Esports, a term that was first coined in the late 20th century, has become a significant aspect of modern gaming culture. It refers to organized, competitive video gaming at a professional level, where players compete against each other in various genres such as multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), first-person shooter (FPS), and real-time strategy (RTS). The rise of esports has been nothing short of meteoric, with a projected global audience of 645 million by 2025 (Newzoo, 2020). This essay will explore the history of esports, its impact on society, and the various ways in which it has become an integral part of modern gaming culture.
The History of Esports
Esports can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, when video games were first introduced. The first known video game tournament was held in 1972, with players competing in the game “Space Invaders” (BBC, 2019). However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that esports began to gain traction, with the rise of the internet and the introduction of online multiplayer games.
One of the earliest esports tournaments was the “Doom II” tournament, held in 1997, which attracted over 10,000 participants (BBC, 2019). The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of professional gaming leagues, such as the “Korean e-Sports Association” (KeSPA) in South Korea, which was established in 2000 (KeSPA, n.d.).
The Rise of Esports
The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the popularity of esports, with the establishment of professional teams, leagues, and tournaments. The “League of Legends” Championship Series (LCS) was launched in 2013, and has since become one of the most popular esports leagues in the world (Lolesports, n.d.). The “Overwatch League” (OWL) was established in 2018, and has also gained a large following (Overwatch League, n.d.).
Esports has also become a significant aspect of the gaming industry, with many game developers now focusing on creating games that are specifically designed for competitive play. The rise of streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube has also played a crucial role in the growth of esports, allowing players to broadcast their gameplay to a global audience.
Impact on Society
Esports has had a significant impact on society, both positive and negative. On the positive side, esports has created new opportunities for gamers, providing a platform for them to compete and earn a living doing something they love. Esports has also fostered a sense of community among gamers, with many players forming teams and leagues, and competing in tournaments.
Esports has also had a positive impact on the economy, with the industry projected to be worth over $1 billion by 2020 (Newzoo, 2020). The growth of esports has created new jobs, including professional players, coaches, and team managers, as well as opportunities for broadcasters, journalists, and other professionals.
However, there are also negative impacts of esports. One of the most significant concerns is the potential for addiction, with many players spending long hours playing games and neglecting other aspects of their lives. There is also the risk of physical health problems, such as obesity, eye strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, associated with prolonged periods of sitting and playing video games.
Another negative impact of esports is the potential for toxic behavior, including harassment, racism, and sexism. There have been several high-profile incidents of players and fans engaging in toxic behavior, which has led to a negative perception of the esports industry (BBC, 2020).
The Future of Esports
The future of esports looks bright, with the industry projected to continue growing in the coming years. The rise of cloud gaming and the increasing popularity of mobile gaming are expected to further fuel the growth of esports.
However, there are also challenges that the esports industry will need to address. One of the most significant challenges is the need for regulation, with many players and teams calling for greater consistency and fairness in the rules and regulations governing esports tournaments.
Another challenge facing the esports industry is the need to address the issue of toxic behavior. The industry will need to implement measures to prevent harassment, racism, and sexism, and to create a more positive and inclusive environment for players and fans.
Conclusion
Esports has come a long way since its inception, from humble beginnings in the 1970s and 1980s to a global phenomenon with a projected audience of 645 million by 2025. The rise of esports has had a significant impact on society, both positive and negative. While it has created new opportunities for gamers and fostered a sense of community, it has also raised concerns about addiction, physical health, and toxic behavior.
The future of esports looks bright, but the industry will need to address the challenges it faces, including the need for regulation and the need to create a more positive and inclusive environment for players and fans. As esports continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to become an increasingly important aspect of modern gaming culture.
References:
BBC. (2019). The rise of esports: A brief history. BBC News. Retrieved from <https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-48816197>
BBC. (2020). Esports: The toxic side of gaming’s big money industry. BBC News. Retrieved from <https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-51716367>
KeSPA. (n.d.). About KeSPA. Korean e-Sports Association. Retrieved from <https://www.kespa.or.kr/eng/about>
Lolesports. (n.d.). League of Legends Championship Series. Lolesports. Retrieved from <https://www.lolesports.com/en_US/league-of-legends-championship-series>
Newzoo. (2020). Global esports audience will reach 645 million in 2025, Newzoo predicts. Newzoo. Retrieved from <https://newzoo.com/insights/trend-reports/global-esports-audience-will-reach-645-million-in-2025-newzoo-predicts/>
Overwatch League. (n.d.). About the Overwatch League. Overwatch League. Retrieved from <https://www.overwatchleague.com/en/about>
