Esports, or competitive video gaming, has taken off in popularity lately. It was once just a unique hobby, but it has turned into a global wonder. Fans from all over the world are tuning in to watch players compete in tournaments with prizes reaching millions of dollars. So how did it gain all of this popularity?
There are several elements that contributed to the rise of Esports. We now have high-speed internet which helps with player’s actions. Any lag in connection can be the difference between winning or losing. You need uninterrupted game play for both the player and the viewers.
Streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube Gaming and Facebook gaming make online competitions more accessible. With these platforms we no longer need to attend live events or rely on television programs to view our favorite players and teams: we can log in at any time, from anywhere, on any device. Streaming services make it easy for fans to interact with other fans around the world, cheer on your favorite teams and even interact with the players.
Gaming systems, PCs and consoles, have also come a long way with better graphics, more power, advanced headsets and monitors that provide smooth gameplay. This allows game developers to create more complex games for competitive play.
Technology might be the main foundation but the rise in Esports also has to do with the fact that gaming has turned into a legitimate career path. Gaming that was once just a hobby now has people who are dedicated to sharpening their skills and competing in tournaments for large cash prizes. Professional leagues are being formed and attracting more viewers to Esports. Players are being offered sponsorships with major brands such as energy drink companies, clothing lines and car manufacturers. With these sponsorships the players have more time for gaming without having to worry about money. The partnerships with brand names and investments from well known celebrities leads to larger audiences and they help us to take the gaming world more seriously.
Now that the world accepts Esports like they would traditional sports, it has gained a larger audience. It was only a few short years ago when Esports was unfamiliar to many people, but it has grown rapidly in the last few years and doesn’t show any signs of stopping. If you haven’t discovered Esports yet it can be overwhelming with the various games and genres, I have created a small list below to get you started. If these games don’t fit your interests a quick search online will reveal a much longer list to explore, the variety of Esports promises a game for everybody.
First Person Shooters: Call of Duty, Overwatch, Valorant
Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas: League of Legends, Dota 2
Battle Royales: Fortnite, Apex Legends
Fighting games: Mortal Kombat, Super Smash Bros, Street Fighter
Sports Games: NBA 2K