re designed to show you ads; it’s their business model. Uninstall unnecessary apps, and be wary of free-to-play games, infamous for aggressive advertising. Paying for premium versions of apps is a superior strategy to avoid ad-infested territories.
Third, review your permissions. Many apps request access to location data, which is often used to target ads. Be merciless; deny any permission you don’t absolutely trust. Think of it as a raid boss’ weakness – exploit it.
Finally, remember that even with these tactics, some ads will slip through the cracks. Consider it the final boss fight – you’ve mitigated the damage, but some residual annoyances remain. Embrace the struggle; it’s a war you’ll always be fighting.
Why is everything so sexualised now?
Yo, so you’re asking why everything’s so hyper-sexualized these days? It’s a complex glitch in the system, a real meta-narrative failure. Let’s break down the boss fight here:
- Media Mayhem: The loot drops of over-sexualized content are everywhere. Think about it – even kid-targeted media is dripping with subtle (and not-so-subtle) sexual cues. This early exposure sets the difficulty level on insane mode for healthy development.
- Parental Fail: Lack of parental oversight? That’s like leaving the controller unattended in a room full of cheaters. Kids need guidance, especially navigating the murky waters of the internet. It’s like not patching your game against exploits – you’re leaving yourself vulnerable.
- Internet Inferno: Unfettered access to adult content? That’s a game-breaking bug. The internet’s a double-edged sword; it’s a treasure trove of knowledge, but it also has areas that are straight-up toxic wastelands. No filter, no parental controls? That’s asking for trouble, man. It’s like playing on a server with no anti-cheat.
- Education Expolit: Inadequate sex education? That’s like trying to beat a raid boss with only a rusty spoon. Comprehensive sex ed is crucial. It equips kids with the tools they need to navigate this complex world, rather than leaving them clueless and vulnerable.
Think of it like this: It’s not just about explicit content. It’s about the constant barrage of subtle messages – the way women are portrayed in games, the hyper-sexualized outfits, the objectification in ads. It’s a persistent low-level damage that chips away at healthy development. We need to level up our approach to this issue and address the root causes. We need to change the game mechanics, not just complain about the high difficulty.
Does Gen Z watch less TV?
Gen Z TV Consumption: A Shifting Landscape
While Gen Z still engages with traditional television, their viewing habits are significantly different from previous generations. Data reveals an average daily traditional TV watch time of just 33 minutes, a 16% year-on-year decrease. This represents a substantial shift in media consumption.
The Rise of Digital Video Platforms:
- Dominant Preference: Gen Z dedicates considerably more time to digital video platforms. The average daily engagement with platforms like TikTok and YouTube is a striking 1 hour and 33 minutes – three times the duration spent on traditional TV.
- Content Diversification: This shift reflects a preference for on-demand, short-form, and user-generated content that offers more immediate gratification and personalized experiences compared to scheduled linear television programming.
- Platform Features: Engaging features such as short videos, interactive elements, and community building aspects within these platforms greatly contribute to their popularity amongst Gen Z.
Implications for Marketers and Content Creators:
- Targeted Advertising: Understanding Gen Z’s preference for digital video platforms is crucial for effective marketing campaigns. Traditional TV advertising may yield less ROI compared to strategies focused on platforms where Gen Z spends the most time.
- Content Strategy: Content creators must adapt to the short-form video format and the participatory nature of platforms like TikTok and YouTube to engage this demographic effectively. This includes experimenting with various content formats, trends, and community interactions.
- Data-Driven Insights: Leveraging analytics and data to understand Gen Z’s preferences and viewing behaviors on different platforms is critical for optimizing content strategy and maximizing impact.
Key Takeaway: Gen Z’s media consumption is overwhelmingly digital. To connect with this demographic, marketers and content creators must focus their efforts on digital video platforms and tailor their strategies to align with Gen Z’s preferences for short-form, engaging, and interactive content.
Are inappropriate ads illegal?
No, “inappropriate” isn’t a legal term. The legality hinges on *what* makes the ad inappropriate. Violation of federal regulations is the key. Think FDA for health claims, FTC for deceptive practices – they’re your primary adversaries in this arena. Obscenity, indecency, and profanity are explicitly outlawed, but the definition can be surprisingly nuanced and heavily context-dependent, making it a fertile ground for legal battles. Jurisdiction varies wildly depending on medium (print, digital, broadcast) and content, so targeting your attack vector is crucial. Winning means exploiting loopholes in their regulations, or forcing them to prove violation, something that’s harder than it sounds. Remember, the line between “inappropriate” and “illegal” is blurry, and that’s your battleground.
