They’re fast-paced, intensely competitive, and they’ve taken the world by storm. I’m talking about esports, the digital frontier that’s redefining what it means to be an athlete. From the comfort of their own homes, players are battling it out in virtual arenas, vying for glory and substantial cash prizes.
But what exactly are esports? How did they come about, and why are they gaining such massive popularity? If you’re new to this phenomenon, don’t worry. I’ll guide you through the basics of esports, from their humble beginnings to the multimillion-dollar industry they’ve become.
Esports 101
Delving into the world of eSports, let’s comprehend the core concepts behind these competitive phenomena and trace back its evolution.
The Concept of Esports
Esports, short for electronic sports, encompasses competitive video gaming at a professional level. Gamers compete, either individually or as part of teams, in structured competitions, much like traditional sports. However, instead of physical arenas, these occur in digital landscapes. Examples include major tournaments for games such as League of Legends, Fortnite, or DOTA 2.
Evolution of Esports
Esports 101 birth traces back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it wasn’t until the turn of the millennium that it gained significant momentum. The emergence of the internet made it easier for gamers to compete from different parts of the world. It’s the increased accessibility and connectivity that catapulted Esports into the mainstream.
Different Esports Genres
The universe of esports 101 entails a wide spectrum of genres, each possessing unique characteristics and mechanics. Let’s delve deeper into this universe and explore the popular games and inherent game mechanics.
Popular Esports Games
A handful of esports games have garnered substantial prominence. These include ‘League of Legends’ (LoL), ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ (CS:GO), ‘Dota 2’, and ‘Overwatch’. For instance, LoL, a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena game, accumulated 100 million monthly active users in 2016. Similarly, CS:GO, a first-person shooter (FPS) game, boasts 24 million monthly active users as of 2020.
Esports Game Mechanics
Esports 101 games thrive immensely on their mechanics, making each game a unique digital battleground. MOBAs like ‘League of Legends’ and ‘Dota 2’ revolve around team cooperation and strategic control, whereas FPS games like ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’ and ‘Overwatch’ emphasize individual reflexes and accuracy.
The Scope of Professional Esports
Delving deeper into the realm of professional esports, let’s trace the contours of this digital battlefield. Now, we’ll focus on the structure of tournaments and leagues, followed by understanding the role of a pro-gamer in this arena.
Esports Tournaments and Leagues
Professional esports 101 incorporates an array of tournaments and leagues, similar to traditional sports. Contrary to popular belief, esports isn’t a single monolith. Multiple leagues and tournaments exist, each tailored for a specific game. The Riot Games’ League of Legends World Championship and Valve’s Dota 2 International stand as signature events in the esports calendar.
The Role of an Esport Pro-Gamer
Bearing the title ‘pro-gamer’ isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, considering the challenging tasks it entails. Esport pro-gamers are not merely players; they’re comprehensively trained individuals with a deep understanding of their respective games. They need to master intricate strategies, learn to make split-second decisions, and develop lightning-fast reflexes.
Esports Audience and Fanbase
Unveiling the esports 101 world discloses a large, engaged audience and a passionate fanbase. By understanding these components, we can better grasp the esports scene’s magnitude and cultural significance.
Understanding Esports Viewership
One cannot discuss esports without acknowledging its impressive viewership. Newzoo, a reputable games, esports, and mobile intelligence provider, estimated esports viewers worldwide to exceed 495 million in 2020. Amassing a global audience, esports is not confined within a specific regional boundary – engaging viewers from North America, Europe, and particularly Asia. Regular viewers and occasional viewers comprise this statistic, demonstrating the extensive reach of esports.
Esports Fandom Culture
Esports 101 fandom culture is another essential ingredient, mirroring the passion and enthusiasm commonly associated with traditional sports fandoms. Fans dedicate themselves to specific games, teams, or players, showing support through various mediums. They purchase merchandise, promote their favorites on social media, or join fan clubs and online forums.