What Are Electronic Sports And Are They Here To Stay?
When we think of sports, images such as a football or basketball game are often at the forefront of our minds. Typically, we view sports as an activity that requires a considerable amount of physical exertion and movement. However, like many things, the age of computers and online technology is reshaping the way we think about competitive sports. It is carving out a different type of sporting genre, one that requires only a keyboard and mouse for participation. Electronic sports or esports, are changing the way we think about competitive sports, forever.
What Is eSport?
Electronic sports are simply another form of competition that is facilitated by video games. These video games can range in genre, for example, multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs) such as the widely popular League of legends and Defence of the Ancients 2 (DOTA 2) franchises. Genres even include video games based on traditional sports e.g. FIFA and also first person shooters such as Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO). Electronic sports take these video games, that we would normally play at a casual level, and provides a more competitive space for professionals to compete against themselves. This often gives us, the viewers, a high octane experience that leaves us wanting more. Feelings often felt when we watch professionals participate in more traditional sports.
eSport In Numbers
Looking at the numbers that esports as a sector is putting up, the industry although relatively new, is set on the path for success. A market report conducted by Newzoo paints a very positive picture for the industry:
- In 2017, the eSports Economy grow to $696 million, a year-on-year growth of 41.3%.
- The global esports audience will reach 385 million in 2017, with 191 million Enthusiasts.
With these impressive figures and increasing interest from advertisers, esports is gradually becoming legitimised as a serious form of sporting competition. Big name brands such as Coca-Cola are investing in the scene. Even traditional sports clubs such as the Philadelphia 76ers are creating their own esports teams to participate in tournaments. Esports is even going to be a medal event in the 2022 Asian Games.
Streaming Sites & The Growth Of eSports
Streaming sites such as Twitch are arguably one of the key reasons as to why esports are developing such a large fan base. Twitch is a live streaming platform that provides a platform for professional and nonprofessional video gamers to show of their skills. With more than 9.5 million daily active users, Twitch is a community that encourages users to watch and talk about their favourite video games. Twitch and other streaming sites, have been instrumental in helping competitive gaming become a spectator sport. The ease of being able to spectate professionals play the game you love, has been invaluable for the growth of the industry as a whole.
The Future Of eSports
It is clear that esports are here to stay. Looking at how big traditional sports such as football and basketball are, the ceiling for esports is very high. As the fan base grows within the industry, it's only a matter of time before esports becomes truly mainstream. Electronic sports may one day even become an Olympic medal event; eSports sharing many similarities to traditional sports, such as the need to have mental resilience and a strategic mindset, I see no reason why it should not be. The adoption of esports into the mainstream will require time, but the industry’s track record so far leads one to believe that adoption may come sooner, rather than later.
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