Targeting specific agencies’ weaknesses is key. For example, the FTC often struggles to act swiftly against online scams, while the FDA’s standards can be exploited through cleverly worded disclaimers. Knowing your enemy’s playstyle—their enforcement budget, their priorities, their legal precedent—gives you a massive advantage. Master the art of plausible deniability and obfuscation. The goal isn’t to stay within the letter of the law, but to operate in the grey area where they can’t effectively prosecute you. That’s how you win.
Why is TV losing popularity?
TV’s decline isn’t a sudden death; it’s a slow, strategic annihilation orchestrated by the rise of streaming. Cord-cutting, the act of ditching overpriced cable packages, is the primary weapon. Streaming services, nimble and adaptive, offer on-demand content, personalized recommendations, and a far more user-friendly experience – a devastating combination. The cable industry, slow to adapt, is bleeding subscribers and revenue, resulting in lower production budgets and a decline in quality for many remaining channels. 2024 saw the culmination of years of strategic defeats, with media giants scrambling to restructure their failing business models. This isn’t just about the convenience of streaming; it’s a fundamental shift in consumption habits, a paradigm shift in how we engage with entertainment. The battlefield is littered with the corpses of once-dominant networks, casualties of a war fought not with swords, but with algorithms and superior user interfaces.
The real fight isn’t over. The streaming wars are ongoing, with platforms constantly vying for dominance through exclusive content and aggressive pricing strategies. The battlefield is dynamic, and the victors will be those who best understand and adapt to the evolving desires of the audience – a much more fragmented and demanding audience than the passive viewers of the past.
The legacy media giants are attempting desperate counter-attacks, launching their own streaming platforms, but their inherent structures and legacy costs often hinder their effectiveness. This highlights the crucial strategic error of clinging to outdated models. The future belongs to those who can evolve, not merely react.
Which streaming has less ads?
Looking for ad-free streaming? Forget those frustrating interruptions – let’s talk bundles. Disney’s got you covered with a couple of killer options. The Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ Bundle Premium boasts ad-free Disney+ and Hulu, a significant upgrade for binge-watchers. ESPN+, however, still retains ads; think of it as the price you pay for live sports. This is a solid choice if you’re heavily invested in the Disney universe and don’t mind some ads with your sports. But wait, there’s more! For a truly ad-free experience, consider the Disney+, Hulu, Max (No Ads) Bundle. This one’s a premium package offering a completely ad-free experience across Disney+ and Hulu, and ad-free Max. This is the ultimate option for viewers who prioritize an uninterrupted viewing experience and value a broader range of content beyond Disney’s offerings. Note that “No Ads” may refer to a limited ad-supported experience, depending on the content. Always check the fine print before subscribing.
Why are streaming ads so repetitive?
Think of it like a boss fight in a challenging game. You don’t defeat the final boss on the first try, do you? You need multiple attempts, learning attack patterns, strategizing. Streaming ads are the same. That study showing 92% brand recall after six exposures? That’s like mastering a boss’s moveset. Repetition isn’t a bug; it’s a feature designed for maximum impact. It’s not about annoying you; it’s about building brand recognition through consistent exposure. The more you “encounter” the ad, the more ingrained the brand becomes in your memory.
Now, consider the context: a one-hour viewing session. That’s a relatively short timeframe. Think of a longer game playthrough – hours, even days. Imagine seeing the same ad during commercial breaks in a long movie – it’s effective brand placement. The key isn’t just repetition, but strategic repetition. The algorithms behind ad placement aim for optimal exposure without overwhelming the viewer. They learn from your viewing habits, aiming for the “sweet spot” – the number of repetitions that maximizes recall without triggering ad blindness. It’s all about finding that balance between repetition and engagement; the delicate balance between a well-timed attack and a devastating combo.
So, next time you see that same ad several times, remember it’s not random. It’s a carefully calculated strategy to ensure the brand message sticks. It’s the ad equivalent of leveling up your understanding of the game – and the brand.
When did 90% of Americans own a TV?
The statement “Ninety percent of US households owned a television in 1960” marks a pivotal moment in media history, a critical mass adoption that fundamentally altered the American landscape and the nascent television industry itself. This wasn’t just a technological shift; it was a cultural earthquake.
Key implications for the industry:
- Massive market expansion: Reaching 90% penetration meant advertisers could now target nearly the entire population, leading to explosive growth in advertising revenue and fueling the industry’s expansion.
- Content diversification: The vast audience demanded a wider range of programming, accelerating the development of diverse genres beyond early experimental formats. The concurrent debut of television’s first animated prime-time series illustrates this point directly.
- Network dominance consolidation: This high penetration rate solidified the power of the major networks, creating an environment ripe for standardization and homogenization of content (though the counter-cultural movement of the 60s and 70s would later challenge this).
