Esports, or electronic sports, is the competitive playing of video games. It has grown from a niche hobby to a multi-million dollar industry in a few short decades, and is now a major force in the sports and entertainment industry. This article will explore the definition of esports, its growth, its impact on sports and society, and the ethical issues associated with esports.
What is
Esports is a term that encompasses the competitive playing of video games. Although it has only recently become popular, competitive video gaming has existed since the early 1970s. Today, esports consists of a variety of genres, including multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games such as League of Legends and Dota 2, first-person shooters like Counter-Strike and Overwatch, real-time strategy games such as StarCraft II, and fighting games like Street Fighter and Super Smash Bros. Tournaments for these games often feature large cash prizes for the winners. Spectators of esports can watch tournaments live in-person or online.
Growth of Esports
Since its emergence in the early 2000s, the esports industry has grown exponentially. In 2019, total esports revenue was estimated to be $1.1 billion, with projections for steady growth in the coming years. Viewership for esports tournaments has also grown, with the 2018 League of Legends World Championship attracting over 100 million viewers. As the industry has grown, major sponsors have entered the market, including Intel, Coca-Cola, and Audi.
Esports Impact on Sports
The growth of esports has had a major impact on the traditional sports industry. Esports has increased competition in the sports market, as more viewers opt to watch esports tournaments instead of traditional sports. This has also led to an increase in the development of sports video games, as developers look to create games that replicate the experience of watching traditional sports. Esports has also attracted professional athletes from traditional sports, such as NBA star Shaquille O’Neal and motor racing champion Lewis Hamilton. Esports has also pushed the boundaries of technology, with new innovations such as virtual reality and live streaming allowing for a more immersive experience for viewers. Finally, esports has enabled new marketing opportunities for traditional sports, with teams and leagues leveraging the popularity of esports to reach new audiences.
Esports Impact on Society
The rise of esports has also had a positive impact on society. Esports has opened up opportunities for gender inclusivity, as the majority of esports players are male, but female players are becoming more common. Esports has also helped to promote sportsmanship, as players are encouraged to be respectful and treat each other with kindness, regardless of their level of skill. Esports has also provided a platform for social interaction, as players from around the world are able to come together and form communities. Finally, esports has enabled new education opportunities, as many universities now offer scholarships for esports players, and some schools have even begun incorporating esports into their physical education classes.
Ethical Issues with Esports
Despite its many benefits, there are some ethical issues associated with esports. As with any competitive activity, there is the potential for violence and aggression. Additionally, the addictive nature of esports can lead to a rapid escalation in gaming time, resulting in neglect of other aspects of life. Finally, cheating has become more common in esports, as players have begun to use software to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents.
Esports and Sports Industry Consolidation
As esports and traditional sports become increasingly intertwined, the two industries have begun to consolidate. Major sports leagues such as the NBA and FIFA have begun to collaborate with esports organizations to create cross-platform tournaments. Companies from the two industries have also begun to form partnerships, with many traditional sports teams investing in or sponsoring esports teams. Finally, there has been a wave of mergers and acquisitions, with traditional sports teams buying out or investing in esports teams and organizations.
Conclusion
Esports has grown from a niche hobby to a multi-billion dollar industry in a few short decades. It has had a major impact on the traditional sports industry, enabling new opportunities for competition, game development, players, technology, broadcasting, and marketing. Esports has also had a positive impact on society, enabling gender inclusivity, sportsmanship, social interaction, education opportunities, and health. Finally, the two industries have begun to consolidate, with cross-platform collaborations, partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions.
References
- Kang, S. (2019, April 29). Esports: The Future of Sports? Retrieved from Forbes.
- Perez, S. (2018, November 3). Esports is a $1.1 billion industry that’s projected to double by 2020. Retrieved from CNN.
- Reuter, D. (2018, August 21). The Impact of Esports on the Traditional Sports Industry. Retrieved from Forbes.