In the digital age, the gaming phenomenon has grown to new heights. While a popular source of entertainment since the 70s, gaming has seen a rapid boom of innovations in the 21st century. eSports, in particular, has brought gaming to new heights; thanks to streaming services like Twitch and Youtube, gamers can now broadcast their skills to millions around the globe.
With the rise of these platforms, more and more people are watching professional online gamers compete against one another. The number of eSports viewers has grown so much, Universities have started offering scholarships to students who excel in this field.
But what exactly is eSports? And how can you get involved?
Whether you’re a casual observer, an avid fan, or aspire to make it as a pro someday, here’s everything you need to know about the world of eSports.
What Is eSports?
eSports, short for “electronic sports,” is pretty much what it says on the tin. The competitions, often played competitively, can range from hobby to professional level, with monetary prizes (in cash or sometimes in cryptocurrency) given to the winners. eSports scenes have grown to include many game genres such as first-person shooters (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), fighting, and sports simulations. You can now find eSports tournaments on almost any gaming platform online, from PC to console, mobile, and even on sites like Twitch.
eSports tournaments can take many different forms. Some of them occur in person, with thousands packed into a room watching, much like a standard basketball game or wrestling match.
However, if you play JokerCasino online, you’ll see that eSports can take on a more casino-like atmosphere in its competitions. Some games even include ranking and tournament-style systems within their mechanics, which expand eSports even further than sanctioned, scheduled tournaments. When it comes to gaming, the possibilities are endless.
Who Plays eSports?
Most eSports competitions are centralized in Europe and the United States due to Japanese legislation against certain kinds of competitions. However, the actual people who play eSports are pretty varied. Some casual players can peruse their local circuits or compete through in-game ranking systems (as seen in a game like League of Legends). Or professional players play in highly competitive tournaments.
Because of the versatility of video games, players come from all over the world; the world of eSports is incredibly diverse and filled with all sorts of backgrounds.
How Are Video Games Played In eSports?
eSports, while seemingly relatively recent, has existed since the 70s. The first ever bonafide “eSports tournament” occurred in 1972 at Stanford University. Players showed off their skill at the “Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics,” playing the arcade game Spacewar. Since then, the medium of eSports has changed and grown.
The most common games played nowadays in eSports include First Person Shooters, MOBAs, and Real-Time Strategy Games. Some games even require teams, which train together in “gaming houses” to prepare for tournaments. An extensive range of organizations supports the competitive gaming scene, allowing players to get sponsored and compensated for their work, much like ordinary sports teams.
Competitors have access to various helpful circles throughout the industry, allowing them access to advice, mentors, and even scholarships from certain institutions. These connections allow players access to the often pricey and high-tech equipment required for the highly competitive atmosphere. Gamers can outfit their PCs with accessories such as special mice and keyboards to give themselves an edge.
Final Words
As the gaming world progresses, increasing trends in the medium pop up yearly. From eSports to something like VR (virtual reality), the video game industry has found more and more ways to integrate itself into our world. The future of eSports looks bright, thanks to developments in the industry. Livestreaming services like Twitch and the development of VR and AR technologies have changed cybersports in new and exciting ways. As we move further into the age of tech, there’s no telling where eSports will go next.
