• Entertainment -> Video Games and Board Games

• 0 Comment

How do video games and board games change the nature of eSports tournaments?

Berton Lyngsted

Video games and board games have revolutionized the world of eSports, enhancing the competitiveness and entertainment level of tournaments. The impact of video games and board games to eSports tournaments is significant in different ways.

Firstly, they have provided various options for participants to display their skills. Traditionally, eSports focused solely on console games, limiting the level of participation for individuals who might not have access to the equipment, or those who might not be interested in console games. However, with the introduction of video games and board games, the tournament now accommodates a broader range of individuals and skills levels. Board games offer a unique challenge since they involve cunning, strategy planning, patience, and detail-oriented thinking compared to video games that require reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking.

Secondly, they have expanded the scope of the event by providing diverse and unique competitions, attracting a wider range of audiences. The tournaments can include games genres such as shooter games, simulation games, racing games, role-playing games, and popular board games like Chess, Go, Scrabble, and Monopoly, pushing for games tourism and socialization while fostering multi-cultural interaction.

Thirdly, video games and board games have created a new wave of economic opportunities that have boosted the growth of the gaming industry. The games market has exploded significantly, with the industry expected to generate up to $300 billion by 2025, expanding business venues for gaming devices, specialist equipment, game servers, online apps, virtual reality gears, game awards, and other affiliated services that cater for both professional and amateur players.

Furthermore, video games and board games have ushered in a new competitive spirit that has attracted more sponsors, broadcasters, and investors in the eSports industry. The eSports sector has quickly transformed from a simple basement hobby to a mainstream corporate and commercial industry with multi-billion dollar investments from different sectors, including sports organizations, media corporations, and entertainment companies.

Additionally, the integration of video games and board games to eSports tournaments has raised issues on ethical and social considerations. While video games and board games offer a dynamic opportunity for competitors, parents, gamers, and sponsors, there is also a concern on the mental and physical health impact on participants, particularly on long periods of playing sessions. Key stakeholders need to provide guidelines and regulations on the number of hours, age restrictions, and taking breaks during tournaments to avoid any negative effects on participants.

In conclusion, video games and board games have revolutionized the eSports industry, changing the nature of tournaments by enabling a more diverse range of participants to showcase their skills, expanding the scope of competitions, boosting the gaming industry's economic growth, increasing sponsorship and investment opportunities, and raising concerns on ethical and social effects. By incorporating video games and board games, eSports tournaments offer entertainment, social interaction, and provide a global platform for gamers to compete and showcase their skills, transcending beyond their traditional boundaries.