It is not uncommon to find sports stars engaging in all forms of eSports. It is no longer just for recreation; it has become a competitive sport. In the early 2000s,’ all forms of eSports were seen as hobbies and were just for kids. However, the story has changed because it has grown to become a vital part of the entertainment industry.
Moreover, this evolution can be attributed to several reasons, but one major reason is the growth of technology and its importance in today’s sports. Meanwhile, boasting a good eSports section is one of the major criteria bettors now look out for when evaluating the best sportsbook offers.
How did eSports Become Popular Today?
It is pertinent to note that there would not be eSports without sports. This is because most e-sports games are culled from conventional sports. eSports are gradually becoming more important in today’s world, which is a true reflection of our evolution. Its growth is powered by the fact that ordinary gamers can easily achieve professional status in the industry, much faster than they would have in conventional sports.
In conventional sports, becoming a professional takes time and effort. The athlete will need to start from beginner level (amateur) to professional level. Meanwhile, it takes far less time for a player to develop in eSports. There is also so much competition in conventional sports that sometimes the main purpose for recreation is shortchanged.
eSports development is tied to the rapid advancement of technology in the world. This is because eSports need technology and the internet, which are readily available. Social media has also helped in promoting its content and increasing interest.
However, the contribution of sports to eSports has been immense. Sports stars and clubs have been key in promoting eSports through advertisement and allowing games to use their athletes as covers and characters. For example, football stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been covers of many football games, boosting their popularity. Here are some of the popular eSports games we all love and play.
Pro Evolution Soccer:
This is arguably the most played game amongst footballers. Unsurprisingly, the game is centered on them (the footballers). The game is primarily based on real-time football. The game has advanced since its inception. It is mainly played on PlayStation devices and sparsely on Nintendo devices. The eternal argument between pro evolution soccer and FIFA football divides most eSports fans.
FIFA Football:
This evergreen classic is class in any sense. FIFA football is known as the most competitive and exciting football game globally. This game is a constant standard for all other football games because it is from the governing body. FIFA game ratings are also quite important, as football players use them to measure their abilities. I daresay that FIFA, alongside Pro Evolution Soccer, has been at the forefront of the eSports ascension.
God of War:
The mercurial adventure classic wowed gamers with unconventional gameplay. The god of war franchise was so good that many forgot that it had no movie. The gameplay has several stages that involve the protagonist seeking items and going through tough tasks to advance. In addition, its unique scenery makes for an interesting view. God of war is one of the eSports games that caught the gaming world’s attention and set it on the stage.
Call of Duty: An action-packed game only for the stronghearted. As it is fondly called, CTD is opium for all and sundry. It is a very interactive game with explosive action.
Football Clubs with the Best Esports Branches
Football clubs have fully embraced esports. One of our articles noted that eSports (gaming) is quite useful in keeping footballers fit mentally. However, some clubs have taken the full initiative to establish huge centres. These centres are not just for recreation; they are also used to develop gamers to the pro level.
West Ham United:
The Hammers are big fans of eSports. The London club has also been a huge force at FIFA tournaments. Sean Allen’s coming to the club notably sparked this development.
Besiktas:
The Turkish giants have won many trophies in their domestic league. The club created their eSports department in 2015. The section has rapidly developed and has also become a source of revenue for the club. Besiktas is the first football club to move into eSports.
Manchester City:
The English club hav4 always been versatile in th4i5 approach to administration. The Arab owners set up the eSports branch in 2016 and began by signing Kieran Brown. As a result, the branch has seen growth in numbers.
VFL Wolfsburg:
The Germany-based club is one of the biggest clubs in the country. Wolfsburg set up their eSports team in 2015 by hiring Benedict Saltzer and other talented gamers.
Ajax Amsterdam:
The recently crowned champions of the Netherlands are also very keen on eSports. They have been breeding quality gamers since 2017.