Entering an Era of Esports
Over the past few years, online gaming has skyrocketed in popularity as technology has become more advanced. People of all ages enjoy different kinds of games, ranging from roleplay-based games to multiplayers. Two types of games that are especially popular with the younger generations are first-person shooter (FPS) games and multiplayer online-battle games (MOBA). “Valorant”, “Dota 2”, and “Overwatch” are some of many well-known games that fit these categories and are even used in Esports.
Esports, or electronic sports, are just as competitive as basketball or football. They are a great way to build teamwork and quick thinking for fighting tactics, which are just a few reasons why it has become popular among youth. Schools can have their own Esports teams and compete, while other kids join leagues that are not associated with schools, such as XP League.
High schools are more likely to have Esports teams than middle or elementary schools. “Overwatch” is one of the most popular games that students love to play, whether for fun or for competition. Schools that have Esports teams may sometimes have “Overwatch” as their focal game, while others have “League of Legends” teams and so on. Teams practice after school to rehearse plays and strategies just like a basketball team, but when competing in real-time, tactics may have to be abandoned and teamwork is the only solution. Esports may seem like another excuse to play video games, but thinking on the spot and communicating with teammates right away is an amazing skill in a fast-paced world.
There are still many students who play Esports without joining teams. Many play with their friends or random people through servers or the matching feature in games. Others stream Esports on streaming sites, one of the most popular sites being Twitch. Sometimes, the younger generation can even earn money if their streams are well watched. The world of video games is not all harmful or a waste of time — it has provided benefits to youth in some ways.
Spending free time playing online games may be becoming more and more popular simply because it seems fun, but underneath it all, these games utilize complex strategies and brainpower. Youth are still exercising their critical thinking and communication skills while having fun. As the Esports community continues to grow, people may be more open to learning something new while enjoying video games.
