Esports, also known as electronic sports, has become a global marvel, attracting fans, players, and investors from all spheres. In simple terms, esports refers to competitive video gaming where players and teams from different countries compete against each other in PvP or multiplayer modes in an organized manner.
This competitive gaming has grown in popularity over the years, and it looks like it’s just starting. This explosion in popularity has made it one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide with a huge market value. Before now, it was mainly for hobbyists. Now, everyone wants to become an esports gamer or investor.
This blog post will further demystify what esports is, its rising popularity, and the future of this gaming niche.
The History of Esports
Esports did not appear out of thin air. Its root can be traced to the 1980s when players competed in arcade games like Pac-Man. However, it was in the 1990s that it reached new heights with the rise of multiplayer games like Doom and Quake.
The first esports gaming competition, the Red Annihilation tournament, occurred in 1997. The winner was to take home a brand new Ferrari 328 GTS. Esports never looked back since then, surging in popularity and attracting new games, teams, and investors. Advertisers leverage this medium to promote some betting sites with esports odds.
The Surge of Esports
The popularity of online gaming and technological developments were a few of the reasons that contributed to the growth of esports gaming. Some of these factors will be discussed below.
Technological Advancements
This is arguably the main factor that propelled the growth of esports. Technological advancements in the internet, computers, and even consoles have eased the way people watch and play this sport.
Technology advancements have been the primary factor in this competitive gaming’s exponential growth. The geographical barrier can no longer exist because players from all over the globe can compete against one another.
Twitch, a live-streaming website which allows viewers to watch their favorite players in real time, is another incredible advancement in technology. With this, fans’ interactions have been pretty straightforward, fostering the growth of a vibrant esports gaming community.
Online Gaming
Online gaming has greatly enhanced the expansion of esports. Players can compete against each other regardless of location thanks to the easily available and sophisticated infrastructure needed to develop and support online gaming. This has made gaming more competitive by allowing players to improve their gaming abilities by competing against skilled players.
Accessibility
This has also fueled the advancement of esports gaming. Video games and consoles are rampant and more affordable than ever. You could even play on your PCs and smartphones.
The social perception towards gaming also contributed, with players coming together to meet one another and interact with their fans for the love of gaming. This creates an inclusive society from diverse backgrounds.
Any Benefits of Esports?
With millions of fans from around the globe and prizes worth tens of millions of dollars, one can’t help but wonder if an industry worth $1.22 billion poses any threat to gamers. Well! Esports gaming has as many pros as cons. We will look at them here.
Pros of Esports
One of the pros of esports is the awareness it has created. Gaming used to be viewed as a total waste of time, energy, and resources. However, the emergence of this competitive gaming has nullified the wrongs and negative perceptions towards esports gaming, recognizing it as a legitimate venture that can provide entertainment and job opportunities for the players and coaches.
Esports help to promote unity among players and foster inclusion. Compared to traditional sports, there are no limiting factors that can prevent gamers from taking part in competitions. Summarily, every player has an equal footing.
Improving cognitive functions is another benefit of esports gaming. Esports can enhance problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork – three ingredients essential for survival in-game and in the real world.
Cons of Esports Gaming
Esports gaming is addictive, and excessive gaming can lead to problems, such as poor time management and academic performance. It can also lead to isolation, as the person’s only focus is gaming.
Concerns about one’s physical and emotional health are also related to esports gaming. For instance, playing video games while seated for a long period can lead to eye strain, muscle pain, and obesity. Long-term training gaming can also cause pressure injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome in gamers.
Esports don’t entail any physical activity like traditional sports do. This can result in an inactive lifestyle and health issues brought on by inactivity.
The Future of Esports
Esports has a promising future, and it is expected that the sector will expand rapidly over the next few years. By 2029, the business is anticipated to reach a value of $5.4 billion, according to Fortune Business Insight. The forecast is also very likely to come true given the large amount of investments and increased media attention going into esports.
More tournaments, platforms, and games will be created as a result of the increased funding. This will draw more players and increase the fame and viewership of the sports.
Esports appear to have incredible potential.
