In recent years, the world economy has been affected by both positive and negative aspects. However, one thing cannot be denied: these influences also have a huge impact on the eSports industry. The most obvious proof is for the subject of League of Legends (LoL).
If the LPL region has regulations on ceiling salaries so that teams do not abuse the money to recruit stars, then the LCK region is completely foreign to this concept. However, in the last few years, only a few LCK teams have spent money to recruit big stars. It can be mentioned that T1 focused on renewing the contract with Faker. Another giant like Hanwha Life Esports accepts to “sacrifice” the whole 2022 season when not recruiting any players in the transfer window at the end of 2021.
But Gen.G Esports CEO Arnold Hur admitted that the LCK is really going through a difficult period economically. Specifically, Mr. Arnold Hur did not directly admit it, but shared about the process of finding sponsors for Gen.G: “I’m currently quite busy because I have to find new sponsors for the team. Gen.G fans) don’t worry as I will work hard and keep updating the situation but things are difficult because this is really the ‘winter’ phase of eSports.
Through Mr. Arnold Hur’s share, it can be understood that Gen.G’s search for a new sponsor is facing many problems. Previously, it was reported that DRX had difficulty finding sponsorship despite having just won the World Finals. The team nicknamed “Blue Dragon” does not have a good record in the domestic tournament and there is not a single player that can be considered as influential enough as T1’s Faker.
Moreover, for those who have been with eSports long enough, they will understand that making a profit from Esports is an extremely difficult problem. It is possible that this predicament will last longer and make it difficult for LCK teams to improve the quality of the roster in the new season.