The gaming industry has had to overcome prejudice over the years, with uninformed commentators belittling what it has to offer. In recent years, the industry has finally gotten the recognition it deserves, with esports athletes also being represented in globally recognised athletics tournaments like the Commonwealth Games.
While the gaming industry is primarily an entertainment industry, developing games and technology for consumers to enjoy, the rising number of esports events and athletes goes to show the value that it has to offer.
Massive Earning Potential
Earning money through playing games is something that many people dream of, but it has always appeared to be an unattainable aspiration. Online casinos offer the most obvious opportunity for players to earn money, while raffle sites also provide opportunities for players to walk away with prizes. One of the top raffle operators, as shown on this site, can offer prizes including holidays, branded products, vehicles, and cash.
As online gaming has developed, so has the esports industry, with players from around the world able to compete and take part in competitions. In-person events draw massive crowds to arenas where the top players face off, and sponsorship deals and prize money make it a lucrative option for the most dedicated players.
Tournament sponsorship deals and support from fans through ticket sales and subscriptions allow operators to offer impressive prize pots, while individual sponsorship deals can also help esports athletes earn a living.
Streaming and building a social presence is another way that gamers are able to earn an income from doing the thing they love, while there is a whole industry around esports that employs millions, including entertainment and tech development.
Entertainment Factor
Millions of people around the world are entertained by playing video games, but esports adds a spectator element to it, with viewers able to tune into live tournament streams or visit tournaments in person for the full experience.
It might seem like an alien concept to many who don’t understand why people would want to watch other people play games. However, a quick look at YouTube will unveil thousands of accounts with millions of followers who show footage of gameplay.
The top esports athletes and gaming creators combine being able to showcase their skills on different platforms with other forms of entertainment, including social commentary.
While many viewers enjoy the laid-back and fun gaming streams on offer, esports provides an entertainment experience with a competitive edge. This can make it more exciting for viewers who want to see their favorite players do well and can help them pick up tips on how to improve their own gaming.
Hub for Innovation
The esports industry is the perfect platform for developers to showcase new technology. The latest games, software, and hardware can be tested by the world's best players, and consumers can see how this differs from the setups they have at home.
The gaming industry is one of the fastest-moving in the world, with developers always pushing the envelope to bring emerging tech to market as quickly as possible. This can lead to some rushed projects, and having top players try it out is a great way to identify and resolve flaws.
Streaming technology is also a big part of the esports industry, with live event broadcasting benefiting from AI-driven analytics as well as AR and VR integrations. Advanced data visualizations and AR stage designs have transformed how live sports can be broadcast, with exports leading the way on streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
Discipline and Focus
The esports industry not only entertains and generates generous incomes for the top participants, but it can also offer other benefits, including improved problem-solving skills, cognitive skills, discipline, and focus.
To become one of the best esports players isn’t just a case of being good at video games; it requires hard work and a regimented training schedule. The top esports athletes train for hours every day, with leading athletes dedicating between 6 and 12 hours to training, averaging around 50 to 70 hours every week.
Training schedules include team practice sessions or scrims, where teams schedule matches against other professionals to test strategies in a competitive environment. Solo practice is equally important, as this gives players the game knowledge, reflexes, and experience to compete at a high level.
Review and strategy sessions give players a break from playing and give them an opportunity to sit back and analyze their own gameplay to see if there are any weaknesses that need to be worked on. It also provides an opportunity to see how other competitors play and react to similar situations.
The idea that gamers are lazy and just sit around all day playing video games is far from the truth. The top esports athletes incorporate physical fitness into their training schedules to ensure they have the stamina to support long gaming sessions, the correct posture, and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Finally, sports psychologists can also be employed to work on mental conditioning, helping players improve focus and learn to deal with stress. As with any competitive sport, the pressure of competition can take its toll, and learning how to deal with this before, during, and after tournaments is essential.
Global Communities
The online gaming industry has made it easier than ever for people to meet and build relationships with people from around the world who have similar interests. The esports industry helps to take this to the next level, with many competitors travelling to other countries and having the opportunity to meet people.
Players can learn more about a variety of cultures and perspectives, with the top esports athletes having a strong influence over the fans that follow them.
Education
As well as improving social dynamics and cultural awareness, esports can also teach players about teamwork while improving critical thinking skills, and improving digital literacy. Competitors and followers of esports have a unique opportunity to enjoy cutting-edge technology, with some learning directly from practice and others through viewing.