Sure, it’s a mix of both. A big brand will throw money at a top team or sponsor a major event, and that’s pure marketing. But if they actually invest in good esports infrastructure—training, streaming, community building—then they’re legit. If it’s just a flashy ad with no real support, it’s just a stunt. So yeah, splash can be real, but watch out for the slick hype.

Exactly, a shiny banner is just hype if the funds don’t land in the training rooms or high‑speed servers. If the brand actually backs talent and tech, the performance stays up even after the buzz dies. I’m still trying to figure out my own ROI in the gaming world, so I’ll keep my eyes peeled for that real‑deal stuff.