A Beginner’s Guide to Esports: Understanding the Basics
What are Esports?
Welcome, gaming enthusiasts! If you’re curious about the world of esports, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will guide you through the basics of esports, answering some frequently-asked questions and introducing you to the ins and outs of this exciting phenomenon. So, let’s dive in!
Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to the competitive world of video gaming. Players, individually or as teams, compete against each other in a variety of games, aiming to achieve the highest ranks or scores.
Esports has evolved from being a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon, boasting millions of fans worldwide.
With the rise of online streaming platforms, the accessibility and popularity of esports events have increased exponentially, making it easier than ever for fans to watch and engage with their favourite games and players.
A Brief History of Esports
The origins of esports can be traced back to the 1970s and 80s when arcade games ruled the gaming scene.
The first known video game competition took place in 1972 at Stanford University, featuring the game Spacewar. As technology advanced, multiplayer games like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and League of Legends catapulted esports into the limelight.
Today, there is a vast array of games available for competitive play, with new titles entering the scene regularly.
Esports has become a global industry, with professional players, teams, and leagues in every corner of the world.
Esports Competitions
So, how do esports competitions work? Typically, players and teams participate in regional and international tournaments.
These events are hosted by game developers, third-party organisations, or a combination of both. With impressive prize pools up for grabs, esports has become a lucrative career choice for many talented gamers.
Competitions range from small, local events to massive international tournaments, with various formats such as round-robin, double elimination, or group stages leading to playoffs.
The structure of a tournament depends on the game and the organising body, but the ultimate goal remains the same: to crown a champion.
Types of Esports Games
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s delve deeper into the different types of games played in esports.
1. First-Person Shooters (FPS)
These games place players in a first-person perspective, controlling a character’s movement and weaponry. Popular FPS titles include Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, and Overwatch. FPS games are known for their fast-paced gameplay and require quick reflexes, precision, and teamwork.
2. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
In MOBA games, players control a single character in a team-based battle against an opposing team. Dota 2 and League of Legends are prime examples of this genre. MOBA games require strategic thinking, strong teamwork, and in-depth knowledge of the game’s mechanics and individual characters.
3. Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
These games involve strategy and resource management, often with a top-down view. Players control units and structures, aiming to defeat their opponents. StarCraft II is a popular RTS game in the esports scene. RTS games demand quick thinking, multitasking, and the ability to adapt to evolving situations.
4. Battle Royale
The objective of these games is to be the last player or team standing. Titles such as Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) are well-known examples. Battle Royale games combine elements of survival, exploration, and combat, making them exciting and unpredictable experiences for both players and spectators.
5. Fighting Games
This genre encompasses one-on-one combat games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Super Smash Bros. Fighting games are known for their fast-paced action and intricate combo systems, requiring precise timing, execution, and knowledge of character matchups.
6. Sports Games
Real-world sports, such as football, basketball, and racing, are replicated in games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Gran Turismo. These games often involve head-to-head competition, demanding players to master the game mechanics and develop effective strategies.
7. Card Games
Digital card games like Hearthstone and Magic: The Gathering Arena have also gained popularity in the esports scene. Players build custom decks and compete against others, relying on strategic thinking and adaptability.
With so many genres, there’s sure to be a game that appeals to your interests!
Esports Leagues and Tournaments
Major Esports Leagues
Several major leagues have emerged, each focusing on specific games or regions. Some well-known leagues include the Overwatch League, the League of Legends Championship Series, and the Call of Duty League.
These leagues often culminate in annual championships, attracting huge audiences and offering substantial prize pools. They are generally structured with a regular season followed by playoffs, similar to traditional sports leagues.
Esports Tournaments
Esports tournaments come in all shapes and sizes, from local amateur events to international competitions. The International, the annual Dota 2 championship, and the League of Legends World Championship are two of the largest and most prestigious tournaments in the esports world.
Tournaments are organized by various entities, including game developers, third-party organizers, and even community-driven initiatives. They offer players and teams the opportunity to showcase their skills, build their fan base, and win life-changing amounts of prize money.
The Esports Ecosystem
Esports Teams and Players
Top esports players often join professional teams, which provide them with resources like coaching, marketing, and sponsorship deals.
Esports organisations such as Team Liquid, Fnatic, and Cloud9 field teams across multiple games, showcasing their players’ skills on the world stage.
These teams often scout for new talent, signing players to contracts and supporting them throughout their careers.
Esports Broadcasts and Streaming
Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming have become the go-to places for watching esports events.
Professional casters and analysts provide commentary and insights, creating a thrilling viewing experience for fans.
Many esports players also stream their gameplay, offering a more personal look into their skills and personalities.
Streaming allows fans to interact with their favourite players, ask questions, and even donate money to support them.
Esports Sponsorships and Investments
As esports continues to grow, so does the interest from non-endemic sponsors and investors. Major brands like Coca-Cola, Intel, and Mercedes-Benz have entered the esports space, sponsoring events and teams.
This influx of sponsorship money has contributed to the growth and professionalisation of the esports industry.
In addition to traditional sponsorships, companies have also started investing in esports through partnerships, merchandise deals, and even creating their own competitive teams.
Getting Involved in Esports
Becoming a Player
Are you interested in joining the ranks of professional esports players? Start by choosing a game that you’re passionate about and focus on honing your skills.
Develop a regular practice schedule, and consider joining a community of players to learn and improve together.
Participate in local tournaments and online ladders, where you can compete against other players and gain valuable experience. Networking with other players, coaches, and industry professionals can also open doors to opportunities and help you find a suitable team to join.
Supporting the Esports Scene
Not everyone wants to be a professional player, but there are still plenty of ways to get involved in the esports community.
Attend live events or watch them online, support your favourite teams and players, or even volunteer at tournaments.
You can also contribute to the scene by creating content, such as articles, videos, or podcasts, to share your love for esports with others.
Engaging in discussions on social media, forums, and other online communities can help spread awareness and boost the overall growth of the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do esports players make money?
Esports players can earn money through a variety of means, including salaries from their teams, prize money from tournaments, sponsorships, and streaming revenue. Many players also receive bonuses based on their performance, team success, and social media following.
2. How can I improve my skills in a particular esports game?
Practice regularly, watch professional players’ streams or game replays, and consider finding a mentor or coach to help you refine your skills and strategies. Engage with the community to learn from others, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback.
3. Are esports considered real sports?
While esports may not involve physical exertion like traditional sports, they require a high level of skill, strategy, and teamwork.
Many people consider esports to be a legitimate form of competition, and the International Olympic Committee has even recognized esports as a potential future addition to the Olympic Games.
4. What age do esports players typically retire?
There is no set retirement age for esports players, but many start to transition to other roles within the industry, such as coaching or content creation, in their late 20s or early 30s.
The fast-paced nature of the industry and the need for quick reflexes can make it challenging for older players to remain competitive.
5. Can I watch esports on television?
While most esports events are streamed online, some television networks have started to broadcast select tournaments and leagues.
ESPN, BBC, and TBS are among the networks that have aired esports content. However, online streaming remains the primary method for watching esports events.
References
- Newzoo Global Esports Market Report 2021 – https://newzoo.com/resources/trend-reports/newzoo-global-esports-market-report-2021-light-version
- The Esports Observer – https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Archive/Sections/Esports.aspx
- ESPN Esports – https://www.espn.com/esports/
- Dot Esports – https://dotesports.com/
