Konami sees a healthy rise in profits thanks to its competitive sports games

Both revenue and profits are up for Japanese developer and publisher, Konami, with an 18 per cent lift year-on-year in its "Digital Entertainment" revenues, which now stands at ¥105.8 billion ($971.3 million) across the nine-month period.

According to its most recent financial statement, Konami attributes the boost to its mobile and console sports games and esports, confirming an operating profit of ¥39.4 billion ($361.7 million USD) and revenue of ¥192.6 billion ($1.8 billion), up 30.2 per cent and 9 per cent year-on-year respectively.

"In the entertainment market, game contents continue to diversify along with functional enhancement of various devices, including mobile devices and video game consoles, and development of information and telecommunications infrastructure," the report said. "In the game industry, efforts are accelerating to offer new experiences through game content in various ways, including eSports, which are regarded as a form of sports competition and are attracting more and more attention."

"As for computer and video games, myClub, the online mode of Winning Eleven 2019 (known overseas as Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) 2019), has continued to perform well immediately following its release," it added. "As part of our continued active efforts in eSports, we started hosting the online qualifying round at the eSports Global Championship PES 2019 for Winning Eleven 2019 and hosted the regional final round of the first phase in Europe and South America.

"In regard to baseball contents, the ePennant race and eLeague championship for “eBaseball Pawapuro Pro League” were held along with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). This is a Puroyakyu (professional baseball) eSports league whose competition title is Jikkyou Pawafuru Puroyakyu 2018. The atmosphere in the venue was electric with the excitement of the players and audience, and was watched by many viewers via live stream. In addition, the eSports tournament of the Jikkyou Pawafuru Puroyakyu series was held."