In this week’s Now Loading, we tackle one of the video game industry’s biggest and to some, most important, aspect, and that’s “eSports.” Those not familiar with the term, eSports is just that: playing video games as a sport, and professionally (for money, sponsors, etc.)
Like it or not, eSports are here to stay. It isn’t even exclusive to shooters or fighting games now, even. Sure, Call of Duty still has a super big presence, but other games like Rocket League and the like have a massive fan following as well. This week, the staff weighs in on whether they like eSports, are fans, or can even follow what’s going on in the wold word of electronic sports.
Are you a fan of eSports? Do you want to be a “professional gamer” some day? Let us know what you think and whether you want us to feature more eSports on the site, too!
Got a suggestion for our next Now Loading? Let us know via email or leave a comment below and we might just feature it next week!
Now Loading is a recurring staff-driven feature where PlayStation LifeStyle discusses anything video game-related under the sun (yes, even non-Sony platforms).
Essential Reading:
- Now Loading…What Game Are You Looking Forward to the Most Later in 2017
- Top 5 Xbox One X Features We Want the PS4 to Implement
- Let’s Talk! – Open Discussion #1
Now Loading... Esports
-
Now Loading...Are You a Fan of eSports?
-
Zarmena Khan
I personally don't watch or am interested in esports but its popularity can't be undermined. For Honor is the latest to take the plunge and many years ago, I wouldn't really have imagined a game of this sort taking off on the pro scene. I personally don't take an interest because I'm probably the least competitive player there is. I'll occasionally watch a match or two but that's about it. I don't actively follow but there are many who do.
-
Alex Co
I admit, I'm not a fan of eSports or any "competitive" gaming of any kind. I do watch entertaining YouTubers do weapon breakdowns, montages, but that's it. Actual matches lasting hours? Nah, not my thing.
That said, I do get why they're big, and I do know there's a ton of skill behind it and not just "oMg! nOObz play gaemz fgor $$$!11!" I don't know anyone from the eSports scene, nor do I follow anyone. Maybe it's time I did? Whenever I tried watching, I get bored for some reason. -
Paulmichael Contreras
The only competitive gaming I've ever watched was while waiting around at last year's CoD XP. If I have time to watch people play, that means I have time to just play the game myself! I doubt I'll ever start watching eSports any time soon.
-
Stephen Bitto
I'm not personally interested in eSports but I'm glad that they've grown popular enough to get mainstream recognition. It's good for gamers to have the competitive side of their hobby legitimized by ESPN and other networks.
-
Michael Briers
My younger brother is big into League of Legends so it's only through him that I have a small interest in the eSports scene. I think it's great, honestly. But for me, I'd much rather play a game myself than sit back and watch others do so.
-
Martin Patiño
I'm a big fan of esports and have worked in a variety of roles both in esports production and media. I've also competed as an amateur player in several scenes including FPS, MOBAs, and the FGC. I think the rise of esports has given individuals who have the talent, skills, and discipline to be at the top of the heap an opportunity to find a career that's both legitimately recognized and financially lucrative. Esports is still a long way from reaching the financial heights of traditional sports like basketball and football but the esports audience has grown enough to compete with that of traditional sports, especially during events like the LoL World Championships and The International (Dota 2).
-
Chandler Wood
I find esports to be fascinating. Competitive gaming can get extremely intense, with commentary and incredible players that can play games unlike anyone else. It's like a high school athlete watching a pro play, something they can only aspire to one day become. As fascinated as I am by esports, it's more of a passing fancy, and not something I devote any sort of time or energy into observing myself. I'm too busy hunting those Platinum trophies!
-
Mack Ashworth
I often tune into a competitive match, as I like to watch and learn from the pros. This is mostly for shooters, as that's what I play. You can learn some great strategies by watching the best of the best.