Further analysis required:
- Regional disparities: While the national average was 90%, penetration rates likely varied significantly across geographical regions, reflecting factors like income, infrastructure, and urbanization levels. Further research is needed to understand this regional diversity.
- Socioeconomic impact: The widespread adoption of television had profound effects on family dynamics, consumer habits, and political discourse. Analyzing the influence of television on these areas requires a deeper dive into sociological and political data.
- Technological advancements: The development of color television was another critical factor, though its widespread adoption happened later. This should be considered in a complete analysis of television’s influence in the 1960s and beyond.
In short: The 90% penetration milestone in 1960 represents a critical inflection point in television’s history, with significant implications for the industry, culture, and society. However, a nuanced understanding requires a broader examination of regional variations, socioeconomic impacts, and the influence of related technological advancements.
What percent of Americans don’t watch TV?
24% of Americans are ditching live TV – that’s a massive 4% increase year-on-year! This isn’t just some random trend; it’s a full-blown esports-level revolution. Think of it as the ultimate counter-attack against the outdated, predictable meta of traditional broadcasting. The 35-44 demographic leading the charge? That’s the generation that grew up alongside the explosive growth of streaming and esports. These are the digital natives, the pro gamers, the people who understand the power of on-demand content and personalized experiences. They’re not just watching; they’re actively shaping the future of entertainment. They’re trading linear schedules for the freedom to choose when and what they watch, a flexibility that’s core to the esports lifestyle. This shift isn’t just about TV; it’s a reflection of the broader cultural shift towards personalized, interactive entertainment, perfectly mirrored by the exploding popularity of esports and its vibrant, interactive community.
This rise in non-live TV viewers directly correlates with the increase in esports viewership and participation. These viewers are actively seeking out engaging, competitive experiences. The convenience and accessibility of streaming platforms make it easier than ever to tune into esports tournaments globally. It’s a compelling alternative to traditional TV programming; a narrative-driven, hyper-competitive experience that’s fully interactive and caters to the digital-first generation. The shift away from passive television consumption speaks volumes about changing entertainment preferences and showcases the dynamic evolution of the entertainment landscape.
Is Gen Z hooking up less?
Looks like the landscape’s shifted, rookie. Gen Z isn’t just playing the casual hookup game less; they’re playing the whole sex game less frequently. Think of it like this: the “easy mode” strategy – the one-night stand – is seeing a massive drop in popularity. But the “hard mode” – having *any* sex – is also experiencing a significant nerf.
Data Dive: The CDC threw some numbers our way: a 30% “completion rate” (ever having sex) in 2025 among teens, down from 38% in 2019. That’s a big hit to the overall score. We’re talking a significant player base reduction.
Possible Strategies: This isn’t a bug, it’s a feature – a feature of a changing social landscape. Several factors could be at play here: increased focus on mental health, a more cautious approach to relationships, the rise of online interactions, or even differing definitions of intimacy. There’s no single cheat code here; it’s a complex challenge.
Further Investigation: This isn’t the end of the game. More data is needed to fully understand the long-term implications. This just shows us the current state of the board. Think of it as a mid-game analysis. We need more information to form a winning strategy.
Pro Tip: Don’t just focus on the numbers. The *why* behind the numbers is the real endgame. Understanding the societal shifts that are influencing this trend is key to getting a complete picture.
Is there any way to watch TV without commercials?
Looking to ditch those pesky commercials? For a cord-cutter’s dream setup, consider the Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ bundle. Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV provides a massive library of on-demand content and access to over 90 live channels, eliminating commercial interruptions. Disney+ (No Ads), naturally, delivers ad-free access to its extensive catalog of movies and shows. While ESPN+ still includes ads, this trifecta covers almost every viewing preference – from live sports to family-friendly entertainment. It’s worth noting that this combined service represents a significant monthly commitment, but the ad-free viewing experience provided by Hulu and Disney+ makes it a strong contender for those prioritizing uninterrupted viewing. Remember to check for regional content availability, as specific channel lineups and show offerings vary.
Is TV watching declining?
Nah, TV watching isn’t declining, it’s evolving! Streaming’s absolutely exploded, up a massive 50% since 2025. Think of it like the esports scene – a shift from traditional venues to online platforms. Basic cable is getting absolutely wrecked, a total bloodbath. Nielsen’s data shows cable’s share of US TV viewing plummeted 33% – from 39% in May 2025 to a measly 26% by October 2024. That’s a bigger wipeout than a pro team getting reverse swept in the grand finals! This isn’t a decline in screen time; it’s a migration. People still consume massive amounts of video content, just on different platforms. It’s like the shift from LAN parties to online tournaments – same passion, different delivery method. The total hours watched might even be increasing, but the way we access content has completely changed. This massive streaming growth mirrors the explosive growth of esports viewership.