Pro Gaming as a sport?

[Nanook]

[Stars_InTheirEyes]

[felter]

[Skism]

Anyone who seriously does not think that computer games can in fact be very demanding activites should try playing different games as they like sport vary greatly - something like a crappy rail arcade shooter will not tax people, but something like Rome total war.

If you seriously think that being in control of an army and facing opposing troops is not hard then I dare you to a online game - I have completed most single player campaigns (although I have never played an online match and I have given it seriosu thought hmm maybe I should)

Anyway I have watched videos of online matches and believe me you might want to read up on Sun Tzu - I have seen all sorts of tactical tricks.

(personally I think its ALOT more complex than chess)

[silenced]

As soon as it's no fun anymore doing it, it's a 'sport'.

Think back in time: you were young, you were playing soccer or football or whatever and later you joined a team to play it even more. Suddenly, it was no fun anymore, it shifted from "fun with friends in the afternoon" to "work in the afternoon and weekends with your team mates". There was no more laughter about stupid mistakes you did, there was scolding instead. Suddenly, the fun was gone.


Same is somewhat true for video games. Back in '99/'2k, playing UT99 just for fun, getting better and better, getting most frags by using the translocator only and the shock rifle, I wanted a bit more team play, real team play. So I joined a clan. Well, it was fun in the beginning, some league matches were done, but somehow, the fun became less and less, the gaming experience was changing. It started to become WORK. No free time fun activity anymore, but real hard work. You had to function, nothing else. Funny chats via RogerWilco during a match? No chance anymore, everything dead serious.


Same is true for MMORPGs, at first it's fun, but it becomes work after some time.


Same is true for every form of active entertainment. As soon as you go too far, the fun gets lost.



But as final conclusion: Pro-Gaming is sport. You study tactics, possibilities, train them, you have to react to a very wide variety of situations, it's stress. If you're not made for: forget about. Of course, it looks like there's only someone sitting around and having fun, but it's no fun anymore at this stage.

[IcarusJones]

[Incubi]

It is a skill applied where the best of the best compete for the title of the Best. I fail to see how this won't be a sport. Only certain games qualify for this, but I see no problem.

Maybe sport is not the best word, but it is competitive, requires skill, and is exciting.

[Nividium]

I don't think e-sports can be considered equal to normal sports because there are no sponsors. What company is going to sponsor a guy that sits around and plays donkey kong all day? How would the sponsor get their money back and more from sponsoring a gamer? You need a sponsor in order to play/practice 40hrs a week. You can't hold down a full time job and play in your spare time. So, sponsors are vital. This only leaves the kids living at home with their parents flipping the bill for everything or very rich people who don't need to work who can compete in these games.

Also, if the competition was $1 million but only gave out $200k in prize money, what happened to the other $800k?

[silenced]

[Samuel Creshal]

[Xenon_Slayer]

There are quite a few full time gamers who get by simply from revenue from Streaming content via Twitch.tv and having channels on YouTube. Obviously this isn't an option for everyone as you better have a high level of skill and be able to hold a large audience.

To those saying: "it's just people sitting around all day playing games, how can that be a sport / worth watching", give it a chance. I only started watching Starcraft last year and while I totally suck at the game, I find its just as engrossing as watching proper sports, if not more so. Most people taking part are pretty down to earth, who are usually very active in the community supporting the games and tournaments. That's what makes it so special.

E-Sports is growing, with more venues, competitors and watchers. Nothing but a good thing in my book.

[Bishop149]

I agree is Nanook, its not a sport its a game and thus should probably be kept clear of things like the Olympics. Chess too is not a Olympic event nor should it be.

Thats not to say there can't be more competitions, I actually think that a games event on the same scale and the Olympic sports event isn't a bad idea at all.

Computer gaming though?
I wouldn't watch it, it would be boring as hell, just like ALL youtube videos of "impressive" FPS performances, or Zerg rushes. . . . Duuuuuuuuuuuullllll.

[Stars_InTheirEyes]

[Morkonan]