In the last two decades, esports have enjoyed unprecedented popularity to become a billion-dollar industry. Their status in the world of sports was further elevated when, even before the 2020 Tokyo Games, the Olympic Committee announced their intention to consider esports for future Olympic games.
With millions of fans, lucrative sponsorship deals, and financially backed teams, it’s becoming harder for critics to argue against its sporting status. There’s also been a rise of esports in the casino industry; esports-inspired games have now been introduced at the online casino level. This blog post discusses the cultural and social impact of video games.
The Relevance of Esports in Today’s World
From football to basketball, sports’ impact on society has been tremendous. An effective way to get kids in rough neighborhoods off the streets and to empower the marginalized, the benefits of sports extend way beyond the domain of physical health and fitness.
Playing sports is scientifically proven to elevate one’s mood and reduce the likelihood of mental health issues. For children, teenagers and adults alike, it can be a creative escape from real-world trauma and the ongoing anxiety of having to face situations that may trigger them.
So, what’s the social impact of video games on contemporary society? While many non-gamers argue that the act of gaming is reclusive and only serves to isolate players from the outside world, most gamers would argue that the impact of esports on society has actually been pretty positive and profound.
The element of teams has shifted the gaming narrative from being an individual to a social activity. Similar to the fanbase of, say, the Los Angeles Lakers or Dallas Cowboys, online gaming teams attract large pools of fans and create comradery among members of the gaming community.
The meteoric rise of online gaming has put the whole world on notice and has even started to challenge traditional ideas about the very nature of sports. Its rapid growth, coupled with the number of fans, sponsors, and leagues, has caused many onlookers to change their perception of gaming.
While the Olympic Committee has announced that it’s seriously considering including it in its extensive roster of games, some governments have already recognized it as a sport. Gamers have also improved significantly. Those who want to play in the big league now have to develop well-honed instincts, strategy, precision, and concentration — just as in any traditional sport.
Gaming teams have also started to incorporate rigorous training into their gamer’s weekly schedule, which ranges from physical activity to reaction tests. Simply put, they’re starting to think of themselves and to be treated as athletes.
Another significant impact gaming has had on society is in the domain of job creation. As the industry extends into new domains and expands its profile and influence, there’s increased demand for skilled individuals to help maintain and spur its growth. Alongside YouTube, this has created additional ways for gamers to make a living from doing what they love most.
The ability of gaming to attract millions of viewers worldwide has also changed content consumption. While sports fans worldwide are often limited to watching their teams on television, esports has demonstrated how Twitch and YouTube can be used to consistently enhance accessibility and attract larger audiences.
With the introduction of ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, this accessible and engaging approach has been replicated in the domain of traditional sports.
Online gaming communities are abundant, whether for individual teams or games like “Fortnite,” “Counter-Strike,” and “League of Legends.” Not only has this boosted social activity, but it’s also created genuine friendships from almost all corners of the globe. And for those with social anxieties, and who struggle to develop real-life friendships, having online friends to game with can do wonders for their mental health and assist them in developing those social skills.
Gaming has attracted major corporations, like Red Bull, Coca-Cola, Gillette, and Samsung, which suggests that the esports gaming phenomenon has not only captivated gamers but also multi-billion-dollar businesses. The 2021 Free Fire World Series was the most-watched gaming event ever, having attracted around 5.4 million viewers.
From this, it’s clear that the benefits are extensive and that it has the ability to transform thousands of lives and inspire many to pursue their aspirations and dreams of working in the gaming industry. With gaming-inspired casino games being introduced regularly, it’s clear that esports has even taken the casino world by storm.
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