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Electronic sports, commonly called eSports, is a form of competition involving video games and has grown very popular over the last few years. Once people indulged in this sport from the comfort of their homes; now millions of people watch it, and billions of dollars are being given out for it. For that, it is essential to discuss how this relatively new industry became part of entertainment and why these video games will not disappear.
The theory of esports can be traced to the ‘90s roughly, and the early ‘00s with ‘StarCraft,’ ‘Counter-Strike,’ and ‘ WarCraft III. ’ With the advancement in interconnectivity players from all over the world could play with each other and hence created leagues and tournaments. South Korea was instrumental in making esports mainstream and a daily sport that has strong players and TV dedicated to the same.
Twitch and YouTube have been widely considered as the main factors that shaped the future of esports. These platforms made it possible for fans to be able to watch live games, and also to get an opportunity to communicate with players. Specifically, streaming became a phenomenon that fits the digital environment due to its availability and social characteristics.
Large media outlets and conventional fields of sports have not remained oblivious to it. For instance, ESPN incorporates esports events just as the Olympics has talked about adding esports to future games. With such sponsorship, esports has gained mainstream acceptance, which has made it to be accepted as entertainment like traditional sports.
Electronic sporting events are no longer simple competitions, but elaborate events that take place in large halls and draw millions of viewers on the Internet. Popular battles like the League of Legends World Championship and the Dota 2 The International have complex stages, broadcast commentaries, and production quality. These tournaments are quite similar to major sporting events’ championships, bearing stiff rivalry and fan following.
The stringer price funds for these tournaments are also enormous. Thus, demonstrating the financial backing of esports, the prize pool for ‘The International 2021’ exceeded $40 million. This has influenced highly talented players and instilled in more players, the desire to become professional gamers.
Esports has however seeped into pop culture in one way or the other. Players in particular who are streamers and professional gamers are also influencers on social media having many followers. They work with traditional stars, which allows them to connect different kinds of entertainment.
TV shows and movies including the aspect of gaming or esports have also come into production. For example, the show on the Netflix platform, The Queen’s Gambit, has a side plot with competitive gaming. Also, items such as ‘Fortnite’ organize concerts within the game with notable artists in the perform and this makes it integrate other forms of entertainment into the games easily.
In conclusion, the prognosis for esports remains very favorable. Besides, the emergence of new technologies such as virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) may fully change the esports’ perception and become one of the main pillars of its development. These technologies could extend the way how esports is being played and consumed, hence establishing esports as a new form of entertainment.
In addition, mobile gaming development is also a growth factor for esports. Titles such as “PUBG Mobile” and “Free Fire” are pushing competitive gaming to the masses, especially in markets where most of the population does not own a console or a computer.
Esports has irrefutably claimed its place in the entertainment business firmly. Escalating from the local gamesLAN parties to gigantic international competitions, esports have traveled a long way and do not seem to stop. Thus, given the esports’ potential to gather numerous viewers, generate new stars, and experiment in the sphere of entertainment, it will only strengthen its position as a phenomenon that fits the concept of ‘post-traditional media culture. ’
The nature of the convergence of esports with conventional entertainment products is rapidly developing a vibrant environment. It is clear, that as the phenomenon of esports progresses further, it will present fans across the globe with new and exciting experiences, thus, ensuring its status as an important segment of the entertainment industry in the future.