IFEC REPORT
Games above ground! Representatives from Gladi8tor were aboard the Lufthansa Flying Lab in September showing passengers the Galaxy Duel game
The year 2020 is shaping up to be an important one for the niche segment of inflight entertainment gaming with suppliers rolling out new platforms to launch on committed airline customers by RICK LUNDSTROM
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aken as a whole, the size and growth of computer gaming and e-sports can appear even more staggering than the projected growth in airline passengers in the years to come. Estimates place worldwide gaming sales in the hundreds of billions and hardcore gamers in the hundreds of millions. With the two industries moving in stride at a breakneck pace, it only makes sense that demand for both travel and gaming should come together inflight – either in a handheld device or a seatback screen – for passengers engrossed by fast-paced shoot ‘em ups and cute children’s games that help pass the time. This year, at least two major inflight suppliers plan to place new gaming content in the cabins of several airlines. The content is tailored to be used with both seatback screens, personal devices and some can even be taken off the aircraft with passengers, all enhancing an airline’s brand and the customer experience. The outside gaming world is
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largely shaping the gaming passenger experience inside the cabin. Newzoo, a company that follows gamers, said that in 2019 the global games market was approaching US$150 billion. In addition, the company reported that an audience approaching half a billion will be watching, commenting and following e-sports gamers in booming competition by the end of this year. E-sports is a form of sport competition with video games. E-sports can be organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individuals or teams. One of the most anticipated e-sport events is the annual Fortnite World Cup, which last year gave out US$100 million in prize money. American teenager, Kyle Giersdorf, won $3 million in July of last year playing the popular online video game, Fortnite. Kyle goes by the gamer handle Bugha. The e-sports industry has spun off a vast array of products from gaming furniture to clothing.
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Naturally, the same gamers and e-sports fans will be boarding aircraft in large numbers, and at least two European airlines will be offering them a chance to fight for the future of the galaxy. The IFE industry will have its own, semi-official game devoted solely for airline use, but not limited to the cabin. Visitors saw the first glimpse the new inflight gaming component Galaxy Duel at last year’s Airline Passenger Experience Association exhibition and at a pre-conference aboard the Lufthansa Flying Lab (Lufthansa Flight 452 from Munich to Los Angeles) sponsored by Lufthansa Systems. The Lufthansa Group company developed Galaxy Duel with the help of gaming provider Gladi8tor.
