Competitive gaming, or eSports, is a phenomenon that has developed at an incredible pace in the past decade. Previously known as a marginalized and often berated part of gaming culture, it has become an international phenomenon and a hobby for millions of fans. The development of this phenomenon raises many questions. Why and how did this happen? What is the current state of eSports, and what should be expected of it in the future? To understand all that, it is necessary to look at the history and development of this type of game initially.
History and Development of the Phenomenon
eSports started developing over 30 years ago from “video gaming,” which flourished from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. During this time, the creation of arcade games was in full swing, and games such as “Space Invaders” and “Pac-Man” created some of the first organized competitions. Therefore, these two games, perhaps, made the biggest contribution to attracting “fans” of this type of activity.
Then, thanks to other games, such as StarCraft, Counter-Strike, or Warcraft III, a fairly wide audience was formed, and these games became more popular among the gaming community, which supported esports development. This has lead to the very first organized tournaments and the birth of professional gaming that has set the stage for a new form of competition and entertainment production.
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The Growth Spurt
We can attribute the explosive growth of eSports to several key factors:
Accessibility and Technology
Technology allowed for massive shift. It made games accessible on a scale the world has never seen before. High-speed internet, powerful gaming consoles, and sophisticated PCs allowed players worldwide to play against each other. Streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube allow fans to watch competitions live and interact with their favorite gamers.
Professionalization and Investment
The growing viewership did not go unnoticed by the investors and sponsors. Some of the biggest brands in modern history invested in teams, leagues, and events. This happened to such an extent that esports turned into an industry. Today, it is no longer a niche where gamers can spend time as a hobby. It is an occupation that professionals can pursue with salaries, endorsements, and training facilities.
Mainstream Acceptance
Another significant force driving the rise of esports was its mainstream acceptance. What was once considered a geeky or nerdy way of spending time has become a normalized way of life. Traditional sports teams and celebrities own the teams, and well-known media sources cover the events. Even universities started offering scholarships for esports, treating it as any other competitive discipline.
The Current State of eSports
In general, contemporary esports is a large ecosystem that includes multiple genres. Some of the popular genres used as the basis for esports competitions are Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) such as “League of Legends,” First-Person Shooters, e.g., “Overwatch,” and Battle Royale games, such as “Fortnite.” Each of these games attracts different audiences and has different competitive dynamics. The biggest esports competitions, such as The International for “Dota 2” and the League of Legends World Championship, may attract the same number of viewers as the traditional sports major events.
Economic Impact
Nowadays, the economic impact of eSports is critical. Statista estimated that the global eSports economy would be worth over $1.87 billion in 2025. Moreover, this economy mostly consists of media rights, advertising, and sponsorship deals. Along with such benefits, the industry has created thousands of jobs, including players, new coaches, and many behind-the-scenes staff members, including event organizers and content creators.
The Betting Dimension in eSports
The intersection of eSports and betting has added a new dimension to the industry, mirroring traditional sports gambling. Live eSports events have become hotbeds for betting, with fans placing wagers on match outcomes, tournament winners, and even specific in-game events. This has increased viewer engagement and contributed significantly to the industry’s revenue streams. Online betting platforms where you can bet on live e-sports have expanded their offerings to include a wide range of eSports competitions, catering to the growing demand. However, this aspect of eSports also brings additional regulatory scrutiny and concerns about integrity and responsible gaming.
Looking Ahead
The future of eSports appears very prosperous in the context of these conclusive arguments. In addition to other trends, VR and AR’s inauguration in the eSports field could offer multiple possibilities for engaging experiences. As 5G implementation progresses, the fast 5G internet connection would reinforce the market potential for mobile eSports.
