With major televised events and significant sponsorships from global brands, it’s safe to say that esports has hit a new level of popularity. Insider Intelligence estimates there are 29.6 million monthly viewers in the US in 2022. That’s up 11.5% from last year, which gives us a clear picture of growth.
Many people have only briefly heard of esports or are just coming to appreciate the growing phenomenon. If you fit into that category, it can be challenging to get to grips with what the fuss is about. However, with a closer look, it becomes easier to see why esports are so popular.
Read on to get a better understanding of what esports is and what it includes. Plus, find out what has caused esport’s recent growth and its increase in popularity.
What Does eSports Mean?
eSports comes from the combination of the words electronic and sports. It refers to competitive video gaming, which usually involves two individuals or teams going head-to-head to win. Like other sports, it commonly has a spectator element.
The format usually involves local or global tournaments with professional or amateur teams competing to win a cash prize. The style of the game will affect how the tournament operates. It could be competing against other players in specific game modes, direct battles, or aiming to complete a map first.
Several types of games are part of the competitive world of esports. There are some sports, such as FIFA or NBA 2K. Other games usually fall into the category of FPS (first-person shooter), MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena), and RTS (real-time strategy). Titles include Street Fighter, CS:GO, Dota 2, and Hearthstone.
Delivers Similar Benefits to Other Sports
If you’re confused about the popularity of esports, it’s useful to note that they have a similar appeal to other sports. They’re fast-paced and exciting for players and spectators. For players to perform well in tournaments, they need to have in-depth knowledge of the game.
The level of professionalism and skill can easily be compared to other professional athletes.
Witnessing that as a spectator holds the same level of appreciation and awe. Just like any other sporting event, you can gather your friends for a livestream or get tickets for an event where the stadium atmosphere is electric.
Online Entertainment
eSports is part of a growing movement of online entertainment. It’s one of many sources of fun that are now becoming top priorities for people looking to fill their leisure time. Alongside playing at an online casino, esports and esports betting are delivering thrills and diverse ways to pass the time.
Like casinos, esports popularity has grown in recent years thanks to advances in technology. Game quality has hit a new peak, meaning that the quality of the action, controls, and graphics makes for a smoother performance. The quality of the video and the ability to stream it has also played a role in making it possible to share tournaments with spectators worldwide.
Online Community
One of the critical reasons esports is so popular is that it didn’t just take something that already existed and turn it into something new. It has added to the appeal of sports and competition by combining a social aspect.
Many people are now heading online to socialize with friends or to meet new people. While social media was at the forefront of this trend, there has been an increasing appetite for people to find independent forums where they can meet likeminded people.
eSports provide the opportunity for online community engagement as there are servers and chat opportunities for most streams and events. Spectators don’t only get to share their appreciation together; they also get to feel more connected to the players to a much higher level than football fans, for example.
Accessible and Inclusive
Although you might need a fairly expensive kit to play, an internet connection, a computer, or a game console can be found in many households across the world. That’s all anyone needs to start playing. It’s not necessary to find a sports field, a team to join, or sports equipment.
To become an esports player, you might need a team and a coach one day, but it’s possible to practice alone at any hour. Teams can be mixed of men, women, those with disabilities and all nationalities, meaning that none of those factors will necessarily be a barrier to participation.
eSports Is Here to Stay
As an exciting and accessible sport, it’s clear that the popularity of esports isn’t a short-lived trend. It brings people together in an engaging way with diverse formats, and more and more people are paying attention.